Activities in New Zealand
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FEATURED
Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua
3 hours (Departs Rotorua, New Zealand)
by Viator
Kaituna River features grade 5 rapids plus the awesome 7 meter (21 feet) Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. Take the ultimate thrill…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$75.08 - All activities
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Polynesian Spa
The Polynesian Spa is in the Government Gardens. A bathhouse was opened at these 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 housed in the modern complex are several more commercial activities such as luxury therapies (massage, mud and beauty treatments) as well as a cafe and gift shop.
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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 its website, including excellent kayak-fishing excursions (day/overnight $290/590)
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Tamaki Maori Village
Maori culture is a major drawcard in Rotorua and, although some find it heavily commercialised, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the indigenous culture of NZ. The two big activities are concerts and hangi meals, often packaged together in an evening’s entertainment that features the famous hongi, haka, and poi dances.
An established favourite is Tamaki Maori Village, which does an excellent twilight tour to a marae (meeting house) and Maori village 15km south of Rotorua. Buses collect from the Hinemaru St booking office and also from most accommodation, and feature a briefing on marae protocol by a Maori ‘entertainer’ (aka hilarious bus driver). The concer…
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Gondola
The gondola whisks you from the Heathcote Valley terminal to the cafe-restaurant complex on Mt Cavendish (500m) in 10 minutes. Expect great views over Lyttelton Harbour and towards the Southern Alps. Paths lead to the Crater Rim Walkway, or you can gondola up and cycle down. Lyttelton bus 28 travels here. Secure a combo deal (adult/child/family $35/12/80) if you’re planning on also riding the tram.
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Snowplanet
Snowplanet is a winter wonderland that allows every day to be a snowy one, with indoor skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding. It’s just off SH1, 8km south of Orewa.
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Neudorf
Moss-covered barnlike complex; gorgeous pinot noir and some of the country’s finest chardonnay.
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Tongariro River Rafting
The Tongariro River has some superb Grade III rapids for river rafting, as well as Grade I stretches suitable for beginners in the lower reaches during summer. Tongariro River Rafting can start you off with a three-hour trip on Grade II Tongariro rapids or take you on a full day’s raft fishing (summer only, price on enquiry). The company also hires out mountain bikes (two hours/half-day/full day/42 Traverse, $25/35/45/65) and runs guided and unguided biking trips on the 42 Traverse, Tongariro River Track, Moerangi Station, Tree Trunk Gorge and Fishers Track (two hours to full day, $70 to $160).
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Rotorua Maori Hangi Dinner and Performance
3.5 hours (Departs Rotorua, New Zealand)
by Viator
Complete your adventure through Rotorua with a traditional Maori "hangi" feast. You'll travel by coach to Tamaki Maori Village where your local guide will escor…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$79.63 -
Alpine Springs & Spa
The Alpine Springs & Spa is open all year round with hot pools scattered amid quickly growing native trees. Private pools and saunas ($24 per hour) are also available, and spa packages start at $80. ‘Skate and Soak’ combo deals are available, and there’s a good cafe for coffee and cake, or a snack and something stronger.
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O’Keefe’s Fishing Specialists
There’s always good fishing to be had somewhere around the lakes. You can hire guides to fish for trout or go solo, but either way a licence (per day/season $21/105) is essential, available from O’Keefe’s Fishing Specialists. You can fish Rotorua’s lakefront with a licence, though not all lakes can be fished year-round; check with O’Keefe’s.
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Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua
3 hours (Departs Rotorua, New Zealand)
by Viator
Kaituna River features grade 5 rapids plus the awesome 7 meter (21 feet) Tutea Falls, the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall. Take the ultimate thrill…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$75.08 -
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Cable Car
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 are a cafe, the Wellington Botanic Gardens, an 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 development. Take the cable car back down the hill, or ramble down through the Botanic Gardens (a 30- to 60-minute walk, depending on your wend).
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Waterways Boating Safaris
It’s a boat tour Cap’n, but not as we know it. Buzz around majestic Keneperu Sound in your own craft, while learning about the area’s ecology and history. A unique and fun way to see the Sounds. Two people per boat and a maximum of five boats per guide. BYO lunch.
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Green Glow Eco-Adventures
Green Glow Eco-Adventures runs customised, small-group Waitomo tours, putting 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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Paradise Valley Ventures
The very safe and professional Paradise Valley Ventures takes treks for novices and experienced riders through a 700-acre farm north of Rotorua. Shorter and longer treks also available.
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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 Run
Popular full-day boat cruise through the far reaches of Pelorus Sound on a genuine NZ Post delivery run. Bookings essential; BYO lunch. Picton 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; wet suits, masks and snorkels are provided. Limited numbers, so book in advance.
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Brett Cameron
Offers boat charters (per hour $100, minimum three hours) and quad-bike adventure fishing in National Park (one/two people $750/850). Licences extra.
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Filter Room
Surrounded by orchards, these folk offer a large range of beers and ciders, all brewed on-site, plus a $12 tasting tray and tummy-filling food.
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Purangi Estate
On the way to Hahei, Purangi Estate has a cafe and free tastings of fruit wines and liqueurs.
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Ocean Spa
A spiffy waterfront pool complex that includes a beauty spa, gym and cafe.
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Fiordland Community Pool
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Blue Ocean Charters
Fishing, diving and sightseeing trips (including one to Tuhua Island) on the TS Ohorere, MV Te Kuia and MV Ratahi.
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Clutha River Cruise
To experience the scenery and history of the region by boat, join a 2½-hour Clutha River Cruise. Book at the Alexandra i-SITE.
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