Bay of Islands and Far North Activities

Cape Reinga photo by Ben Crawford

Northland extends from Auckland, to Cape Reinga and its relaxed, sunny lifestyle stems from a subtropical climate and the myriad of unspoilt islands, bays and beaches around the coastline.
Northland also provides many activities from high energy adventure to relaxing in the sunshine on a beautiful white sand beach.
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Northland Tours

Northland

Cape Reinga Lighthouse photo by Ben Crawford

Bus and Coach tours, Sightseeing Tours, Adventure tours and other organised trips to sights and activities around the area.

The Bay of Islands is a world renowned tourist destination, made up the townships of  Paihia, Waitangi, Russell and Kerikeri.

Paihia is base to some of the world’s best deep sea fishing charter boats as well as many other sea-borne activities offering experiences ranging from a leisurely sail, to tearing around the Bay of Islands in a jet boat.

Waitangi is where, in 1840, NZ’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
A visit to Paihia is not complete without adding a visit to the magnificent Waitangi Treaty House and grounds which offer spectacular views over the bay.

Russell is one of the oldest towns in New Zealand and apart from being New Zealands first capital city, was also once host to whaling ship crews who indulged in the many (now closed!) brothels and drinking establishments that sprang up during the 1800’s.

Kerikeri is a horticultural hub with extensive orchards, with plenty of roadside stalls so you can experience some of the growers produce.
A visit to Kerikeri would not be complete without a visit to The Old Stonehouse down by the river.
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Adventure Activities

Auckland

Auckland provides a wide range of high energy and low energy activities, from Bungy Jumping or Skydiving, to relaxing in the sunshine on a calm harbour beach.

Auckland City, home to nearly one third of New Zealand’s entire population, is nestled between two beautiful harbours, the Waitemata, on the Pacific and the Manukau on the Tasman Sea.

Auckland has 48 volcanoes, 50 offshore islands, 30,000ha of native bush, and kilometres of beautiful coast.

Auckland has much to offer to traveler; with amazing geography, its warm, humid climate it has inspired a lifestyle that’s regularly ranked in the world’s top ten.

When you tire of exploring the city centre, in a short time you can be cruising to Waiheke Island to visit great vineyards, eateries and art, or one of the many other islands in the Gulf. Trekking through the Waitakere rainforest in the city’s west.
Picnicking on a volcano overlooking the city.
Lazing on one of the North Shores beaches.
Surfing or walking along the black sands of the wild west coast at Piha or Muriwai.
Sampling wines at a vineyard or enjoying a relaxing meal at one of the hundreds of cafes and restaurants the city has on offer.

Auckland has everything you need to keep you interested, from climbing the harbour bridge and bungying off it!
Sail on one of the America’s Cup yachts.
An indoor ski field, underwater aquarium, casino, harbour cruises, a vibrant night life and café culture, and so much more, you’ll never tire of the country’s largest city.

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Auckland

Located on Auckland’s North Shore, Takapuna Beach is one of Auckland’s gems. Looking out across the water to Rangitoto (Auckland’s largest volcanic island) and other Hauraki Gulf islands, it is the perfect place to take a stroll, indulge in a spot of sunbathing or swimming at this safe beach, enjoy a picnic or dine at one of Takapuna’s numerous cafes or restaurants. There is also a coastal walkway, where you can discover one of the many other beaches along the coastline.

Auckland has a string of harbour beaches on its Eastern shores.

There are harbour beaches on the southern side of the bridge, such as St Heliers and Mission Bay, and further south Bucklands Beach.

On the North Shore as string of beaches provide safe swimming and boating from Narrowneck Beach, to Takapuna beach, Milford Beach, Castor bay, Campbells Bay, Mairangi Bay, Murrays Bay, Rothesay Bay, Browns Bay, Torbay and Long Bay.

Take a stroll or a swim on Takapuna Beach
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Auckland

Another of Aucklands  popular West Coast Surf Beach- approx 25 min from the CBD.

On the black sanded, wild West Coast is the popular Bethell’s Beach, only 30 Kilometres from Auckland’s CBD.
Surfers are attracted by its great waves, and activities such as parasailing and hang gliding are also popular, along with fishing from the rocks, surf casting, swimming, sunbathing and bush walks. The beach can attract quite large crowds (well, large by NZ standards!), both local and international, during the summer months to this beautiful area, but you’re sure to find a secluded spot if needed!

The Beach is on the Western side of New Zealands North Island so is exposed to big surf waves from all the way across the Tasman sea to Australia.

This gives the beach fine soft sand, and strong surf waves. This can make the surf dangerous with rip currents dragging the unwary along the coast, or even out to sea.

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Auckland

Piha Beach Another of Aucklands popular West Coast Surf Beach- approx 25 min from the CBD.

The Beach is on the Western side of New Zealands North Island so is exposed to big surf waves from all the way across the Tasman sea to Australia.

This gives the beach fine soft sand, and strong surf waves. This can make the surf dangerous with rip currents dragging the unwary along the coast, or even out to sea.

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Coromandel Activities

Coromandel has a wide variety of outdoor activities to occupy all ranges of age and fitness.

The Coromandel Peninsula lies to the east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf, and has an estimated population of just under 27,000 people.

Rustic, relaxed and unspoiled, the Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s best-loved holiday destinations.
With rugged volcanic hills covered in native rainforest, and more than 400 kilometres of spectacular coastline we promise you will find the beach of your dreams.
Bush and beach are easily accessible and in the same day, you can experience the blue dazzle of the Pacific Ocean and calming greenness of the kauri forest.

On the west coast, you’ll discover a beach, cove and harbour around every bend in the road lined with pohutukawa trees (a red flowering native that is known in NZ as the Christmas Tree).

The east coast has an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches, and an impressive, heavily forested mountain range running right through the middle of the entire peninsula.

Coromandel’s fascinating history is evident in gold mining, logging dams and ancient Maori pa’s (fortified village). The past is also visible in the colonial architecture and historical buildings that have been preserved in several towns around the region.

The natural beauty of the Coromandel has led to the area becoming a haven for artists and crafts people.
Take time to discover the many galleries and studios, or, fish, surf, dive, swim, wander along beaches, or, head into the hills and hike the trails in the forest.
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Coromandel Accommodation

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Coromandel Area Tours

Take an organised tour around this fantastic area.

Bus and Coach tours, Sightseeing Tours, Adventure tours and other organised trips to sights and activities around the area.

The Coromandel Peninsula lies to the east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf, and has an estimated population of just under 27,000 people.

Rustic, relaxed and unspoiled, the Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s best-loved holiday destinations.
With rugged volcanic hills covered in native rainforest, and more than 400 kilometres of spectacular coastline we promise you will find the beach of your dreams.
Bush and beach are easily accessible and in the same day, you can experience the blue dazzle of the Pacific Ocean and calming greenness of the kauri forest.

On the west coast, you’ll discover a beach, cove and harbour around every bend in the road lined with pohutukawa trees (a red flowering native that is known in NZ as the Christmas Tree).

The east coast has an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches, and an impressive, heavily forested mountain range running right through the middle of the entire peninsula.

Coromandel’s fascinating history is evident in gold mining, logging dams and ancient Maori pa’s (fortified village). The past is also visible in the colonial architecture and historical buildings that have been preserved in several towns around the region.

The natural beauty of the Coromandel has led to the area becoming a haven for artists and crafts people.
Take time to discover the many galleries and studios, or, fish, surf, dive, swim, wander along beaches, or, head into the hills and hike the trails in the forest.
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photo by Bob McCree

The Coromandel Peninsula lies to the east of Auckland, on the other side of the Hauraki Gulf, and has an estimated population of just under 27,000 people.

Surrounding the entire Coromandel Peninsula are numerous beaches offering plenty of opportunity to indulge in water based activities. The West Coast is predominantly rocky with plenty of sheltered coves for snorkelling, diving, swimming or sunbathing, while the East Coast is renowned for its golden sands and excellent surf beaches. Straddling the two coasts, you’ll find native bush and plenty of opportunity to explore flora and fauna if you ever tire of surfing sunbathing, snorkelling or fishing!

Rustic, relaxed and unspoiled, the Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s best-loved holiday destinations.
With rugged volcanic hills covered in native rainforest, and more than 400 kilometres of spectacular coastline we promise you will find the beach of your dreams.
Bush and beach are easily accessible and in the same day, you can experience the blue dazzle of the Pacific Ocean and calming greenness of the kauri forest.

On the west coast, you’ll discover a beach, cove and harbour around every bend in the road lined with pohutukawa trees (a red flowering native that is known in NZ as the Christmas Tree).

The east coast has an amazing collection of white sand and surf beaches, and an impressive, heavily forested mountain range running right through the middle of the entire peninsula.

Coromandel’s fascinating history is evident in gold mining, logging dams and ancient Maori pa’s (fortified village). The past is also visible in the colonial architecture and historical buildings that have been preserved in several towns around the region.

The natural beauty of the Coromandel has led to the area becoming a haven for artists and crafts people.
Take time to discover the many galleries and studios, or, fish, surf, dive, swim, wander along beaches, or, head into the hills and hike the trails in the forest.
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photo by Bob McCree

The 6km of Whangamata’s white, sandy beach offers something for everyone. Considered to be one of the best surf breaks in the country it’s a must visit pilgrimage for serious surfers. At either end of this pristine beach lie estuary’s that offer a quieter, safer swimming choice.

Whangamata Beach is on the Eastern side of New Zealands North Island Coromandel Peninsula, so is exposed to big surf waves from an open ocean to the East.

This gives the beach fine soft white sand, and strong surf waves. This can sometimes make the surf dangerous with rip currents dragging the unwary along the coast, or even out to sea.
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Tauranga Activities

Located at the entrance to a natural harbour in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga and the coastal areas of Mount Maunganui are always popular with visitors.

Tauranga and The Mount offer a wide variety of activities, Water activities, Adventure activities, Wildlife activities around the Bay of Plenty area of New Zealand.
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photo by Bob McCree

Mount Maunganui  Beach is on the Eastern side of New Zealands North Island in the Bay of Plenty, just across the Harbour from Tauranga, so is exposed to big surf waves from an open ocean to the East.

This gives the beach fine soft white sand, and strong surf waves. This can sometimes make the surf dangerous with rip currents dragging the unwary along the coast, or even out to sea.

The Harbour Beach is calm and makes safe swimming and boating.
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Hawkes Bay Activities

The Hawkes bay has a wide variety of outdoor activities to offer.

Hawkes bay

NAPIER & HASTINGS

Renowned worldwide for its 1930’s Art Deco architecture, Napier is a popular year round destination as it boasts over 2,200 hours of sunshine a year.

Visit the National Aquarium of NZ, the Hawkes Bay museum, Marineland, Cape Kidnappers – home to the world’s largest gannet colony. Stroll along Marine Parade on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, chill out in one of the 30 cafes dotted around the town centre, offering the best of local produce, or, venturing further out of town to one of the many wineries, there plenty of choice for the traveler.

Long hot summers, complimented by mild winters, provide a wide variety of delicious fresh produce. Don’t miss visiting the Hawkes Bay Farmers Market which is held every Saturday morning; relax in the atmosphere of a traditional village market where you can talk directly to the growers and taste a variety of products form handmade cheeses, bread, ice cream, fresh fruit, vegetables and gourmet meat.

With over 40 wineries in close proximity to Hastings, producing some of the best wines NZ has to offer it would be virtually a crime not to visit at least a few of them! Many of the vineyards have on-site restaurants, or picnic areas, so why not indulge in a little wine tasting followed by a relaxing meal, enjoying the best the area has to offer.
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Hawkes bay

photo by Bob McCree

Napier Beach is on the Eastern side of New Zealands North Island, so is exposed to big surf waves from an open ocean to the East.

Hawkes Bay offers a splendidly diverse coastline; from rugged and stony to golden sanded. Although a number of the beaches can be dangerous, there are others that offer great surfing, swimming and fishing opportunities.

This gives the beach fine soft white sand, and strong surf waves. This can sometimes make the surf dangerous with rip currents dragging the unwary along the coast, or even out to sea.
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Hawkes Bay Tours

Hawkes bay

Bus and Coach tours, Sightseeing Tours, Adventure tours and other organised trips to sights and activities around the area.

NAPIER & HASTINGS

Renowned worldwide for its 1930’s Art Deco architecture, Napier is a popular year round destination as it boasts over 2,200 hours of sunshine a year.

Visit the National Aquarium of NZ, the Hawkes Bay museum, Marineland, Cape Kidnappers – home to the world’s largest gannet colony. Stroll along Marine Parade on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, chill out in one of the 30 cafes dotted around the town centre, offering the best of local produce, or, venturing further out of town to one of the many wineries, there plenty of choice for the traveler.

Long hot summers, complimented by mild winters, provide a wide variety of delicious fresh produce. Don’t miss visiting the Hawkes Bay Farmers Market which is held every Saturday morning; relax in the atmosphere of a traditional village market where you can talk directly to the growers and taste a variety of products form handmade cheeses, bread, ice cream, fresh fruit, vegetables and gourmet meat.

With over 40 wineries in close proximity to Hastings, producing some of the best wines NZ has to offer it would be virtually a crime not to visit at least a few of them! Many of the vineyards have on-site restaurants, or picnic areas, so why not indulge in a little wine tasting followed by a relaxing meal, enjoying the best the area has to offer.
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Nelson Area

photo by Bob McCree

At the top of the South Island, boasting to be the nation’s sunniest area, Nelson and the Marlborough Sounds area offers hot summers and clear winter’s days. With emerald waters and golden beaches, the waterways of Nelson and the Marlborough Sounds offer itself as a playground for water based activities. Swim, snorkel, dive, kayak, fish, sunbathe or hike in one of the most scenic and pristine parts of the country.

Nelson Beaches are on the top of New Zealands South. Some are sheltered due to the stretch of water between the two main islands, Cook Strait. Others are exposed to big surf waves from an open ocean to the West.

This gives the beach fine soft white sand, and strong surf waves. This can sometimes make the surf dangerous with rip currents dragging the unwary along the coast, or even out to sea.

Nelson is located at the top of the South Island and has a warm sunny climate beside the sea.
From the northern end of the Southern Alps to stunning beaches, the Nelson area offers plenty to experience.

Consistently offering the highest sunshine in the country, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the unique lifestyle that Nelson has to offer.

Nelson’s economy is based mainly around seafood (with Port Nelson being the biggest fishing port in Australasia), and is known throughout NZ for its thriving art culture and numerous award winning wineries.

A visit to the area would not be complete without visiting one of the many galleries or watching master glass blowers practice their craft. Why not indulge in fishing, tramping, skydiving, sailing or one of the many other activities this town has to offer.

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Kaikoura Activities

North Canterbury Area

Kaikoura has many outdoor activities, Whale Watching, Swimming with Dolphins, Sight Seeing, Water Sports etc.

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Kaikoura Activities and Attractions

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Christchurch Activities

Christchurch Area

Known as The Garden City, it offers extensive inner city public, private gardens and parks, with the Avon River slowly meandering though the city centre.

Still apparent, is the that Christchurch was founded by upper class English whose influence is still apparent in the city’s architecture, the very English Christ’s College, Cathedral Square, and punting on the Avon River.

While in the city, why not visit the Antarctic Centre or take a drive out to Akaroa, New Zealand’s “French” settlement where you can enjoy a unique atmosphere, great food, fishing and eco boat trips.

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Christchurch Activities and Attractions

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Christchurch Area

photo by Bob McCree

Christchurch has a series of beaches along the long sweeping Eastern side of New Zealands South Island, so is exposed to big surf waves from an open ocean to the East.
This gives the beaches fine soft white sand, and strong surf waves.
This can sometimes make the surf dangerous with rip currents dragging the unwary along the coast, or even out to sea.

Situated on the East Coast of the South Island, with a population of around 300 000, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island

Known as The Garden City, it offers extensive inner city public, private gardens and parks, with the Avon River slowly meandering though the city centre.

Still apparent, is the that Christchurch was founded by upper class English whose influence is still apparent in the city’s architecture, the very English Christ’s College, Cathedral Square, and punting on the Avon River.

While in the city, why not visit the Antarctic Centre or take a drive out to Akaroa, New Zealand’s “French” settlement where you can enjoy a unique atmosphere, great food, fishing and eco boat trips.

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Greymouth Tours

Westport/ Greymouth

Bus and Coach tours, Sightseeing Tours, Adventure tours and other organised trips to sights and activities around the area.

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Greymouth Activities and Attractions

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Aoraki Mt Cook Activities

Mt Cook / Fiordland

FIORDLAND MOUNT COOK

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, located in the beautiful Fiordland region of New Zealand, Milford Sound is set within a world heritage region often called the Sightseeing and Walking Capital of the world.

THE GLACIERS

Remnants of the ice age cascade from the snowfields of the Southern Alps to valley floors 300 meters above sea level. Nowhere else in the world’s temperate climates are glaciers so accessible. With glaciers covering nearly half of the Aoraki / Mt Cook area you’ll have plenty of glacial option to choose from.

There are a range of guided excursions available that will provide professional guides who will give full explanations regarding the geological features, flora and fauna of the area.

If seeing the glaciers from above is more to your liking, there are helicopter and fixed wing aircraft that also provide scenic flights and snow landings amidst New Zealand’s highest peaks, overlooking these glaciers. A range of walks exist, surrounding glaciers in New Zealand that provide excellent points for viewing the glacier as well as exploring the surrounding rainforest environments.

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Mt Cook Activities and Attractions

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Queenstown Activities

Queenstown - Otago

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Queenstown Activities and Attractions

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Dunedin Activities

Dunedin Area

Situated on the East coast of the South Island, Dunedin is the only real “University Town” in the country.

Being a “University Town”, finding somewhere to drink will be the least of your worries. It offers a vibrant night life as well as great cafes offering a variety of cuisine, and accommodation abounds catering to every pocket.

Built on the back of a gold rush, Dunedin is regarded as the architectural heritage capital of New Zealand. Boasting the country’s first university, and arguably, the most photographed building in the country – the Dunedin Railway Building; this town offers visitors plenty of options to experience the essence of this unique town.

Spend time browsing the numerous boutiques offering locally and internationally renowned fashion, to studios selling contemporary collections of NZ jewellery, gold, silver, bone, paua shell, and kauri gum.

Don’t forget to visit Larnach Castle and the Otago Peninsula that hosts the world’s only mainland breeding colony of the northern albatross, the world’s rarest penguin, the yellow-eye.

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Dunedin Activities and Attractions

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