Highlights of New Zealand

New Zealand is packed full of mystery, adventure and sights which cannot be beaten. Whether you’re looking for some adventure, or just want to get away from the regular rush of day-to-day life at home, then this is the country for you. Quite a trek away, the long flight is worth it when you step out onto the magical island to experience all it has to offer. Most international flights fly into Auckland from Heathrow or Gatwick and can usually take around 24 hours with a stop off in either Hong Kong, Singapore or Dubai.

New Zealand has a rich history dating far back since before Cook landed here, with a fascinating culture, Maori art and music as well as lifestyle has seen a strong revival recently with many different ‘experience’ companies and tours springing up to choose from. Rotorua Maori Hangi Dinner and Performance is a fantastic interactive tour and dinner which aims to immerse you into Maori culture and daily life by bringing you into a working Maori village. You’ll get to experience traditional cooking, dance, art, songs and rituals as they’ve been being performed now for hundreds of years. It’s a brilliant way to step back in time to a different world.

If you’re not worn out by all this adventure, then you should try Heli-Hiking. This company gives you the chance to check out some of New Zealand’s most stunning natural beauty from both air and ground. With their helicopter tours taking you right over to the Franz Joseph glacier, you can see for miles. Specialist tours also take place on the ground, bringing you through crevasses, ice falls and trenches, places usually inaccessible to all but the most experienced adventurers.

Just as you reach the end of the Northern Island, it’s a good idea to stop off in Wellington, the country’s capital city. It’s not as large as Auckland, but what it lacks in size, it makes up in overall coolness. Labelled one of the ‘Coolest Capitals’ by Lonely Planet, this city has the feel of a young, vibrant and active cosmopolitan hub. There are lots of great cafés, restaurants, galleries and attractions here which can offer a welcome break from all of the activity on offer.

If you’re looking for something truly unique when you do hit the South Island, then you can’t do better than going for a swim with Dolphins and there really is only one place for it. Akaroa is a small town just outside of Christchurch which is set within a quiet and sheltered bay, perfect for Dolphins to relax and greet some friendly humans. All you’ll need to take is swimwear and a towel as wetsuits will be supplied. If you’re a little bit nervous, then the well trained and experienced tour guides will put you at ease in no time. Each tour lasts about two hours, and comes complete with a hot shower at the end!

Milford Sound is on the West Coast of the South Island and is one of the most stunning areas of the world you can visit. One of the most-visited attractions in New Zealand, this is a large national park centred around several fjords and a small town. Rudyard Kipling once called the area the 8th Wonder of the World and once you arrive you’ll see just why. The Milford Sound Mariner is possibly one of the best ways to get an idea of just how breath-taking the scenery really can be. Offering overnight cruises down the coast and anchoring at Harrison Cove, you can either relax on the ship, take a kayak out or head ashore for some small tours, finishing off with a three-course meal and your own private cabin.

Finally, you can’t leave New Zealand without Bungee Jumping! Queenstown on the South Island is probably the best-known spot, with lots of companies and locations to choose from. If you’re going to jump you might as well do it from the original spot, Kawarau Bridge, a famous spot for anyone who knows bungee jumping. Even if you’re not too sure, there’s plenty to see in the national parks, without jumping off of a bridge.

So whether you’re looking to unlock the power of the one true ring, take a run and jump from a height or just relax and enjoy the natural beauty, New Zealand really does have something for everyone.