NATURAL WONDERS OF NEW ZEALAND

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NATURAL WONDERS OF NEW ZEALAND
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Waikoropupu Springs
With pristine waters, Waikoropupu Springs, near
Nelson at the top of the South Island, are
reputedly the clearest fresh water springs in the
world, with an outflow of approximately 2160
million litres of water every 24 hours.
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FRYING PAN LAKE

• Frying Pan Lake at Waimangu is one of the
  worlds largest hot pools 38,000 square metres
  in area, and fed by numerous acid springs. The
  lake fills part of a crater formed by the 1886
  Tarawera eruption. It has a flat floor, mainly
  about 6 metres deep, although some vents are up
  to 20 metres deep. Lake temperature is generally
  between 45 and 55C.

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THE CATLINS

• The Catlins area sits at the bottom of the
  South Island on the east coast, running from Kaka
  Point in the north to Fortrose in the south. This
  area is part of the Southern Scenic Route which
  runs from Dunedin, down through the Catlins to
  Invercargill and north-west to Te Anau. The main
  service area of the Catlins is the tiny town of
  Owaka (population 450) which is located 115km
  south of Dunedin and 130 km north of Invercargill
  .

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WEST COAST BEACHES

• Sand, surf, sea life. One of the most
  popular West Coast beaches in the Auckland area
  is Muriwai, a surf beach of around 60km. The
  Muriwai Regional Park is an area of protected
  native bush, sand dunes and walking tracks. It
  features unique formations of pillow lava in the
  cliffs behind Maori Bay in the south, revealing
  the violent geological history of the area.

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KAIKOURA

• The seaside settlement of Kaikoura,
  situated midway between Christchurch and Picton
  on the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South
  Island, is overlooked by majestic mountains which
  are snow-capped for many months of the year.

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MT COOK

• Aoraki/Mount Cook (70,696 hectares) is New
  Zealand's great alpine park. It contains the
  highest mountains and the largest glaciers.
  Aoraki/Mount Cook Village and visitors to the
  park are dwarfed by the immensity of the
  landscape that surrounds them.

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90 MILE BEACH

• Ninety Mile Beach is on the western coast
  of the North Auckland Peninsula. It is terminated
  by rocky volcanic headlands, Scott Point to the
  north and Reef Point to the south. Between the
  two points is a beautiful arching beach of white
  sand facing the Tasman Sea. The origin of the
  name is uncertain, for the beach measures only 55
  miles.

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Water Transport
Interislander Lynx
The Interislanders two passenger/ vehicle ships,
Arahura and Aratere, offer a convenient and
regular daily service across the 19 kilometre
stretch of water separating the North and South
islands. Cruising time is 3 hours.
By comparison, the lynx a high speed
car/passenger catamaran, reduces this to 135
minutes.
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Rivers
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Tourist Destinations
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National Parks
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Mountains
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Accommodation
Laundry Service
Room Service
Restaurant/ bar service
Bed Breakfast
Foreign Exchange service
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Northland
Northland is made up of farmland and some of New
Zealands Most Beautiful Beaches. Much of New
Zealands earliest history is in Northland so
there are a Lot of attractions relating to the
Treaty of Waitangi and early settlers Some of
the worlds finest big game fishing can be
enjoyed in Northland, and there are lots of safe
swimming and surf beaches. In fact, hundreds of
miles of coastline remain unspoilt.
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Kaitaia.

• Kaitaia is the main centre for Northland. From
  here you can take bus trips to Cape Reinga which
  is located at the very top of New Zealand where
  the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. In stormy
  weather the waves can be 10m high. Further on is
  the famous Ninety Mile Beach.

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• Cape Reinga/ Ninety Mile Beach - A number of
  operators offer daily tours from Kaitaia to the
  above. Tours generally include Cape Reinga,
  Ninety Mile Beach, Te Paki sand dunes (toboggans
  on coach), Ancient Kauri Kingdom, Aupouri forest,
  Wagener Park and some include a picnic lunch.
• Private tours to Cape Reinga/ Ninety Mile Beach -
  You decide exactly where you want to go. Travel
  in luxury 4x4 vehicles. Gourmet lunches included.
• Visit Cape Reinga from Paihia - If you do not
  mind a really long day you can also visit these
  two attractions as a day trip by bus from Paihia
  (Bay of Islands).
• Wagener Park Museum - This attraction is
  located north of Kaitaia and often included on
  day trips to Cape Reinga. It has museum, beach
  front café, golf course and camping ground.

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Bay of Islands

• The Bay of Islands is located 240 Kilometres
  north of Auckland, and is part of the Northern
  region. It takes about 4 hours 15 minutes to get
  there by car from Auckland. You can fly from
  Auckland to the Bay of Islands on Air New
  Zealand. The main town centre for the Bay of
  Islands is Paihia, and many tourists will base
  themselves here and visit surrounding attractions.

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Paihia
Paihia is right on the waterfront and tourists
can take many different trips on the water or
they can catch a ferry across to the quaint
township of Russell (NZs First Capital). They
could travel ten minutes north to Waitangi, or 15
minutes to Kerikeri, where there are orchards,
crafts and a famous landmark the stone store.
It is even possible to do a day trip from Paihia
to Cape Reinga the top of the North Island The
Bay of Islands is known as a centre for big game
fishing and many fishing charters leave from
Paihia. You can have a boat to yourself or share
the cost with others who also want to fish.
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Waitangi

• Waitangi is a place of national heritage
  and is a 10 minute walk from Paihia.
• It was here that the treaty of Waitangi was
  signed on the 6th February 1840. You can visit
  the Treaty house, which is now a national museum
  and visitor centre. The treaty house is set in
  the park-like grounds and there is also a Maori
  meeting house and war canoe the largest in the
  world. Come back in the evening for an excellent
  Maori cultural performance.

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Kerikeri
Located 15 minutes from Paihia and close to where
the airport for the Bay of Islands, Kerikeri has
some wonderful arts and crafts shops, with a
particular Emphasis on pottery. There is an art
and craft trail laid out so you can ensure you
miss none of the main points of interest.
Here are some of Kerikeri attractions

• Makana confections
• If you love chocolate than you will love the
  Makana Confections. There is a visitor
• viewing area where you can see hand dipped
  chocolates being made.
• The Orange Centre
• Enjoy a tour around the citrus and kiwifruit
  orchard on the orange mobile. The café
• Has pure orange juice, an Art/Craft shop and
  playground.
• The Stone Store
• This building was first used by missionaries to
  store their supplies and then later leased
• to shopkeepers until the Historical Places Trust
  took it over. It is the oldest stone building
• in New Zealand (1832).

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Russell
Russell has a colourful history and was central
in the Northern Wars in the early 19th century.
Bullet holes from an early battle can still be
seen in the local church. It was once known as
the hell hole of the Pacific, as it was a shore
leave destination for sailors, whalers and
traders hence the scene of many drunken
brawls. After the signing of the Treaty of
Waitangi, Russell became the countrys first
capital.
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Whangarei
Located three hours drive north of Auckland
Whangarei is situated on a harbour and is close
to some of New Zealands most spectacular beaches.
Waterfront well laid out area has lots of gift
shops, art and craft galleries, cafes,
restaurants and is where Claphams clock Museum
is located.
Beaches Most beautiful beaches can be found on
the east coast of Whangarei.
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AuCkLaNd
Attractions
Kelly Tarlton's
Auckland is a major gateway to New Zealand and
75 of international visitors arrive into New
Zealand through Auckland. It was the official
capital of New Zealand from 1840-1865 and boasts
nearly a third of New Zealands Population.
Rainbows End
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EvEnTs
Pacifica Festival
Ellerslie Flower show
Starlight Symphony
The largest, most innovative and exciting flower
and garden.
Held each year in February it attracts huge
crowds. Bring your own picnic and wine.
Heineken Open
Around the Bays
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Waikato
Has a rich Agricultural base dominated by dairy
farming, but also featuring sheep and beef,
thoroughbred horse studs, deer farming and fruit
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This City is now Bigger than Dunedin and is New
Zealands third largest city. It has the Waikato
River running through it with walkways along the
river bank and a pretty lake in its centre-
Hamilton Lake.
HAMILTON
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Popular Activities
Waikato River
Walking The paved walkways and wooden ramps make
the walk one of the best river side walks in NZ.
Cruising You can take a paddle steamer cruise
along the Waikato river
Facilities that support the activities on the
river range from accommodation to shops and
restaurants
The Waikato river begins at port Waikato and
finishes in lake Taupo
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MATAMATA
Located 20 minutes north of Hamilton en route to
Auckland. The Huntly power station dominates the
skyline and is situated on the banks of the
Waikato River. Tours are available by appointment
A small rural town about 50 minutes east of
Hamilton.
HUNTLY
Cambridge
Located 15 minutes south of Hamilton, Cambridge
is well known for its beautiful tree-lined
streets and horse breeding in its surrounding
farmland.
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Waitomo caves
Otorohanga is an hours drive from Hamilton. It is
the closest town to thetWaitomo caves and is home
to the to the Kiwi House and Native Bird park. .
hanga is home
Black Water Rafting
OTOROHANGA
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World famous in New Zealand. for LP. Located on
the edge of the Hauraki plains and is a farming
centre for the area
PAEROA
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TAUPO
Attractions not to be missed
Huka Jet- Jet boating Taupo Bungy De Bretts Hot
Pools Huka Falls Wairakei Resort International
Golf course A C Baths Prawn Farm River Rafting
Safaris
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"Travel and Tourism"
North Island
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The Bay of Plenty
Rotorua
Whakatane
Tauranga
Te Puke
Mt Maunganui
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"Bay of Plenty"
To travel from Auckland to Tauranga it will take
you 3 hours and 20 mins.
To travel from Hamilton to Tauranga it will take
you 1 hour and 55 mins.
To travel from Gisborne to Tauranga it will take
you 5 hours.
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"Tauranga"
This is one of the main centres of the Bay of
Plenty region and is one of New Zealand's largest
ports.
It is known for its many historical attractions,
great beaches and is also seen as the gateway to
nearby Mount Maunganui which is a popular holiday
spot.
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"Mount Maunganui"
Mt Maunganui township is located at the foot of
Mt Maunganui.
Which is 232 meters high and set on the end of a
narrow peninsula.
This is one of New Zealand's favourite summer
holiday spots, with fantastic beaches and great
conditions for a variety of water sports.
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"Te Puke"
The kiwifruit capital of the world!!!!!
This is what Te Puke is most well known for
kiwifruit! But there are also some great bush
walks, beautiful rivers and excellent beaches.
Visitors come to Te Puke for these 3
things Kiwifruit country Te Puke vintage auto
barn. Longridge jets
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Whakatane is located at the mouth of the
Whakatane river and right by the sea, with
excellent beaches nearby.
Whakatane
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An awesome active Volcano situated in the Bay of
Plenty approximately 50km from the shore.
Accessible on scenic flights from Rotorua, Taupo,
Tauranga and Whakatane.
This is New Zealands most active volcano and is
always rumbling smoking or puffing out steam.
..White Island..
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"Rotorua"
This is North Islands most famous destination
for overseas visitors. Here the absolute power
of natures forces will amaze you These are
some of the activities you can do in
Rotorua Lakeland Queen cruises Agrodome Sky
line Skyrides Rotorua museum Wai-o-tapu Zorb
Polynesian spa.
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....EVenTz...
Millennium Rotorua chamber music festival
Located at Rotorua convention centre. Features a
variety of eight concerts in seven days. Held in
January.
Rotorua to Matamata Fun Ride..
Held at lake Rotorua, in January. Boats from
across N.Z will bring the shores of lake Rotorua
to life with the thrill and speed that only
powerboats can bring. The race headquarters will
be at Hannahs bay reserve, lake Rotorua.
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Gisborne

• Gisborne is the first city in New Zealand, and
  the world, to see the sun each day.
• A lot of people come to Gisborne to celebrate the
  New Year as it is one of the first places in the
  world to see sun rise on the first day on
  January.

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Wainui Beach
Activities at Gisborne
Te Poho-o-rawiri Marae.
Morere hot springs.
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Fish/scuba/shark-dolphin Try trout fishing in
the outlying rivers or excellent deep sea fishing
charters available. Surfcasting, fishing and
scuba dive at prolific offshore reefs in the
area. Eyeball a shark in specially designed cages
underneath water or get friendly with dolphins
view from vessel. All gear supplied as necessary.
A semi-coastal native ,hilly ,forest area with
great beaches, surfing, fishing, horse trekking,
camping and bush tracks too.
Mahia peninsula
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Contains the largest area of virgin forest in the
North Island and has steep ranges and deep
gorges. One of the main features of the park is
Lake Waikaremoana, and the walks through the park
are popular.
Hunting is on the popular activity list in the
national park- but you must obtain a permit from
the visitor centre first! AND..only pigs and
deer..
Urewera National Park..
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..Hawkes Bay..
The Hawkes Bay has two main cities, Napier and
Hastings. If you were flying to Hawkes Bay you
would be flying into Napier.
Hawkes Bay has a Mediterranean climate, varied
landscape and is one of three farmed winemaking
regions in NZ.
Napier and Hastings are often referred to as the
twin cities and are less than 20 minutes apart.
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..Hastings..
This area is known as the fruit bowl of New
Zealand and is the largest producer of apples,
peaches and pears in New Zealand.
Splash Planet
This is a 6.5 hectare leisure park that has a
castle, pirate ship and 15 rides for children
including bumper boats, dodgems, flying fox, and
a train, etc
Frimley Rose Garden
This Rose garden has more than 5,500 roses and
rare species of trees.
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The Tongariro National Park has the volcano peaks
of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngaruruhoe. It
is one of 100 sites in the world with dual world
Heritage Status for its natural cultural
values. It also offers great hiking tracks for
the adventurous.
..Activities..
Skiing
Hiking
Tramping
..Tongariro National Park..
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Getting Your Bearings

• Lets start our exciting tour of New
  Zealands South Island with some geography so you
  can find your way around. Did you know the South
  Island is one third bigger than the North Island
  but has one third of the population.

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Main Areas

• Often when South Islanders describe a place, they
  talk with reference to four main areas the
  Southern Alps, the West Coast, the East Coast and
  the South Coast.

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Mountains and Glaciers

• The Southern Alps are a huge mountain range along
  an earthquake fault running from Southland right
  up to Nelson/Marlborough. They are very important
  South Island landmark, with the mountain tops
  covered in snow for much of the year. They can be
  seen from every South Island region.

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Major Cities and Towns
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National Parks

• Many of the National Parks in New Zealand are
  found in the South Island. Here is one of these
  National Parks - the Abel Tasman.

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Mountain, Rivers Lakes

• There are several mountains, rivers and lakes of
  importance in the South Island.

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Roads Highways

• One of the best things about the South Island for
  the independent traveller is that there arent
  too many main roads! State Highway 6 runs all the
  way from Picton to Invercargill via the West
  Coast, and State Highway 1 runs all the way from
  Picton to Invercargill via East Coast.
• Other important roads usually cross the Southern
  Alps or other high mountain ranges.

• These include
• Arthurs Pass you cross this to travel between
  Greymouth and Christchurch. SH73 an alpine
  crossing
• Haast Pass this links Otago to Westland. Part
  of SH6 from Haast to Wanaka.
• Lewis Pass you could use this to travel between
  Nelson and Christchurch via the Inland Road. From
  Christchurch travel north to Waipara where the
  Lewis Pass SH7 branches inland.

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Marlborough

• Marlborough is a diverse region the gateway to
  the South Island. From the native bush and
  beautiful inlets of the Marlborough Sounds, to
  the fertile Wairau Plains, to the wild and rocky
  East Coast, Marlborough has something for
  everyone.

• Picton the South Island port of the
  Lynx/Interislander ferries.
• Marlborough Sounds the Marlborough sounds are
  breathtaking and cover a large portion of the top
  of the South Island.
• Queen Charlotte Track This walk winds its way
  around Queen Charlotte Sound. You can take day
  walks on the tracks or do the entire tramp in
  about 5 days.

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Havelock

• A quaint town located an the inner end of Pelorus
  Sound on State Highway 6, half way between
  Blenheim and Nelson. Havelock is the Greenshell
  Mussel Capital of the world you can even buy
  mussel pies here! Many people also choose
  Havelock as the starting point of a Marlborough
  Sounds boat cruise or sea kayaking trip.

• Sea Kayaking many companies offer both guided
  trips and freedom rentals (unguided) in the
  Marlborough Sounds. Guide trips can be anything
  from one to five days and usually include all
  meals and snacks.
• Sail/Cruise/Kayak a number of operators offer
  cruises, sailing charters or kayaks. The ideal
  way to see the Sounds in the water - there are
  guided kayaking tours or half day, full day or
  overnight sailing/cruise boat charters.

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Blenheim

• Blenheim is Marlboroughs main centre and is
  situated next to the large Wairau River on the
  Wairau Plains. It is one of New Zealands
  principal wine-growing regions and is well known
  for producing excellent Sauvignon Blancs and
  Chardonnay.

• Event every year in February the BMW Wine
  Marlborough a wine and gourmet food festival
  takes place in Blenheim. Over 200 wines are
  showcased from over 40 wineries. You can sample
  the wines and gourmet food and meet Marlboroughs
  leading wine makers and top NZ chefs. People
  attend from all over the country and relax to
  soothing classical jazz bands.

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Wairau River

• This is a large river that runs north through the
  Wairau Plains and into Cloudy Bay. It is known
  for good trout fishing.

• Deluxe Coachlines this company offers a range
  of wine trails or you can design your own. They
  will also combine full day wine trails or include
  boutique vineyards in the nearby Nelson region.
  General sightseeing tours can be booked.
• Brayshaw Museum Park Here you can see the
  reconstructed village of Beaverton this was the
  original name or Blenheim. They also specialise
  in vintage farm equipment and have a miniature
  railway

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Nelson

• This is the marketing slogan for the Nelson
  region and really does sum up the types of
  experiences you can have there. It is a large
  region covering the north western corner of the
  South Island, with three national parks
  Kahurangi National Park, Abel Tasman and Nelson
  Lakes. Nelson offers diverse scenery, culture and
  attractions. It prides itself on four main themes
  sunshine, adventure, arts/craft and wine.
  Nelson is one of those rare places where you can
  ski in the morning, tramp around noon, have a BBQ
  on a secluded beach in the evening and then head
  to funky bars and cafes. The city of Nelson is
  the regions main centre and is situated in the
  bottom corner of Tasman Bay. The town is focused
  around the Cathedral and the Church Steps at the
  end of the main street. There are eating places
  offering outdoor dining and fine menus. Nelson
  was one of the first European settlements. Much
  of this history has been preserved, and you can
  see many old colonial buildings.

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Events

• Hooked on Seafood happens every March and is an
  outdoor festival celebrating wine and seafood.
• Happy Valley Adventures see thousands of acres
  of beautiful remote bush, awesome sea views and
  the worlds largest Matai trees, on your 4 wheel
  drive bike!
• Boutique Vineyards there are many located along
  the horticultural plains between Nelson and
  Motueka.. The region is well known for its
  excellent medal winning Sauvignon Blancs.
• Hoglund Art Glass you can watch them glass
  blowing, browse through their shop, dine in the
  café or take a glass workshop.
• Nelson Helicopters an award winning company
  that offers scenic flights on demand 20 mins or
  longer. See golden beaches, snow-capped peaks and
  much more.
• Hang Gliding Adventures for the ultimate buzz
  go hang gliding on a tandem flight.

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Abel Tasman National Park

• Named after the a Dutch Explorer who discovered
  New Zealand in 1642 it is the smallest and most
  popular of New Zealands national parks.

• Walking and Tramping the Abel Tasman Coastal
  Track is said to be one of the most stunning
  tramps in the world - native bush, golden beaches
  and more. It takes 3-5 days to tramp.
• Kayaking this offers a variety of guided trips
  and freedom rentals (unguided) are available.
  Anybody can go sea kayaking, even if you cant
  swim! A popular trip is the one day guided which
  departs daily from Marahau. This trip included
  gourmet lunch, morning and afternoon tea on
  secluded beaches that only kayakers can get to.

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Facilities

• Doc Office Department of Conservation
• The Department of Conservation office is located
  in nearby Motueka and can assist tourists with
  information on tides, book DOC huts that are
  located in the National Park, and assist with
  maps and transportation.
• Water Taxis there are numerous water taxis
  available that offer casual walkers or those who
  just want to do a day walk the opportunity to be
  taken in to the National Park and dropped off and
  then later picked up at one of the beaches. Some
  of the water taxis can take kayaks giving greater
  flexibility.

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Golden Bay

• Farewell Spit Tour a world class wildlife bird
  sanctuary and southern nesting spot for seabirds
  from the Arctic. The spit is protected land and
  the public not allowed on to it. The lighthouse
  tour is and absolute must and takes 5 hours you
  will see ancient shell and marine life fossils.
• Harwoods Hole the longest vertical shaft (176m
  deep) in the Southern Hemisphere, located on
  Takaka Hill. You can see amazing karst
  (limestone) landscape. This area used to be
  quarried for marble and has some amazing cave
  systems that can be accessed on a variety of
  guided trips. You can see Harwoods Hole by a
  scenic helicopter.

• Golden Bay is a colourful melting pot of dairy
  farming families, alternative lifestyles and
  European immigrants. It is separated from the
  rest of Nelson by the magnificent Mount Arthur
  ranges to the east and Kahurangi National Park to
  the south. Its is well known for its awesome
  sandy beaches and great climate, making it a
  favourite holiday spot for New Zealanders. It is
  35km long and is a sanctuary for many birds that
  fly all the way from places like Russia, just to
  spend summer with us.

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Kahurangi National Park

• Kahurangi means treasured possession, and it is
  the treasured home to over 100 bird species
  including rare Kiwis, 50 of New Zealands plant
  species and 80 of our Alpine plant species. It
  covers 400,000 hectares of wilderness making it
  New Zealands second largest National Park. The
  Heaphy Track is the most popular track in the
  Park, taking 46 days and links Golden Bay to
  Karamea on the West Coast. Kahurangi formed the
  backdrop to many scenes in the movie Lord of the
  Rings especially the barren slopes of Mt Owen.

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Nelson Lakes National Park

• This is the southern area of the Nelson region
  and borders the Westland, Canterbury and
  Marlborough regions. This park is described as
  having beach forest, valleys, isolated glacial
  lakes and craggy mountains. Nelson Lakes National
  Park is centred on two beautiful alpine lakes,
  Rotoiti and Rotorua. It is a great place for
  skiing, white water rafting, trout fishing,
  alpine tramping or walk lakeside tracks.

• Mountaineering there are a number of good
  winter climbing routes suitable for experienced
  trampers and climbers.
• Snow Sports a small club field is located on
  Mount Robert. Getting there involves a 1 1/2- 2
  hours climb from the road end. The Nelson Ski
  club offer limited accommodation and instruction.
• Walking there is a network of short tracks
  exploring the forest, lake shore and glacial
  features of both lakes. Longer walks and alpine
  tramping are available.
• Boating and Fishing there is good fishing for
  trout in both lakes with one of the best spots
  being the headwaters for both lakes.

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Facilities

• DOC office Department of Conservation
• This Department of Conservation Centre is
  located at St Arnaud which is at the northern end
  of the National Park. There are comprehensive
  displays and information on the park,
  accommodation and transport.
• Accommodation
• There is very limited accommodation with
  mainly hostels, motels and camping grounds at St
  Arnaud and Lake Rotoiti although there is an
  exclusive fishing lodge at Lake Rotorua.

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St Arnaud

• This alpine village is set on the shores of
  beautiful Lake Rotoiti, the starting point of the
  mighty Buller River. The Buller River is a
  paradise for white water rafters and trout
  fishers alike. St Arnaud is also the place to be
  based if you want to go skiing at Rainbow Ski
  Area which is located only 1 and a half hours
  drive from both Nelson and Blenheim.

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Buller River

• Known as the Mighty Buller, as it is the
  largest West Coast river. It runs all the way
  from Lake Rotoiti, through the Buller Gorge to
  Westport, where it flows into the sea. It has
  awesome trout fishing, white baiting, fantastic
  scenery and is famous for thrilling white water
  rafting trips. Action packed jet boating trips
  are also on offer.

• White Water Rafting exhilarating white water
  and rugged West Coast scenery make rafting the
  Buller Gorge an adventure not to miss.
• Walking across New Zealands longest swing
  bridge.
• The Buller Gorge Swing Bridge is the longest
  swing bridge in NZ at 110 metres and is an
  experience in itself. It is the best place to get
  photos of the mighty Buller River and the
  spectacular pink granite that lines the gorge.
  You can return by a high speed flying fox while
  strapped in a secure harness.

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Facilities

• Swing Bridge Centre on the Buller river offers
  a café on site and information on walks, the
  swing bridge and flying fox and you can try your
  hand at gold panning
• Westport offers a range of mainly motel and bed
  and breakfast style accommodation within easy
  access to the river. It also has one camping
  ground. Westport also has banks, shops and 5
  café/restaurants.

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Kaikoura

• Kaikoura is a small picturesque fishing town
  located half way between Picton and Christchurch.
  It is located on a rocky Peninsula and in the
  surrounding waters a complex marine system
  provides a rich habitat for whales, dolphins,
  seals and wild birds. It is renowned for its
  fishing grounds and colourful reef diving. It is
  set against the dramatic backdrop of the Kaikoura
  Ranges, (snow capped throughout winter), and has
  a wild, rugged coastline. Kaikoura is famous for
  crayfish, whale watching, seals and dolphins.
  There are also excellent tramping tracks nearby
  and great skiing at Mt Lyford.

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Activities

• Whale Watch Kaikoura boat trips last about 2
  hours and depart year round with the first trip
  of the day departing at sunrise. The boats are
  specially built to give good viewing and photo
  opportunities. All trips are dependant on good
  sea conditions.
• Dolphins/ Albatross Encounter watch or swim
  with the dusky dolphins, or get up close with the
  albatross the bird with the largest wingspan in
  the world. These trips last about 2 hours,
  departs year round and are dependant on good sea
  conditions.
• Whale Watching by Air a great way to see the
  whales is from the air you can get very close
  for some excellent photo opportunities.
• Sharks if your nerves are made of steel you may
  want to get up close to this predator inside a
  steel shark cage. View sharks feeding.
• Mt Lyford Ski Area a year round destination,
  this ski area has wide open spaces and is magic
  for skiers and snowboarders. Terrific views of
  the pacific ocean and the terrain is suitable for
  all levels.
• Kaikoura Ranges known to the locals as simply
  The Kaikouras, these majestic mountains form
  the backdrop for the town of Kaikoura, and can
  even be seen from parts of Wellington.

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NELSON
WESTLAND
SOUTHLAND
CANTERBURY
OTAGO
75
MARLBOROUGH
76
NELSON
77
KAIKOURA
KAIKOURA DOLPHINS
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WESTLAND
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CANTERBURY
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OTAGO
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SOUTH ISLAND
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MAJOR CITIES AND TOWNS
INVERCARGILL
NELSON
TIMARU
OAMARU
CHRISTCHURCH
DUNEDIN
WESTPORT
GREYMOUTH
QUEENSTOWN
KAIKOURA
TE ANAU
BLENHEIM
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MARLBOROUGH

• Marlborough is diverse gateway to south island

• Picton famous for being the south island port of
  the lynx/interislander ferries.

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HAVELOCK
Havelock well known for its kayaking/sea kayaking
85
Blenheim

• Blenheim well known for their BMW wine event
  every year in February.

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Nelson

• Major event Hooked on Seafood, happens every
  year in March and is an outdoor food festival
  celebrating food and wine.

• Nelson is in the bottom corner of the Tasman bay.

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Abel Tasman National Park

• Abel tasman coastal track is said to be one of
  the most stunning tramps in the world with native
  bush, golden beaches, turquoise waters and great
  views of the Tasman Bay.

• It takes 3-5 days to complete

• Sea kayaking is also available to do at the
  National Park

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Golden Bay

• Golden Bay is well known for their awesome sandy
  beaches and great weather. Making it a favourite
  holiday spot for New Zealanders

A scene from Golden Bay
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Nelson Lakes National Park
Activities

• Mountaineering

• Snow sports

• Walking

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Buller River
Well Known for

• White water rafting

• Ultimate descents

• Buller Gorge swing bridge

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Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a small picturesque fishing town
located halfway between Picton and Christchurch.
Kaikoura provides a habitat for whales, dolphins,
seals and wild birds.

• Tours for whale watching

• Dolphins/Albatross encounters

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Westland

• No where else in the world quite like the West
  Coast of the South Island. The scenery is
  breathtaking - wild, rugged and remote. It is
  seperated from the rest of the South Island by
  the magnificent snow capped Southern Alps and
  most towns are situated right on the wild
  coastline.
• Westland is divided into 3main areas-Buller in
  the north, Central Westland and South Westland,
  which is a World
• Heritage area. You can see all kinds of wildlife
• Here - giant snails, Yellow-eyed penguins, Black
• Petrels and seals.
• However, Westlands main asset would have to
• be its hospitality - the people are hardy,
  genuine,
• friendly and straight to the point!

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Karamea

• The Honeycomb Caves
• Spectacular limestone arch caves, complete
  with Moa bones, and are found in an ancient rain
  forest. You can explore maze-like system - 13km
  of passageways and 70 entrances with tour guide
  or take a Kayak trip through. In the caves you
  might be lucky enough to see a Gradunula- a cave
  dwelling spider with a leg span of 10cm.
• Karamea River
• One of the scariest rivers to white water
  raft in the country. It is a Grade 5-6 river not
  for the faint hearted! Rafting trips here are
  truly an adventure. Look on youre AA Map and
  find Karamea. You will see a blue line running
  east from Karamea into Kahurangi National Park.
  This is the Karamea River.

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Westport

• Coal town
• A museum that has reconstructed life in a
  West Coast Coal-mining town. Informative, with
  audio-visual presentations and excellent
  photographic displays, along with many
  coal-mining artefacts.

• Dolphins West Coast
• Meet the worlds largest collection of friendly
  Hector Dolphins. Trips are available through
  summer or by charter.

• Norwest Adventures
• A company offering cave rafting trips- the
  West Coast version of the Waitomo Black Water
  Rafting trip. Involes a tramp through amazing
  primeval rainforest, caving, glow worm grottos
  and an underground river.

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Punakaiki

• Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
• rocks that actually looks like huge stacks
  of pancakes. Huge caverns below these limestone
  rocks, water surges in during high tide. It
  forces itself up through holes in the rocks,
  making spectacular blowholes.
• Horse Treks
• Through the valley rainforest and towering
  cliffs of Paparoa National Park then along the
  beach towards the famous Pancake rocks with the
  Tasman surf crashing on the beach.
• Westland Black Petrel Colony
• This is the only nesting place of the Black
  Petrel, a very rare sea bird.

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Greymouth

• Shantytown
• You can ride a steam train, pan for gold and
  even take a horse and cart ride. There are over
  30 buildings on display plus a café and bar.
  Opens daily, except Christmas Day.
• Wild West Adventures
• Able to go Black Water Cave Tubing past glow
  worms, underground waterfalls and down a 100ft
  hydro slide or try a Jungle Boat Rainforest
  cruise.

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Hokitika

• Well known for greenstone, Hokitika is famous for
  glass blowing, where you can visit factories to
  watch the glass-blower in action.
• Glow Worm Dell
• This is located a short walk from the town
  centre and a guide is not needed.
• Mahinapua Hotel
• Remember the Mainland Cheese TV advert with
  the old man sitting out the front of the pub?
  That ad made the Mahinapua Hotel famous, and now
  most tours stop there. You can also have your
  photo taken outside the pub next to a cardboard
  cut-out of the Mainland Cheese man!

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Franz Josef Glacier Fox Glacier

• Glacier guides
• Range from half-day to full-day with all
  equipment included. Heli-hikes are also available
  and involve a helicopter flight that delivers you
  onto the glacier, guided walk and return flight

• Scenic Flights
• Offers scenic glacier flights in both
  helicopters and planes. Ski planes will land you
  on a glacier and you will experience the awe,
  power and beauty of mother nature on the Southern
  Alps

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Westland National Park

• Whataroa Kotuku Sanctuary
• White Heron, and Whataroa is home to their
  only NZ nesting place. Tours are taken to see the
  birds nesting.

• The Bushmans Centre
• Great place to stop and learn all about NZ
  bush-craft, including possum-trapping, and the
  best ways to fight off sand flies. Café serving
  bush tucker, and a great shop with some really
  unique West Coast souvenirs available.

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Makarora

• Very, very tiny town that consists of roughly one
  
• café/shop and motel-come backpackers. It is
  located about half way between Haast and Wanaka.
• Mount Aspiring Flight- fly around Mount Aspiring
  and over the national park for high-up views of
  glaciers, peaks and snowfields.
• Siberia Experience- the trip includes 30mins
  scenic flight, a 3 hour bush walk and a 45 minute
  jet boat ride. It takes you through some remote,
  beautiful mountain scenery and you may get a
  chance to see the rare Whio or Blue Duck (on the
  10 note) and the South Island Kokako.

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Canterbury

• Most known for sheep farming and its main
  centre, the city of Christchurch.
• Excellent beaches, great rivers for fishing,
  rafting and jet boating, awesome skiing and
  tramping.
• Most of the region is made up of the vast
  Canterbury Plains, where many huge sheep stations
  can be found, although much has been converted to
  dairying.
• Northern part of the region includes most of the
  lush native bush and mountains of the Lewis Pass.

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Waimakariri River

• Fishing
• One of the most fished in the South Island
  where salmon and brown trout are caught. It
  offers excellent sea-run salmon fishing between
  November and March. Best time to visit is during
  February when rivers flow tends to be stable.
• Jet boating
• One of the best jet boating rivers in New
  Zealand. Magnificent scenery in the Waimakariri
  Gorge.

• Tramping
• To Carrington Hut - a very popular tramping
  route in the area for climbers and many
  backpackers. Attracted by the dramatic scenery
  which flanks both sides of the river, and the
  relatively easy nature of the route.

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Tekapo Lake Tekapo

• Church of Good Shepard
• Pretty little stone church located right on
  the edge of Lake Tekapo. Large window in front
  with panoramic views of the Lake and Mount Cook

• Sheepdog Statue
• Outside the church is a bronze statue of a
  sheep dog. Tribute to their tireless work and
  loyalty to Mackenzie Country farmers who could
  not handle these large sheep stations without
  these amazing dogs

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Mt Cook Mt Cook National Park

• At 3754 metres, Mount Cook/Aoraki is the highest
  mountain in NZ. 27 other peaks along this alpine
  backbone reach over 3050 metres. Close to the
  foot of the mountain is the tourist resort,Mount
  Cook village.
• Sadly the mountain often cant be seen due to
  mist or cloud, but a visit to the village is
  still worthwhile for the fascinating Visitors
  Centre, which has very interesting and
  informative displays about Mt Cook and the
  National Park

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Otago

• Otago is a huge region that has the South
  Islands main attractions. Often when people
  think of Otago they only think of Dunedin, but in
  fact it also includes Queenstown, Wanaka and
  parts of the South Islands East, South and West
  coasts. Also with around 180,000 residents you
  will notice a change in pace when you arrive
  here.

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Wanaka

• Located right by Mount Aspiring National Park and
  on the shores of Lake Wanaka, this tourist resort
  town is an excellent place for skiing, tramping,
  mountaineering, fishing or just chilling out!
• The beautiful lake and mountains make this place
  very picturesque, especially in winter when the
  snow is low on the mountains.

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Cardrona / Treble cone

• Located 34 km from Wanaka these are two of the
  best ski fields in New Zealand and are also great
  for snow boarding. Cardrona is a high mountain
  renowned for dry natural snow.

• Three Magic Learner lifts and dedicated
  childrens facilities make Cardrona a great place
  to start. There is a famous historic pub at
  Cardrona. It has been voted Snowboard resort of
  the year - repeatedly.

108
Arrowtown

• This is a tourist resort located 20 minutes north
  of Queenstown. Once a thriving place during the
  gold rush of the 1860s. The original part of the
  town has been preserved so that it looks like it
  did during the Gold Rush. There are several
  galleries, craft shops and the award-winning
  Lakes District Museum You can also see the
  largest gold nugget in New Zealand. A red
  double-decker bus offers half-day excursions to
  Arrowtown from Queenstown

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Queenstown

• Queenstown is one of New Zealands premier
  tourist resort towns and is famous for bungy
  jumping, skiing and its spectacular setting on
  the shores of Lake Wakatipu between the
  majestic Remarkable Mountains and Coronet Peak.
  It is located 284 km west of Dunedin. Almost
  every international visitor to New Zealand visits
  Queenstown. It is only 45-minute flight from
  Christchurch. There are two major ski fields in
  the Queenstown area. Coronet Peak and The
  Remarkables.

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Coronet Peak-ski field

• Located close to Queenstown (30 minutes), it
  offers some of Australasias best skiing. Full
  ski hire is available and there is an
  International Ski School located here. Night
  skiing and snow boarding are also available.
  Cafes are also available offering hot meals,
  snacks and drinks.

111
Remarkable Mountains

• The Remarkables are approximately one hour drive
  from Queenstown. Although you can see them easily
  from the town centre, the mountain is 1935m in
  height and the road is steep.

• The activities you could do are
• Skiing
• Mountaineering

112
Shotover River

• This river winds its way through spectacular
  Skippers Canyon, and is certainly a wild and
  rocky river with lots of exciting rapids and
  steep gorges. It is popular for jet boating,
  white water rafting and gold panning.

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Kawarau River

• The Shotover River leads into Kawarau River,
  which in turn flows into Lake Wakatipu. It
  actually winds its way down the beautiful Kawarau
  Gorge, which you drive through if approaching
  Queenstown from the north on SH 6.

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Lake Wakatipu

• The activities you could do at the Lake are
• Cruising
• Fishing

• Lake Wakatipu is New Zealands third largest
  lake. The lake water temperature ranges from 8
  deg C in the winter to 15 deg in mid summer, so
  hypothermia can be a real danger. Queenstown is
  situated on the edge of this lake.

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Glenorchy

• This is a small, tranquil and very pretty town
  located about 40 minutes drive from Queenstown,
  at the head of Lake Wakatipu. Here you can do
  even more adventure activities such as jet
  boating, kayaking and horse trekking.

116
Dunedin

• Dunedin is said to be the most Scottish city
  outside of Scotland, due to the fact that most of
  the European settlers to Dunedin were Scottish,
  and were attracted to the area as the
  landscape and climate reminded them of home.

• Dunedin is well known for many other things such
  as the University of Otago, the Cadbury Chocolate
  Factory, Olveston House Taieri Gorge Railway and
  the home of Speights Beer.

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Otago Peninsula

• The Otago Peninsula offers many attractions such
  as Larnach Castle, the Albatross Colony, the
  Yellow Eyed Penguin colony and Glenfalloch
  Gardens. You can enjoy a scenic drive from
  Dunedin out along the peninsula to visit all
  these attractions. At the very end of the
  peninsula is the Albatross Colony which is 55
  minutes from Dunedin.

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Moeraki

• Located about half way between Dunedin and
  Oamaru, the beach at Moeraki is home to the
  famous Moeraki Boulders. They look like huge
  marbles or bowling balls that a giant has left on
  the beach. They feature in almost every calendar
  of New Zealand. A visitors centre and Café are
  also located nearby.

119
Southland

• This region covers a large area of the lower
  south-west South Island. This scenery is varied,
  with large tussock plains, steep bush-covered
  mountains, lonely fiord, shimmering lakes,
  granite peaks and the wild South Coast. The main
  attraction of Southland would have to be the
  Fiordland area, which includes the tourist town
  of Te Anau, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and the
  world renowned Milford Track.

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Te Anau

• This is a small tourist resort town and seen as
  the gateway to Milford and Doubtful Sounds. It is
  set on the shores of the beautiful Lake Te Anau
  and many of its attractions are centred on the
  Lake.

• Te Anau is renowned as the Sightseeing and
  Walking Capital of the World due to its
  proximity to National Parks and several major
  walks. These include the Milford, Routeburn,
  Hollyford, Greenstone and Kepler Tracks.

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Lake Te Anau

• This is the South Islands largest lake (second
  largest in New Zealand). The fingers of the lake
  were once glaciers and extend far into the
  mountains.

• The activities you could do on this Lake are
• Cruising
• Kayaking

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Te Anau Caves

• The visit to these caves takes 2 hours 30 minutes
  round trip, Your Te Anau glow-worm cave adventure
  begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau
  to the western side of the lake. Upon arrival
  there is time to view informative displays at
  Carvern house before our friendly guides invite
  you to accompany them underground in small
  groups.
• As you explore by path and small boat, your sense
  will be overwhelmed. Observe how the rushing
  water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding
  through silent darkness to the glow-worm grotto.
  The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny
  glow-worms is a magical sight.

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Fiordland National Park

• This is the largest national park in New Zealand
  and one of the largest in the world. It covers a
  large portion of the south-west corner of the
  South Island. The park is characterised by
  majestic bush-clad mountains leading down to calm
  inlets, breathtaking waterfalls and amazing rain
  forest filled with all kinds of native flora and
  fauna. It has been given world heritage status
  due to its diverse beauty.

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Milford Sound

• The tiny tourist resort town of Milford sound is
  nestled in the corner of this amazing sound. The
  grandeur of the sound is best appreciated from
  the water dolphins and seals are regular
  visitors to the sound.
• You can drive to Milford via the scenic Milford
  road and the Homer tunnel.

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Lake Manapouri Doubtful sound

• Doubtful sound is the sound of silence! It really
  is a truly spectacular place to visit. Three
  times longer than Milford sound and with a
  surface area 10 times larger, this is an
  unspoiled wilderness of many moods. It is
  actually 420 metres deep ( the deepest of all the
  fiords) and 40 km long.
• you cruise over lake Manapouri, drive through
  Wilmot Pass with remote wilderness and rainforest
  to reach Doubtful Sound.

126
Invercargill

• This is the main centre of Southland and New
  Zealand's southern most city. Nearby is Bluff
  with its legendary oysters. It is also the
  gateway to Stewart Island.

127
The Catlins

• This amazing wilderness area is located on the
  south coast between Dunedin and Invercargill.
  Many are unclear as to whether it should be
  included in the Otago or Southland region, in
  fact it spans both. It is a beautiful place with
  towering Totara, Rimu and Kahikatea trees, and
  abundance of wildlife such as fur seals, Hookers
  Sea Lions, elephant seals, yellow-eyed penguins,
  kaka, blue ducks and the very rare Mohua bird.

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Stewart island

• With a population of about 400, Stewart island is
  unspoilt, beautiful and often overlooked. The
  Stewart Island kiwi, unlike its mainland cousin,
  is active during the day and night. The island
  has excellent tramping, boating, diving and
  fishing. Oban, situated in Half Moon Bay is the
  principal town on the island and can be easily
  reached from the mainland by sea or air.