[image]
[title]New Zealand knows how to crank up the wow factor when it comes to incredible beaches and birds, glaciers and glow worms, shimmering skies and steaming sands. Even though travelling to New Zealand is a relatively easy skip across the Tasman from the East Coast of Australia, it's a distinctly different place in terms of culture and landscape – one that can really get under your skin and lure you back again and again. And while you think may be across the big ticket drawcards, they really are only the beginning with this magisterial destination. For instance, have you heard about….
Want to say Kia Ora (hello) to New Zealand’s rarest birds? Grab a ticket to Kāpiti Island, a nature reserve that’s a short road/boat trip from the national capital of Wellington. Only a limited number of people can set foot (via a tour operator) on this sanctuary each day to see takahē, kōkako, weka, kākā and bellbirds, which are all among New Zealand's rarest and most endangered birds. Alternatively, you can stay overnight to spy a nocturnal kiwi. Head on a guided kiwi spotting walk and stay in a cosy cabin, where you'll gently drift off to sleep to the sound of bird calls like you've never heard. In the morning you'll be treated to breakfast and hot coffee as you watch the sunrise over Waiorua Bay.
On the South Island’s West Coast, in the foothills of the Southern Alps, is Hokitika Gorge. You might blink twice seeing its vivid turquoise waters but it’s not a fever dream – merely the effect of rock “flour” suspended in glacier melt. Inhale the scent of conifers as you hike to reach the viewing platform and complete a loop via two suspension bridges.
Explore Aotearoa's skies after the sun goes down with the Dark Sky Project. Choose the indoor tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) experience to learn the stories of the sky from Mana Whenua, over a 45 minute tour blending science, storytelling and fascinating multimedia installations. If you're ready to take in incredible views of the Milky Way across the largest accredited International Dark Sky Reserve in the world, opt for the summit experience. Expert astronomy guides will help you stargaze guided by lasers and telescopes at the summit of Mount John.
Huka Falls, near the North Island’s Lake Taupō, is small but mighty. Head to the footbridge and enjoy the “rush” of seeing more than 220,000 litres of water per second thundering over the 11-metre drop. It’s a few kilometres upstream on the Waikato River and there are several aquatic “hot spots” near Spa Thermal Park. Bring your swimmers to wallow with the locals. Exciting activities abound in the area around the falls. Stretch your legs by hiking the Spa Park to trace the build-up to the falls – it's an easy one-hour jaunt. Adventurous visitors can jump on a jet boat, or keep things tranquil with a cruise.
You probably thought New Zealand had two major islands, right? Well arguably there’s a third. Head to Bluff on the bottom of the South Island – plus a little further across the Foveaux Strait via ferry – to reach Stewart Island/Rakiura, 30km south of the South Island. It’s home to 400 or so humans who are vastly outnumbered by brown kiwi. Keep an eye out for the birds while hiking some of the 280km of walking tracks – and remember to check the night sky for the shimmer of the Aurora Australis.
Think Fox Glacier is all about crunching over ice? Franz Josef Glacier’s more southerly cousin will surprise. It’s also the name of the nearby township. From here take a scenic flight over the rough-hewn ice, strike out to Lake Matheson (with water so dark it perfectly reflects Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Tasman) or stay overnight to commune with glow worms.
Consult the tide charts, rent a shovel at the local shop and prepare to dig your own natural hot pool in the sand just metres from crashing surf at Hot Water Beach. The thermally heated spot, on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula near Auckland, is best visited two hours either side of low tide. It's New Zealand’s version of a free spa.
At the northernmost end of the North Island lies the Waipoua Forest, which is home to a mighty conifer known as Tāne Mahuta. Named for the Māori god of forests and birds, this gargantuan tree is the largest known living kauri tree. Take a tour to see Tāne Mahuta and other ancient giants of the forest, including spiritual night tours.
Poor Knights Islands/Tawhiti Rahi
A staggering range of sea life, impressive underwater arches and the largest sea cave in the world are some of the features that make the Poor Knights Islands/Tawhiti Rahi one of the best diving locations you can find. The islands are off the east coast of the upper North Island, 30km from Whangārei, and the Marine Reserve can be reached with the Dive Tutukaka charter operator. It's also a popular location for the aquatic pastime of mermaiding – literally swimming with a mermaid's tail!