Activities in New Zealand
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FEATURED
Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua
3 hours (Departs Rotorua, New Zealand)
by Viator
lt;pgt;Kaituna River features grade 5 rapids plus the awesome 7 meter (21 feet) Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. Take the ultimate…Not LP reviewed
from USD$78.95 - All activities
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TIME Unlimited
To Integrate Maori Experiences (TIME) is the motto. A hefty set of cultural, fishing, kayaking, trekking and sightseeing tours are outlined on their website, including excellent kayak-fishing excursions (full day $295)
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Polynesian Spa
A bathhouse opened at these Government Gardens springs in 1882, and people have been swearing by the waters ever since. There is mineral bathing (36°C to 42°C) in several picturesque pools at the lake’s edge, marble-lined terraced pools and a larger, main pool. Also here are luxury therapies (massage, mud and beauty treatments) and a cafe.
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Auckland Sea Kayaks
Takes guided trips (including lunch) to Rangitoto ($225, 10 hours) and Browns Island/Motukorea ($175, six hours). Multiday excursions also available.
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Nelson Bonecarving
Admirers of Maori design will love Stephan’s acclaimed bonecarving course. He’ll supply all materials, tools, instruction, encouragement and cups of tea (plus free pick-up/drop-off in town if needed); you supply inspiration and talent and you’ll emerge with your very own bone carving.
reviewed
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Green Glow Eco-Adventures
Green Glow Eco-Adventures runs customised, small-group Waitomo tours, putting a caving, rock-climbing, abseiling, photographic or glowworm spin on your day (or all of the above!). It’s based in Te Kuiti, 20 minutes from Waitomo.
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Snowplanet
A winter wonderland that allows every day to be a snowy one, Snowplanet offers indoor skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding. It’s just off SH1, 8km south of Orewa.
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Lake Tarawera Water Taxi
Around 2km beyond The Landing is Lake Tarawera Water Taxi, which can take you anywhere on the lake, anytime.
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Hukafalls Jet
This 30-minute thrill ride takes you up the river to the spray-filled foot of the Huka Falls and down to the Aratiatia Dam, all the while dodging daringly and doing acrobatic 360° turns. Trips run all day (prices include transport from Taupo) and you can bundle it in with a helicopter ride.
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Tongariro River Rafting
Test the white waters with a Gentle Family Float (adult/child $75/65), splash straight into the Grade III rapids (adult/child $115/105), or try a full day’s raft fishing (summer only, price on enquiry). The operator also hires out mountain bikes and runs guided trips and shuttles on the 42 Traverse, Tongariro River Track, Moerangi Station, Tree Trunk Gorge and Fishers Track. Kayaking and multi-activity combos are also available.
reviewed
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Milford Sound Full-Day Tour from Queenstown
12 hours 30 minutes (Departs Queenstown, New Zealand)
by Viator
Discover Milford Sound on a full-day trip from Queenstown. You'll travel through beautiful Fiordland in a luxury coach with panoramic windows and take an…Not LP reviewed
from USD$185.81 Advertisement
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Dart River Safaris
Journeys into the heart of the spectacular Dart River wilderness, followed by a short nature walk and a 4WD trip. The round trip from Glenorchy takes three hours. You can also combine a jetboat ride with a river descent in an inflatable three-seater ‘funyak’ (adult/child $289/189).
reviewed
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Rotorua Maori Hangi Dinner and Performance
3.5 hours (Departs Rotorua, New Zealand)
by Viator
lt;pgt;Complete your adventure through Rotorua with a traditional Maori "hangi" feast. You'll travel by coach to Tamaki Maori Village where your local guide…Not LP reviewed
from USD$87.72 -
Alpine Springs & Spa
Open all year round, with hot pools scattered amid quickly growing native trees. Private pools and saunas ($26 per hour) are also available, and spa packages start at $120. ‘Skate and Soak’ combo deals are available at the adjacent Winter Park. There’s a good cafe (snacks $5 to $10, open 10am to 7pm) for coffee and cake, or a snack and something stronger.
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O’Keefe’s Fishing Specialists
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Terrace Downs
Terrace Downs, 30km from Methven near Windwhistle, is a ‘high-country resort’ with a world-class 18-hole golf course. Take your pick from three restaurants of increasing sophistication, or escape the rigours of life on the road in Terrace Downs’ recently opened spa (open 10am to 6pm Wednesday to Sunday).
reviewed
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Coast to Coast Walkway
Heading clear across the country from the Tasman to the Pacific (actually, that's only 16km), this walk encompasses One Tree Hill, Mt Eden, the Domain and the University, keeping as much as possible to reserves rather than city streets. You can do it in either direction: starting from the Viaduct Basin and heading south, it’s marked by yellow markers and milestones; heading north from Onehunga there are blue markers. We recommend catching the train to Onehunga, the least impressive trailhead, and finishing up at one of the Viaduct's bars. From Onehunga Station, take Onehunga Mall up to Princes St, turn left and pick up the track at the inauspicious park by the…
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Cable Car & Museum
One of Wellington’s most famous attractions is the little red cable car that clanks up the steep slope from Lambton Quay to Kelburn. At the top is the Wellington Botanic Gardens, the Carter Observatory and the small-but-nifty Cable Car Museum, which tells the cable car’s story since it was built in 1902 to open up hilly Kelburn for settlement. Take the cable car back down the hill, or ramble down through the gardens (a 30- to 60-minute walk, depending on your wend).
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Waterways Boating Safaris
Be guided around the majestic Marlborough Sounds while piloting your own zippy boat. A unique and fun way to get out on the water, see the scenery and learn about the area’s ecology and history. BYO lunch. Local pick-up/drop-offs.
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Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua
3 hours (Departs Rotorua, New Zealand)
by Viator
lt;pgt;Kaituna River features grade 5 rapids plus the awesome 7 meter (21 feet) Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. Take the ultimate…Not LP reviewed
from USD$78.95 -
Karamea Outdoor Adventures
Karamea Outdoor Adventures offers guided kayaking trips on the Oparara and Karamea Rivers, plus freedom kayak and mountain-bike hire, and advice on local excursions.
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Paradise Valley Ventures
The very safe and professional Paradise Valley Ventures takes treks for novices and experienced riders through a 280-hectare farm northwest of Rotorua. Pony rides for the kids, too.
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Outside Sports
Outside Sports offers a wide range of outdoor gear – for sale or rent, tramping, skiing, climbing, camping and just about anything else you might need to get into the outdoors.
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Pelorus Mail Boat
Popular full-day boat cruise through the far reaches of Pelorus Sound on a genuine NZ Post delivery run. Bookings essential; BYO lunch. Picton and Blenheim pick-up and drop-off available.
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Dolphin Encounter
Here’s your chance to rub shoulders with pods of dusky dolphins on three-hour tours. Limited numbers, so book in advance.
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Central Plateau Fishing
Guided fly-fishing, boat charters (per hour $100) and quad-bike adventure fishing in Tongariro National Park (from $750). Licences extra.
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