From day walks to longer circuits, there is no shortage of absolutely delightful paths, if you’re willing to lace up your boots!
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, North Island – 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.
Abel Tasman Coast Track, South Island – 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.
Routeburn Track, South Island – 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.
Harley Trails, Auckland, North Island – 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.
Mountain Biking, Rotorua, North Island – 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!
Blackwater rafting, Waitomo, North Island – Walk, climb, swim and then it’s just you and a tube. This iconic black water trip, lets you experience the Tumu Tumu Cave in utter darkness with just the water for company. Don’t worry, anyone above 12 can go for it.
Extreme Active, Queenstown, South Island
You cannot visit this part of NZ without throwing yourself off some high places! The adventure capital of the world is all about conquering fear & going for it.
Bungee – 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.
Tandem Paragliding – You can do it summer or winter, right off the Coronet Peak. And this time you’re not alone. Drink in the enthralling views, while a trained instructor takes care of the rest. Blissful, right?
Shweebing – It’s the world’s only human powered mono rail that reaches speeds of up to 50kmph. Perfect for ages 5 upwards, it’s your power versus the rest!
Fly boarding – It’s time we gave the Dolphins a run for their money. Fly boarding propels you to fly up to 30 feet in the air and land back into the water for some high speed swimming. Head to Lake Wakatipu for extreme fun and indelible memories!
