Unspoilt countryside, breathtaking scenery, surfing beaches
and… boiling mud? Make the most of your holiday
overseas with our
guide to the top 5 things to do in New Zealand.
We’ll help you enjoy the best the world has to offer.
1. Volcanic regions of the North Island
Rotoura and Taupo, on New Zealand’s North Island,
boast an impressive array of fumaroles, emitting steam and
gases heated by shallow volcanic activity. And there are
plenty of geysers, shooting air and hot water high into the
air. You might like to walk through an active marine
volcano, or witness the plip-plopping boiling mud just
minutes outside Rotoura town – not something you see
every day.
2. Queenstown
Beautifully positioned between the majestic mountains of the
Southern Alps and the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is
a resort for all seasons – and all activities. Skiing,
snowboarding, watersports, hiking or climbing; Queenstown
has it all on its doorstep. There’s plenty of
nightlife, too, and when The Remarkables Rampage ski and
snowboarding event comes to town in late August, things
really get going.
3. The Raglan Coast
South of Auckland, on the North Island, is the Raglan Coast,
a surfing mecca of black beaches and fine waves –
particularly at Manu Bay, where it’s all about swell,
rollers, tubes and wipeouts. And there’s more –
like an energising walk to the top of Bridal Veil falls, or
if you’re feeling adventurous, a gruelling hike to the
summit of Mount Karioi, where you can see for literally
hundreds of miles on a clear day.
4. Paparoa National Park
This is just one of New Zealand’s 14 National Parks,
and is found on the west coast of the South Island. One
place you really should experience is Punakaiki’s
Pancake Rocks, limestone formations that blow foaming
seawater sky-high as the ocean rushes in. And tucked in
behind are miles of caves you can explore with expert guides
– and a torch. Or, if dark confined spaces
aren’t your thing, take a leisurely kayak trip down
the Pororari River.
5. Quad-bike tours
A thrilling way to travel off the beaten track, quad-bikes
are great fun, and safe for all the family. Tours of river
crossings and rugged bush tracks operate on both islands,
and give you off-road access to remote parts of this
unspoilt country. You need to be 16 or over to ride, but
younger children can enjoy the excitement as passengers.
New Zealand is a mouth-watering prospect for travellers who
like outdoor sports and adventure. Many basic travel
insurance deals don’t cover winter sports, hiking,
surfing and off-road travel. Make sure your insurance policy
covers your plans for New Zealand – so you can enjoy
them all the more.
