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New Zealand

Sights in New Zealand

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    Yellow-Eyed Penguin Colony

    There are large hides and good trails to the yellow-eyed penguin colony at Bushy Beach, where the penguins come ashore in late afternoon to feed their young. Two hours before dark is the best time to see them. Despite their Maori name, hoiho (noisy shouter), they’re extremely shy; if they see or hear you they’ll head back into the water. Graves Trail, a 2.5km low-tide walk, starts from the end of Waterfront Rd and follows the rugged coastline around to the yellow-eyed colony at Bushy Beach. Watch out for fur seals, and do not use a flash when photographing the penguins.

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    Wairere Falls

    Tumbling down the cliffs behind the town, picture-perfect Te Wairere (Wairere Falls) occupies a deliciously damp nook, and once powered flax and flour mills and supplied Whakatane’s drinking water. It's a gorgeous spot, and goes almost completely unheralded: in any other county there's be a ticket booth, interpretive audiovisual displays and a hotdog van!

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    Presbyterian Church Hall

    The wooden Presbyterian Church Hall was relocated to Oban from a whaling base in Paterson Inlet in 1937.

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    Te Ana Maori Rock Art Centre

    Interesting showcase of the significance of Maori rock art to the Ngai Tahu tribe. Passionate Maori guides really bring to life the innovative exhibition. You can also take a three-hour excursion (departing 3pm, adult/child/family $125/50/250) around the surrounding region to see isolated rock art in situ. Prior booking is essential for the tours. Entrance is via the i-SITE.

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  17. Te Waikoropupu Springs

    ‘Pupu Springs' are the largest freshwater springs in Australasia and reputedly the clearest in the world. About 14,000 litres of water per second surges from underground vents dotted around the reserve, including one with ‘dancing sands’ propelled upwards by gushing water. The water looks enticing, but swimming or even touching the water is a no-no. From Takaka, head 4km northwest on SH60, turn inland at Waitapu Bridge and keep going for 3km.

    reviewed

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  19. Tikokino

    Tikokino was once a timber town but is now known for its lovely private gardens, open to visitors during spring and early summer. The information centre can help you with details.

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    DOC Te Anau Wildlife Centre

    Native bird species – including the rare flightless takahe, NZ pigeons, tui, kaka, and weka.

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  21. Te Anau Glowworm Caves

    Once present only in Maori legends, these impressive caves were rediscovered in 1948. Accessible only by boat, the 200m-long system of caves is a magical place with sculpted rocks, waterfalls small and large, whirlpools and a glittering glowworm grotto in its inner reaches. Real Journeys runs 2¼-hour guided tours ($70/22 per adult/child), reaching the heart of the caves by a walkway and a short underground boat ride.

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