Category: New Zealand

5 Invigorating Day Hikes to Embark on in New Zealand

The following five invigorating day hikes will take you across the country, from the best spots in the North Island to the emerald lake gems in the central region and the adventure hotspots in the south. If you’ve been looking for extra information on the best hikes in New Zealand, you’ve come to the right place – all that’s left to be done is secure reliable transport such as renting a free transfer car so you needn’t worry about the time lost in between these spectacular locations.

Ben Lomond

If you’re looking towards New Zealand’s South Island as your starting point, consider Queenstown for a day and Ben Lomond as a fantastic day hike. Overlooking Queenstown, or the adventure capital of the world as some like to call it, Ben Lomond offers a memorable day hike that starts right in the heart of New Zealand’s adrenaline hotspot. Follow the Tiki Trail up to the Skyline building but be careful about its first section as it’s quite steep. However, the spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu are worthwhile! 

Just when you think that was all, you’ll be struck by awe-inspiring views towards Mount Aspiring National Park. By this point, you’ll have reached nearly 1,500 metres in elevation after about six hours of hiking. Bear in mind that at these altitudes, the weather conditions can be tricky so be prepared. 

Tongariro Crossing 

With New Zealand’s South Island being so popular for its hiking trails, it can be easy to overlook some of the fantastic hikes on the North Island. The Tongariro Alpine crossing is generally considered to be one of the best day hikes not just in NZ but in the world as well. The walk takes you through New Zealand’s oldest national park, Tongariro National Park, beginning right at the end of the Mangatepopo road. 

This hike is surely not for the faint-hearted! This terrain is quite unique being that this is an active volcanic area. As you approach the Red Crater, you might be tricked into believing you’ve landed on Mars – fiery red characterises the area making it appear almost surreal.

It’ll take you a minimum of seven hours of hiking to reach the Ketetahi Road End with a 1,196-metre change in elevation as you progress towards the crossing so be prepared for lots of ups and downs throughout your day. On the plus side, you’ll get to enjoy true beauties of nature, such as the Emerald Lakes and the Blue Lake.

Lake Rotoiti Circuit

The furthest north of our selected locations in New Zealand’s South Island is Lake Rotoiti, a true local gem located in Nelson Lakes National Park. The day track starts on Kerr Bay, on the shore of Lake Rotoiti. And most of it will take you through a plethora of ferns, mosses, beech trees, and a wide range of peculiar greens. Birdlife comes in abundance as well with Tui and Bellbird/Korimako often heard in a singing battle. Underwater life doesn’t disappoint either, of which the most notable specimen is the New Zealand longfin eel. 

Out of all great hikes in New Zealand, this is one of the longest there are so expect it to take at least seven to ten hours to complete the full circuit depending on the weather and your stamina.

Mueller Hut Route

Mueller Hut Route takes you through the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and as soon as you embark, you will realise why this is considered one of the best hikes the South Island of New Zealand has to offer. It all begins from the White Horse Hill car park that is a quick drive from Mount Cook Village.

As you climb towards your first milestone Sealy Tarns, you’ll be able to see the Mueller and Hooker Lakes in the valley below. It’s also quite common to hear and see Kea and New Zealand Falcon along the route. Once you’ve managed to reach a set of small ponds, the first part of your journey will be complete and despite having climbed 1,882 steps, this is where the real challenge begins – the trail terrain dramatically changes! 

Just make sure you follow the orange trail markers as the weather can turn in a second at this altitude. Once you reach the ridge, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Mueller Glacier. Going south towards the hut, it should take you about 20 minutes to reach this famous Alpine Hut that offers unforgettable views of many of New Zealand’s highest peaks.

Rocky Mountain

As one of the jewels in the Wanaka hiking crown, Rocky Mountain stands out with its flexible offer – several trail options lead from the car park, making it a perfect place to hike with people of different abilities. All of the hikes are under three hours, so they’re ideal for half a day of hiking.

The simplest and easiest option here is a gentle stroll around Diamond Lake along a 2.5km / 1.8-mile track that meanders around the lake with plentiful birdlife to be seen and heard. A step up from this is the Diamond Lake Lookout trail that offers a lush view over the lake. If you have your mind set on the very top, once you reach the Lake Wanaka lookout, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the lake and its little islands.

Hopefully, by now, you’ve got your bags packed up and hiking boots on ready to start your NZ day adventure in the great outdoors!

Queenstown for the Adventure Seekers: Adrenaline-Pumping Activities

Queenstown is a well-known adventure playground with a plenitude of ways to get your heartbeat up, adrenaline-pumping, and make you ask for more! Whether you get your jollies from extreme sports in the water, the sky, jumping off high places, or racing towards abyss on a downhill bike track, Queenstown, is the home of all that and more. That’s why it’s the self-proclaimed Adventure Capital of the World 🙂

The locals say they’re resilient people and their homeland made for adventure so it’s time you packed your bags, summoned up your wits and courage and stuffed it all in the back of your rented free transfer car, and set off to try something new and escape the rut of everyday life. 

Dashing down the steepest zip line

Right above Queenstown, through the forest canopy, ZipTrek Ecotours will take you through a spectacular eco-adventure and turn you into a world-record breaker as you embark on the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zip line! This means you’ll be dashing through the air at 70 km per hour, at a height of a 30-storey building and all under 10 seconds! An endeavour absolutely worthy of taking a high place on your bucket list, right?

Hurling through the air in the Nevis Valley

As it often goes in life, the unexpected happens all the time so why not do it on purpose? Just for kicks, try the world’s biggest human catapult! It will propel you 150 metres through the air across the Nevis Valley at an amazing speed. This is a one-of-a-kind ride that can’t be found anywhere else in the world so don’t miss it!

Daring Queenstown’s highest cliff jump

Speaking of the adrenalin rush while being up in the air, you’ll get bucketloads of it at the Shotover Canyon Swing – it’s 60 metres of freefall over the Shotover River, swinging through the canyon, strapped in a harness! It will be initially the scariest feeling ever but once you start swinging, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear! 

Taking New Zealand’s highest bungy jump

Taking excitement to the next level, head over AJ Hackett’s, to the home of New Zealand’s highest bungy jump – a 134-meter jump with an 8.5-second freefall, spectacular views and all the screaming you can belt out! Once you leave your fear at the door, the amount of adrenaline and thrill will turn you into a legend!

Racing over Lake Wakatipu

If you’ve never seen a bright orange shark in a freshwater lake, now is the time to do so! It’s called the Hydro-Attack and you’ll find it at Lake Wakatipu surrounded by amazing views of the Remarkables mountain range and Queenstown CBD. This semi-submersible shark ride will races you over and below Lake Wakatipu like a torpedo at speeds of up to 80km so extreme excitement shall not be lacking!

Enjoying New Zealand’s first-ever riverboarding trip

For the true adventure seekers, dipping in the Whitewater rapids is a must!  Engage in a true face-off with the Kawarau River challenging your nerves from start to finish with Serious Fun Riverboarding. Complete this mission and mark off yet another extreme action sport from your jam-packed Queenstown adventure itinerary.

Rafting down New Zealand’s longest rapids

Cruising further down the Kawarau River, paddling through Gibbston before arriving at Dog Leg will take you through 400m of pure Whitewater, on one raft with a guide and a crew of adrenaline-seeking paddlers. Making it through to the end without ending up in the notorious Dog Leg rapids will leave you with a huge sense of accomplishment and tons of adrenaline pumping through your body!

Biking like a true expert

Back on the dry land, racing downhill on a bike at one of the three lift-accessed downhill bike parks in Queenstown, with the wind in your hair, taking in the epic views over your handlebars will make you feel as if you’re flying! The gondola can take you to the Queenstown Bike Park or you can head to Cardrona Alpine Resort for some of the best outdoor adventure sports activities there are. Queenstown is New Zealand’s only location with lift-assisted downhill bike parks so you’ll be saving your legs on the ride up and taking full advantage of the time for downhill thrills.

Experiencing the Ultimate Off-Roader at Oxbow Adventure Co. 

Ultimate Off-Roader is a 4-seat vehicle that carries a professional driver and 3 passengers. It’s a 4WD, 4-wheel steer and has a very low centre of gravity which means they can go practically anywhere. You’ll definitely have to hold on tight as you rush around the custom-built course that incorporates almost vertical hill climbs and descents and crazy-looking rock features. The compound was built by the New Zealand Off-Road Champion exclusively for Oxbow, so only there can you have this extraordinarily thrilling experience.

Queenstown’s pioneering spirit is contagious and it won’t fail to both inspire you and challenge you to push your limits further, because ultimately, this one life is all you’ve got!

Travelling Safely in New Zealand in Times of Covid-19

As the global COVID-19 pandemic sweeps the world, countries are doing their best to keep their people safe. Although travelling is quite difficult right now and many regions are off limits, exploring your own country and enjoying its beauties is still possible, provided you take all the necessary precautions.

New Zealand is still at Alert Level 1, which means there are a lot of regulations everyone must abide by in order to protect themselves and others from the virus and its spreading. The rules are as follows:

  • Face coverings legally must be worn on all public transport to, from and through Auckland, on domestic flights throughout New Zealand and by Auckland taxi and ride-share drivers.
  • Border control remains for travellers entering New Zealand which include health screening and testing for all arrivals, and mandatory 14 day isolation or quarantine.
  • Staying at home if you’re sick is advised and especially important at Alert Level 1 in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 being spread in the community.
  • At Alert Level 1 COVID-19 is contained, but it’s still important to keep a safe distance from strangers as it helps minimize the spread of COVID-19 if community transmission returns.

Leaving your home

At Alert Level 1, you’re allowed to leave your home, have freedom of movement and get together with as many people as you want. However, you will be encouraged to use a face mask in public transport and in situations where you cannot maintain physical distance from others, for instance in shopping malls and supermarkets.

It’s important to emphasize that it’s still necessary to play it safe and alert in case the virus re-enters the communities in New Zealand. So, everyone is encouraged to maintain their hygiene at high level, stay at home if there are any symptoms of illness and get tested, as well as keep track of your movements and contacts.

If you’re planning to travel, it’s imperative you take all precautions and have a good plan in advance. Your packing list will differ as now you’ll need to pack face masks, hand sanitizers, sanitizing wipes and additional food, snacks and drinks in case you need to prolong your travel due to restrictions, or you don’t feel comfortable shopping in crowded supermarkets.

One way to maintain safe distance from others and avoid public transfer is to travel with a free transfer carthat’s a very convenient way to take you to your desired destination without having to share transport with anyone else or depend on someone’s itinerary.

Local travel

At Alert Level 1, people are allowed to travel but they are advised to do it in a safe way. All public transport operators are obligated to display QR posters that help commuters keep track of where they’ve been and it’s recommended for everyone to use the NZ COVID Tracer for this purpose or any other convenient method.

As mentioned previously, when travelling around New Zealand at Alert Level 1, a face mask must be worn on all public transport, domestic flights, in taxis and shared rides. In the latter, the drivers are obligated but passengers aren’t – however, it’s strongly recommended they do it as well. The only exemption is private flights.

Regional travel

With the current situation being at Alert Level 1, you are allowed to travel to any other region in New Zealand that is at Alert Level 1 or 2, but make sure you get well informed about the situation and regulations in advance and organized accordingly.

It’s a smart move to keep track of where you’ve been and that can easily be done with the NZ COVID Tracer app – it will keep track of all locations you visit during your trip, as people often can’t recall all the places they’ve visited.

If you’re planning to travel to more remote areas, you should check with local tourist authorities for guidelines before setting out. It’s recommended you register your details with a visitor information centre, upload the scans of your documents and itinerary to your email account and possibly leave details with family or friends as well. Also, bear in mind that the weather conditions can quickly change and become treacherous in some areas so get informed about regional weather forecasts.

At Alert Level 1, all regions will have the same regulations regarding wearing face masks in all forms of public transport and you’ll be expected to maintain your hygiene and keep distance from others. Even if there’s no legal requirement, travellers are encouraged to wear face coverings on public transport and be mindful of their behaviour.

In case you are sick and have developed symptoms of COVID-19, you should stay at home and cancel your travel plans. If this happens during your trip and you’re away from your home, contact the Health Line, your GP or Nurse Practitioner to find out what you should do and if you should get a test.

If you’re advised to get tested, don’t wait until you get home but rather do it from wherever you are in the country at that moment. There’s no doubt that travelling is not easy right now, but hopefully, you will be able to get organized using the tips listed and travel safely in New Zealand even at the times of pandemic.

7 Breath-Taking Mountains in New Zealand Every Adventurer Must Discover

New Zealand is one of the most mountainous countries in the world if we compare its area with the number of mountains. A country that is a bit larger than the UK has more than twenty peaks higher than 3,000m. Such a variety of mountainous regions and high peaks make New Zealand an exciting spot for various adventures and adrenaline addicts. So, it’s time to rent a free campervan and organize a climbing trip around New Zealand. The mountains in this article are either the most popular or most suitable ones for climbers, skiers and other avid travellers.  

Mount Tasman 

Part of the NZ Southern Alps, with an altitude of 3,497m, Mount Tasman is one of the most impressive mountains in New Zealand. Because of its height (the second largest peak in NZ), terrain, and structure, it’s one of the most demanding areas for mountaineers, as well. As such, it’s recommended mostly to experienced climbers with a lot of conquered mountain summits behind them. Since it might take some time to climb the top, do your homework before visiting this mountain and learn more about available accommodation huts on Mount Tasman.

The Remarkables

A visually attractive mountain close to Queenstown, The Remarkables mountain range has mild slopes and a moderate ascend. That’s why it’s one of the most popular ski destinations in New Zealand. Situated in the background of Lake Wakatipu, it forms a perfect natural unit with the lake. If you’re planning to go skiing on this mountain, don’t miss the opportunity to go for a hike around the lake. On the other hand, if you’re more into climbing, try to climb the highest peak of The Remarkables – Double Cone, which is 2,319 meters high. 

Mount Cook

The highest mountain in New Zealand and the top peak of the Southern Alps, Mount Cook offers a unique climbing experience. Since it’s often cited as the most hazardous climbing area in New Zealand, you shouldn’t go climbing there unless you’re a versatile mountaineer. If you decide to take the plunge and test your climbing skills here, prepare for three different mountain summits: The High Peak, the Middle Peak and the Low Peak.

Mount Maunganui

A bit different from its predecessors in this guide, Mount Maunganui is only called a mountain. With the altitude of 232 meters, if’s more of a hill than a full-scale mountain. Nevertheless, Mount Maunganui is one of the most popular elevated areas in New Zealand. Situated by the Pacific Ocean, on the outskirts of Tauranga, Mount Maunganui is now a dead volcano that attracts thousands of tourists every year. At the foot of this hill, you can swim in the azure ocean or spend vacations at a local resort, only to climb to the top and take some breath-taking photos with the endless water behind you. 

Mount Taranaki

Situated in the westernmost part of the North Island, Mount Taranaki is a 2,518 high mountain. Its moderate height and the cone-shaped summit make this mountain accessible for average climbers, as well. Still, you need a lot of climbing skills and experience to get to the top of this mountain. 
On your way to the top, drop by to Egmont National Park, where you can go hiking along marvellous mountain trails or hunting. 

Mount Ruapehu

Placed in the heart of the North Island, Mount Ruapehu has an altitude of 2,797 meters. The most interesting characteristic of this mountain is that it’s still an active volcano. So, you can go mountaineering, hiking or skiing on a mountain that’s a living volcano. What’s more, there’s a massive crater on Mount Ruapehu. There are ski runs on the south side (Turoa) and the north side (Whakapapa). These two skiing slopes form one of the largest ski areas in New Zealand.

Mount Ngauruhoe

Only 25 km away from Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe is also an active volcano. The entire mountain consists of layers of lava and volcanic rocks. Rising to 2,291 meters, this mountain represents an interesting climbing challenge. Even though not as demanding as Mount Cook or Mount Tasman, Mount Ngaurahoe is not a cakewalk, so approach this mountain with proper climbing concentration. Also, think about finding a free transfer car to visit Ngauruhoe and other North Island mountains during a single mountaineering trip around New Zealand. 
These mountains, peaks and glaciers are only the tip of the iceberg in terms of New Zealand climbing experiences. After you visit some or all these places, feel free to explore more on your own and check out other interesting regions in this incredible country. 

NZ’s Food and Wine Festivals You’d Be Crazy to Miss This Summer

New Zealand is a great country that provides hundreds of amusing events all year long. One of the reasons why New Zealanders enjoy their country so much is various food and wine festivals. Thanks to the local climate, it allows you to grow various veggies and prepare all sorts of food. The peak of the summer festival season is in February and March, which is when you can get a free campervan for your gourmet road trip and visit the following festivals.

Marlborough Food and Wine Festival 

One of New Zealand’s food festivals with the longest tradition, the Marlborough Food and Wine Festival in Marlborough is held on February 8 (Saturday) this year. Organized at the splendid Brancott Heritage Estate, with a renowned NZ winery, this festival is famous for its wine selection. Wines from almost 50 vineyards add a touch of exclusiveness to this event. Since New Zealand is a melting pot of cultures, there are all sorts of food, from fresh fish to Maori specialties, and traditional European meals. 

Bear in mind that the Marlborough region is set in the South Island. You’ll need to take a ferry from Picton or Wellington, on the North Island, to get there. The car drive and ferry journey together last a bit longer than 4 hours. 

Hokitika Wildfoods Festival

The Hokitika Wildfoods Festival is a bit different from the previously presented event. The main difference is that the food array at this festival largely consists of traditional meals. You can try kebabs from some specific animals, like possums, or crocodile meat. This is only a sneak peek into the menu. There are many other options on the table but it’s not for everyone. 

Hokitika is situated some 350 km away from the Marlborough region, i.e. around four and a half hours by car. If interested in this event, think about renting a free transfer car for this trip. This year, the festival is held on March 7 (Saturday).

North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival

Held in the eastern part of the South Island, the North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival is a smaller but exclusive summer event. It usually displays a large number of specialities from local and international menus. You can taste anything from local veggies, on the barbecue, to spiced Chinese noodles, and chilly German sausages. Also, there are dozens of wines from local wineries, like the region-grown chardonnay. 

This festival provides various fun activities for kids, as well, so you can bring your entire family here. It’s held on March 8 (Sunday). 

Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival

One of the favourite summer food festivals in New Zealand, the Havelock Mussel and Seafood Festival is organized in the little town of Havelock. Situated in the northmost part of the South Island, both the town and festival attract the most renowned seafood producers from the entire country. Equally important for the seafood industry, chefs, and visitors, it’s a unique place where everybody makes profits. 

This year, it will be held on March 14 (Saturday). If possible, bring your family here a few days earlier and stay in one of the local accommodations to explore the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. 

New Zealand is a country of magnificent differences, especially in food specialities. From traditional local meals to different European and Asian cuisines, everybody can find something for their taste buds at NZ food festivals. The climate provides great conditions for wine production, as well. Are you ready to treat your taste buds?

6 Spots That Make Zealand a Stargazer’s Paradise

New Zealand has a rich cultural and historical heritage, and along with numerous activities offered, it attracts millions of tourists every year. This country is an unparalleled travel destination where you can find fun things almost anywhere you go. With clear and dark skies, the slightest light pollution, and location in the Southern Hemisphere, you don’t need any special stargazing equipment to enjoy the breathtaking celestial bodies. If you want to visit some of the most astonishing stargazing hotspots, find a free transfer car or campervan and get ready to be blown away by New Zealand’s night sky. 

Mt John Observatory

Tekapo is a lake in the South Island of New Zealand. It is one of the most secluded places on the planet, but with the busiest night sky. As a result, it became home to Dark Sky Project, providing a whole diverse range of unique stargazing experience to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. To bring closer the night skies of New Zealand to the visitors, a new astronomy center was opened last year, containing a 125 years-old Brashear telescope along with other astronomical multimedia options. 

You should definitely book a tour at the world-renown astronomical center Mt John Observatory to get the most out of your visit to this place. This way you won’t only enjoy the sky full of stars, but also the amazing landscape, in addition to hearing the stories about the Southern Skies from the renowned astrophotographers. 

Shakespear Regional Park

A 45-minute drive from Auckland will take you to the nature park Shakespear Regional Park. This place is one of the most popular ones in New Zealand among both international and domestic travelers. Containing three walk trails, Heritage Trail, Lookout Track, and Tiri Tiri Track, you can discover the amazing heritage of this region. Moreover, organizing the night hike will allow you to admire the wonderful scenery of the clear dark sky and the sandstone cliffs sheltering the Bay. 

Apart from being heaven for astronomers, this place is also ideal for watching the sunrise and sunset. During the day, you may encounter some of the most endangered species since the Shakespear Open Sanctuary has a rich wildlife. If you are lucky enough, you will get to see the little spotted kiwi as this park is their only home on the mainland. 

Rakiura National Park

The third-largest island of New Zealand, Stewart Island is mostly known for the majestic sunsets and the Aurora Australis, the southern lights. The best spot for enjoying the lights is from the Rakiura National Park. New Zealand’s newest park contains nature and scenic reserves, forests, but also native birds such as kiwi. 

When you take a night tour to the park for some rare kiwi spotting, at the same time you can have a look at the Aurora Australis. The incredibly low levels of light pollution and the clear night sky create the best environment for smooth and undisturbed stargazing experience.

Tongariro Crossing

Known as the best one-day trek available in New Zealand, Tongariro Crossing takes place near the volcanic terrain of the active volcano Mount Tongariro. The landscape of this area is largely dominated by the three active volcanoes: Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu. The hiking trail will lead you through amazing texture and scenery. As it is one of the busiest tracks in the whole country, you should book one of many available guided tours of the area and stargaze without any disturbances. 

You can sign up for a tour starting with a walk to the best spot for watching the sunset over the mountains or to start a tour around 2 AM, explore the volcanic terrain, and then head off and watch the sunrise and the birth of a new day. Whichever tour you choose, you won’t regret it as this is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure. 

Zealandia

Zealandia is a wildlife sanctuary in Wellington. Set in a city, it is the first not only urban but also natural Ecosanctuary with diverse flora and fauna. The major focus is on conservation and through this project, they have managed to reintroduce over 20 different native species which were missing from New Zealand for more than 100 years. 

During your visit to this blissful oasis, you can book a tour Zealandia by Night were guided by torchlight, you can explore the sanctuary in search of its wildlife as well as numerous constellations in the clear sky. 

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Last but not least is the jewel in New Zealand’s stargazing crown. Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is an enormous area in the Aoraki National Park that was declared an International Dark Sky Reserve back in 2012. Awarded with the golden status, meaning there is not even the slightest light pollution, this is an iconic stargazing paradise. 

The sky is so clear that celestial bodies stretch out as far as the eye can see. Astronomers will be able to see some of the most amazing and inherent constellations to the Southern Hemisphere such as the Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way. 

Whichever of these places you select, you certainly won’t regret it, as all of them provide unforgettable stargazing experiences. Get a free car and enjoy what nature of New Zealand has to offer.