The Richie list of Kiwi hot spots
When we here at Stuff Travel saw Richie and Gemma McCaw had compiled a New Zealand Must-Do wishlist, we couldn’t help but come up with a few suggestions for the couple and their 2-year-old daughter, Charlotte.
As Tourism New Zealand’s newest ambassadors, sports stars Richie and Gemma McCaw have been getting out there and exploring their backyard. But the pair still have plenty left on their to-do lists, which they have shared with their fellow Kiwi travellers.
Here are Richie and Gemma’s NZ Must-Dos, and the Stuff Travel team’s tips for ticking them off.
Glamping in the Coromandel Gemma says:
‘‘I’ve always wanted to go glamping in the Coromandel. I can imagine waking up somewhere remote, strolling along the beach, and doing morning yoga before spending the day exploring somewhere new.’’
Stuff Travel says:
Try Slipper Island, New Zealand’s private island paradise where the water is so clear it’s like a little slice of the Maldives. It’s a 15-minute water taxi ride from Tairua, and you can stay in beachside glamping tents at Slipper Island Resort.
Wildlife experience in The Catlins Richie says:
‘‘I’d love to have a family holiday exploring The Catlins.’’
Stuff Travel says:
You would have to try pretty hard to not have a wildlife experience when visiting The Catlins. Curio and Porpoise bays are home to South Island Hector’s dolphins, while yellow-eyed penguins/ hoiho nest in Curio Bay. You might also spot sea lions, fur seals, leopard seals, or even elephant seals at Nugget Point.
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Gemma says:
‘‘Richie and I both want to go to Waitangi to learn more about New Zealand’s history.’’
Stuff Travel says:
Be sure to visit the Te Ko¯ ngahu Museum of Waitangi. Opened in 2016, this award-winning museum gives as objective an account of Treaty history as you can get. The entry price includes access to the Treaty House and grounds, and a cultural performance.
Cycling Queen Charlotte Track Richie says:
‘‘I love New Zealand’s Great Rides and think cycling’s a great way to see the country. The Queen Charlotte Track is one we haven’t done yet, and it would be cool to get a water taxi in and bike out.’’
Stuff Travel says:
This 72-kilometre track is a hiking and mountainbiking paradise nestled in the Marlborough Sounds. You can do the trip at a leisurely pace over multiple days with lots of accommodation options, or you can take a boat in to do day trips from Picton. We recommend hiring ebikes from Wilderness Guides in Picton.
Golf at Cape Kidnappers Richie says:
‘‘I’m not the best golfer but it would be an amazing place to have a weekend with a few mates.’’
Stuff Travel says:
Consider treating yourself to a stay at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, a 2430-hectare working farm, luxury lodge and world-renowned clifftop golf course in Hawke’s Bay. Owned by United States billionaire Julian Robertson, it is a sister lodge to the high-end Kauri Cliffs in Northland, and Matakauri Lodge near Queenstown.
Enjoy the night sky at Aotea-Great Barrier Island Gemma says:
‘‘Imagine booking a funky cottage here or chartering a boat with the family. It’s just so beautiful.’’
Stuff Travel says:
With minimal air and light pollution, Great Barrier Island has one of the clearest, most dazzling night skies in the world. Check it out on a stargazing tour with Good Heavens.
Explore the backcountry in Fiordland National Park Richie says:
‘‘I’d love to do some hikes in Fiordland, and even visit Hankinson Hut – the oldest hut in Fiordland.’’ Stuff Travel says:
The easiest way to get to Hankinson Hut is on a specialist tour with Fiordland Outdoors. The tour starts with a scenic 40-minute cruise across Lake Te A¯ nau. From there, you’re taken on a secret track up through the bush to reveal Lake Hankinson, surrounded by lush beech forest and imposing mountains. Here, with the flick of a switch, a boat is lowered from a hidden shed, which you will use to cross the idyllic lake, trawling for trout on the journey. Once you reach the top of the lake, it’s another short walk to Hankinson Hut.
Walk the Milford Track Gemma says:
‘‘We’ve always wanted to explore Fiordland – there’s so many opportunities to get immersed in nature here, and we really like to be active when holidaying. I’ve always wanted to walk the Milford Track.’’
Stuff Travel says:
It’s our best-known Great Walk, deservedly worldfamous for its magnificent scenery. A four-day, 54-kilometre hike, it starts at Lake Te A¯ nau, follows the Clinton River, crosses the 1154-metre Mackinnon Pass, passes the thundering Sutherland Falls, and finishes where the Arthur River empties into Milford Sound. You can walk it independently, carrying your own packs, or on guided hikes that include luxurious lodges and three-course meals with wine.
Heli-skiing around Mt Aspiring National Park Richie says:
‘‘Gemma and I have been skiing at the commercial skifields in the South Island but we’ve never been heli-skiing. It would be great to get some fresh turns without any crowds and feel totally immersed in the backcountry.’’
Stuff Travel says:
The helicopter has to be the fastest and most versatile ski lift. Apart from providing the most spectacular of ascents, it gives unmatched flexibility in the locations and aspects for the descent. Southern Lakes Heliski has access to more than 700 designated runs on 16 mountain ranges in the Southern Alps, including glacial country and peaks up to 2585 metres.
Explore Stewart Island Gemma says:
‘‘It’s one of those places I’ve always wanted to go but never got around to it. Everybody raves about it. It would be awesome to fly out to Mason Bay and see kiwi, or visit Ulva Island with Charlotte.’’
Stuff Travel says:
One of the main reasons to come to Stewart Island/ Rakiura is to witness a kiwi in the wild. Real Journeys offers a four-hour Wild Kiwi Encounter, which involves cruising around some of the island’s many bays in search of kiwi. Ulva Island is also a paradise for bird lovers. It’s home to the South Island saddleback, rifleman, yellowhead, and the Stewart Island robin, as well as some very curious weka.
Kayak Abel Tasman Richie says:
‘‘I’ve always wanted to kayak Abel Tasman National Park with the family. I’ve paddled here in a race, but didn’t get a moment to appreciate it. It would be great to take things slower, stop off in all the bays and camp along the way.’’
Stuff Travel says:
For a different spin on experiencing Abel Tasman National Park from the water, head out with Waka Abel Tasman for a shared paddle on a Polynesianstyle outrigger canoes. The two-hour paddle to Split Apple Rock (Tokangawha¯ ) is an excellent option for families. Split Apple Rock is also a popular destination for kayaking.
Go to a wellness retreat Gemma says:
‘‘After the year we’ve all had, it’s important to reset our intentions and focus on wellbeing.’’
Stuff Travel says:
Tucked among the snow-capped Southern Alps is a
hot spring heaven that won’t remain off the radar for long. Maruia Hot Springs in Lewis Pass is a world-class wellness retreat. Stay overnight in the on-site hotel, glamping pods or campsite, or experience day retreats, which include bathing, sauna sessions and a three-course meal.
Do the Poua¯kai Crossing Richie says:
‘‘I’ve heard the scenery here is epic, and you get great views over the coast and inland to Mt Ruapehu. It would be an awesome spot for the whole family to explore and get active.’’
Stuff Travel says:
This is without a doubt one of New Zealand’s best one-day walks. Mountain scenery, volcanic activity, and the brilliant reflections of compact alpine lakes are highlights of the eight- to 10-hour Poua¯ kai Crossing. The tramp starts at the North Egmont Visitor Centre, and is serviced by shuttles from New Plymouth.
Luxury day spa in Queenstown Gemma says:
‘‘I love a good day spa and have always wanted to go to Matakauri Lodge or one of the other spa locations around Queenstown and Wa¯ naka. It’s great to treat yourself occasionally.’’
Stuff Travel says:
You could also try The Spa at Millbrook Resort, near Arrowtown. This award-winning spa offers beauty and body treatments using Elemis products in 10 luxury treatment rooms. Its aim is to uplift, replenish and create wellness for the mind, body and soul, which it does in a stunning mountain/ lake setting.
Snorkelling and diving the Poor Knights Islands
Richie says:
‘‘I’ve always wanted to go to the Poor Knights.’’ Stuff Travel says:
The Poor Knights Islands off the Tutukaka Coast is a great spot to have on your bucket list. Few Kiwis realise we have this in our own backyard. It’s home to tropical waters and incredible snorkelling. You can take a trip out there with Dive! Tutukaka, on its Perfect Day cruise.
Rafting on Landsborough River Richie says:
‘‘I’ve flown through this area a few times and have seen how spectacular it is. You have to fly in or hike over the Brodrick Pass to start the trip, then you can spend a few days rafting and camping your way out. I’d love to do this.’’
Stuff Travel says:
If there is one must-do for New Zealanders, especially for those who love the wilderness and nature, it would be rafting the Landsborough River on the West Coast in summer. A guided adventure, it begins with a helicopter ride into the first comfortable camp before you begin a three-day adventure through untouched bush, rugged valleys and fun rapids.
Walk in Tongariro National Park Gemma says:
‘‘I haven’t spent much time in the Central North Island but it’s top of my list for places I’d like to explore. The Ruapehu Round the Mountain Track or Taranaki Falls Walk have always appealed.’’
Stuff Travel says:
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the best known in the area, but there are many other spectacular walks. Besides the Round the Mountain and Taranaki Falls walks, we recommend the Tama Lakes Track, an extension of the Falls Walk. It’s a 17km return hike that offers similar scenery to the alpine crossing, minus the thigh-burning climbs.