NZ’s best adventures
Surfing for beginners, walking, cycling c and wellness
Just like people, active holidays come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a superstar athlete, a total beginner, or have limited mobility, New Zealand has something for you. Here is just a small selection of the amazing active adventures on offer around the country.
NORTHLAND Super fit:
Hike the scenic Te Paki Coastal Track around the rugged coastline of the magical Cape Re¯inga. The 3-4 day route includes Te Werahi and Twilight beaches where self-sufficient camping is available.
Beginners: Take a ferry trip from Russell or Paihia to the glorious Urupukapuka Island. Hire a kayak to access the beautiful coastline or hit the tracks for vast sea views.
Families: Cycle past beautiful waterfalls, rolling farmland and the Suspension Twin Bridges at Tuhipa on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail. The pleasant downhill ride from Kaikohe to
pua is perfect for families. Catch a shuttle ride back then head to Te Waiariki Nga¯wha¯ Springs to revive your weary limbs.
Accessible adventures: Take in the sights, and experience the buzz of central Whanga¯rei on the 4km Hatea Loop. a fully accessible walkway around the town basin. Home to an international yachting marina, cafes and shopping, there is also a liberty swing (a wheelchair-accessible swing) at the playground and a petanque court.
northlandnz.com
AUCKLAND Super fit:
Kayak across the Waitemata¯ Harbour to Rangitoto, while the sun sets on the youngest and largest of Auckland’s volcanoes. Trek to the summit for 360-degree views, enjoy a barbecue dinner by the waterfront, then paddle back by the sparkling city lights. The Sunset Kayak tour is run by experienced guides at Auckland Sea Kayaks.
Walk the Aotea Track, a stunning multiday hike through the heart of the Great Barrier wilderness for an adventurous three days in the bush with scenic backcountry huts for accommodation. Beginners: Take a self-guided or supported walk through the Duder Regional Park, on the Whakakaiwhara Peninsula, which is fringed with po¯hutukawa. Choose from four walking trails ranging from 30 minutes to two and a half hours. The Duder Farm Path has rolling farmland and some of the best coastal views in Auckland. Families: Go horse riding at Pa¯kiri Beach, North of Auckland. Ride the beach, cross streams and enjoy the spectacular coastal views. Choose from a relaxed one-hour outing or a fullday adventure, with Pa¯kiri Beach Horse Rides. Visit Shakespear Regional Park, situated at the end of a narrow peninsula, with sweeping cliff top views and a beach on either side. Choose from several tracks to tackle by foot or mountain bike, ranging from 1km-5km.
Accessible adventures: Head to the Kaitoke Hotsprings on the popular walking track, following the edge of the Kaitoke Swamp, which is suitable for wheelchairs.
Or book a 4.5-hour cruise on the luxurious Dolphin Explorer, to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment. It operates at weekends and people in light wheelchairs with some mobility can be accommodated. It’s recommended that a support person accompanies those with mobility issues. aucklandnz.com
COROMANDEL Super fit:
Challenge yourself with the Sleeping God Canyon, an adrenalin-fuelled adventure with 300 vertical metres of abseiling, jumping, zip-lining and sliding down a series of cascading waterfalls in the beautiful Kauaeranga Valley. Run by CanyoNZ.
Beginners: Soak up the Coromandel’s wild beauty on the 10km Coromandel Coastal Walkway. Book guided transport with Hike and Bike Coromandel so the afternoon is yours to enjoy the secrets of the walkway without having to circle back to your vehicle.
Families: Spend a day retracing the steps of miners in their quest for fortune at the Waihı¯ Gold Discovery Centre. Take the tour, ride the train, then bike the Hauraki Rail Trail along the river and through tunnels in the stunning Karangahake Gorge.
Glide through the forest on a zipline canopy tour and experience Coromandel’s breath-taking native forest from all levels with Corozip at Driving Creek.
Accessible adventures: Join Coromandel Fishing Charters on an ocean expedition to catch your dinner, or head further offshore to experience a marine world teeming with sea life. Disabled guests can be accommodated, and trips can be tailored to requirements. thecoromandel.com
WAIKATO Super fit:
Have a cracking day out with Lost World All Day Epic Adventure with Waitomo Adventures. Abseil 100m underground, then spend the rest of the day swimming, jumping, and climbing your way through the gigantic streamway passages.
Walk the track to Wairere Falls, the highest waterfall in the North Island. Or try rock climbing, caving and canyoning at Raglan Rock.
Beginners: Tick black water rafting off your bucket list — float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off waterfalls and take in the magic of the glowworm studded cave, on this three-hour Black Labyrinth adventure at Waitomo Caves. Learn to surf at Ngarunui beach with Raglan Surf School. The beautiful volcanic sand is the perfect place for beginners. Or choose from any of the five walks at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, the largest ecological island on mainland New Zealand.
Families: Paddle along the southern edge of Lake Kara¯piro, for a special evening glow-worm kayak with Lake District Adventures. Head slowly up the Po¯kaiwhenua Stream, through the canyon, the way guided by twinkling glow worms. Head below ground with a selected tour of the magical glow worms and cavernous marvels at Caveworld Waitomo or Waitomo Caves.
Accessible adventures: Visit the accessible Ruakuri Cave at Waitomo Caves for a captivating blend of compelling subterranean experiences (including glow worms). Or head over to the Hobbiton movie set to experience Middle-earth movie magic.
waikatonz.com
ROTORUA Super fit: Visit the world’s youngest geothermal valley, learn about the famous 1886 eruption and take in the panoramic views on the Mount Tarawera Crater Walk. This guided experience is ideal for all ages and includes an optional run into the heart of the volcanic crater. Run by Kaitiaki Adventures.
Beginners: Take to the trees, and journey deep into the ancient native forest on a network of zip lines, swing bridges and canopy platforms supported by trained guides at Rotorua Canopy Tours. The Original Canopy Tour is suitable for all ages.
Families: Take an introductory mountain bike tour in the beautiful Redwoods Forest. Choose from more than 140km of purpose-built tracks tailored to all skill levels, and enjoy a 3-4 hour ride through forestry back roads surrounded by native and pine. Run by Mountain Bike Rotorua.
rotoruanz.com TAUPO¯ Super fit: Climb Mt Tauhara, a favourite for fit Taupo¯ locals. The climb can be challenging and steep in places, but the payoff is breathtaking. From the summit you will experience sweeping panoramic views over Lake Taupo¯ and the Central North Island, made even more impressive by a spectacular sunset. This is an intermediate to advanced day hike.
Beginners: Stroll around the lake edges through native bush on the beautiful Rangatira Point Track. At Whakamoenga Point, the track opens out to expansive flat volcanic rocks on the water’s edge — the perfect location for sunbathing or diving into the freshwater. A half-hour to 1.5-hour return walk.
Families: Walk or cycle the Tongariro River Trail in Tu¯rangi through rolling farmland and stunning native forest. The kids will love crossing the swing bridges and watching fly fisherman casting lines into the crystal clear river. This grade-two trail is suitable for children and beginners.
Accessible adventures: Enjoy spectacular views across the water to the majestic mountains of the Tongariro National Park on the Great Lake Pathway. Start at the Taupo¯ Boat Harbour and follow the lake’s edge to Five Mile Bay on this mixed-use walking, biking and wheelchair trail. Stop for coffee, icecreams, and photo opportunities on this award-winning urban ride.
lovetaupo.com
RUAPEHU Super fit:
Travel through striking volcanic terrain on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the crown jewel of Ruapehu. Known as one of the best one-day hikes in the world, this 7-8 hour, 20km alpine-adventure, provides a great challenge for fit, well-prepared hikers. Beginners: Treat yourself to gorgeous views and fresh air on the Taranaki Falls track. This 6km loop to the falls includes a pristine alpine walkway, mountain beech forest and alpine tussock, and gives stunning views of Mount Ruapehu and Nga¯uruhoe.
Families: Walk the Rotopounamu Track, a favourite of tree lovers, birdwatchers, and families. Stop at Long Beach on the eastern side of Rotopounamu lake for a picnic or rest stop. The 5km walk includes lush native forest and views of Mt Pı¯hanga.
Accessible adventures: Take the 15-minute Rimu Walk in the Tongariro National Park to traverse beech forest, ground ferns and quiet streams. This gentle meandering track is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
visitruapehu.com
HAWKE’S BAY Super fit:
Hike the Lake Waikaremoana Track, a 3-4 day tramp in the heartland of Nga¯i Tu¯hoe. This Great Walk, known for its natural beauty, covers almost half of the lake’s circumference. Huts must be booked in advance.
Beginners: Cycle the Hawke’s Bay Trail, where you can choose from more than 200km of flat, easy-riding trails, connecting award-winning wineries, cafes, country pubs and artisan stores. Trail bikes and e-bikes are available for hire and there are cycle tracks for little ones wanting to join in the fun.
Families: Embark on a halfday, grade two, rafting adventure on the Mo¯haka River. You’ll be guided to a remote gorge where you can swim and float the hours away in gentle whitewater. Wanting a little more adrenalin? Try the full day, grade-three adventure, suitable for those aged 13 years and over.
Accessible adventures: Get up close to the remarkable gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers, the world’s largest and most accessible, on the Gannet Safari Tour, which is suitable for wheelchair users. Ride in style and comfort over the picturesque Cape Kidnappers Station in airconditioned 4x4 vehicles traversing riverbeds, native bush and steep gullies with breath-taking views.
hawkesbaynz.com
MANAWATU¯ Super fit:
Have a wet and wild time wakeboarding at Off The Loop cable park. This purpose-built, double-laned course in Foxton offers riders a variety of flat glassy water, ramps and rail slides. More advanced riders can challenge their skills in the Black Lane to negotiate a series of obstacles, kickers and sliders.
Beginners: Give mountain biking a go at Arapuke Mountain Bike Park, one of the North Island’s premier mountain bike parks. Grade 2-3 rides are available across 30km of epic trails, jumps and tracks for Beginners to enjoy.
Families: Explore the Rangitı¯kei River by raft or kayak at Awastone Riverside Haven. Choose from a range of adventures, including trips to the mystical Whitecliff Boulders or the Grand Canyons of the Rangitı¯kei, where you can visit locations that were used in the Lord of the Rings movies. Extend your trip with a stay at a cosy cabin, or park up your camper for a night along the riverside.
Accessible adventures: Experience an exciting 4WD Safari adventure at Makoura Lodge, a fifth-generation farm. The exhilarating ride across their 4WD track lets you enjoy the thrill of the ride under the safety of an expert driver. These tours can be tailored to wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.
manawatunz.co.nz
WHANGANUI
Super fit: Take the Whanganui River Journey — the only one of New Zealand’s Great Walks that isn’t actually a walk — with Unique Whanganui River Experience. The three to five day guided trip is infused with history, culture and stories by local iwi and delicious Ma¯ori kai.
Beginners: Ride a jet boat to the Bridge to Nowhere, a concrete road-bridge in Whanganui National Park. The one-hour jet boat ride is the best and most exciting way for beginners to get into the heart of the park, followed by a 45-minute walk along maintained bush trails to the bridge.
Families: All aboard the Motor Vessel Wairua, an authentic Whanganui riverboat ride to the village of pokongaro. There you can get a drink or a bite to eat before cycling back to Whanganui, a flat and easy 10.5km trip, suitable for young and old.
Accessible adventures: Join a guided heritage walking tour with Whanganui History and Heritage, which is accessible to those with mobility issues. The tour takes you through the Whanganui CBD, the Old Town, Pukenamu Queens Park and the Pa¯kaitore Gardens.
TARANAKI Super fit:
Knock off Taranaki’s premier hike, the Poua¯kai Circuit — a 2-3-day trek through Egmont National Park. Its unique terrain includes the Ahukawakawa Swamp, rainforest, and scenic alpine tarns. If you have limited time, experience the highlights of the Circuit in just a day on the Poua¯kai Crossing walk.
On a clear, fine day keen and experienced mountaineers can attempt the 8-10 hour climb up to the Taranaki maunga summit.
Beginners: Head to East Egmont for a Tolkienlike, scenic-adventure through the Goblin Forest Track (Ka¯mahi Walk). Or visit the nearby Wilkies Pools, a series of natural plunge pools with a glorious view. Visit Lake Mangamahoe, a scenic lake and park for mountain biking, walking or horse riding. Or for more of a challenge, climb the Paritutu¯ Rock on the New Plymouth coastline.
Families: Visit the Pukeiti Gardens, set in a magnificent rainforest on the lower slopes of the maunga. Children will love the Kids Treehouse Trail, a free self-guided activity through the gardens with an activity pack. Try a marked trail or a more serious day tramp in the rainforest — where the whole family can sleep above the treetops in the Pı¯wakawaka Hut.
Relax with a picnic at the Tu¯pare Garden, a premier landscaped garden with walkways leading to a river flat and barbecue area. Or walk the 90-minute lakeside loop at Lake Rotokare Scenic Reserve, through a predatorproof enclosure.
Accessible adventures: Explore Pukekura Park, Taranaki’s premier botanical gardens with fernery and display houses, the acclaimed TSB Bowl of Brooklands, and the Brooklands Zoo. Electric mobility scooters are available to use free of charge (bookings essential).
Enjoy artworks, the Te Rewa Rewa bridge, coffee shops and surf beaches on the accessible New Plymouth Coastal Walkway running 13km from Port Taranaki to Bell Block. Or for a view of the maunga take the wheelchairfriendly Potaema Track.
A 10-seater mobility vehicle is also available Fridays to Mondays at Pukeiti gardens where there is also an accessible walkway to the Waterwheel Lookout. visit.taranaki. info
WELLINGTON Super fit:
Climb 220m above sea level, scale 1200 steep steps, navigate narrow pathways across ridgelines, and traverse two swing bridges on the Escarpment Track day trip — one of the highlights of the Te Araroa Trail, this is not for the faint of heart. The reward is sweeping views of the spectacular Ka¯piti Coastline and the region’s famous Ka¯piti Island. Beginners: Tick a visit to Ka¯piti Island nature reserve off your bucket list. Take the night-time guided tour with Kapiti Island Nature Tours for your best chance at spotting a little spotted kiwi. Families: Hire a bike and jump on board the Remutaka Rail Trail Explorer tour, with Wildfinda. Weave through native bush, old rail yards and bridges before peaking at the summit’s grassy plateau. Then enjoy the descent to Cross Creek, Wairarapa surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most scenic farmland. Shuttles provided at both ends.
Accessible adventures: Visit the world’s first fully-fenced ecosanctuary, Zealandia. This incredible haven, just minutes from the city, is set around a reservoir and home to some of New Zealand’s most rare and extraordinary wildlife. Several wheelchair accessible tracks are signposted throughout the valley. A support person can come along for free. wellingtonnz.com
NELSON Super fit:
Choose from a range of single and multi-day trails with Helibike Nelson for an intrepid mountain bike adventure.
Take a multi-day hike with Southern Wilderness Guides on the famous Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park.
Beginners: Take a Great Taste Trail tour on e-bikes with Kiwi Journeys to experience coastal, valley and rail routes, all in one ride. Visit hop gardens and orchards and stop off for a refreshing swim.
Families: Embark on a guided trip with Cape Farewell Horse Treks. Ride along a beautiful Golden Bay beach or up into the hills overlooking Farewell Spit.
Paddle a waka to Toka Ngawha¯ (Split Apple Rock) with Waka Abel Tasman (accessible) or take a familyfocused kayak tour around the Tata Islands and Abel Tasman National Park with Golden Bay Kayaks.
Accessible adventures: Board a scenic cruise or a boat tour with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle or Abel Tasman Eco Tours. Both companies can accommodate wheelchair users and mobility issues —
contact them for more information and to talk through specific requirements. nelsontasman.nz
MARLBOROUGH Super fit:
Walk or bike the Nydia Bay Track through coastal and regenerating forest. This fantastic single-track ride provides a great challenge for experienced mountain bikers and walkers, with steep climbs and descents, rugged tree roots and brilliant views.
Beginners: Take the Queen Charlotte Track, stretching from Ship Cove to Anakiwa. Experience panoramic ocean views and thriving native bush, home to weka, fantail, wood pigeon and even seals. Water taxis are available to transfer you to and from the track and to transport your gear each night to your accommodation.
Families: Walk the Snout Track to the Queen Charlotte View lookout, then carry on to the end of the headland for a picnic. This is an ideal walk for those who have just a few hours to experience the stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds.
Accessible adventures: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve. Journey through ancient forest to the edge of the beautiful Pelorus River. Many of the tracks here are wide, gentle, and built to a standard suitable for wheelchairs.
marlboroughnz.com
HURUNUI Super fit:
Hardcore mountain bikers can take a ride on the newly completed Tombstone Track in Hanmer Forest Park. Crafted over four years the advanced singletrack provides an 185m climb to the highest point followed by an exciting descent with twists, turns and drops.
Beginners: Take a short walk up to the recently restored Balmoral Fire Lookout for stunning views over the braided Hurunui River and across the Amuri plains.
Families: Keep your eyes peeled in Hanmer Heritage Forest for woody forest creatures on the Forest Amble. You might just spot a friendly pooch, the BFG or an orangutan. Or look for Tinker Bell on the Fairy Door Walk, a half-hour woodlands discovery along the lower Dog Stream track.
Accessible adventure: Have a soak and a play in the mineralrich waters of Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa while enjoying the mountain vistas. The complex has good wheelchair access including ramp access on one pool, aqua chair/lifts available on many others, and accessible changing rooms are available.
visithurunui.co.nz
KAIKO¯URA
Super fit: Hit the trails at Middle Hill MTB for an adrenaline rush with spectacular views of the Kaiko¯ura ranges and the Pacific Ocean. The hill country at Middle Hill Farm has been transformed into an everincreasing network of downhill trails that mountain bikers will relish.
Beginners: Paddle the unique coastal area of Kaiko¯ura, bursting with marine life and scenic views. Kayaking Kaiko¯ura offers experienced guides and is home to New Zealand’s first and only pedal kayak tour of its kind — highly recommended for children.
Families: Swim with New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) in their own marine environment with Seal Swim Kaiko¯ura. These guided tours will get you as close as possible to the magnificent creatures. The experience is listed as one of the world’s Top 10 Marine Encounters by Lonely Planet.
kaikoura.co.nz
MACKENZIE Super fit:
Get on your bike with The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, one of New Zealand’s great rides. This pleasant mix of on and off-road trails links the South- ern Alps to the Pacific Ocean. Allow 4-6 days for the 301km trail.
Beginners: Jump in the saddle with Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking. Choose from a halfhour to 3.5-hour ride, and learn about the history of the region while being guided across the high country. The highlight? Reaching the shores of Tekapo¯ and taking your horse for a swim.
Families: Experience the joy of water activities with Water Rides at Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Parks & Motels. Learn to stand up paddleboard or kayak for the first time. Hire transparent kayaks to take in every bit of the turquoise water at Lake Ruataniwha or hire a water bike and ride on water.
mackenzienz.com
WAITAKI Super fit:
Cycle 306km of tree-lined lakes and geosites on the Alps2Ocean Cycle Trail. The 4-6 day ride includes a new off-road section — Sailor’s Cutting to Benmore Dam, offering a great workout and stunning scenery.
Beginners: Hit the waves at All Day Bay in Kakanui, a sandy beach with consistent surf and knockout coastal views. A great place to learn safe surfing practices with Learn to Surf Kakanui.
Families: Explore Herbert Forest on the Swallows Track circuit. The round 1.5 hour trip from Reid Rd is well-formed with lots of steps. Be sure to look out for the cave at the halfway point. Also suitable for the family dog.
Accessible adventures: Enjoy the Waitaki River with Braided River Jet Boating. With customised trips available to suit individual needs, the folk at Braided River will work to make a trip down the stunning river comfortable and fun.
waitakinz.com
CENTRAL OTAGO
Super fit: Advanced riders will be wowed by the single track trails in the Naseby Forest with spectacular vistas over the forestry canopy towards Mt Ida.
Beginners: Take the 4 Barrels Walking Wine Trail around centrally located wineries in Cromwell. The free walking tour takes an 8km loop of tasting rooms at Misha’s, Aurum Wines, Scott Base and Wooing Tree.
Enjoy DeVine Cycle, a self-guided e-bike tour around Alexandra Basin’s wine-growing region with Shebikeshebikes.
Families: Experience the beauty of the Otago Central Rail Trail without the hard work. Start from Wedderburn (the highest point of the trail) and enjoy a two day, mostly downhill journey. Break the trip up with visits to the many smalltown cafes and restaurants along the way. Luggage can be transferred daily and a range of e-bikes, baby trailers and tagalongs are available to hire from the various operators in the area.
Try the ancient Scottish sport of curling at the Southern Hemisphere’s only dedicated indoor curling rink in Naseby, then cool off in the nearby swimming dam.
Accessible adventures: Enjoy the picturesque Otago Central Rail Trail on a recumbent tandem bike — designed by Trail Journeys to make the stunning trail accessible to those who would not normally be able to cycle the trail. The front rider sits in a comfortable reclined seat and has the option of pedalling, or not.
centralotagonz.com
QUEENSTOWN Super fit:
Experience the rush of swimming the raging rapids, surfing the waves and riding the whirlpools with Seriously Fun Riversurfing. Or for a land-based adventure, try the Queenstown Bike Park with more than 30 trails and 450m of vertical descent.
Try canyoning in the Routeburn Valley with Canyon Explorers, or take a full-day hike up Ben Lamond.
Beginners: Head to Paradise Ziplines in Glenorchy for an eight-line zipline through ancient beech forest over a flowing stream, with a view of Glenorchy’s white-capped mountains.
Give Funyaking a go with Dart River Adventures or take a leisurely walk at the Kelvin Heights Sculpture Trail.
Families: Bike the Frankton Track from the Queenstown Gardens to the new Frankton Marina. Park up at the Lakeside Boat Shed Cafe and Bistro for lunch then continue on to Kelvin Heights to check out hidden coves and beaches. Hire your bikes from Around the Basin where trailers are also available for small children.
Go on a clue-cracking family mission with Escape Adventures — a race against time in central Queenstown to solve the world from destruction.
Accessible adventures: Take a scenic ride on the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere for a breathtaking panoramic view with Skyline Queenstown. The Skyline complex is wheelchair-friendly and the gondola is accessible to most guests.
Experience the rush of flying at iFLY, New Zealand’s only indoor skydiving attraction. The company says they have many disabled clients and always do their best to “fly everyone, regardless of disability”. queenstownnz.com
WA¯NAKA Super fit:
Commit to the Wild Thing, an epic three-hour cable climb by Wildwire. With breathtaking photo opportunities over 750m of terrain, it’s a thrilling day out.
Beginners and families:
Take to the hills on a Ridgeline 4WD Safari Tour. Drive high into the Buchanan Mountains for jawdropping scenery, take a leisurely walk in the alpine meadow and keep your eyes peeled for Red Deer and cattle. Kids can even feed the sheep at West Wa¯naka Station.
Accessible adventures:
Take a lake cruise to immerse yourself in outstanding natural beauty of this region. Wa¯naka Cruises have a number of journeys available and wheelchair users can board via a ramp at the front of the boat.
lakewanaka.co.nz
DUNEDIN Super fit:
Walk the 3-4 hour Silver Peaks Track for an exhilarating ridge-line hike. The walk includes views of the Painted Forest and 360-degree views of the coast and inland ranges. Those wanting an extra adventure at the end of the trail can negotiate the Devil’s Staircase — an unbenched, 340m descent to the Jubilee Hut. Extreme care is recommended.
Beginners: Ride The Big Easy, a beautifully built 6.1km cycle trail that allows most riders to reach the Signal Hill
Lookout with ease. The trail winds through native bush and ends with a view across the city and Otago Harbour. It’s a two-way track and the descent is exhilarating. Families: Take a 1.5 hour Walk to Sandfly Bay. Combine wildlife watching with coastal views and watch the kids delight in sliding down the sand dunes (or join in too). Accessible adventure: Explore the beautiful and rugged coastline near the entrance of the Otago Harbour on a Monarch Wildlife Cruise. Manual wheelchair users can access the boat using a ramp (the electric wheelchairs are usually too wide for it). On the one-hour cruise, enjoy uninterrupted views of the world’s only mainland colony of royal albatross. Plus, let your expert skipper take you up-close to the rocky outcrops below the
historic lighthouse where New Zealand fur seals sleep, fight and play. dunedinnz.com
FIORDLAND
Super fit: Set off on the Kepler track, a Great Walk with the very best that Fiordland has to offer — mossy beech forests, cascading waterfalls, ancient valleys and limestone formations. This four-day hike reaches its highest point at Mount Luxmore with views to Lake Te Anau and into the depths of Fiordland National Park.
Beginners: Experience the highlights of the Kepler track on the Kepler Heli-Hike. This guided helicopter flight will take you from Te Anau to the first hut on the Kepler Track at Mount Luxmore. Here you can explore the alpine area, walk to the summit (optional), then take a guided walk on a well-formed section of the Kepler Track to the sandy beach of Brod Bay. Finish your day with a boat cruise to Te Anau township. This is a downhill 8km walk on a wide track with plenty of stops along the way. A medium fitness level is required.
Families: Treat yourself to The Sanctuary, an intrepid experience that families will love. The tour includes a private boat trip on scenic Lake Te Anau and a short hike through lush beech forests to Lake Hankinson, a small glacial lake. Venture further into Fiordland on a second boat for mesmerising views of the surrounding landscape before reaching Hankinson Hut, one of the oldest backcountry huts in Fiordland National Park. Enjoy a gourmet platter lunch before a scenic helicopter flight over the Takahe Wilderness area. fiordland.org.nz
SOUTHLAND
Super fit: Walk the world-class Tu¯a¯tapere Hump Ridge Track, a three-day loop with world-class views. Wind through soaring limestone tors, and take in the panoramic views to south-west Fiordland, the rugged southern coastline and Stewart Island. Walking days are long and some sections are steep and rugged.
Beginners: Hike the South Mavora Lake Track, a short but spellbinding trail, through beech canopy along the lake’s shore. Stay overnight at a DoC campsite.
Families: Play at Queens Park, a magnificent public park and Garden of National Significance in the heart of Invercargill. The sprawling park covers 80 hectares of beautifully kept gardens and wildlife habitats. Enjoy the playground, waterpark and extensive sporting facilities including an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, cricket, croquet and bowling clubs and a 4km fitness trail.
Accessible adventures: Take the 15-minute return track to the Pu¯ra¯kaunui Falls, one of New Zealand’s most photographed sights. The track is suitable for wheelchair users to the top viewing platform, and there is a car park, toilets and picnic area at the beginning of the track.
southlandnz.com
For more New Zealand travel ideas and inspiration, go to newzealand.com