Richie and Gemma’s NZ must-dos

As Tourism New Zealand’s newest ambassadors, sports star 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. When we here at Stuff Travel saw the lists, we couldn’t help but come up with a few suggestions for the couple and their 2-year-old daughter, Charlotte.

Read on for Richie and Gemma’s ‘‘NZ Must-Do’’ lists – and the Stuff Travel team’s tips for ticking them off.

RICHIE AND GEMMA MCCAW’S NZ MUST-DOS

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 just a 15-minute water taxi ride from Tairua in the Coromandel, 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’d have to be trying 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 several yellow-eyed penguins/hoiho nest in Curio Bay. You might also spot sea lions, fur seals, leopard seals or even elephant seals hauled up at Nugget Point.

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Gemma says: ‘‘Richie and I both want to go to Waitangi and 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 about 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 the 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 mountain-biking paradise nestled in the Marlborough Sounds. You can do the trip leisurely over multiple days with lots of accommodation options, or you can boat in and do day trips from Picton. We recommend hiring e-bikes from Wilderness Bikes 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 6000-acre working farm, luxury lodge and world-renowned clifftop golf course in Hawke’s Bay.

Owned by US billionaire Julian Robertson, it is a sister lodge to the high-end Kauri Cliffs in Northland, and Matakauri lodge near Queenstown.

Kayak Abel Tasman

Richie says: ‘‘I’ve always wanted to kayak Abel Tasman National Park with the family.

‘‘I’ve paddled here before 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 their Polynesian-style outrigger canoes.

The two-hour paddle to Split Apple Rock (Toka Ngawha¯ ) is an excellent option for families. Split Apple Rock is also a popular destination for kayaking.

Richie and Gemma McCaw are on a mission to have new experiences in New Zealand.