Auckland | Wellington | Nelson | Queenstown | Christchurch
Here are some ideas of what you can do before, between or after our Guided Walks and Adventure Tours:
Beaches - Auckland has many nice beaches that are worth visiting when the weather is fine. The eastern coast has sheltered sandy beaches whereas out at the ocean on the western side the coastline is wilder with plenty of surf.
Surfing - checkout Piha beach, 40 minutes drive from central Auckland. This is a dangerous piece of coast so swim in patrolled areas. There are also some nice walks.
Diving at Poor Knights Island - this has arguably the best diving in NZ.
Rangitoto Island - this is a half hour ferry ride from downtown Auckland and it is easy to spend a day here exploring its volcano, caves and beautiful Pohutukawa forest.
Waiheke Island - is a 40 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland and lately has started to be considered a suburb of Auckland. It is however very under the influence of those wishing to live an alternative lifestyle and has a very relaxed nature. Rent a bike or scooter, or just get a bus pass to explore this island and its many beautiful beaches.
Te Papa is New Zealand's National Museum. It has great sections on our geology, plant and animal life. You can also find out a lot about the history of human settlement here and the evolution of our culture up to the present day.
Karori Bird Sanctuary - this has been a volunteer project to put a predator proof fence around some native forest in Wellington and then remove all possums, rats, mice, stoats and other introduces species from the area. Several native animals have been reintroduced into the forest including kiwi. You can visit during the day and there are some guided tours operated at night (which must be booked) where kiwi spotting is attempted.
Red Rocks - on the coast of Wellington, facing the Cook Strait, New Zealand Fur Seals are often seen lazing on the rocks.
Nelson gets a lot of sunshine and has lots to do in the outdoors.
Abel Tasman National Park - great place for kayaking, but you can also walk the coastline over several days or visit the main beaches by water taxi. It gets a bit crowded during the peak summer season but it still keeps its beauty during the winter.
Marlborough Sounds - great for walking and kayaking but you can also get to many places by water taxi.
There are lots to do in this world famous tourist centre, often nicknamed the 'Adventure Capital'. Activities include:
- jet-boating
- white-water rafting
- mountain biking
- bungy jumping
- parasailing
- cruises on Lake Wakatipu
- scenic and adventure flights
Pop over to Lyttelton, Christchurch's port town and go on a Blackcat Wildlife Cruise to the mouth of the harbour to see the endangered Hector's dolphins.
The port hills to the south side of Christchurch are a great place to walk or bike ride. It is possible to catch a gondola to the top and walk from there.
The Antarctic Museum near the airport is great on a rainy day.
Akaroa is worth a visit if you have a couple of days to spear. It is approximately two hours drive away in Banks Peninsula and was originally colonised by the French. Much of its French character is retained and it is in a beautiful setting with its harbour and the hills surrounding.