Other activities in Pacific
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Riverlife Adventure Centre
Opened in 2005, this diverse centre offers a wealth of river- and land-based activities. Group kayaking lessons along the Brisbane River are held daily at 1pm ($34), Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm ($45), or you can hire your own ($25 for 1½ hours). The paddle and prawns ($69; 1½ hours kayaking followed by beer and prawns on the riverfront deck) on Friday nights from 7pm gets rave reviews. On Thursdays at noon you can participate in traditional Aboriginal song and dance performances (adult/child $45/25) with members of the Nunukul, Yuggera, Yugimbir and Nugi tribes. Performances ($65 per person) are also held on Saturday at 7pm; bookings are essential.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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)
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Neudorf
Moss-covered barnlike complex; gorgeous pinot noir and some of the country’s finest chardonnay.
reviewed
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E
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).
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Heysen Trail
Australia’s longest walking trail: 1200km between Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges. Access points along the way make it ideal for half- and full-day walks. Note that due to fire restrictions, some sections of the trail are closed between December and April.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Mills Charters
Whales pass by Perth on their annual journey to Antarctic waters from September to December, offering a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Mills Charters runs an informative three-hour whale-watching trip from Hillarys Boat Harbour.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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Marama Tattoo
For traditionally designed tattoos head to Marama Tattoo in Matira Point. Popular, sterile and reliable.
reviewed
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Purangi Estate
On the way to Hahei, Purangi Estate has a cafe and free tastings of fruit wines and liqueurs.
reviewed
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Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding
Bellrowan Valley Horse Riding is in the hinterland, 30 minutes’ drive from Port Macquarie.
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Charles Darwin National Park
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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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