New Zealand is the perfect spot for an adventure holiday at any time of the year, with plenty of activities to keep you busy. Whether you’re looking for something a little easier like a walk, cycle or hike, all the way through to bungy jumping, skiing and heli-skiing, all levels of fitness and ability are catered for. There are many paths available from short walks for all fitness levels to multi day hikes.

New Zealand’s cycle trails are some of the best in the world. The 23 Great Rides of New Zealand Cycle Trails provide options for recreational cyclists through to serious mountain bikers. Along the way there is amazing scenery, arts and culture and wonderful food and wine to reward yourself with.

Getting out onto the water is also another great option. From high energy rafting adventures through to the more leisurely paced paddle boarding and kayaking.
Winter sports are possibly one of the most popular activities. Why not try something a little different on your next trip and do some snowshoeing or heli-skiing.

Ah New Zealand. The Land of the Long White Cloud, is home to Hobbiton from Lord of the Rings and is the location of some of the most stunning scenery in the world. What’s not to love about our neighbours ‘across the ditch’, (except maybe the All Blacks during the Bledisloe Cup)?
If you’re after diversity in your activities, New Zealand has you covered. With some of the best ski slopes in the Southern Hemisphere and adrenaline activities like jet boating, bungee jumping, and canyoning in Queenstown, New Zealand is a mecca for the more adventurous.
There’s still plenty to do if you are less that way inclined. Think beautiful hikes like the popular Milford Track, world class restaurants such as Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant, scenic tours (on foot, bike, horseback), and unique spa retreats such as the Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown. And if culture is what you’re looking for, then immerse yourself in New Zealand’s Maori traditions by visiting Maori villages, witnessing performances and hearing legends and stories from the locals. Head north to Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island to visit a Maori village and a geothermal playground.

There’s a culinary surprise around every corner in New Zealand, on every road trip, cycle or hiking trail. Take the water taxi out into the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park for lunch at Awaroa Lodge, and allow time to stop off at Gibbston Valley Cheesery, set amongst the vineyards on the Queenstown Cycle Trail.
Take your culinary appetite to one of Ruth Pretty’s cooking classes in the quiet rural village of Te Horo, just an hour’s drive north of Wellington. Ruth’s a renowned New Zealand caterer who will share her best catering secrets with you. Spend the morning watching and learning, then the afternoon devouring these treats matched with the best New Zealand wines.
You can eat your way along ‘The Great Taste Trail’. Make sure you have some change in summertime to purchase freshly picked berries from the roadside stalls. When you’re driving the Great Coast Road in the South Island, head to the Bay House Café at Tauranga Bay - tucked away amongst the flax bushes overlooking the surf beach.
In Christchurch, eat with the locals at the Little High Eatery as live music provides the ambiance. Finally, Bacon Bros are world famous in Christchurch for their numerous bacon dishes and burgers.

No matter what your age or interest, New Zealand has something for you. If you love a road trip, there are wine trails, art trails and gardening trails for you to experience the best of each region. Take a thermos, pack a picnic and take your time.
Stop at the tourist office and book a local tour.
Let your guide share stories of Maori myths and legends, their unique history and culture.
If getting active is what you want, there’s walking, cycling, mountain biking, sea kayaking or a
combination of all. Explore the cities on foot, walk through forests or along beaches, paddle on lakes, rivers or the sea, and cycle off the beaten track. My favorite hike is the Queen Charlotte Track.
Or if you have the family in tow, take a tractor ride along the beach to the gannet colony in Hawkes Bay, paddle a waka (traditional canoe) in the Bay of Islands, hold tight on a thrilling jet boat ride or take the mail boat to the remote homes in the Marlborough Sounds.
And if you’re after events, I recommend Garden Marlborough which has been described as New Zealand’s premier garden festival, held in early November. For something different check out the World of WearableArt Awards held in September in Wellington. Or if you’re a foodie, catch the Wild Foods Festival in March in Hokitika, heroing produce from the west coast.

New Zealand is overlooked by so many Australians as a holiday destination but it has so much to offer with a wide range of experiences on both islands.
The North island is known for its thermal activity, fascinating Maori culture, caves, islands and cultural capital of Wellington while the South island is known for stunning mountainous landscapes, glaciers and lakes.
Don’t miss out on sampling local wines in the Marlborough region, heli-hike on Fox or Franz Josef Glacier, taking on one of the many adventure activities available in Queenstown, cruising the majestic Milford Sound, exploring the limestone caves and glow worms at Waitomo or the thrilling jet boat ride at the base of the mighty Huka Falls.

New Zealand is a country that is very easy to drive around.
A few points to think about when planning your drive is how long you want to spend in the car each day and what attractions you want to see in the towns along the way.
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand and experiencing jet boating, bungy jumping, skyline luge or a more relaxing pursuit like a cruise on Lake Wakatipu or a round of golf at Millbrook Resort can easily occupy two full days. Beautiful Milford Sound is a must and you can drive to Te Anau and stay the night or make it a day trip from Queenstown. Driving across the Canterbury Plains to Dunedin is a picturesque start to exploring Larnoch Castle, Speights Brewery or steaming through the Coal Viaducts on the Taieri Gorge Steam Train.
When selecting the size of your vehicle, take into account your suitcases too. A very small car might sound economical but not if you can’t fit your two to three medium sized suitcases in them and feel comfortable.

Born in Auckland, I could possibly be biased, but I believe New Zealand is one of the most scenic countries in the world. Taking a bus tour with an experienced driver at the wheel allows you to time to relax and enjoy the scenery in comfort.
Auckland is the departure point for day trips to Waiheke Island for wine tasting and ziplining and the island sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi Island.
Tours can also include a cruise around the Bay of Islands with a sail through the Cape Brett Hole in the Rock before visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
The North Island offers fabulous beaches, warmer weather and lots of fun in the geothermal areas of Rotorua and Taupo, easily reached with a day tour from Auckland. The kids will love the glow worms at Waitomo Caves or visiting the Hobbiton movie set.
Renowned for its natural beauty, The Coromandel is blessed with beautiful hidden beaches and the 82km Hauraki Rail Trail. Dig your own natural spa at the Hot Water Beach but you need to be there two hours either side of low tide to enjoy it!
If you crave adventure, you can take advantage of a range of outdoor sports at Taupo or take a serious hike on the Tongariro Crossing. Afterwards you can revive yourself at one of the many hot springs.