Water Adventure Safety Guide

Water adventure activities are a popular attraction for both independent travellers and locals in New Zealand. Water sports such as kayaking and rafting are a lot fun, however it’s important that you’re equipped with general river safety information to prevent any serious injury.

General river safety

The following hazards apply to all river sports and can ultimately lead to hypothermia or drowning. Reading about these hazards is easy. Recognising and dealing with them safely requires skills that take time and experience to develop. Beginners should join a club and/or go paddling with experienced people.

Whirlpools

A whirlpool has a downwards-moving vortex (spiral) of water in its centre. If you can’t swim out of it then the theory is to follow the water down into the vortex, possibly by diving, to be spat out downstream a few seconds later.

Rocks

If you capsize in a rapid there is a good chance that you’ll hit rocks while speeding along underwater. To avoid serious head injury, a helmet should always be worn. Being pinned against or wrapped around a rock (or log) by the current is a paddler’s worst nightmare. Lean downstream, grab the rock and get out of your kayak immediately. This is a very serious situation - yell out to the others in your group straight away.

Trees and Log Jams

Because of their frequently changing position in the river and ease with which they can trap you, trees and log jams are an insidious danger. Trees that drag their branches in the river can easily be spotted, and should be avoided like the plague. Logs carried down and jammed across the river by floods are less obvious and therefore more dangerous hazards. At worst they form a submerged mesh that lets water pass through but sieves out paddlers.

Stoppers

Stoppers are large waves, formed at the bottom of a drop, that break back on themselves. As the name suggests they can stop you from moving down river. Approach them at full speed and you should break through. If not, then paddle sideways to the edge of the stopper or, as a last resort, dive deep. The water under a stopper will carry you downstream.

Approaching Rapids

Never paddle down a rapid blind. If you can’t see all of a rapid before entering it, then get out of the river and scout it out thoroughly. This will give you the best chance of avoiding the hazards mentioned above. If you have any doubts about the safety of the rapid you should portage it.

General safety equipment

Wetsuit and helmets

We recommend wearing a wetsuit for all river sports: they keep you warm, buoyant and provide cushioning when bumping into rocks. Cheap ones can be bought secondhand. The armless and hoodless variety provide more flexibility for kayaking. A helmet should always be worn in case you hit your head on an underwater obstacle after capsizing.

Life jackets and bouyancy vests

Apart from keeping you floating the right way up, a well fitting life jacket is comfortable and provides some protection against bashing into rocks if you are swept down a rapid. You should attach a whistle to your life jacket.

Throwline

A 20 metre length of rope is often essential for hauling people out of eddies, stoppers and whirlpools. Polyproylene rope is best as it floats. Ready made throwlines can be bought from some specialist outdoor shops.

Water Adventure Must Do’s in New Zealand

White Water Kayaking

Kayaking is New Zealand’s most popular river sport. It’s an individual’s sport, involving a lot of fun challenges. Staying upright while trying to avoid boulders and punch through waves is enough to double anyone’s heart rate. The more peaceful side of the sport involves gently gliding down beautiful rivers and through remote wilderness areas.

Skills

Kayaks have more speed and maneuverability than rafts. However, these are not positive attributes until you have the skill and judgment to be able to use them to your advantage. Until the eskimo roll is mastered, any mistakes usually result in a ’swim’ (being swept down a rapid while desperately clutching your canoe and paddle). New Zealand has an extensive network of canoeing clubs, many of which provide excellent instruction courses. As kayaking is potentially very dangerous, it is best to learn with a club or commercial canoe school.

Equipment

Currently the best all-purpose white water kayak is the Dancer. You’ll also need a paddle, spray skirt and spray jacket (or nylon wind breaker), as well as the general safety equipment previously mentioned. Canoe clubs usually hire out equipment at very reasonable rates.

Tubing

Tubing is a lot of fun and has a strong appeal because it costs nothing and requires few technical skills compared to kayaking. A tube raft can easily be carried into remote rivers and constructed on site. After lashing a couple of over-inflated truck tyre inner-tubes together and making an improvised paddle, you’re away. It’s a hard-case sport that will probably never make it to the Olympics.

Skills

The main skill required is knowing how to read the river. Tubing itself is a piece of cake. A tube raft is stable (or at least it should be) and easy to climb back onto if you capsize. Picking the right line down the river and avoiding the obstacles mentioned above is not so easy. Tube rafts are difficult to steer and spin around quickly after bumping into rocks. They are very slow on long flat sections.

Equipment

For each rafter, beg, borrow, or steal two large truck tubes and 5 metres of rope, and the safety equipment previously mentioned. Each party needs at least one foot pump, a puncture repair kit, a valve tool and plenty of spare valves. You can get most of this stuff from your local garage. Paddles can be improvised out of almost anything (take a look at the cover!). The perfect craft has yet to be designed, so we’ll leave that up to you. But make sure it’s tied together tightly and there’s nothing loose that you can get snagged on. To inflate a tube quickly, take the valve out, blow it up by mouth, screw the valve back in, then use the foot pump to inflate it the rest of the way.

Rafting

To raft down really rough rivers (grade IV and V), you should go with a professional rafting company. Most guided trips are safe, well organised and no previous experience is required, even for really big water.

River Sledging

This exciting new sport involves swimming, with the aid of a glorified boogie board and flippers, down rivers and through rapids that would take years to master in a canoe. As yet the sledges cannot be bought in New Zealand, but a few adventure companies offer excellent trips on some of our most popular rivers.

Sea Kayaking

The kayak was originally designed and built by Eskimos to be used in the sea, and in recent years there has been a revival of using it for this purpose. Nowadays, well designed fibreglass and plastic, single or double kayaks can be hired at most of the best paddling spots. Both stable and fast, these kayaks can glide along at the same speed as a walker but carry twice as much gear.

Skills

Only basic kayaking skills and a moderate level of fitness are required. With a little common sense it’s a very safe activity. A full briefing on kayaking techniques, safety procedures and the area you’re paddling in should be given by the company you hire the kayaks from. If you’re still hesitant, hire a guide. Companies do not rent kayaks to solo paddlers.

Equipment

Along with the kayak, a life jacket, spray skirt, paddle, and safety flares are provided. Often, camping equipment and snorkelling gear are also available. Take all the standard outdoor stuff, and an extra large sunhat and sunglasses.

Diving

Diving reveals an unimaginable world of strange creatures and bizarre plants - it’s often difficult to tell which is which. To skin dive you need three basic things: a mask to see, a snorkel to breathe and flippers to move. A wetsuit in cold waters enables you to dive without freezing to death. To go scuba diving you have to sit a course to obtain a scuba certificate. Shops will not fill your tanks unless you have one. Never dive alone.

Essential Adventure Equipment and Skills

If you want to get the most out of your next adventure trip, then you need to buy the right gear. This comprehensive guide will ensure that you’ll venture farther and enjoy yourself more. The following information is relevant to all outdoor adventures in New Zealand.

Before you go…

Before your trip get as much information as possible by reading guide books, talking to the staff at the local DOC office or visiting your local outdoors club. Leave your trip intentions with someone responsible at home, or at a DOC visitors centre. Always take a good map. A compass, and the ability to use it is essential for some of the adventures featured on this blog.

First aid

For every adventure take a good first aid kit. At the very minimum take a bandage, sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, a needle, painkillers, sunburn cream, waterproof paper and pencil, and any special medication needed (for asthmatics, etc). However, the most important thing of all to take is a good knowledge of first aid. Go on a first aid course and buy an outdoor first aid manual.

Camping

Choose a well drained camp site that isn’t likely to become an island or a lake if it rains. If cooking over a fire, light it downwind, as sparks easily melt through nylon tents. In really wet conditions it may not be possible to light a fire so it is always advisable to take a portable stove.

Weather

The weather in New Zealand is very difficult to predict. Be prepared for extremes at any time of year, especially if heading above the bush line.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold, wet or windy weather conditions. If a person in your party appears exhausted, uncoordinated or claims not to be cold when everyone else is freezing, they probably have hypothermia. You must act quickly to save his or her life.

Set up an emergency camp immediately. Get them out of the wind and rain, put dry clothes on and get them into a sleeping bag with someone else (not someone who is also developing the symptoms). Do not massage, do not give alcohol, do not apply heat quickly, and, most important, do not push on to make it to a hut. The little heat they have left must not be drawn away from their internal organs. If they are conscious, give them warm sweet drinks. If there is no sign of improvement, go for help.

Food

Take whatever you want, and eat as much as you can, as long as you can carry it. Remember though that food is your fuel and it must have a high energy content. Many outdoor books give a comprehensive list of the types of food that are best to take. You don’t have to buy expensive, dehydrated, freeze-dried mush. Don’t forget billies to cook it in and cutlery to eat it with. Also take lots of snacks that don’t require cooking (biscuits, chocolate bars, fruit, etc).

Rivers

Most New Zealand rivers rise and fall within a matter of hours (sometimes less) during heavy rain. Never attempt to cross, float or paddle down, a flooded river. Apart from their obvious swollen nature, flooded rivers can be recognised by their brown colour and the faint rumbling sound of boulders being swept downstream. Crossing rivers even in normal flows can be a major danger in the back country. Rivers often require experience to cross safely and/or patience to wait until their level drops.

Tents

A tent fly (large square of nylon with guy ropes attached) is perfectly adequate for camping below the bushline. However, an insect-proof tent makes life a lot more bearable in the sandfly and mosquito-infested South Island forests. Tents come in two main designs: the old-fashioned A-frame, and the tunnel, tube or dome tent. Tube tents are strong, waterproof and lightweight, but also expensive. A-frame tents are cheap and roomy, but heavier than tube tents.

Sleeping bags

Basically there are two types of sleeping bag: synthetic or down. Synthetic bags are cheap but bulky and heavy. Down bags (filled with fine duck or goose feathers) are very warm for their weight and compact well, but cost an arm and a leg (and a few ducks). Down bags are next to useless when wet; synthetic ones are better. To keep sleeping bags dry, always pack them in a plastic bag inside the stuff sack.

Sleeping mats

A closed cell foam mat is the most commonly used insulation between you and the cold ground. They cost about $15 and are light, waterproof and warm. The inflatable Thermarest is waterproof, warm, comfortable, and expensive (unless it gets punctured, in which case it’s only expensive).

Stoves

Stoves are an easier and more environmentally sound alternative to fires. There are several types on the market but two of the best are the MSR for a high heat output, lightweight, easily maintained, high altitude (and possibly multi-fuelled) stove, and the methylated-spirits fuelled Trangia for a low cost, low maintenance, lightweight stove.

Fuel

White spirit for camping stoves is sold at most petrol stations and comes under four different brand names: Shellite or Shell X55 (Shell), Calite (Caltex), Britolite (BP), and Pegasol AA (Mobil). Methylated spirits and kerosene are widely available.

Clothes

For any trip into an isolated area you’ll need a rainproof parka/jacket and warm clothes. Waterproof-breathable materials such as Goretex and Reflex are comfortable but expensive. Japara or PVC raincoats do the job almost as well, for a fraction of the cost.

You’ll need at least three warm tops and one or two warm bottoms, made out of materials such as wool, polypropylene, or polarfleece. There’s not much difference in the performance of wool compared to synthetics. Wool is warm in very wet conditions. Synthetics are light and fast drying (they’re also quite flammable). Most of the wool clothes you need can be bought for a few dollars at the local Op shop. Cotton is next to useless when it’s wet. Also take warm socks, a hat or balaclava, windproof over-trousers, and gloves or mittens. Pack everything inside a plastic rubbish bag or pack liner to keep it dry.

Other essential items

Always take a torch (with spare bulb and batteries), candle and matches, water bottle, pocket knife, toilet paper, map and compass.

For all outdoor activities, except caving, you should take good sunglasses and sunscreen (factor 15+). They are absolutely essential for sea kayaking and snow travel.

Survival Kit

In the event of being lost or trapped in the bush, this tiny little kit will become invaluable for your survival. Pack it into a plastic bag inside a waterproof container, and carry it in your bumbag or pack:

1. Waterproof matches (packed inside a film canister)
2. Waterproof paper and a small pencil
3. Half a candle
4. Pocket knife or razor blade
5. Small roll of Leucoplast tape
6. Fish hooks and a few metres of line
7. Length of cord
8. Survival bag or blanket
9. Whistle.

Classic New Zealand Adventures

Rob Roy Glacier Track

This excellent day tramp in Wanaka takes you up to the head of Rob Roy Stream, amongst the peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. The shattered faces of Rob Roy Peak are exposed beneath massive ice falls. There is an open basin at the head of the valley, which is a brilliant place to spend a hot summer’s day. This trip is one of the most spectacular day walks in the region and takes 4-6 hours return.

Skippers Canyon

For an excellent day ride with lots of variety and brilliant scenery, try Skippers Canyon. Head out of Queenstown on Arthurs Point Road and ride up to Skippers Saddle (930 m). From there you can take the old pack track to the right of the road. It’s a neat little single track that rejoins Skippers Road about a third of the way to Skippers Bridge. At the bridge you can watch bungy jumpers plummet 71 metres into the canyon. Over the bridge and 1 km further on is a picnic and camping area with fresh tap water. From there several adventurous day trips can be done. All you need is a map and a keen sense for exploration.

Shotover River Rafting

This is the most commercially rafted river in the South Island. The commonly rafted section is from Deep Creek in Skippers Canyon to Arthurs Point. With medium to high river flows, it’s an excellent grade IV rafting trip. At low flow, however, it’s not what the marketing videos would have you believe. Following the Mother Rapid, the final thrill is rafting through the pitch black Oxenbridge Tunnel - an old gold mining water race. The river is run by every rafting company in Queenstown. Just walk down the main street to get an idea of who offers what in terms of trips and prices. The approximate cost is $55 for a 2 hour trip.

Skippers Bungy Jump

Bungying is the process of leaping from a colossal height with a high tech rubber band tied around your ankles. Ten years ago it would have probably turned up in our lunatic category.

Looming 71 metres above the Shotover River, Skippers Bridge is first glimpsed by many through the bow spray of a Skippers Jetboat. Peering up from the bottom of this dark canyon will probably fill you with dread rather than joy.

With an insane cheerfulness your name is called. Your feet are then attached to the end of that famous umbilical cord. Any urge you may have had to throw yourself irrationally from a high place disappears completely. Madly hoping that thoughts are the only thing about to go through your head, you inch your way out on the little board extending from the bridge. Peer pressure is a baffling thing, and very soon you’ll notice that your brain has told your body to leap. Whistling air is followed by relief and you’ll realise, with the courage of hindsight, that the secret behind its success is making something that is completely safe look utterly lethal.

Jump costs start at $145, depending on your choice of transport. A smaller jump at the Kawarau Bridge costs $89. Book through any adventure office in Queenstown. Remember, to be cool in Queenstown use your initials only - definitely no first names.

Tandem Paragliding

A tandem paraglider enables two people to fly together. Absolute beginners can fly with an instructor, riding the thermals above Queenstown for up to 45 minutes. Flights cost from $150 for early bird bookings. Contact Queenstown Tandem Paraglide for an exhilarating paragliding flight from the top of the Skyline Gondola, which overlooks stunning Queenstown and the beautiful Lake Wakatipu.

Rees-Dart Track

A popular intermediate tramp in the Queenstown area is the 4-6 day (70 km) Rees-Dart track. After walking up the Rees Valley you cross over Rees Saddle (1506 m), and descend into the headwaters of the Dart River. From here the track follows the Dart River down valley, amongst spectacular scenery.

There are four huts, plenty of secluded camping spots and several rock bivouacs. From the shelter of the bush deep within the mountains, keen trampers can do some great day trips. On a good day you could zip up to Cascade Saddle for some great views, checking out the Dart Glacier on the way.

This area has more than its share of sand flies. The road ends, 20 km drive from each other, are well serviced by public transport from November to April. For more information contact DOC in Queenstown.

Routeburn Track

The historic Routeburn Track was once part of the route connecting Queenstown with the now-defunct settlement of Jamestown on Fiordland’s west coast. In recent times it has become one of the country’s most popular alpine walks.

Most trampers take 2-3 days to cover the 40 km track across Harris Saddle (1280 m) to the head of Lake Wakatipu and the Milford-Te Anau Road. This high quality track slips through some dramatic alpine country as it crosses over the main divide to the rainforested Hollyford Valley in the west. From Harris Saddle there are stunning views across to the Darren Mountains. This section of track is also exposed to the full brunt of any foul weather, so go well equipped. You may find some solitude if you wander off on side trips (such as Conical Hill) but if you want to avoid crowds, go elsewhere. Try the Greenstone or Caples valleys, they’re not so crowded and there are plenty of camp sites.

From November to April there is plenty of public transport servicing both ends of the track. A winter crossing requires alpine equipment and skills. Camping within 500 metres of the track is prohibited. For more information ask DOC in Queenstown.

Eyre Mountains

The Eyre Mountains, just south of Queenstown, provide excellent wilderness opportunities for the experienced ski-tourer. There are no public huts so tents, or a snow shovel for snow caving, must be taken. Access permission must be obtained from the Landcorp stations Cainard, and Eyre Creek. You can drive about 10 km from Highway 6, up either Mataura Creek or Eyre Creek, from where you may have to walk several kilometres - it all depends on the snow level.

Milford Track

The Milford Track, in Fiordland National Park, connects the head of Lake Te Anau with Milford Sound. From Lake Te Anau it follows the West Branch of the Clinton River up to Mackinnon Pass (1073 m), before descending to Milford Sound, via Arthur River and Lake Ada to Milford Sound. Its international fame, combined with its magnificent beauty, has made this trip so popular that it has become the first of New Zealand’s tramps to need restrictions on the number of walkers. This has stopped the place being trampled to death and gives walkers more space to enjoy themselves. Bookings need to be made well in advance through the Tourist Hotel Corporation - March to April is the quietest time. If you feel this is a bit much bureaucracy for a get-away-from-it-all trip, you’re not the only one.

The walking season is from November to April. During winter, transport is scarce, the pass is treacherous and avalanches are a danger. Camping within 500 metres of the track is prohibited. For more information ask DOC at Te Anau.

Percy Pass

Percy Pass, just southwest of the spectacular Lake Manapouri, is one of the most challenging mountain bike routes in New Zealand. From Manapouri township catch the tourist boat to the West Arm of the lake. Then simply follow the pylon track, under the power station transmission lines, to the top of Percy Pass. The track ends here, and to continue you must carry/drag your bike through thick bush for 1.5 uncharted kilometres. If you use the transmission lines above as a guide then you’ll pick up another pylon track that heads southeast to Monowai. From there it’s about 40 km back to Manapouri. The whole trip takes about two days.

The day trip from West Arm over to Doubtful Sound and back again is also very rewarding.

Kayak Dragging

For a full-on out of control adventure, try kayak dragging. This is a highly evolved version of water skiing. Substitute the skis with a plastic kayak, the boat with a car and use a wet paddock as your lake.

Sit in the kayak, but leave your legs sticking out over the front deck. This means that if you wipe out, you can vacate your plastic missile quickly - kayaks don’t come with roll bars (yet). Grab hold of a 10 metre tow line and ask someone you trust to drive the car. Never tie the rope to yourself or the kayak, just hold on to it.

This is a great spectator sport. It’s interesting to see which destructs first; car, kayak or kayaker.

Action in Paradise

New Zealand is known as the place to go for extreme sport and adventure. So it is not surprising that three new adventure activities have been created.

New Zealand has a reputation for being not only clean and green, but also extreme. Called ‘natures playground’ by many, its diverse landscape of rivers, mountains and beaches provide a dramatic backdrop to all forms of adventure activities.

In the 1980s, Kiwi A J Hackett established New Zealand as the home of extreme adventure tourism with the development of the Bungy Jump. This activity, based on a ancient ritual performed by the people of Vanuatu, allowed people to jump off bridges to rivers below without physical damage – the ultimate adrenalin rush. Hackett established bungy jumping sites off high bridges throughout New Zealand and the world.

But if you’ve been there, done that and got the T-shirt, then check out some other ‘white knuckle’ activities created by innovative New Zealanders.

Sky Jump at Auckland Sky Tower

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to jump from one of the world’s highest buildings, then this is the place for you. The Sky Tower at Auckland has recently opened a new activity – the sky jump. It is 192 meters from the top of the tower to the ground. Anyone willing (wearing a full body harness that is clipped to a specially designed cable) can play like superman and plummet toward the sidewalk below at speeds of 60 km/hour. Fan decelerators similar to those used for major movie stunts will ensure that as ‘superman’ (or superwoman) nears the ground, the speed is reduced so that a safe landing occurs.

Fly By Wire

If you’ve ever wanted to fly a fighter plane, this activity might fit the bill, sort of a real live fight simulator.

Located in the North Island at Paekakariki (near Wellington) and in the South Island at Queenstown, this ride is the world’s fastest land based adventure flight. Within seconds you can go from 3 G to weightlessness in the matter of seconds (for those who don’t talk pilot lingo, that means ‘you go fast’.)

The brainchild of Kiwi Neil Harper, this ‘part rocket, part plane’ is like a giant tethered aircraft. Located in a valley, the aircraft is suspended by a heavy-duty cable to a series of high-tension cables attached to large concrete blocks. The pilot is strapped face down into the open cockpit and then hauled back until the nose is pointing down toward the ground. On release, you are in control, using the handlebars and fully instrumented dashboard to steer the plane powered by a 60-horsepower engine.

The plane will fly anywhere below the cables, allowing you to do hairpin turns, buzz the ground and skim the treetops. A real ‘Top Gun’ experience.

Zorb

Located in the North Island at Paihia (Bay of Islands) and Rotorua.

This is another uniquely New Zealand invention suited to those who prefer staying closer to the ground Imagine a giant beach ball that you can crawl inside off and you have the Zorb. Climb inside, roll down a hill at speeds of 50 km/hour and you can call yourself a ‘zorbonaut’.

The creation of two New Zealanders (Andrew Ayers and Dwaine van der Sluis), the Zorb is a 3 meter clear PVC sphere inflated with 13 cubic meters of air. An entrance tunnel leads to an inner sphere (where the Zorbonaut is harnessed in) is stabilized by 1000 internal ties. This, by the way, is not for the claustrophobic.

Once strapped inside the inner sphere of the Zorb, you have no control of speed or direction. The Zorb is pushed off the platform at the top of the hill and you start spinning as you head down the slope. It’s quite a unique feeling, going head over heels, watching an ever-moving horizon. Disorientating really and very, very strange.

So if you’re looking for some extreme fun whilst traveling in New Zealand, you have plenty to choose from.

Wine Country

Mention a wine tasting vacation and most people think of France’s burgundy region, Germany’s Rhineland or California’s Napa Valley. Few would think of New Zealand.

Nestled deep in the South Pacific, New Zealand seems an unlikely wine producing country. Far better known as a producer of dairy and meat products, it evokes images of sheep grazing on rugged mountain slopes and vast expanses of emerald green meadows.

Closer examination, however, reveals that vineyards and wineries are as common a sight as the millions of sheep and cattle that dot the landscape. There are, in fact, ten established wine regions in New Zealand producing a diverse collection of cool climate wines with distinctive varietal flavours and boutiques.

Increasingly, these wines are collecting gold medals at international competitions. New Zealand Sauvingon Blanc is in great demand worldwide, while the Chardonney, Reisling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvingon, and Merlot are gaining fast recognition. Many major airlines (Air New Zealand, British Airways) now feature these wines on their international flights, providing a pleasant and enjoyable surprise for their passengers.

From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, there are over 300 wineries that offer wine tasting, tours and cellar sales. Many provide dining facilities – ranging from picnic areas to five star restaurants.

The main wine regions (from north to south) are Northland, Auckland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Wellington in the North Island, and Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, and Central Otago in the South Island .

The best time to visit is January / February when it is summer (remember this is the southern hemisphere) and the vineyards are emerald green. Check in at each regions tourist center to find out more about their wineries. Most regions offer wine tours and trail maps.

For more information, check out this website: New Zealand Wine

New Zealand Motels

Kiwi Motels is the Internet’s newest New Zealand Motels directory. You can search for motels in New Zealand by region, town, city, or district. To help you plan your holiday or business trip, we have provided a selection of several hundred New Zealand motels to choose from. The properties listed on Kiwi Motels will suit all budgets.

Top 5 Destinations in New Zealand

Travellers to New Zealand vote with their feet to prove which are the top five most popular destinations in the country. This is where they go.

Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, with its twin harbours and sheltered bays, beaches and islands is New Zealand’s most dynamic metropolis.

Bay of Islands
One of the most beautiful New Zealand travel destinations The Bay of Islands, with its 144 islands and myriad of secluded beaches, it’s an aquatic playground.

Milford Sound
Dramatic and grand, Milford Sound is the most accessible of New Zealand’s fiords.

Queenstown
Arguably the action sports capital of the world, Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, hiking, mountain biking, and all kinds of snow sports plus golf, fishing, and lots more.

Rotorua
For well over a century Rotorua, with it geysers and pools of bubbling mud, has been the hot springs spa capital of the South Pacific.

Let us know about your favourite destinations in New Zealand and why they appeal to you.