New Zealand - one of the top adventure countries in the world. Skydiving, bungy jumping, white water rafting and jet boating just to name a few! Us, however, took a more conservative approach and experienced all things NZ without the adrenaline pumping, bone-chilling fear factoring extreme adventure sports. Don’t get me wrong; we aren’t nanas here and it wasn’t like we were purposely avoiding everything cool we just had other priorities on what we thought was cool considering the time and money we had. Also, please note we travelled in the summer so also nothing unusual here about the snow, sorry! Talk about taking on the land of the long white cloud in the most backwards way, hey? I must say though loved every minute of it and wouldn’t change it for the world.
1. White Island, Volcano Experience - 49km off the coast of Whakatane, North Island
Hard hats and gas masks are all part of the get up when visiting the active volcano of White Island and this was easily the most extreme experience we had. Located 49kms north of Whakatane, in the middle of the ocean, this category one volcano is a must see when in New Zealand. After enjoying a comfortable, yet slightly damp, boat ride watching dolphins (if you're lucky whales too) we anchored in one of the bays of White Island. From here we were ferried onto the island where a local guide showed us around. Eating sulphur, following prescribed paths and watching steam emit from the crater lake measured at -0.5 acidity were just some of the highlights. Following the tour, it was back to the boat for lunch and a quick swim in the crystal clear water, which was incredible before heading back to the mainland.
2. Kayaking Milford Sound – Fiordland, South Island
The sheer awe of Milford Sound is enough for most people let alone kayaking 12kms through it. Kayaking shows you Milford Sound from a different perspective. After taking a boat ride into the middle of the sound you jump in your kayaks ready to paddle back. We paddled into a waterfall, filmed seals on the rocks at the base of the sheer cliffs and spent approximately 4 hours taking in the sounds beauty. A slightly sore back from the lack of kayaking experience occurred at the end but the trip was indisputably worth it.
3. Mount Aspiring National Park – South Island
We had the privilege of driving through this incredible national park twice and I wish we got to spend even more time there. Just the drive through the scenery is worth it on the way to the West Coast of the South Island. If you have time, there are a multitude of walks through this natural beauty. Of the few we did our favourite quick stroll was definitely to the Blue Pools. As the name suggests these pools of a deep blue colour are beautiful and exceeded our expectations.
4. Scenic flight over the Southern Alps – Lake Tekapo, South Island
Yes, it was expensive but was it worth it? 100% unequivocally it was. On our 50-minute flight over the Southern Alps, we got up close and personal to the top of Mt Cook, NZ’s tallest mountain. Saw the beginning (if you call the top the beginning) of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and witnessed how blue and spectacular glacial lakes are. The photo I feel says it all.
5. The quaint town of Rapahoe – West Coast, South Island
The town of Rapahoe was a community we stumbled upon and stayed a night. The Caravan Park in Rapahoe is like nothing I have seen before. Run by an old couple, the wife sits in her caravan knitting, while her husband, shirtless, keeps the park in good working order. There is a badminton court, a pool and not to mention showers, which are found in a common sitting room with the TV and kitchen. Odd, I know, which was unlike anything I have witnessed before. Rapahoe also gets this mention not just for its unique and quaint caravan park but for its pub on the beach. Easily the best burger I had in NZ, yes I would rate it over the infamous Fergburger in Queenstown. Worth a feed if you are passing through.
6. Spa Park, FREE hot springs – Lake Taupo, North Island
Why pay for hot springs when you can experience them in nature for free! We found that there are a multitude of spas where you pay to sit in the warm geothermal waters of New Zealand. The water is taken from nature and filtered into man made pools for you to experience, which to me isn’t the true experience at all. Therefore, if you want the natural experience when in Lake Taupo head to Spa Park. After a short walk from the car park you come to a river and a small section of waterfalls with hot geothermal water. It is literally like a hot shower and bath all in one and is like nothing I have experienced before.
7. Fox Glacier & The West Coast – South Island
The West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand is incredible. It is rugged, it is wet, it is picturesque and is a place I wish I got to explore further. Fox Glacier, situated on the West Coast, is Franz Josef Glacier's little bro. Geographically it was easier for us to get to and was also less touristy, which sold it to us straight away. We chose to do a guided walk to terminal face of the glacier and in hindsight I wouldn't have worried. The public can get almost as close to the terminal face as the guided tour and hence save your money on that one. The glacier has receded quite a bit in recent times so if you are travelling to NZ make sure you visit because one day it may not be there.
So there you have it, our top 7 experiences in the land of the long white cloud without jumping out of a plane. Want to read more? We actually have 12 experiences if you wish to check it out. Not to mention information or a multitude of other countries. Check out our blog The Traveller's Guide By #ljojlo
Have we missed anything, though? I can't wait to head back to NZ so I would love to read about your favourite experiences if you want to share.