Have You Considered Self-Driving New Zealand’s Southern Scenic Route? Posted on 10/09/202022/07/2021 by Amy Mace New Zealand? You’ve been there, seen it and done it all… right? There are no more surprises beyond the sails of Auckland, the holes of Hobbiton, the soaring sounds and the countless other wonders you’ve packed into a couple of holidays… except the Southern Scenic Route. Even experienced travellers overlook this wandersome wilderness extraganvanza, beginning in the heart-stopping Queenstown and continuing through Fiordland, down the Catlins Coast and onto Dunedin. Sit back, strap in and prepare for a brief overview of this truly special New Zealand South Island self-drive experience. The Basics Length: 610km or 379 miles. Drive Type: Cultural experience, sight-seeing, photogenic paradise. Transport: Self-drive Perfect for: Pleasure seekers and holiday-makers desiring something different on their next trip to New Zealand. Highlights: Savour a serving of Bluff Oysters – said to be the best oysters in the world; explore Stewart Island and explore rarely sighted territory, capturing the rugged beauty of the New Zealand wilderness without worrying about the crowds. … A Brief Guide to the Southern Scenic Route Queenstown A veritable pocket of experiential travel, Queenstown loudly and rightfully cultivates a reputation of all-seasons excitement, combining outdoor activities like skiing, kayaking and tramping, with a thriving nightlife and gorgeous views. It can be difficult to leave, but you must – it’s time to self-drive south New Zealand, diverging from the beaten path and finding yourself in places you’d never thought possible. … Doubtful Sound, Southland – Photo: Videocopter Fiordland Step through the gateway of splendour and pass by the pristine, towering forests – Te Anau and Manapouri are waiting for your keen exploration. From the grandeur of Milford and Doubtful Sound, to the nearby glow-worm caves and multitude of short walks, day trails and longer treks, Fiordland stimulates your senses at every turn. Bring your runners and cover some ground, making the most out of the 600 plus kilometres of walking trails in the area – you won’t see the best of New Zealand from the car. … Dark skies and Clifden Suspension Bridge, Southland – Photo: Videocopter Western Southland Imagine a place where sunset lasts for hours – orange, pink and golden skies, slowly fading to a starlit sky, little by little. Riverton, a popular stop in Western Southland, is brimming with quiet Maori culture, as visitors immerse themselves in the compelling history of the area and wander the exhibits of Te Hikoi South Journey Heritage Museum, before relaxing with a bite to eat on the edge of Colac Bay. Go wildlife spotting, as New Zealand’s largest pod of Hector’s dolphins comes out to play and sets the tone for your Kiwi road adventure. … Queens Park, Invercargill – Photo: Videocopter Invercargill We hope you’re ready for more walking, as this southernmost city is surrounded by parks, gardens and wilderness walks demanding your attention. Or, if you fancy time in town, historical buildings pepper the streets of the city centre, in addition to the Southland Museum and the intriguingly designed Art Gallery – we bet you didn’t expect to find a pyramid on your New Zealand South Island self-drive tour. After acquainting yourself with the town layout, trip down to Bluff and enjoy an oyster or twenty, before hopping a ferry to Stewart Island and staying overnight. Wildlife wonders lay just around the corner – we won’t spoil everything though. … Sea Lions at Purakaunui Bay, Southland – Photo: Great South The Catlins Authentic New Zealand awaits, as your journey gives away to thick native forests, sheer cliffs and roaring beaches. Here, people will be few and far between, as nature claims everything from the shore to the surging Purakaunui Falls – it’s easy to see why this is one of the most photographed regions in the world. Stick around for an outgoing tide, as the receding water reveals a 180 million year old Jurassic fossil forest for your careful exploration, in addition to the arching Cathedral Caves and laid-back sea-lions, resting on the flat rocks. … Dunedin Railway Station – Photo: DunedinNZ Dunedin Many South Island trips of New Zealand end up in the architecturally historic town of Dunedin, not too far from The Catlins or Invercargill. You’ll be instantly struck by the delicate balance between heritage and wildlife, as Edwardian and Victorian buildings punctuate the town with personality and colonies of rarely spied yellow-eyed penguins live nearby. Rare animals are Dunedin’s unofficial calling card, as this is where the only mainland colony of Royal Albatross can be seen on tour, in addition to the very delightful New Zealand Hooker sea-lions. Don’t neglect your belly as you self-drive south New Zealand, as Dunedin also boasts a chocolate factory as well as wine and brewery tours aplenty. Remember to also check out the café and restaurant culture, especially if you love seafood! … Enchanted? Take the next step. Speak to our experienced travel specialists about including this spectacular route in your perfect New Zealand holiday. .
Limited Holiday Time – Which Island Should You Visit, the North or the South? Posted on 27/08/202022/07/2021 by Amy Mace You’re due for a holiday. You’ve been working hard, thinking too much and running yourself ragged for other people – it will be good to take care of yourself for a change. Sadly, time is limited and you’re not quite sure where to start to make the best of it. Where should you go? What should you do? Is the South Island schedule-friendly or will the North give you what you need? Don’t worry about a thing. Our team have summarised the best of both islands, making any New Zealand holidays you have up your sleeve a breeze. … Divers at Poor Knight’s Islands – Photo: David Kirkland North Island The North Island of New Zealand is teeming with the sort of natural beauty you can only see to believe, with many travel blogs (including this one) doing their best to communicate just how special, magical and addictive it can be. We all fall short of course, as the wonderful North serves up something different every time we put together a new itinerary for folks just like you, if only just for a few days. Nature Tongariro National Park: Dive into the heart of Mordor and pick up the trail across a truly volcanic tundra. Coromandel Peninsula: Walk the bluffs, cliffs and beaches of this underrated paradise, home to the resplendent Cathedral Cove and Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve. Lake Taupo: Roughly the size of Singapore, the warm, geo-thermal waters make this inland sea the perfect place to stop for a picture and a relaxing swim. Adventure Canopy Walk: Step onto swinging yet stable suspension bridges, as you set out and discover the world above Rotorua, hidden in the sprawling canopy of tall Redwoods. Diving at Poor Knight’s Islands: Described as an “A-W-E-S-O-M-E” experience, a day of diving the area around the Poor Knight’s Islands and nearby shipwrecks will leave you wanting more. Skiing at Mt Ruapehu: Did you know the North Island has its very own ski fields? The South doesn’t own all the action. This is the place the locals go when tourists descend on Wanaka and the Remarkables – if that isn’t a silent testimonial, we don’t know what is. … Hooker Valley, Aoraki Mt Cook – Photo: Fraser Clements South Island Nicknamed the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, the South Island is a breathtaking combination of adrenaline attractions, awe-inspiring experiences and environment marvels. It’s a tiny bit bigger than the North though, so round-trip exploration is a bit of a stretch on limited time – but you can always come back! Fun fact? This expanse of staggering sights is less populated than the North, leading to long open roads and lots of road-trip fun without the necessity of back-tracking to get where you want to go. You could say it’s perfect for linear holiday planning! Nature Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers: Get up close and personal with these two, jaw-dropping natural formations, charting the progress and retreat of their ancient stories by foot, plane or helicopter! Milford Sound: A true wonder of the world, there’s no words to really describe Milford Sound – it’s somewhere you just have to go, as the sheer walls crowd around you and dolphins play in the wake of the boat. Aoraki Mt Cook: The highest peak in New Zealand, touching the sky at 3,754 metres; why not take a walking tour of the area? Adventure Nevis Bungee: New Zealand is packed with things to dive from, but none are so high as the Nevis Bungee, sending happy jumpers plummeting 134m straight down, into a roaring canyon. Do you dare? Funyakking: The best way to see the Dart River, cruising comfortably down the turquoise waters in a bright red, inflatable canoe. Heaps of fun for all ages – emphasis on the fun. Shotover Jet: Rip-roaring and very thrilling, the Shotover Canyon Jet will completely change the way you look at jet-boating. Twist, turns and near misses abound! … Chat with or email one of our New Zealand Specialists today, and discuss which island suits your holiday vision. We have an itinerary waiting to make you smile! .
Heart Stopper Alert: Why You Should Visit Skippers Canyon Posted on 13/08/202022/07/2021 by Amy Mace You’ve seen pretty. You’re done with pretty. And while New Zealand comes out swinging with plenty of pretty to talk about at length, it’s not what you’ll ultimately remember about Skippers Canyon. You want adventure. You need teeth-chattering, spine-nudging activities that will send your stomach sky-high, chasing your smile before falling back to earth with an excited cry of AGAIN. We have found three devilish thrills to satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie – one by water, one by air and one by road. Take a look. … By Water: The Skippers Canyon Jet Image: YouTube / Skippers Canyon Jet The first stop on your Skippers Canyon self-drive adventure is the warm-up… Board the Skippers Canyon Jet and ready yourself for a series of death-defying manoeuvres, 360 degree spins, and near misses that will having you thinking, oh damn, we’re going to crash. You won’t crash! An experienced team of jet boat drivers surge through the same canyon every day, at over 80kms an hour – short of a waterproof GoPro, it’s best to leave your camera behind for this one. Bonus: You’ll see a few Lord of the Rings filming locations along the way, as your friendly guide commentates the slower section of the ride. … By Air: AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy Photo: AJ Hackett Bungy AJ Hackett are the unofficial thrill kings of New Zealand, specialising in experiences to chill and thrill across both islands. Go back to where their reign of happy scares began with a leap of faith from the Kawarau Bridge, the original Kiwi bungy destination. Countless people have been, seen and screamed their way to the bottom of the canyon, pushing themselves to do something different, frightening, challenging and unforgettable with a single leap. It’s your turn. Inside Tip: Before you take the plunge though, make sure you wear the right clothes for the season – winter can get really cold, so take a jacket. … By Road: 4WD Skippers Canyon Tour Photo: Nomad Safaris Okay, so it’s not possible to leave pretty behind completely on a New Zealand holiday. The best of both worlds collide in the form of a 4WD Skippers Canyon Tour. Skippers Road is nothing short of treacherous, with tyre creaking moments and sheer drops out the window, you’ll be hooked on the heartrate spike in addition to the view – it really is spectacular. Get your breath back on Plane Table, capturing a snap over the Wakatipu Basin before continuing on to the original township of Skippers. Do you feel lucky? Test your panning skills and hunt for a speck of gold in the dust, learning more about the local heritage between rugged road-legs. Inside Tip: Lighthouse Rock is the best place to pause for a look over the canyon. We’ll be very surprised if you don’t take a picture or two. … There’s more than one way to see New Zealand. Speak to our experienced team at New Zealand Holidays and plan your not-so-relaxing getaway. .
South Island Adventures: Explore the Wonders of Punakaiki Posted on 30/07/202022/07/2021 by Amy Mace Escape to the salt-water paradise of coastal Punakaiki, an underrated hub with a rugged charm, packed with curiosities and activities for every age group to enjoy. Located four hours north-west of Christchurch, this gateway getaway serves as basecamp for avid explorers, laid-back families, adventurous couples and anybody seeking a holiday less frantic than those found in city spaces. Take two minutes to find out more about what to do in Punakaiki – the following may surprise even the most experienced New Zealand travellers. … Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, West Coast – Photo: Fraser Clements See the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks As far as walks go, this one is easy. Spanning just twenty minutes in total, you’ll be able to enjoy the large limestone pancakes from the very best vantage points, taking care to stay on the track and heed any warnings on the pathway. Fashioned from microscopic pieces of dead marine life around 30 million years ago, the Pancake Rocks have been refined by wind, rain and seawater into the shapes you’ll see with your own eyes. Pictures don’t quite do high tide justice, as the waves come roaring in. Trip Tip: Pair the Pancake Rocks Walk with another from the selection below and make it a day dedicated to savouring the great outdoors. Stay Nearby: Punakaiki Resort … Paddle boarders at the Pororai River – Photo: GetNativeNZ Paddle up the Pororai River Journey into the tree-soaked interior of the Paparoa National Park, a short drive north of the Pancakes Rocks, for a wet and rollicking good time; even kids love this one. No rapids or big dips to worry about, just a relaxing canoe or kayak down the Pororai River, passing through a staggering limestone gorge, hemmed in by sprawling rainforest. Trip Tip: Track down an all-inclusive supplier, saving space in your luggage for essentials and keepsakes. Stay Nearby: Paparoa Park Motel … Punakaiki, West Coast – Photo: Fraser Clements Take in the Sunset The perfect end to a perfect day demands a spectacular sunset, a soft blanket and the silence of an untouched beach. Watch dusk roll in with the tide over Punakaiki Beach and take a moment to appreciate the wonders of the New Zealand West Coast. Trip Tip: Save an extra day or two for further exploration – Paparoa National Park is teeming with walking trails for beginners, intermediates and serious striders. … Leave life behind for a while and enjoy a no-hassle holiday. Speak to one of our experienced reservation staff today and make you-time happen. .
Everything You Need to Know about Hiking in New Zealand Posted on 16/07/202022/07/2021 by Amy Mace New Zealand has a network of over 500 incredible hiking trails which meander their way through the great kiwi countryside, connecting the most dramatic mountains, rain forests, river valleys and glacier fields. It has always been a long-time favourite destination for day walks, trekking and multi day guided hikes due to the country’s vast variety of terrain that offers many options for beginner as well as avid walkers alike. Whether you are a novice or an expert hiker, hiking in New Zealand is extremely different to many other countries, mainly due to the unpredictable “Four seasons in One day” weather. This makes it difficult to determine what to pack and what hike or track to choose. Here’s a few things you need to know, to ensure that you are comfortable and prepared for your walk, no matter your experience or the adventure you choose. … Lake Matheson, West Coast – Photo: Miles Holden Day walks Day walks or short walks are one of the best ways to experience New Zealand’s natural wonders first-hand. These walks are suitable for all levels of fitness, plentiful and easy to find as you tour New Zealand. Beautiful nature walks are right on the doorstep of our cities as well as towns and in just a few hours, you can experience some of the best of New Zealand’s scenery. What do you need to bring: Hiking boots or sneakers should be fine. But, please check ahead of time to ensure you are wearing the correct footwear for the terrain your walk will take place on. Backpack – fill this with water and snacks that will last the duration of your walk. Extra clothing – remember to be prepared for four seasons in one day and always take an all-weather jacket in case the weather changes plus spare socks. Charged Camera or Go-pro to capture the breathtaking scenery. … Roys Peak Track, Wanaka – Photo: Miles Holden Multi-day guided hikes Multi Day Guided Walks are for those who love adventure, but would like to end each day with a place to stay, a hot shower and a cooked meal. Guided walks also include a guide that will stay with you throughout the duration of your walk and who puts your welfare and safety as their first priority. What do you need to bring: Hiking boots. Clothing to last the duration of the hike. Depending on the supplier you book your hike with, your belongings will be moved hut to hut by the supplier so that you do not have to carry anything other than a day pack on the walk. Day pack – to bring anything additional that you may need during the day. The water and snacks are usually provided by the supplier. Moderate level of fitness – If you want to make sure you are prepared for your hike, you can start training a minimum of 6-8 weeks prior to your trip, increasing the distance and adding incline to the walks before you get there. Charged Camera or Go-pro – don’t forget to charge it before you start your hike, there may not be power points on the walk. Great attitude and ready to mingle with like-minded hikers. … Sunrise from Mt Ngauruhoe, Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Photo: Zhi Yuen Independent Hikes Independent hiking, tramping or walking is very popular in New Zealand, due to the high standard of track maintenance and generally mild climate. However it doesn’t come without risks and those thinking of doing it alone need to be mindful of the pitfalls especially if you are considering one of New Zealand’s remote multi-day hikes. What do you need to bring: Hiking boots. Backpack big enough to carry your clothes, food, cooking gear and anything that you may need. Please also ensure that it fits properly and is comfortable as it will be on your back the whole way. Food for each day (please remember to take your rubbish with you). Soap and towels for showering (if there is running water, it’s probably cold). Clothing to last the duration of the hike as you will carry this daily. Moderate level of fitness – If you want to make sure you are prepared for your hike, you can start training a minimum of 6-8 weeks prior to your trip increasing the distance and adding incline. Charged Camera or Go-pro (don’t forget to charge it before, there may not be power points on the walk). Great attitude (may or may not bump into other hikers). … Because every hike is different, we recommend that you ask your agent for advice or do your own research on where you would like to hike, as well as the type of hike you would like to go on. What are you waiting for? Come on over to New Zealand and take a walk around our backyard. .
4 Wellington Must-Dos for Your New Zealand Holiday Itinerary Posted on 02/07/202022/07/2021 by Amy Mace Wellington – or Welly to the locals – is wonderfully cosmopolitan without buying into the big-city vibe and too busy service. Friendly, warm and delicious, the foodie and wine scene here is brimming with potential taste sensations and small business surprises, keeping its promise to wow and delight from the moment you arrive at the airport. If you’re not keen on filling your belly with tasty morsels and a fine red, there’s still a lot to do within and outside the city limits – searching for inspiration? We’re happy to help. Here are our four favourite things to do in Wellington. … View from Mount Victoria- Photo: WellingtonNZ Mt Victoria New Zealand travel is generally guaranteed to be an experience of a lifetime, and the same can definitely be said for the North island’s southern-most city, perched on the strait separating it from the south. No visit to the so-called Windy City would be complete without a trip to the peak of Mt Victoria; pack a picnic or take one of our City Highlight tours, scaling the 196m rise above the skyline and snapping a few pictures of the harbour. Get There: Walk or drive to the summit and absorb views of Tinakori Hill, Hutt Valley, Matiu Island and the Miramar Peninsular at sunset. … Wellington Botanic Garden – Photo: wellingtongardens.nz Wellington Botanical Gardens Take a breath and enjoy the quiet serenity of the Wellington Botanic Gardens, a 25 hectare cultivated landscape bursting with special floral and plant collections – including the stunning Lady Norwood Rose Gardens – sprawling lawns, conifers, native forest and stunning views over Wellington and Wellington Harbour. It’s the perfect place to read a holiday novel for a few hours, people watch or enjoy the sounds of the birds. Visitor Perk: Entry is free! … Weta Cave Workshop, Wellington Lord of the Rings Tour Take yourself to Isengard on a half-day Lord of the Rings tour, combining live-shoot locations with the technical elements of bringing each cinematic masterpiece to life. Begin your unexpected journey with a visit to the historic Embassy Movie Theatre, the home of the world premiere of LOTR: Return of the King before continuing onwards and upwards, to the summit of Mt Victoria, and then down the Green Belt. You’ll stand on the outskirts of the Shire, explore Rivendell, be gob-smacked by Minas Tirith and wonder why the tour is only a half day. We wind things down with a tour of Wellywood, the beating heart of the local film industry and the resting place of many LOTR props and set pieces. Seamless Service: Complimentary inner city hotel pick up & drop offs. … Capital Tastes Walking Tour – Photo: Zest Food Tours Capital Tastes Walking Tour Capital Tastes Walking Tours will satisfy your cravings with a 3.5 hour walking tour of Wellington’s best cafés and eateries. We take the guess work out of where to eat and where to go, showing you the tastiest places first hand, including a thriving café culture and a few hidden culinary treasures, rarely highlighted by the standard guidebooks. Coffee, chocolate, cheese and more, experience the specialities and surprises of Wellington without wasting time with reviews and second-hand accounts. Tour Freebies: Tastings at each stop. … Want to visit Wellington? We can get you there. Reach out today and speak to one of our experienced reservation staff. .
