Nelson is located in the north of New Zealand's South Island. It's a stunning area that boasts some of the country's best weather, as well as its smallest yet most visited national park, Abel Tasman. There's plenty to see and do in the Nelson region, including kayaking, tramping, skydiving and, if you're feeling a little crazy, piloting your own … [Read more...]
Top 10 Things to Do in Wellington
There's a fair bit on offer in New Zealand's capital city, from exciting nightlife to one of the country's best museums and Lord of the Rings experiences. I spent two full days in the city and here are my top 10 things to do in Wellington. MOUNT VICTORIA Mt Victoria offers fantastic views over the harbour and central business district of … [Read more...]
Lord of the Rings Tour: Wellington
Wellington was the main filming and production location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and a visit to New Zealand's capital isn't complete without getting involved in a tour. I joined an afternoon trip with Adventure Safari to see some of the sites where famous scenes were filmed and to visit Weta Cave in Miramar, where hand-crafted … [Read more...]
Jetboating to Huka Falls
In 1954, a man called Sir William Hamilton designed a boat that would be capable of navigating fast-flowing, shallow waters in the sheep-rearing high country of the south island. Some years on, jet boating is one of New Zealand's biggest adventure tourism attractions, and one of the most scenic is the Huka Falls Jet. WHY TRY JET BOATING? Not … [Read more...]
Wai-O-Tapu or Waimangu? Why not both?
One of the major reasons so many tourists stop by in Rotorua is to visit the thermal parks and geysers in the surrounding countryside. With so many bubbling mud pits, fluorescent pools and sporadic eruptions from steam vents, the decision of whether or not to stop by is a no brainer. Perhaps a more challenging choice is which thermal attraction to … [Read more...]
Being a Big Kid in Rotorua
Rotorua really packs a punch. There are so many great activities to do there, especially considering it's quite a small town. I took time out from a packed schedule of rafting and sledging, Maori experiences and geyser trips to try sorbing and to check out the local adventure park - Agroventures Rotorua. ZORBING First up was zorbing! I'd … [Read more...]
A Maori Experience in Rotorua
For an educational Maori experience in Rotorua including fun and games, a haka demonstration, talks on carving and tattooing techniques, and the famous hangi meal, look no further than Tamaki Maori Village. THE WAKA - From the moment you board the bus to Tamaki Village, you will be immersed in Maori culture and encouraged to learn a few … [Read more...]
Rafting and Sledging with Kaitiaki Adventures
For adrenaline-fuelled rafting in New Zealand, you should definitely check out Kaitiaki Adventures. Not only do they take you down a 7-metre waterfall – the highest commercially raftable waterfall in the world – you can combine this trip with sledging, taking you deep into the heart of the rapids on a plastic board with handles! WHY KAITIAKI … [Read more...]
Black Odyssey Caving with the Legendary Blackwater Rafting Company
Long before I came to New Zealand, I’d read about the caves near Waitomo and how you can black water raft through them on inner tubing while marvelling at the thousands of gloworms that illuminate them from above. Things didn’t quite work out that way... My sister and I were signed up to do the Black Abyss tour with the Legendary Blackwater … [Read more...]
Visit the Shire with Hobbiton Movie Set Tours
'It's a dangerous business...going out of your door. You step into the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.' Bilbo Baggins, Lord of the Rings - With a little luck, you will find yourself swept off to the north island of New Zealand, somewhere near Hamilton with a ticket to visit … [Read more...]
