Airbourne in New Zealand

Having just watched the video of a friend's recent skydiving exploits, I'm reminded of how much (curiously) I really want to try this activity for myself. Some years ago I watched similar footage of another friend taking the plunge in Taupo and immediately felt this was the place to make my tandem skydiving ambitions a reality. Why? Well it's just so New Zealand!

Adrenaline acts in high places are a common theme all over New Zealand, as well as a number of softer, yet  equally lofty pursuits.

In Auckland, the southern hemisphere's tallest building provides an excellent jumping off point for well... jumping off! 192m straight down. Other visitors use the lift.

As previously mentioned, tandem skydiving is on offer in Taupo , as well as Queenstown and Wanaka, so participants can choose which spectacular views to admire on the descent - mountains and lakes or volcanoes and lakes.

Hot air ballooning is always a favourite and an activity I can heartily recommend. Gliding across the Canterbury Plains at sunrise is simply magical. I've yet to try ballooning over the vineyards of Hawkes Bays, but there is time.

There are other ways to reach new heights in New Zealand (or plunge from them) including bungy  jumping, heli-hiking and all number of scenic flights, but in my opinion, nothing matches the thrill and the grace of hang-gliding (tandem of course). From the initial adrenaline surge of running off the edge of the Remarkables Range outside of Queenstown to suddenly finding myself silently soaring across the skies above the Wakatipu Basin this was an experience to savour.

Sensational South Island

Lauren, one of our New Zealand experts has just come back from the 'Land of the Long White Cloud' and judging by the permanent grin attached to her face, returning to NZ was as exciting and wonderful as ever. I'll let her tell you why...

"I couldn’t possibly pick only one thing that made my holiday so special, but I'll try to pick out just a few highlights. My Mt Cook experience was absolutely fantastic. We took a ski plane over the mountain and landed on the snow as it glistened in the sunshine – a wonderful memory that will stay with me for many years! And waking up to the spectacular views of Mt Cook the following morning was simply amazing!!

I was particularly impressed by Wanaka (aptly translating as ‘rejuvenation of the soul’); such a beautiful little town. A lake cruise is the perfect way to see it with the spectacular backdrop of mountains and autumn trees reflected in the water.

We were so spoilt in Queenstown – I felt like royalty! After a lovely breakfast at Three Sixty restaurant we went on the Shotover Jet – very thrilling (and wet for that matter) as we zoomed through the canyons – it feels like you are able to touch the mountains they are so close. We then enjoyed an incredible helicopter ride to Cecil Peak Ledge. After we landed we were treated to a surprise champagne toast over-looking Queenstown. The views are absolutely amazing – priceless! Then… just to top it off I para-glided off the summit of Bobs Peak – near the skyline restaurant – floating down into the heart of Queenstown. All memories that I will cherish forever and yearn to experience again!

I can’t wait to get back out there!"

Neither can I!

Ben Fogle in New Zealand

In February this year we sent Ben Fogle to New Zealand to check out some of the glorious sights and fun activities on offer. Not only did he have perfect weather during his 9 days, but he also managed to pack in some fantastic experiences.

From kayaking on the crystal clear waters of Abel Tasman and whale watching in Kaikoura to a heli-flight over Milford Sound and a climb up Single Cone in the Remarkables. He also went kiwi spotting on Stewart Island, sand-boarded down huge dunes in Hokianga and ate fresh crayfish al fresco.

Watch Ben's video diary at Tourism New Zealand.

Wishing for a warm Christmas

I have yet to experience Christmas in the warmer climes of the southern hemisphere, although to do so is firmly in my plans for the future. I mean, there are just so many options...

If you've family or friends to visit you may simply be able to enjoy a traditional roast turkey will all the trimmings followed by the unusual bonus of a post-lunch swim in the sea or spot of sunbathing. The meal may take on more of a kiwi slant with a BBQ on the beach or cold meats accompanying pavlova on the terrace. If the sun is shining, who needs Christmas pud?!

For independent travellers, Christmas is really the perfect excuse to stay in one of New Zealand's idyllic lodges and really relax. Amidst a gloriously scenic setting, let someone else prepare an 'out of this world' dining experience as you simply chill out and indulge.

Of course, you could choose to treat the day like any other day and let the magnificence of the New Zealand scenery transport you into a world far from sleigh bells and tinsel. On a self drive holiday you can head off to find a quiet spot and many activities and attractions are open even on Christmas day. 

Finally, it's not such a bad time of year to actually set off on your New Zealand adventure, especially if the idea of repeating the same old Christmas arrangements just doesn't appeal. Embarking on overseas travel really does have a way of kicking off the new year well. A couple of years ago I travelled to NZ on New Year's Day and I can sincerely say that it was the best start to a year imaginable.

If you plan to visit New Zealand next Christmas, take a tip and book early to make sure you get exactly what you want. It'll be worth it!

So whether it is white or warm, I wish you all a very a merry Christmas.

Trekking in Abel Tasman

As I just sneak this post in under the November radar, I thought I'd just take the opportunity to reminisce about one my the best memories of New Zealand, which also happened in November some years ago - walking the Abel Tasman track.

The popular coastal path that runs through Abel Tasman National Park follows some of the most beautiful coastline in New Zealand and is situated at the north of South Island, near to lovely Nelson.

In true kiwi spirit, the Abel Tasman, combines adventure with nature, as the track follows the natural lye of the headland, passing through luscious fern lined bush then opening up onto stunning bays with golden beaches. As the views keep on coming, you'll have trouble putting your camera down.

In order to find time to really appreciate the surroundings, a few nights in this National Park are well worth it. Anchorage Bay provides an idyllic setting for an overnight.  The horseshoe shaped beach is framed by rich green fauna, which gives the bay a feeling of seclusion and tranquillity.  The water is clear and amazingly inviting.  Relaxation is not hard in such a setting.

So, Anchorage Bay wins my scenic vote, but crossing the Awaroa estuary at 'low' tide (I'd hate to see high tide!) was by far the most entertaining moment of the trek, though I even have a soft spot for the sand flys! In short, trekking the Abel Tasman is great fun and spring is the perfect time to do so - though it has much to offer all year round.

On a sidenote, posts have been a little thin on the ground lately because we've been working hard on our latest New Zealand brochure, which is due back from the printers next week. It's looking great - the perfect inspiration for your New Zealand holiday. Order online now and we'll send you a copy just as soon as it's available.

Black Magic

The Kiwis take on Scotland at Murrayfield this weekend (well it's close to France!) in the Rugby World Cup, but not in their characteristic black. Due to the home side understandably electing to sport their own traditional dark blue colours, the visiting team must defer to their away kit. In this case, silver jerseys.

So, will the All Blacks minus the black be as effective?  Of course, says second row Chris Jack. "We're still playing for New Zealand and running out with the same guys. I guess it won't make a difference, but we'll see". The alternate jersey is still adorned with the silver fern logo though and it would seem that this is important part.

Black is a pretty significant colour in New Zealand. Apart from the All Blacks, the NZ cricket team are called the Black Caps and the hockey team the Black Sticks. Then there's Black Cat offering daily cruises on scenic Akaroa harbour near Christchurch and black water rafting in Waitomo. Fortunately though there is hope, since the world class NZ netball team are called the Silver Ferns. Except, they also play in black, ooops!

As the game kicks off on Sunday at 5pm, I shall be watching with quiet anticipation to see whether black really is magic or if in rugby, as in life, its the shades of grey that count.

Active 8

New Zealand has a reputation for offering activity on a grand scale.  Here’s a selection of 8 that might just fuel that idea.

• White water surfing (Queenstown) – one for serious waterbabies and a notch up the adrenaline ladder from white water rafting
• Zorbing (Rotorua) – clamber into a giant inflatable ball and roll down a hill, add warm water for an extra twist
• Sand boarding (Hokianga) – climb a sand dune, which is considerably harder than it looks, then toboggan back down again aboard a specially adapted boogie board. Dismount style optional!
• Glacier walk (Franz Josef) – don a pair of hobnail boots and test your thigh muscles to the full with a guided walk on the tongue of Franz Josef glacier. Just see how well you handle stairs the following day…
• Bungy jumping (Queenstown) – still a classic when it comes to pushing the adrenaline button and if you’re going to do it, why not in the place where bungy was born. Fab scenery too!
• Hang gliding (Queenstown) – a great chance to enjoy the Remarkables ranges and simply the only way to fly…
• Jet boating (Taupo) - another exhilarating pursuit that the Kiwis gave to the world. Jump aboard these specially modified speed boats and chuck a few 360’s on the most thrilling river boat ride you’ll ever take.
• Sky jump (Auckland) – the Sky Tower is the tallest building in New Zealand, so it’s only natural that you’d jump off it! It takes only 16 seconds to descend and it’s totally safe…

And that’s just for starters. Great rule of thumb when it comes to getting active in New Zealand. If you can’t do it there you can’t do it anywhere… Have fun!

Summer Sails

The 32^nd America’s Cup is now in full swing. This is the world’s premier sailing competition and while I can honestly say that I really haven’t got a clue how it all works, I do know that it is of considerable importance to our Kiwi friends and as such find it all rather compelling.

Sailing is a clearly a passion for New Zealanders, especially on the North Island. After all it’s not for nothing that Auckland is referred to as the ‘City of Sails’ and regardless of whether or not you’re a ‘yachtie’ yourself, in my opinion this passion is one of the city’s great plusses. The Viaduct Harbour, which was revamped when Auckland last hosted the America’s Cup in 2003 is a great asset to the city and is the perfect waterside location to enjoy café culture or indulge in some fine dining.

From an activity standpoint, sailing takes centre stage with the Sail NZL40, which provides a unique opportunity to crew an America’s Cup grand prix racer. No previous experience is required but your participation is encouraged. There are many other ways to take to the water in Auckland including a Harbour Lunch Cruise, but for pure thrills the NZL40 is hard to beat.

• Departing daily Sail NZL40 costs from £46 per person and lasts 2 hours.
• Auckland Harbour Lunch Cruise is 1.5 hours and costs from £23 per person including a packed lunch.

Meanwhile, back to the current competition, the series is tied. Come on Team New Zealand!

Winter Wonderland

Winter really kicks off in New Zealand next week with the start of the 33rd Lindauer Queenstown Winter Festival, (22 June – 1 July) which “is one of the largest such festivals in the world and in recent years has become known as ‘The Southern Hemisphere’s Ultimate Winter Party””. Now I like the sound of that!

In true kiwi style this is an all out extravaganza celebrating Queenstown and the winter season with more than 60 free and ticketed events being held over 10 days. Starting with the Lindauer (there’s that nice word again!) Party in the Park – music, food and fireworks – my pick of some of the other events include: Frisbee Golf Winter Doubles Tournament, the American Express Comedy Debate, which “brings together some of the biggest names in New Zealand entertainment to argue if Queenstown is more Auckland than Auckland”, Speights Dog Derby involving standard downhill racing followed by a bark-off and Coronet Peak Night Skiing, which doesn’t involve any silliness whatsoever… yeah right!

The theme of this year’s festival is ‘BIG’ and promises “…to rock New Zealand’s favourite party town from June 22 to July 1 with the biggest and best winter celebration there is”. I’m packing as I type…

Weather to go?

It's summer... apparantly! Friday is the 1st of June and officially (in my book) the start of summer. Glorious warm days, long balmy evening sipping wine in the garden. I'll just grab my woolly hat and umbrella!

Now to my point. Many a time at travel shows I have been asked by potential clients (mostly by teachers I would suspect) if it's worth travelling to New Zealand in their winter time. "Of course" I always answer. Not only do you get to travel the country in the quietest period, benefit from crowd-free attractions and add skiing to the list of available activities, but after checking the 5-day forecast for both Wellington and London, you may even enjoy better weather than you'll get back home. (Just to clarify, Wellington weather shown on the left). Frankly I know where I'd rather be.

I hear the Matterhorn restaurant/bar is very good at this time of year. See our Discover the World blog for details.