ultimate active kiwi adventure

Nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, and with a reputation as the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown is a sophisticated resort destination like no other.

The gateway to the Fiordland National Park, the town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options. 

Located on the southern shores New Zealand’s 4th largest lake, an hour’s drive from Queenstown, Wanaka is renowned for its village character and strong community spirit.

Wanaka is a small town that's big on the outdoors with plenty to keep you entertained. Embraced by the Southern Alps, Wanaka faces north, blessed with an incomparable alpine panorama in whichever direction you look.

There’s an unparalleled selection of walking and biking trails, short hikes, day walks and adventures including multi-day back-country journeys into the wilderness. If you’re looking for less adventure and more relaxation there are wildlife cruises to the lake’s island reserves, eco rafting trips on the Clutha River, winery tours and magnificent scenic flights around Mt Aspiring and to Milford Sound.

The neighbouring Mount Aspiring National Park, with its world-renowned hiking trails has its headquarters in Wanaka; Cardrona and Treble Cone ski resorts are both only a short drive from the town.

The quaint west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, with numbers swelling during the holidays to around 2000 visitors per day. This is glacier country and Franz Josef glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, some 23 kilometres further south, are the main attractions. The town offers a myriad of options for cozy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer. Combine a helicopter tour with a guided walk on the glacial terrain to view ice caves, and spectacular crevasses and pinnacles. Helicopter tours over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop off at the head of either glacier so you can experience the frozen landscape up close.

The tiny township of Punakaiki on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is primarily used by visitors as a base for exploring the nearby Paparoa National Park. The park is best known for its dramatic blowholes and the distinctive Pancake Rocks. These picturesque limestone formations look curiously like stony stacks of pancakes which funnel blasts of water up to 15 metres into the air as the waves crash into the caverns below the rocks. Visitors can explore the sub-tropical rainforests, horse ride along the spectacular coastline, paddle a canoe down the tranquil Pororari River, or climb the remarkable limestone formations for which this area is known. The town itself offers some delightful cafes and restaurants and is home to many jewellers, carvers, painters and potters.

Along the Maruia River on New Zealand’s South Island, Maruia lies within a broad valley framed by mountain ranges of the Southern Alps. Pastures and forested hills stretch across a landscape shaped by glacial rivers, where quiet rural roads wind through farmland and pockets of native beech forest. The clear river attracts anglers, while walkers explore tracks through nearby conservation land that lead to elevated viewpoints and open river terraces. A short drive away, the geothermal pools of Maruia Springs provide mineral bathing beside the river, contrasting with the valley’s cool mountain air. Travellers crossing the Southern Alps often pause here to hike, fish, or simply follow the valley’s winding road through open countryside.

Famous for its pristine golden sand beaches and crystal clear aquamarine waters, the tiny picturesque town of Kaiteriteri is used by many as a base for exploring the renowned Abel Tasman National Park. However, the little seaside town itself has plenty to offer visitors seeking a relaxing beach vacation on this little piece of paradise. Kayaking is a popular activity as it is a great way to witness the abundant local marine wildlife.

Dolphins, penguins and whales are regularly sighted and those who prefer a more up close and personal approach can even take a dip with a local colony of seals who are known to playfully interact with swimmers. Complimented by some of New Zealand's freshest seafood served up at quaint local kiosks, it is easy to see why Kaiteriteri continues to be voted as one of New Zealand's favourite seaside resorts.

A collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean, The Marlborough Sounds are where forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays.

With three main bodies of water – Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorous Sound, there are over 50 reserves in this scenic playground and includes the famous Queen Charlotte Track. Enjoy long sheltered inlets, clear waters and sandy bays. Hike through the forest or kayak around the headlands to discover a fresh location each day.

Stretching across the stunning coastline of the south-west side of New Zealand’s North Island, the Kapiti Coast is internationally renowned  for its bird and wildlife sanctuary, Kapiti Island, located only 5kms from the coast of Paraparaumu. The area boasts the lush, mountainous Tararua Forest Park as well as some wonderfully spacious and uncrowded beaches, popular with holidaymakers and fishing enthusiasts from the nearby capital city of Wellington. The coastline was formerly known as The Golden Coast and is home to the charming little towns of Te Horo, Waikanae, Paraparaumu, Raumati Beach and Raumati South. The Kapiti Coast is an ideal location for those seeking a peaceful retreat in a spectacularly scenic environment away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tongariro is the oldest national park in New Zealand, set at the heart of North Island, just south of Lake Taupō. It encompasses three active volcanoes – Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ruapehu (one of the most active volcanoes in the world) – that have great religious significance to the local Maori people. This fascinating, ancient cultural importance has awarded the area UNESCO status. The raw beauty of the environment also draws a high number of visitors and is the reason much of the famous Lord of the Rings movie trilogy was filmed here. There are numerous activities to look forward to, from scenic cruises to whitewater rafting, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing in winter. Families will enjoy the shorter treks on offer, such as the three-hour walk to spectacular Taranaki Falls.

Set in the heart of the North Island, Taupō offers incredible beauty, outdoor adventure, and relaxation – a classic holiday destination no matter the season. Where Northland has its beaches and Auckland its great waterfront restaurants, Lake Taupō is the centrepiece of a region of spectacular volcanic cones and boasts the largest fresh water lake in Australasia (roughly the size of Singapore), making it the perfect spot for water lovers to enjoy sailing, water skiing, or kayaking.

But it is not just about the great lake; Taupō is also the gateway to the Tongariro National Park where you can take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often said to be one of the best one-day walks in the world, and a must for adventurous travellers.

Step into a unique landscape of utter beauty; a region offering authentic Maori cultural encounters, thrilling adventure, and bubbling mud pools.

Rotorua is known for showcasing our fascinating Maori culture, mud pools, shooting geysers, and natural hot springs as the seething power of inner earth comes to the surface. Boasting 18 incredible lakes, three major rivers, and the mighty Mount Tarawera; these treasured natural assets are all part of Rotorua’s allure.

The region is host to some incredible fishing locations with trophy trout to be had year round on the lakes, rivers and streams. Adventure is right around the corner on the Kaituna River, with White Water Rafting on the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall; or perhaps you are tempted by the soothing powers of the regions many natural hot springs. Whatever your inclination, you’ll be wishing you had more time!

There’s more to Auckland than you might think – the region offers access to world-class luxury accommodation, award winning wineries, vibrant culture and unique experiences making it a hot spot for kiwis. The City of Sails sprawls over volcanic hills and around twin harbours, offering an exhilarating mix of natural wonders and urban adventures.

It is the largest Polynesian city in the world, and with over 180 different ethnic groups, Auckland has blossomed into a multi-cultural hub of culture and art making it a bustling, cosmopolitan and vibrant city.