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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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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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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New Plymouth Activities

Taranaki area

New Plymouth
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Nelson Activities

Nelson Area

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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Nelson Activities and Attractions

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Picton Activities

Picton Area

Picton is a picturesque waterfront town in the Marlborough region; home to award winning wineries. It is also Marlborough’s main commercial port and access to Queen Charlotte Sound.

Enjoy every possible activity form 4wd adventure to horse trekking, fishing, skydiving, hiking, sailing and all that this point of access to the Sounds has to offer.

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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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Fiordland Glaciers Activities

Franz Josef / Fiordland

MILFORD SOUND & FIORDLAND

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.

The combination of ice and temperate rainforest is a unique feature of New Zealand’s glacier country, and is an ecosystem found nowhere else in the world.

Franz Josef Glacier

Located in Westland National Park, Franz Joseph glacier is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions. It was named by geologist and explorer Julius von Haast in 1863, after the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

It is the steepest and fastest moving glacier in New Zealand. Measuring 12 kilometer’s long, this 7000 year old body of ice is sliding down a mountain valley into a rainforest. Franz Josef can be safely viewed from as close as 15 metres.

Fox Glacier

At 13 Kilometers long and reaching 300 metres deep, Fox Glacier falls about 2600 metres throughout its journey. Named in 1872 after Sir William Fox, New Zealand’s then Prime Minister, the Fox Glacier is only 25 kilometers from Franz Josef Glacier.

The Fox Glacier township is perhaps a little more laid back, offering a more relaxed atmosphere to soak up the surrounding beauty.

Tasman Glacier

At 27 kilometers long, the Tasman Glacier is an impressive sight.

Landing by small ski plane or helicopter, explore the spectacular ice formations and caverns for an unforgettable experience. From October until May, you can explore the Tasman Glacier’s terminal lake by boat.

The Tasman Glacier in New Zealand is an excellent choice for intermediate skiers, while the Murchison, Darwin and Bonney glaciers promise excitement for advanced skiers.

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Fiordland Activities and Attractions

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Milford Sound Activities

Franz Josef / Fiordland

A visit to Fiordland is a must on any trip around Aotearoa. Its World Heritage status is easily justified when you view Mitre Peak, Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Add to this some world famous great walks such as the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks that are all located within the region and you can easily understand its status as a “Must See” on any traveler’s itinerary.

At the centre of the region is the beautiful township of Te Anau, offering a range of activities and dining options, making it a great place to make your base. From here, all the amazing sights of Fiordland are within a 2 – 2&1/2 hour easy drive.

You can explore Fiordland National Park by foot, sea kayak or boat; take to the air and flightsee it. Covering 1.2 million hectares it showcases dramatic wilderness on a grand scale. Waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into pristine, forested valleys. Sheer-sided fiords slide gracefully into the sea, while rare native birds and sea creatures go about their lives in a near-perfect world.

Famous walking trails in the region include the Milford, Kepler, Hollyford and Routeburn Tracks. In most cases you can head off on your own, and guides are available for some tracks.

In addition to the famous walking tracks, local attractions include fishing, golf, 4WD (four-wheel driving), motorbikes, hunting, cave explorations, scenic boat cruises and much more.

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MILFORD SOUND & FIORDLAND

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.

The combination of ice and temperate rainforest is a unique feature of New Zealand’s glacier country, and is an ecosystem found nowhere else in the world.
Franz Josef Glacier

Located in Westland National Park, Franz Joseph glacier is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions. It was named by geologist and explorer Julius von Haast in 1863, after the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

It is the steepest and fastest moving glacier in New Zealand. Measuring 12 kilometer’s long, this 7000 year old body of ice is sliding down a mountain valley into a rainforest. Franz Josef can be safely viewed from as close as 15 metres.
Fox Glacier

At 13 Kilometers long and reaching 300 metres deep, Fox Glacier falls about 2600 metres throughout its journey. Named in 1872 after Sir William Fox, New Zealand’s then Prime Minister, the Fox Glacier is only 25 kilometers from Franz Josef Glacier.

The Fox Glacier township is perhaps a little more laid back, offering a more relaxed atmosphere to soak up the surrounding beauty.
Tasman Glacier

At 27 kilometers long, the Tasman Glacier is an impressive sight.

Landing by small ski plane or helicopter, explore the spectacular ice formations and caverns for an unforgettable experience. From October until May, you can explore the Tasman Glacier’s terminal lake by boat.

The Tasman Glacier in New Zealand is an excellent choice for intermediate skiers, while the Murchison, Darwin and Bonney glaciers promise excitement for advanced skiers.

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Milford Sound Activities and Attractions

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