New Zealand

Wonder why every major motion picture is shot in New Zealand? The snowy peaks, beech forests and golden fields just bring out that inner elf! And the Kiwis protect their blessed islands with charm & chutzpah.

Not to be missed

Abel Tasman Walk
Nature offers a surfeit of exquisite and precious landscapes at New Zealand’s Abel Tasman coastline.
24 carat sparkling golden beaches, turquoise waters, emerald lush forests, silver springs and inlets… nature offers a surfeit of exquisite and precious landscapes at New Zealand’s Abel Tasman coastline. A 60 km walk, the Abel Tasman begins at Kaiteriteri. Cross Marahou, Anchorage, Awaroa, Whariwharangi and finally reach the end point, Wainui. Walk through crescent shaped beaches with regenerating rainforests in the background. The Abel Tasman track is not a circuit but many water services to take you back or to get you to another destination en route are easily available.
The stretches of sand offer sudden and unannounced treats to the keen walker. Like fur seals perched on granite rocks, the sudden disappearance of land during high tide, a school of dolphins ushering the water taxis to destination, birds and penguins pecking about, unmindful of the hundreds of hikers pausing to stretch their quads.… the list is endless.
The high point literally is the 47 m long suspension bridge at Bark Bay, hung above a streaming inlet. Abel Tasman is not about just walking. It is about a tryst with the terrain. Wading through the sea in low tide, climbing ridges, kayaking, stopping in your tracks to listen to bird songs (sure, they sing!) are all part of the deal.
A walk is usually the best way to have conversations with self. In a way, embark on a voyage of self-discovery. Discover your endurance limits, learn life lessons as you realise that the only way to go forward is to put that foot down and take it one step at a time!
Mt. Ruapehu
No trip to the North Island of NZ is complete without a halt at Mount Ruapehu. Nestled in a complex of volcanic craters, this landscape is like none other on earth.
In winter and spring, it offers the best skiing fields in this part of the world - the Whakapapa on the northern side and Turoa on the southern slope. As for the rest of the year, it treats you to sights of snow capped peaks, tussocked deserts, alpine meadows and more.
In true NZ style, every type of adventure activity is available. From chairlifts that literally sweep you into the skies, to biking, white water rafting and hiking. To wind down, regulars usually find a quiet spot on the Tongariro River for trout fishing.
One of the highlights is a climb to the Ruapehu crater from where you can gaze down into the geothermal waters of the Crater Lake. Or better still you can take the Alpine crossing (deemed NZ’s best one day walk) right up to the saddle of Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro.
For movie buffs, this is Lord of the Rings country, with Hobbiton (the miniature Hobbits village), a short trip away.
Geothermal Spas
Rotorua
The hot bed of geo-thermal activity, Rotorua has several geo thermal mud and water pools.
The heartland of Maori culture, Rotorua’s geothermal parks are proud flag bearers of its history. The tradition of relaxing and rejuvenating in natural hot springs and mud baths is over 700 years old, with visitors gladly adopting this custom! Today, there are several geothermal wonderlands in and around Rotorua, replete with spa & curative packages and family fun.
Head out to the historic Hells Gate park, 50 acres of sacred Maori land dotted with geysers, mud pools, sulphur springs and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest natural hot waterfall!
Why stick to one? Compare the relaxation quotient between Wai-o-Tapu, and Waimangu. Or do as the Maoris do in Whakarewarewa, also called the 'living thermal' village.
As an added bonus of being in a geothermal hotbed, make sure you sample a ‘Hangi’ dinner, a Maori feast cooked in underground pits.
Car Racing
Taupo
The home of New Zealand Motorsports, come here to take on tracks of varying difficulty and prove your racing creds.
Set in one of New Zealand’s most popular districts, the Taupo racing circuit is more proof that NZ never runs out of surprises. Pick a day, pick a circuit and get ready for all the vroom of a Ford or Holden V8 race car. Raring for more? Racing fleets here include single seat F1 racers.
It’s the whole nine yards. A typical race day includes being kitted out in full racing uniform with instruction laps and timed laps. When you finally hit the brakes, head out and continue adventuring at Taupo. The area has skiing, jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking, trekking and more. Or you could simply find a local hot spring with Spa attached!
Heli-Hike Glacier
Fox & Franz Glaciers
Fly over these giant frozen rivers, take a guided tour and crawl through an ice cave.
The Southern Island of New Zealand is a natural, geological and traveller’s paradise, all at once. It is perhaps the only place on earth where rainforests sit placidly next to glaciers that flow down almost to sea level!
The Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers are both within easy distance in this part of NZ. Take a heli-hike to one or both, to experience all the magic of actually standing on a natural monument of the ancient earth and touching it.
The Franz glacier heli-hike includes crawling through pathways to go from one still icy cave to another! Ice arches and glacier walls are some of the other memorable formations you will see.
The Fox Glacier heli-hike covers the lower ice falls (where the ice is ever active), the Victoria ice falls and the higher ice falls before landing. Every trip is different as even the slightest change in the weather can alter your experience dramatically!
Tasman Glacier
Get close to New Zealand’s longest glacier that winds its way over 30 kms to the Tasman Lake.
The Tasman Glacier flows among the biggest mountains in New Zealand. Known for its spectacular ice formations, this 30 km long glacier is the longest in the country.
The flight takes you to the remote and inaccessible parts of the glacier, past the famous Hochstetter Icefall and the Eastern Face of Mount Cook.
With crampons on and with expert advice, you can walk on the glacier, see bottomless crevasses, seracs (ice towers) and sink holes. Better still, find an ice cave, with its blue-white colouring and marvel at this gargantuan masterpiece created by fiery and rival forces of nature.
The Tasman glacier’s fingerprints are all over the Tasman lake, with floating ice bergs speckling its surface. In winter, Tasman is a particularly favoured Heli-skiing site.
Whale watching
Kaikoura
Catch Giant Sperm Whales, migrating Humpbacks, Pilots, Blue and Southern Right Whales all year through.
As always, New Zealand steals the travel thunder with ease! Kaikoura offers year round whale watching with star turns from Giant Sperm Whales, migrating Humpbacks, Pilots, Blue and Southern Right Whales.
But the whales aren’t the only ones making a splash. Swim side by side with seals and dolphins or even take a Kayak ride out into the ocean for closer views. For avid avian fans, it’s your date with the mighty Albatross.
If you’re the type who doesn’t like to sit still, lace up and take a hike! There are many walking tracks with stunning vistas, accompanied by clear skies and endless sea views.
Don’t leave the place without tasting the cuisine. The word ‘Kaikoura’ translates from Maori as ‘meal of crayfish’, so ordering crayfish for dinner is essential for an authentic Kaikoura experience!
Fine Art Classes
Auckland
Some landscapes stir the deepest creative expressions. Such is the case with Auckland.
Some landscapes stir the deepest creative expressions. Such is the case with Auckland. Beaches, rainforests, untapped flora and fauna, a carefree spirit and a bunch of supremely talented painter-gurus conspire to help you put up a brilliant show at the easel. Learn to pick the perfect background colour, to place elements and to illuminate your work with the right mix of hues. Interesting snippets on techniques, experimental art and more are sure to enrich you. Try the Waiheke Getaway Art Workshops on beautiful Waiheke Island or thrive under the tutelage of renowned artists at the Estuary View Lodge.
Auckland’s canvass extends beyond the painting workshops. Go for a swim in the sea, visit quaint old churches and museums for more inspiration, nibble on NZ fish ‘n’ chips, and unwind at famed cafes.

Must Dos

Hit Queenstown for some high quality screaming as you choose from jet boating, skydiving, abseiling and hang gliding.
Try the world’s biggest swing – the Nevis Swing, also at Queenstown. • Visit a farmer’s market for the best local produce and delicacies.
Indulge in award winning wines and cheeses at Napier.
Enjoy Auckland’s quirky art scene as well as its sailing, shopping and fine dining.
Swim with the dolphins in Akaroa.
Watch or try the Haka, the Maori warrior dance.
Go crazy with the kids at Puzzling World, Wanaka.

The Fox, Franz Joseph and Tasman glaciers are easily among the highlights of South NZ. You can walk on these glaciers, see bottomless crevasses, seracs (ice towers), ice falls and sink holes. The Tasman Glacier flows among the biggest mountains in New Zealand. Known for its spectacular ice formations, this 30 km long glacier is the longest in the country. Take a heli-hike to see the remote and inaccessible parts, past the famous Hochstetter Icefall and the Eastern Face of Mount Cook.

The star attraction of the Fiordland region, Milford Sound is all about tranquil waters, sheer cliffs and trees that hang in still motion. The Mitre Peak and cruises, complete with seals and dolphins, pull in millions of visitors every year.

Doubtful Sound, the second largest fiord is more isolated and rugged. Untouched and pristine, rainforests, hidden inlets and majestic peaks await you here. Wildlife includes the Bottlenose Dolphin and the rare Crested Penguin.

Located on top of NZ’s South Island, this region enjoys year round sunshine, a picturesque coastline and is also the country’s foremost wine producing region. Enjoy its unique flavour with a trip to the beautiful Marlborough Sound. Accessible for most part by water, savour views of bays, inlets, tiny islands and lush green wilderness. It is one of NZ’s top spots for sea kayaking, boating and hiking.

The heartland of Maori culture, Rotorua’s geothermal parks are proud flag bearers of a 700-hundred-year-old tradition. Head out to the historic Hells Gate park, 50 acres of sacred Maori land dotted with geysers, mud pools, sulphur springs and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest natural, hot waterfall! Compare the relaxation quotient between Wai-o-Tapu, and and Waimangu. Or do as the Maoris do in Whakarewarewa, also called the 'living thermal' village.

A spade is all it takes to luxuriate in your own private hot tub on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Head to the Hot Water beach during low tide, dig hard and get ready for the most surreal soak of your life. A complete family destination, the beach has superb surf, cafes and art galleries.

No trip to NZ is complete without a halt at Mount Ruapehu, the highest mountain on the North Island. Nestled in a complex of volcanic craters, this landscape is like none other on earth. In winter and spring, it offers the best skiing fields in this part of the world - the Whakapapa on the northern side and Turoa on the southern slope. As for the rest of the year, it treats you to sights of snow capped peaks, tussocked deserts, alpine meadows and more.

Part of the Taupo Volcanic zone, Tongariro while not the tallest of the 3 major volcanoes, has a huge massif going over 18 kilometres in length. The landscape was 3,00,000 years in the making. And the result – the most scenic hikes in the world and a feast for the eyes that includes crater lakes, fumaroles, hot springs, and lava deserts.

Set in the Hauraki Gulf, a ferry away from Auckland, Rangitoto Island is the youngest and largest of the 48 volcanic cones in this area. An iconic symbol of NZ’s natural beauty, it has the world’s largest Pohutukawa forest. The island has a number of walks, with stunning views of the bay and the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges. The most opted for is the short walk right to the symmetrical cone at the summit.

Consistently voted NZ’s best one-day walk, this is Lord of the Rings territory, with the conical Mt. Ngauruhoe doubling up as Mount Doom. The walk traverses the Mangatepopo saddle between Mt. Ngauruhoe and Mt. Tongariro, past the Red Crater, the bewitching and heated Emerald Lakes to Ketetahi trailhead. The final descent is through tussocked meadows and lava fields.

Nature offers a surfeit of exquisite and precious landscapes at New Zealand’s Abel Tasman coastline. Walk through crescent shaped beaches with regenerating rainforests in the background. A 60 km walk, the Abel Tasman begins at Kaiteriteri. Cross Marahou, Anchorage, Awaroa, Whariwharangi and finally reach the end point, Wainui. You can choose to do the entire track or just parts of it. Most walkers do the 11 km section between Medlands Beach and Anchorage, famous for its golden sands.

Rivalling the Milford track is the Routeburn Track in Fiordland National Park. A two to four-day walk, hit the Harris Saddle or the Conical Hill for panoramic views. The landscape is diverse with vegetation changing from rainforests to alpine, with tarns, sphagnum bogs and stunted beech trees. The track has many displays explaining the formation of the landscape. This walk can be easily combined with a cruise on Milford Sound.

This ten-day tour, spans a total of 2,000 km, and begins at Auckland. The giant Kauri tree and the Kauri museum set the pace for the journey ahead. Ride the Coromandel loop from Auckland to Pauanui and enjoy the Hot Water beach. The Hobbiton movie sets, complete with Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn and the double arched bridge give you a feel of the ‘Middle Earth’. Ride on via Waikite Valley and Taupo to behold the fascinating glow worm caves at Waitomo.

Discover all the wonders of the Whakarewarewa Forest on an MTB. With trails for all levels from first timers to hardcore riders, the paths take you past shaded greens, tree lined loops, hot springs and lush fern forests. Plan a day or an hour, but if you’re in Rotorua, get that butt on a seat!

The home of bungee, it all began here in 1888. Brave-hearts can head to the Nevis Bungy (the highest), while the merely curious can try more friendly options like the historic Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge (with the option of tandem) and the Ledge located within the city.

The Martinborough Wine Village is home to 30 plus wineries, all within walking and biking distance. Home to world famous Pinot Noirs, the must visit vineyards are Ata Rangi, Nga Waka, Schubert Wines and Martinborough Vineyards. Tastings are set to the backdrop of the lovely Wairarapa countryside. Don’t forget to sample Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and the region’s other popular produce - olive oil.

Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris dominate the Central Otago wine growing region. But their Chardonnays and Rieslings are not to be scoffed at either. Try them all on a Gibbston Valley Wine tour that takes you to unforgettable vineyards like the Gibbston Valley Winery (with a wine cave), Waitiri Creek (Church converted to Winery) and the popular Amisfield (wine plus views). The area also has quirky sculpture gardens and a mind boggling range of restaurants and tasting rooms.

NZ’s sunniest wine growing region produces a world beating Sauvignon Blanc. Home to over 168 wineries including the famous Cloudy Bay, a day tour by bike is easily do-able. The soil, which changes from loamy to stony to clayey, allows producers to create Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Rieslings and Gruner Veltliners. Most wineries have an interesting history to match, like the Brancott Estate. The list is topped by biodynamic & organic wineries like the Seresin, Fromm, Johanneshof Cellars (NZ’s first underground rock cellar), Te Whare Ra and the powerhouse Saint Clair Family Estate.

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