New Zealand- For Travel & Adventure !

Have you explored the beautiful lush country side of New Zealand yet or are you planning on doing so ?

 I grew up from age 5 in New Zealand spending 7 years in the city of Christchurch visiting beaches like Birdlings Flat , Brighton beach & Akaroa .

I hope to get back there and do a campervan trip covering both the North and South Islands ,  & make sure I see places I didn't get to while living there .

Even if you are not into the adventure part New Zealand is still well worth seeing and there are relaxing activities as well for every age to enjoy and share.

I would fly into Auckland & stay there for a few days , go up the Auckland  tower I haven't seen yet for a start !

My first destination would be to the Bay of Islands for a few days as I haven't been past Whangarei even though I lived in Auckland & Orewa.

I would visit Tauranga as I have been to New Plymouth etc.

The ferry trip into Picton is a highlight as you sit up top of the Interislander watching out for dolphins as you cruise into the beautiful Marlbourough sounds & Picton where I lived for a while.

Spend some time here & either do a boat cruise or hire a kayak for some exploring on your own !

Nelson where I lived for a few years till I got married at 18 is a lovely area Especially if you go over the hills further on exploring.

You can go to Christchurch 2 ways . From Nelson I would go down the middle and come back up via Kaikora a beautiful spot along the coast.

Queenstown has a lot of adventure ! I went on a speed boat trip down the river, sat on a bull over on a farm , loved the gondala !

Milford sound is where I want to visit  especialy on a cruise into the sounds, and Stewart Island !

In just about three hours of driving north from Auckland, you'll find yourself in one of New Zealand's top visitor destinations. This is the Bay of Islands, a necklace of coastal townships nearly encircling a bay with close to 150 islands, many virtually untouched by civilisation. Not only is it a romantic and idyllic holiday setting but the Bay of Islands is where you will find historic Waitangi .

If you have the time when in Christchurch then Akaroa is a beautiful spot to visit where we used to go when I was young and did a lot of fishing there !

Another spot on the way up north to call in on is Hamner Springs for the hotpools !

You will love the country side as well as soaking in the pools as we did!

There is a lot to do in Auckland like visiting the Auckland Sky Tower a landmark icon and a must attraction for all visitors to Auckland. Several restaurants are located within the tower complex, which also offers bungy jumping.

New Zealand's most popular astronomy attraction, the Star dome observatory has a complete planetarium, allowing you to see stars, comets and planets a million miles away. Located in the One Tree Hill area you will enjoy this !

Victoria Park Market

If you enjoy shopping then you will want to visit this famous original market building which is more than a century old and now in its current form, houses a large number of shops and market stalls which offer anything from handicrafts, fashion to artwork, and everything else in between.

Auckland zoo is worth a visit as well as activities like Canyoning , kayaking and much more.

Queenstown is popular for the shotover river 7 there is another one not as popular , however it is still exciting & a bit cheaper if you are on a budget like I was .

It is called the Kawarau River & as well as the jet boat ride it is a great introduction to white water rafting and provides an exhilarating trip for first time rafters! The four rapids on the Kawarau River are exciting and the scenery is superb. Between rapids you will experience calmer stretches of river, with a unique perspective of the historic Kawarau Bungy Bridge as your raft passes under.

There is also sky diving & bungy jumping to try if you are feeling brave !

In winter of course it is a popular place for a skiing holiday .