New Zealand Adventure Travel Guide
Each feature presents opportunities for play and relaxation, adrenaline and tranquillity, and the chance for ultimate adventure travel. However, New Zealand provides not only for the extreme sports devotee, but also for those searching after a slower pace, who wish to leisurely ab... (Read more...)
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Posted by Mark Pawlak on 19th March 2010The North Island boasts the capital attractions of Auckland, the beautiful Auckland hotels and its majestic beaches; the eclectic, resonating sidewalks of Wellington; and the wine production and art deco ambiance of Napier.
The South Island is a more prominent tourist destination due to the stunning views on offer. Famous now for being the filming location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it is the perfect setting for adventure.
Temperate and ever-changing, New Zealand’s climate is completely different to its Pacific neighbour Australia. The more northerly, the more likely you are to find sunshine and warmth, but rain is expected everywhere. Snow is possible too, especially on the South Island and in winter.
New Zealand hosts nearly every landscape found in the natural world: from giant sand dunes to raging volcanoes, surf-drift blown beaches to lucid lakes, and thermal springs to morose, meandering rivers encompassed by shadowy native forests. It even has its own chain of islands.
Canyoning
The striking landscape of New Zealand is not only beautiful, but also treacherous enough to make canyoning here utterly satisfying. If you want to challenge yourself, then try descending through the rocky terrain of the South Island.
The finest locations tend to be in the south west and the most daring may well head for the Routeburn Valley. No experience is necessary, just a daring spirit and a willingness to try anything.
Cycling
The picturesque South Island is often visited for its natural sightseeing. New Zealand is one of the rare locations in which modern comfort and convenience sits only a tiny distance away from stunning countryside.
The roaring Matakitaki River, the tranquil glaciers and the towering peaks of the Southern Alps are just some of the scenery that will take your breath away every day. The mixed terrain makes it suitable for all cyclists, and if you want to see the best that the outdoors has to offer, there is no better way.
Kayaking
Exceptional rivers are scattered throughout the South Island. Take the Buller: a long, winding torrent affording pleasant scenery, which prevails into swirling rapids. Or for the more experienced, try the Kawarau and its thrilling “Roaring Meg” section. On the less frequented North Island the Wanganui River offers the chance to experience ancient native New Zealand bush, too.
Mountain Biking
There is a good reason why New Zealand is used so often in Hollywood: it looks like it has come straight out of a fantasy. If you can handle a little off-road cycling, New Zealand will deliver on sweet fresh air and spine-tingling scenery. No movie can match these sights from your own eyes. Enjoy a calm scenic view of the countryside, or an intense, action-packed slalom through the mountains near Queenstown.
Mountaineering
Mount Cook peaks at the highest point in New Zealand, grazing the sky at 12,316ft. You will need to be a decent alpine climber just to attempt it, but training will be provided from some of the most experienced climbers in the country. The Southern Alps run the length of the South Island and there are plenty of other challenges if you are interested in getting into mountaineering. There is no greater feeling than reaching the highest point, relaxing, and enjoying the view.
Multi-Activity
Mountains rising into the mist, dense green forests, sandy beaches and sophisticated cities, New Zealand has them all. If you want to see all the best this country has to offer, a planned multi-activity holiday could be the best option. New Zealand has countless things to do, from watersports to skiing, and from hiking to sky-diving. There will be a package for you no matter your interests or how long you intend to stay.
Overland Tours
An overland tour is your chance to experience the beautiful cities of New Zealand, intertwined with the scenic routes of the countryside. Wellington (briefly re-named Middle-earth in honour of the Lord of the Rings franchise) and Auckland are must-see locations on the North Island. On the South, popular destinations include lush Christchurch, known as the Garden City, and New Zealand’s extreme sports home, Queenstown.
Sailing
New Zealand provides sailing conditions and trips to cater to all. There are plenty of options: hire a yacht yourself, jump aboard someone else’s as a crew member, (just keep your eyes open in hostels for boats seeking a shipmate) or book into a cruise for a couple of nights and relax, and enjoy the trip. Just off the coast of the North Island is something of a sailing treat. With 140 islands of rugged bush terrain and sandy beaches to explore, the Bay of Islands provides sheltered and enjoyable sailing conditions. If you are lucky, you can even spot schools of dolphins and sperm whales.
Scuba Diving
New Zealand isn’t really thought of as a diving destination, but it definitely should be. The wonderful warm water is home to an abundance of rare marine life, as well as beautiful coral reefs and numerous wrecks to explore. All levels of divers will find something to suit them, but New Zealand is especially ideal for those with at least a little experience so they can make the most of the underwater world.
Skiing
The slopes of the Southern Alps are home to a number of excellent skiing opportunities. Unlike many European resorts, you won’t find this area crowded. What you’ll find is a beautiful expanse of perfectly flat snow, making for the ultimate conditions for all levels of skier. The perfect time to go is late in the winter, just as spring starts to creep in. You’ll get the benefit of excellent snow, plus the bright sunshine.
Skydiving
New Zealand is the current hotspot for sky diving; top notch safety and an array of scenic drop zones secures the country’s position as the number one place to take that leap of faith
It’s one of the ultimate thrill seekers experiences: throw yourself out of a plane and let gravity do the work. Beginners can enjoy a tandem jump with an experienced instructor from as high as 15,000ft. Alternatively, if you want adrenaline coursing through your veins, take part in a course that lets you jump solo.
Snowboarding
Both the North and South Island offer fantastic locations for snowboarding – the hardest choice is where to go. Mount Ruapehu, on the North, features the largest ski field in the whole of country. It has ideal terrain for snowboarding with wide open slopes and enormous basins. The season tends to be from June to October. The popular South Island has countless areas for snowboarding, not least of which are the spectacular mountain resorts around Queenstown.
Surfing
Alone in the deep south of the Pacific Ocean, nothing is like surfing in New Zealand. Swell generates from numerous locations including the strong currents of the Pacific, and also the gentler Tasman Sea to the west. This combination means there are great surf spots year round.
But New Zealand is not as popular a surf destination as you might think, and this works to your advantage. Quiet waters mean more space for you. The highly dedicated local instructors, who know how great this coastline is, are only too willing to share their secrets.
Trekking
Natural beauty is what New Zealand does best. The South Island is most popular for trekkers, of course. Many come just for the famous locations from the movies, but there is much more to see here. Navigate the Tongariro National Park: a world heritage site that passes over the challenging terrain of a multi-cratered active volcano. Also popular are the Southern Alps. Here you’ll find a mixture of snow-capped peaks, lush forests and rocky mountain passes. The panoramic view you’ll get from the higher points is nothing short of humbling and remarkable.
Whitewater Rafting
New Zealand is probably the perfect place for whitewater rafting. There are a plethora of rivers of all the different difficulty grades. Inexperience is no problem. The Wanganui is a perfect example of somewhere a beginner can experience the thrills. The Perth River, on the west coast of the South Island, is a roaring torrent and only for those with plenty of rafting skill.
Wildlife and Nature
A wealth of natural wonders waits for you in New Zealand. The diversity is virtually unlimited as you can enjoy the culture of the North Island or the untapped beauty of the South. Travellers to the wilderness can see New Zealand’s famous and endangered national bird, the flightless kiwi. There are grasslands teeming with wildlife, and the tranquil lakes and forests.
Classic Itineraries
There are plenty of ways to explore New Zealand. You can focus on the North or South Island, or even get the best of both. You can land in Auckland on the north-west side of the North Island and head straight to the Northlands for the most dramatic, pre-historic looking scenery. The beaches and wineries are worth your time too. On the South Island, venture into the beautiful wilds of the national parks or invigorate your trip with some whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Other Activities
No matter what gets your adrenaline flowing, New Zealand will have a way to push your limits. Try cage diving with gigantic sharks, jet skiing on the gentle waves or zorbing down the verdant hills. Take some time out to relax too with serene activities such as golf, fishing, or even swimming with playful dolphins.
If you've a travelling gene, every holiday is a chance to get away and Christmas is no exception. Now, if you're living in the UK or northern Europe, it's likely youve been waiting all year for that skiing or snowboarding holiday. [caption... Read full post...
Posted by Mark Pawlak on 7th December 2011