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.

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.

With its population of around 3900 residents, the seaside town of Kaikoura has the fine distinction of attaining Green Globe Benchmark certification in 2004. This certification is a world standard for sustainable tourism and meeting environmental goals. Kaikoura is used as a community success story on the Green Globe website. For any community, overcoming the environmental challenges necessary to be certified can be extremely overwhelming.

There are endless activities for visitors to participate in and around Kaikoura with several eco-tours available. Operating out of Kaikoura, Albatross Encounter and Dolphin Encounters are two such Tours. Encounter Kaikoura owns both tours.

Offering year round boat cruises, Albatross Encounter tours will take you to see a wide variety of seabirds including thirteen different types of albatrosses. The waters off Kaikoura are renowned for the great numbers of seabirds that occupy a small area. One of the reasons for the seabirds congregating here is the deepwater trench that is close to shore and allows nutrient rich cold water to upwell over the warmer coastal water sustaining a wide variety of marine life. These tours are roughly two hours in duration and costs $110NZD per adult. Children are $55NZD for this tour.

Dolphin Encounters has been in the dolphin watching and swimming with dolphins business for around 20 years. Whether you want to swim with the dolphins or simply watch them frolic, the tour will bring you up close to the dusky dolphin. If any of your party wants to swim with the wild dolphins, it is important that you book well in advance so that they will not miss the opportunity. Unfortunately children under 5 are not allowed to go on the boats unless you have made arrangements in advance. The tour is about three hours and is reasonably priced at $80NZD for adults to dolphin watch and $150NZD per adult for the unique experience of a lifetime of swimming with wild dolphins. The cost for children is $40NZD and $140NZD respectively.

Join Kaikoura Wilderness Walks for two or three days of guided walks in the Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range. Each day there are 5-7 hours of walks through this remarkable area with the guides giving you the information that will make this walk an experience to remember. Nights are spent at an eco-friendly lodge nestled in an alpine valley with a private balcony and incredible views from every room. The prices for this vary but they are all inclusive and children participate at a reduce cost.

Seal kayaking is a great way to spend an afternoon. Kaikoura Kayaks gives you the option of having a guided kayaking experience or, for experienced sea kayakers, a self-guided tour through the playground of NZ fur seals. These options make for an enjoyable opportunity for the novice and advanced kayaker alike. Seals, being a curious creature, will get up close and personal while they play around your kayak. Guided tours are for three hours while the self-hires are for a half or whole day. Kaikoura Kayaks also offers a unique kayak fishing experience with a fully equipped fishing kayak. Prices vary depending on the option you choose.

Kaikoura Marine Tours assists in the collection of research data to assist in the long term marine management of the area. Their eco-tours include data collection and focus on the educational aspect of the marine life around Kaikoura. Each tour is very personal as there is a maximum of 8 people per tour and lasts for three hours. Given the small groups, the cost of $120NZD per adult and $80NZD per child is money well spent.

Come and visit Kaikoura where you can embrace the great outdoors and all that it brings with it!

The details of the wedding ceremony are coming together, the reception is organized, the honeymoon destination…well, that has you in a quandary. There are just so many incredibly beautiful places around the world to choose from. It’s enough to make your head spin.

Among the destinations that are intriguing and appealing is South Island, New Zealand. This small island has so many things to do and see that it could take several weeks to satisfy your curiosity. From the Southern Alps to the fjords along the coastline, the woodland meadows to the vineyards, and everything in between will fill you with awe. The main population is located on North Island making the South Island perfect for those wanting to explore the countryside.

Nestled on the seashore, Kaikoura offers a wide range of activities including spectacular whale watching opportunities. The small resort town of Lake Tekapo, South Island’s highest town, offers some breathtaking scenery in Mackenzie Country. Known as the “Garden City”, the coastal city of Christchurch has beautiful public gardens and parks to enjoy. Established in 1856, Christchurch also has the distinction of being the New Zealand’s oldest city.

Whether you are seeking the thrill of heli-skiing or whitewater rafting, the incredible beauty of hikes through stunning countryside, tranquil walks through gorgeous gardens or woodlands, exhilarating deep sea fishing expeditions, or high alpine skiing; South Island has it all. If your taste runs toward spending a lazy day on the beach or wine tasting, you will be able to indulge in that as well. Few other areas have the vastly diverse geographic area that South Island offers and, with it, all the activities and scenery that is encompassed.

There is little more romantic than exploring the jewels of the South Island with the one you love. After an invigorating day out, you can retreat to your cozy bed & breakfast, boutique accommodations, quaint cottage, or luxury suite for a quiet, intimate evening. South Island offers a full range of accommodations so there is something for every budget and taste.

Several companies specialize in honeymoons to South Island so you do not have to flounder through bookings and decisions about where to stay and what to do. Simply tell them what you envision experiencing and leave the planning to them. Once that is done, you can cross the honeymoon planning off your To-Do list. It may be a bit more expensive to hire a company to put your honeymoon package together for you but it is worth it. You not only have that stress removed and more time to spend planning your wedding day but you also are not left wondering about the quality of your accommodations or what to do once you get there.

Daydreaming of New Zealand, you envision an incredible beautiful country, with some of the most awe-inspiring landscape anywhere on Earth. Your mind doesn’t capture the image of majestic mountains and incredible ski resorts. New Zealand continues to be the destination sought for skiing vacations.

Off the southwest coast of Australia and across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand is made up of two main islands and many small ones. The two islands, the North and South Islands, are separated by the Cook Strait.

Through the winter months, the ski resorts and heli-ski operators have some of the best ski vacations available anywhere. Snowboarding and ski season starts in June and runs through to October. Due to its location in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand has winter in mid-year. Skiing enthusiasts from Europe, Japan, and North America descend on New Zealand during the winter to enjoy the incredible skiing experience.

New Zealand has ski areas that are truly beautiful. Some of those areas are:

Mount Ruapehu – This location is a volcano that is large and awesome. It is home to two of the largest ski resorts in New Zealand, Turoa and Whakapapa. There is 1800 hectares of breathtaking terrain for skiing and snowboarding. Mount Ruapehu is truly a world-class ski area.

Treble Cone – Nestled in New Zealand’s Southern Alps, the Treble Cone resort offers spectacular view of Wanaka 19 kilometers away. Stable, reliable snow falls and good weather makes it one of the most popular skiing destinations in New Zealand. In 2006, major improvements were done to the trails and it now has the most intermediate and expert runs of any resort on the island.

The largest resort on the South Island, Treble Cone, occupies 550 hectares and boasts a vertical drop of 700 meters, the highest on the island. The drop is serviced by a lift. Whew!!

Mount Hutt – Just over a one-hour drive from Christchurch and a quick half hour from Methven. Located at the foot of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, This area is the ski destination of resorts in the area.

The sixth summit, serviced by chairlifts, takes skiers to many intermediate and novice ski runs. The beginner ski area is serviced by a 140 meter long Magic Carpet. Some of the best ski facilities in New Zealand are found on Mt Hutt.

If you want a terrific ski vacation, look to the ski resorts of New Zealand to give you the skiing experience of a lifetime.

New Zealand has some of the most unique vacation experiences that can be found anywhere. Nature has been extremely generous to this island country. Time may be the only factor that prevents you from taking in all the sights and activities available. You can spend months in New Zealand and never do the same thing twice so researching and planning out your trip is of paramount importance if you want to get everything possible out of the time that you are able to spend in this wonderful country.

Vacationing in New Zealand usually requires that you travel a great distance from home so you will have to make sure that you do the things that you most want to do. New Zealand boasts pristine nature; unspoiled volcanoes and glaciers; wild coastline; unique wildlife; majestic mountains; and much, much more.

Incredibly Special Activities
One incredible activity offered in New Zealand is cave tubing through the spectacular Ruakuri Caves. It starts innocently enough, an inflated inner tube serving as a flotation device. As you ride roaring rapids, get swept through impossibly tight crevices, and plunge down waterfalls; while a massive number of glowworms produce the eerie light that bathes the cave’s limestone walls; the adrenaline pumps through your body. The same trip can be made in inflatable rafts. Both types of cave rafting is know as black water rafting and is unique to New Zealand.

Those that secretly yearn to be a racecar driver can live out their fantasy. New Zealand’s Kiwi Car Rally, an extremely popular racing event, is designed to allow beginners to get licensed and compete in this adventure. In order to compete you must get trained and licensed but, once you are, you get to participate in the Rally. Adventure companies supply everything you need to compete, except the navigator. For the cost of your fee, you get to participate in a one, two or seven day road rally; a week’s training; all safety gear; race jackets; accommodations; meals and gas, as well as the use of a professional competition-ready racecar which you can sponsor if you want.

What else to do

If you are visiting New Zealand for less than a month, you may be better off to concentrate on exploring either North or South Island or a specific region. The best regions to visit are North Island’s Ruapehu, Taupo, and Rotorua and South Island’s Nelson/Marlborough area, Fiordland, and Otago.

Planning your trip

Many people spend three weeks in New Zealand. Check the official websites of any cities and towns that you are going to visit so that you can plan a trip that is not too busy. You don’t want to be exhausted.

You will want to take casual clothing for the most part. If you intend to go hiking, take warm clothing and buy a rain poncho there. If you are going to go camping, you will need to take a sleeping bag that is good for three seasons. All of your camping gear must be clean. Because there will be inspections to ensure that hazards aren’t introduced to this isolated country.

Although in the shadow of its neighbor, Australia, New Zealand is a world apart from anything you may experience elsewhere. A former British colony, with indigenous influences permeating the culture because of its proximity to the Polynesian islands and its Maori heritage, New Zealand offers some of the most diverse tourist experiences in the world. Year after year, the green rolling meadows; easily accessible geysers; guided glacier walks; and unending stretches of incredible beaches tempt many tourists to travel across oceans to soak up New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Discovered around 800AD by Kupe, the landmass known as New Zealand was one of the last to be settled. A steady influx of migration from the time of Captain James Cook has seen this island nation grow. The indigenous Maori are a minority but have had a tremendous enriching influence on life in New Zealand.

New Zealand is divided into two main islands, North Island and South Island. The season and destination will dictate what wonders you are exposed to. Both islands offer all manner of extreme sports, including the New Zealand invention – bungee jumping.

South Island is renowned for the relics from the last Ice Age; the Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers that rise to just below majestic Mount Cook, the tallest peak in the Southern Alps. These valley glaciers are unique in that, when the world’s glaciers are retreating, these continue to flow. Moving steadily toward sea level, these spectacular glaciers flow at a rate that is about ten times faster than other valley glaciers. Winter in the Southern Alps provides an excellent opportunity to participate in skiing, filmmaking and mountaineering. Some scenes filmed for The Chronicles of Narnia were shot here. South Island’s Otago Peninsula lets you experience cozy accommodations in the midst of seal, sea lion, penguin and sea elephant habitat.

North Island has a milder climate and a warmer summer than South Island. A trip to the legendary Lake Taupo, a 660 square meter lake formed by a volcanic explosion, will fill you with awe. Black water rafting, or cave rafting, as it is sometimes known as, is popular on the west coast. A black water rafting experience, especially a tour through the Ruakuri Cave, will give you an adrenaline rush that you will always remember. If you are not seeking that much of an adventure, make your way to Ninety Mile Beach located at the far north end of North Island. The origin of its name is not known but the beach takes in 55 breathtaking miles of coastline, including the stunning northern dunes. To the east, Great Barrier Island offers a unique and wondrous underwater world for scuba divers to explore. It also gives you the opportunity to bask in the Kaitoke hot springs, commune with nature in the Glenfern Sanctuary, or just take in the sensational sight of Mount Hobson rising majestically above this barrier island.

A four-season destination, New Zealand is filled with enough activities and city life to whet your appetite for more. Wellington, Queenstown and Auckland all appeal to the spirited, youthful and adventurous tourists. The culture and spirit of New Zealand surrounds you even in the urban areas. Is New Zealand worth visiting? The only answer is a resounding YES!