Geothermal Parks Tours
Credit: Miles Holden
Credit: Will Patino
Scenic Southern Alps
North Island
Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city (and the arrival point of flights from North America) is a bustling metropolis of over a million people, in contrast to the pristine wilderness that the country is known for. Recommended
activities include:
- Wilderness tours to volcanic black sand beaches and fern forests
- Whale and dolphin watching cruises
- Sailing on former America’s Cup racing yachts
Jacuzzi With A View
Scenic TranzAlpine Train Journey
South Island
Nelson
This colorful town enjoys a thriving art scene and is the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Fantastic 3-day walking and ferry tours of the Park are available, as well as 1-day experiences that include
sailing, hiking and kayaking.
Kaikoura
Located on the east coast, the deep waters of the bay are home to an amazing array of sea and bird life. Day cruises allow visitors the chance to swim with
dolphins or watch the sperm whales that live in the bay.
All Dressed Up And Nowhere To Go
Christchurch
This “most English” of New Zealand’s cities is a charming start or finish point for South Island itineraries. Activities include:
- Strolling the downtown area or “punting”
on the River Avon
- Day tours to Kaikoura (see above)
- Alpine day tours including Tranz Alpine Train
- The International Antarctic Center
Jetboat Rides
Credit: Miles Holden
Queenstown
Billed as “the adventure capitol of the world,” Queenstown offers other, less extreme activities as well. Activities include:
- Day or overnight visits to the Milford and Doubtful Sounds
- Scenic flights over
Fiordland National Park
- Jet Boating at high speeds through narrow canyons
- “Dart River Safari” tours, including coach touring, relaxed jet boating and a nature walk
- Lord of the Rings film locations tours
- Lake cruises
on the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter’s Peak Farm for dinner & show.
- Tours of local wineries (NZ wines are fantastic)
- Gondola ascent to the Skyline facility for amazing mountain and lake views, hiking and bungee jumping.
Descent options include mountain bikes, a luge run or hang gliding. This is a good half-day activity.
The West Coast
Known as the “Glacier Coast,” the west coast of the South Island is an amazing drive with the ocean
on one side and the Southern Alps on the other. The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are popular attractions here and can be visited on guided hikes or scenic flights.
White Water Rafting
