Created in 1954, Te Urewera National Park is the fourth largest of New Zealand’s national parks and the Tuhoe peoples ancestral home. The park has a long and complex history that dates back to the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840. The ownership of the land by the Crown has been much disputed over the years and will likely be for years to come.

Some 2200 years ago, a landslide blocked the great Waikaretaheke River and created Lake Waikaremoana. Resembling a fiord, the lake, the deepest lake on North Island, has depths of up to 250 meters. Around the perimeter of the lake is the Lake Waikaremoana walking track, which has the distinction of being one of the Great Walks of New Zealand. The track has hiker huts along the way that can be booked by trekkers in advance. In addition to this walk, there are several other walks within the park.

Te Urewera National Park provides protection to the largest remaining area of virgin native forest on the North Island. Mountain and silver beech grow on the ridges and kamahi, rata, red beech, and tawa grow at the lower levels. This incredible diverse native bush supports most of the birds native to New Zealand, including the bush parrot, yellow-crowned parakeet, blue duck, New Zealand falcon, and the North Island Kiwi. A program to control possums has been initiated to ensure that the native species survive.

Aside from the spectacular scenery, the jewels of the park are diverse Lake Waikaremoana and beautiful Lake Waikareiti. Lake Waikareiti is the location of Rahui, an inlet that hosts one of the extremely rare occurrences of a lake within a lake.

Fishing, hunting, and boating are all activities that are allowed within Te Urewera National Park. Deer and pigs have been introduced for hunting purposes however you need to plan ahead and get a permit. Fishing permits are also required but can be bought in the park. With Lake Waikaremoana teeming with rainbow and brown trout for the avid fisherman, it is well worth the trip just to fish. You can rent rowboats and kayaks to explore the lake. The use of jet skis is strictly prohibited so don’t bother loading yours up for your getaway.

Walking the trails is a popular pastime in the park. With many of the walks being a day or longer, there are hiker huts scattered throughout the trails in the park. Don’t forget to book one in advance.

Te Urewera National Park is a park to put on your “must see” list for your visit to New Zealand.

Given to the state by a prominent Maori chief in 1887 in exchange for the land becoming protected, the formation of Tongariro National Park began. The establishment of this National Park was the first one in New Zealand and has the distinction of being the fourth world wide. So well known is this treasured park that it was used as one of the locations in Lord of the Flies.

This park is historically important to the Maori culture and also has great spiritual importance to them. One of only 25 locations in the world that are designated by UNESCO as mixed World Heritage sites, with the cultural significance of this land to the Maori and the importance of the volcanic activity being recognized.

The three volcanoes, Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, are not only geologically important but the summits are sacred to the indigenous people of New Zealand. Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu are among the world’s most active composite volcanoes with the most recent activity being the 1996 eruption of Ruapehu. These majestic volcanoes rise from the earth to tower over the land below creating an incredible view as you approach them.

This harsh environment is home to the only mammals native to New Zealand, the long and short tailed bats; as well as many types birds and insects. Among the birds that reside here are rare and vulnerable native species like New Zealand Kakas, North Island Brown Kiwis, and the Blue Duck. The soil is a poor quality and the volcanic activity has prevented many trees from establishing a firm foothold in the area. That said, there are gorgeous pockets of protected podocarp that have survived over the decades.

Tongariro National Park has excellent walking tracks, two of the largest ski fields in New Zealand, rock climbing, and all season mountaineering. The walking tracks take you across rugged volcanic terrain on trails that let you drink in the park’s stunning vistas. The trails take from one day to five or six days to complete. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing walk has been declared by National Geographic to be on of the best ten one-day walks in the world.

Recognizing that this area was special and in need of protection, Fiordland National Park was created in 1952. This stunning park offers amazing and dramatic landscapes that will leave you in awe of nature’s power. The fiords have been more than 100,000 years in the making as glaciers slowly carved out these incredible natural works of art.

In 1990, this spectacular park became known as Te Wahipounamu received UNESCO’s World Heritage site designation. Its new name pays tribute to New Zealand’s unique mineral, greenstone. The only known place that this mineral occurs is on South Island and it in a very significant part in Maori culture. South Island is called Te Wahi Pounamu in Maori or The Place of Greenstone.

The largest of the 14 national parks in New Zealand, it is also the wettest area in the country. Some parts of the park receive upwards of seven meters of precipitation a year. It is almost beyond one’s imagination to envision that much rain falling in an area. The rain nourishes lush thick rain forests and feeds the many waterfalls around the fiords.

Due to the rugged terrain, wet weather, and extreme isolation: this area is mostly untouched by man and the park’s interior boasts vast tracts of virgin podocarp and southern beech forests. It is not unusual here to find trees that have grown undisturbed for 800 or more years. The forests and mountains cover about two thirds of Te Wahipounamu and provide a magnificent backdrop for the fiords.

Te Wahipounamu provides a refuge for the Takahe, thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered here in 1948, and the Kakapo, the last remaining habitat of the only nocturnal, flightless parrot in the world. There are intensive recovery programs underway for both of these indigenous birds. In addition to these birds, the vast park is home to many of New Zealand’s native creatures.

The Kakapo Recovery Program is showing some success after the decimation of the birds by feral cats, rats and stoats. One must put in perspective what success means. In 1986, only 22 Kakapos could be found with a high male population. Today, in the safety of predator free sanctuaries, there are 124 Kakapos with a healthier male to female ratio. While there may be a few in the wilds of South Island, it is doubtful that they will escape predation.

High in the Murchison Mountains alpine grasslands, another flightless bird, the Takahe joins the Kakapo as critically endangered. With just over 200 existing birds, conservation efforts have been undertaken to restore the population. As with the Kakapo, these birds are not prolific breeders and that hampers the speed of the species recovery. Some of the population has been moved to predator free islands and are slowly gaining a foothold.

With over 500km of walking trails, one could wander for days in this wild and breathtaking park. Hunting and fishing is allowed provided that you have obtained the proper permits. Te Wahipounamu is a gem among gems and should be experienced.

On the North Island, the Rotorua region is a fascinating place to explore. This area has so many activities to participate in, it is difficult to know what to do first.

The odor of sulphur lingering in the air is a constant reminder that the area is alive with thermal activity. Thermal springs, mud pools, geysers, and steam vents attract visitors in throngs. People recognized the therapeutic properties of the thermal springs as far back as the 1800. Spas abound and visitors should definitely avail themselves of the healing qualities while they are in town.

Everyone that comes to Rotorua must experience the thermal springs. One of the best places to see the activity is Kuirau Park. This park has walking trails leading to areas of activity. There are mud pools that are scalding hot, steam vents that open with no warning, and crater lakes that are too hot to swim in. Tendrils of steam often shroud the park giving it an ethereal quality.

Starting out as a trout sanctuary, Paradise Valley Springs is a privately owned park that has transformed into a great animal and bird park. Pools of brown and rainbow trout, a pride of lions, deer, ducks, sheep, and a variety of other animals make their presence known. In addition to the untouched native bush, animals, and birds; this little piece of paradise bottles and sells water from its onsite spring. The cold refreshing water is us pure enough to drink straight from the spring and is used in their coffee shop and trout ponds as well as the bottling plant.

While in Rotorau, you simply must explore the Maori culture with a visit to Te Puia. The story telling, Maori village, the Pohutu Geyser, and cultural shows will keep you spellbound. Your guides will enchant you with their warm personalities and their ability to draw you into their world. No trip to New Zealand is complete without some exposure to the native culture since it has such an extensive influence on every aspect of life on these islands.

Whakarewarewa Forest with its stand of magnificent California redwoods is a terrific place to pass the day quietly. Although it is ironic that Americans come here to see the redwoods, the first of these trees were planted in 1901 in an attempt to recreate the forests that existed before the 1886 eruption of Mt. Tarwawera destroyed the forests. Redwoods were deemed to be the most suitable to grow quickly enough in this area. The trees were later dedicated as a memorial to members of the Forest Service that were killed in WW1. Walkways throughout the park allow people to bike, ride horses, and walk through the forest enjoying the scenery and views.

This city has many interesting activities and you won’t regret your visit here. The diversity ensures that there is something for everyone in the family and your visit will be one to remember.

This popular tourist destination is just 90 minutes from Christchurch and well worth the drive. The thermal pools at Hanmer Springs have been attracting visitors for more than 125 years and have been commercialized as a tourist attraction.

Widely believed to have healing properties, the natural thermal pools have a high mineral content including magnesium, carbonates, and potassium. The pools are a relatively stable 32 – 42 C. Grab a book and climb in for a long relaxing soak. Many people with joint stiffness and arthritis have long claimed to get relief from soaking in the springs.

In 1883 the Hanmer Springs pools were taken over for development by the Lands Department and the main springs were converted to swimming pools. Ownership was acquired by the local council in 1960 and the complex has been consistently been upgraded and expanded over the years. It is now a family destination that has water activities for all ages. There are several thermal pools, a Spa, steam rooms, a freshwater pool, and a waterslide so bring the family. There is a activity for all ages.

In 1975 a bore was drilled to replace the original one drilled in 1911. Water is pumped up through the bore and has had heat drawn off so that people are not scalded by it. It comes out of the ground at 52C, which would be unbearable to soak in.

The water is constantly monitored to ensure that it is of high quality. Testing is done three times a day in a laboratory to ensure that the water does not endanger bathers. There is chlorination of the water and other measures taken to maintain the water. However the sulphur pools have been kept naturally fed.

Is there anything better than a leisurely day of unwinding in a thermal pool and enjoying the day? I think not.

Partway down the west coast of North Island sits the little town of Raglan. With a year round population of about 4,000, this small, coastal town is an internationally known surfing spot. Its famous surf and relaxed lifestyle act as a magnet for serious surfers from around the globe. Here is a place that embraces surfing visitors and provides them with a great experience.

Surfers from all over flood into this picturesque area to experience the exhilaration of conquering the waves. Several surfing competitions are held in the area in recognition of the world-class surf that can be found in the vicinity of Raglan. With the influx of visitors, Raglan has had to respond by providing accommodations and activities that will keep all visitors interested in returning, not just the surfers.

Places to stay in the Raglan area range from simple campground to a five star lodge and everything in between. You can camp, rent a room, stay in a cozy B&B, or stay in a motel/hotel or apartment. There is a place to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

Some places to stay are:

Spending time camping in Raglan will thrill you. Raglan Holiday Park offers a mix of camping whether you are pitching a tent, wish to stay in an Oceanside cottage, or driving your home away from home, this park offers everything included a front row seat to the ocean view. Geared to create a self-contained virtual island, surrounded by water on three sides, this park offers a communal kitchen. Showers, recreational areas (including a skateboard park), a beach, laundry facilities, Internet access are all contained within the campground. Town is just a short walk away over a pretty footbridge.

Tucked away ten minutes from Raglan is the aptly named Hidden Valley Retreat. Indulgence combined with eco sensitivity has created a very memorable experience for their guests. Offering their guests three types of accommodations, privacy and views are evident in the seclusion. Activity packages for just about everyone are available whether you want to golf, surf, explore on horseback, unleash the kid in you, or just have a pampered getaway.

The Raglan Sunset Motel sits just 100m from the edge of the spectacular coastline offers all the amenities of motels in larger centers. No matter what your needs are, they can be met by their fully equipped conference center, spa pool, off street parking, a licenced bar, 18 motel rooms, 7 suites with kitchettes, two apartments and one small house.

If you are looking for a more intimate stay but still want the amenities of a hotel, the Harbor View Hotel might be just the accommodations for you. With its outdoors Garden bar, small Veranda Bar, Harbor View Hotel, 9 rooms, and upper deck with an incredible view; this small hotel is charming and affordable. In the town’s center, the hotel is within walking distance to the harbor.

When you are seeking the luxury of five star accommodations, look no further than Waoku Lodge at Whale Bay. Set on 14 acres, the lodge offers luxurious apartments with spectacular views. Pampering and romance is what Waoku Lodge is all about with its day spa, fresh fruit, garden fresh flowers, private meals served in your apartment, and all the amenities that the discerning visitor might want.

Although Raglan may be small, it offers a diverse range of place to choose from when you are booking your visit. Just make sure that you book early so that you are not disappointed.

About 170km southeast of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is a gorgeous volcanic peninsula called Coromandel Peninsula. This wonderful spot is just a few hours away from the hustle & bustle of the city and transports you to a world of serenity and unparalleled beauty. The terrific climate only serves to enhances the surroundings.

Coromandel Peninsula is the site remnants of the exploitation of kauri gum, gold and timber; of a fortified Maori village; thermal activity; and points of interest identifying Captain Cook’s exploration of the area. These are all powerful draws to visitors.

Located between Whitianga and Tairua, Hot Water Beach should be experienced at least once in every person’s lifetime. With the colorful Pohutukawa trees lining the cliffs act as bookends to the beach, this pristine white sand beach sits over an underground river of hot water that rises from the bowels of the earth to empty into the Pacific Ocean.

The beach becomes very busy for a few hours before and after low tide as visitors flock to find the perfect spot to dig out their personal thermal pool in the sand. Hot water burbles up through the sand as it rises to meet the ocean. Beach goers dig out a pool so that they can sit in the earth warmed water and let the steam embrace them.

Cathedral Cove is contained in the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve and is another wondrous place to see. Designed by nature, this spectacular cove can only be accessed by water or foot. Several picturesque walking tracks lead to this amazing piece of paradise. Pack a lunch and head out for the afternoon to enjoy this marvel of nature.

The breathtaking beauty along the walk is reason enough to take the trek however the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is the first incredible sight of cove. The magnificent rock arch that has been carved out by water over the centuries provides a perfect backdrop to the stunning ocean beauty. The arch serves to separate the beaches at the cove but there was a rockfall in late 2009 and access is now restricted.

The gold rush of 1875 brought Karangahake Gorge to prominence. Rich in New Zealand’s gold mining history, the gorge has been established as a tourist destination. The rugged scenery is breathtaking and walking trails have been established so that visitors can wander through the terrain. If you are a fishing aficionado, you can cast a line in the incredible waters…provided that you have purchased a licence. Visit the winery, ride the scenic railway from Waikino and Waihi, walk the four-hour (round trip) Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway, or relax and sip coffee in the Waikino Station Café. There is no lack of fascinating activities and sights in this stunning gorge.

The North Island has some of the best surfing spots in New Zealand. Water temperatures off North Island are much warmer than off of South Island. In the summer, no wetsuit is needed however, if you are surfing for extended periods, wearing a springsuit is a good idea. Wetsuits are a must in the chilly waters of winter.

Each coast of the North Island has its own unique characteristics that identify the nature of your surfing experience. Simply put, the West Coast has wild, rough, and powerful surf while the East Coast has calmer and “prettier” water.

Gisbourne is a surfing mecca on the East Coast that has long been a magnet for surfers, local and international. As the first area in the world to see the sun rise, dawn surfing is a wildly popular activity here. Waikanae Beach is a popular beach and great for the novice surfer to become familiar with the board skills they’ll need when tackling more demanding surf. Waves here are slower, gentler, and less steep than other locations in the area. For those that have yet to master snapping to their feet, the waves at this beach provide the perfect opportunity to practice.

A surfer’s paradise can be found a scant 6km from Gisbourne. Wainui Beach with its stunning beach and great waves all year round is a world class surfing destination. There are several areas to surf here making it a great place for surfers of all levels. One of the most popular areas to surf is the StockRoute with its left and right hand breaks spawning waves that are hollow and run fast. Near the surf club, another area that enjoys popularity with surfers known as the Pines. The waves are usually hollow with a height of up to 8 feet.

Just a couple of kilometers up the coast from Wainui Beach is Makorori Point. The long gentle waves make for a great ride for the intermediate surfer. As with the other beaches, there are several areas to surf so every level of surfer is able to find breaks that suit their skill.

In addition to these beaches, the coast around Gisbourne has other great beaches to surf. Main Beach with its Pipeline and Anaura Bay noted for its small, gentle waves are just two more beaches around Gisbourne for you to explore.

New Zealand has some incredible surfing areas and the North Island offers up some of the best areas in the world. The waters off of North Island seldom require you to wear a wetsuit in the summer but it is a necessity in the winter as water temperatures drop.

The West Coast is home to Raglan, a small costal town that is renowned for its great surf. One of the most striking features of this area its black volcanic sand beaches. Combine these stunning beaches with terrific breaks and you get terrific experience.

The area around Raglan offers a number of places to ride the waves. If you want to spend your vacation surfing and not driving to different beaches, this is an area to consider. If there are people with you that don’t surf, there are plenty of activities for them as well.

A short distance from Raglan is a series of breaks that provide some diverse surfing. From the beginner to the expert, every surfer will find a area to surf that will thrill and amaze you.

Beginners are well advised to take lessons and then head to Ngaranui Beach, which is about 4 km from the town. The sandy bottom and gentle surf provides forgiveness when your board skills aren’t very well honed. Although the surf won’t challenge more skilled surfers, it will challenge novice surfers.

Expert surfers will immediately make for Manu Bay, also called The Point. Very popular with surfers, the surf here is world class and conquering it sends you on an exhilarating adrenaline high. The left break gives long, consistent waves. Imagine catching the optimum wave and riding it for 10 minutes or so. This is a rocky area so only experts should attempt it.

Whale Bay with its rocky shore and green surf provides some terrific surfing. Further along the coast about 35km, Ruapuke Beach offers incredible surfing. It is a given that if Manu Bay is running flat, Ruapuke Beach will have great waves.

No matter what your skill level, the Raglan area has surf that will meet your skill level and exceed your expectations. Head to Raglan on your next surfing vacation and you will be back again and again.

Few activities can compare to being able to swim and interact with affectionate, playful dolphins. There are a few places on New Zealand’s North Island that offer this unique experience. Paihia, Tauranga, and Whakatane are three such places. Each town is a magnet for those seeking the excitement of swimming with wild dolphins and a number of other outdoor activities.

There are a few Department of Conservation licenced tour operators that offer a half-day excursion of dolphin viewing and swimming. These operators have boats built specifically for the purpose of dolphin watching and swimming. You are offered an informative commentary during the tour and you will undoubtedly see other marine life. If you have chosen to swim with the dolphins, you will be carefully advised as to the proper way to interact with these intelligent mammals. Department of Conservation rules apply and there will be times when swimming cannot safely be permitted.

Paihia:

Located at the north end of New Zealand, the pretty town of Paihia sits on the coastline of the breathtaking Bay of Islands. Zane Gray popularized this deep-sea fishing in this area in the 1930s and tourists began arriving for the fishing. Now Paihia is one of the most popular destinations for tourists that want to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing, surfing, sailing, and swimming with dolphins.

Bay of Islands with its 144 islands and extremely rich marine life offers many activities and the opportunity to see whales, seals, marine birds, and dolphins. There are activities for the whole family to enjoy but the dolphin swims top the list.

Tauranga:

Further south down the coast from Piahia are the coastal settlements of Tauranga city and the town of Whakatane. Just over an hour apart along the coast of Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is the more northerly location and is the destination of choice for many surfers and dolphin swimmers. Surrounded by orchards and vineyards, this picturesque city is close to Lake Taupo and Rotorau. The proximity to these major tourism areas adds to the appeal of the city.

The Bay of Plenty is inhabited by thousands of dolphins so it is unlikely that a dolphin expedition will fail to make contact. Provided the conditions are right, swimming with the dolphins is something that you will be able to experience.

Whakatane:

Considered to be New Zealand’s Sunshine Capital, Whakatane is just 48 km south of New Zealand’s most active volcano, White Island. Aside from the wildly popular swimming with the dolphins tours; activities such as bushwalking, whale watching, chartered fishing cruises, hunting, and scuba diving tours are steadily drawing increasing numbers of tourists.

As with any adventure of this type, the weather conditions are a key factor as to whether the boat can safely go out on the water and there is no guarantee that a sighting will occur. When swimming with any wild creature, there is there is an inherent risk of injury. Wild creatures are unpredictable although careful instruction is given to swimmers in order to keep them as safe as possible. If you are an adventurous soul, prepare to get the ultimate thrill and have a very personal experience with wild dolphins.

Always make sure that the tour offering swimming with the dolphins is licenced and ask if equipment such as snorkels and wetsuits are included. Check to see what age restrictions may be in place so that you are not disappointed upon arrival because a member of your party is too young. Ask whether swim bars are available for the less proficient swimmers.

Once you have done your research and booked your tour, prepare to experience one of the most memorable times to occur in your life.