My 6 Top New Zealand Activities
October 21, 2019 | By Susan Durbin
Traveling to New Zealand was a trip I’ll never forget.
I flew out of Chicago to San Francisco, a 4-hour flight, and then on to Auckland, a 12-hour flight. The destination is so worth the flight time. Today Air New Zealand flies the 777-300ER.
If you are lucky to travel with a small group of people, I hope one of your co-travelers is adventuresome. The leader of our group of 8 never tires. And … his motto is to stretch yourself and enjoy life.
A road trip from Bay of Islands on the northern tip of the North Island to Dunedin on the southern tip of the South Island is the way to go.
- Once we arrived in Auckland at 5:00 A.M. we rented vans and found our way to the Auckland Bridge. Normally people would go to a hotel and get some sleep. But … noooooooooo …. we hiked to the top of the Auckland Bridge. What’s a hike without a Bungy Jump to follow? In Chicago, I told my husband I wouldn’t do anything stupid. Within 4 hours of being in New Zealand, I stood on the Bungy Pod underneath the bridge getting my nerve to jump 131 feet! AWESOME is all I can say. Will I do it again? I had a chance to jump the Kawarau Bungy, the “World Home of Bungy”. But, I’ve done it once no need to do it again.
- Getting acquainted with the Maori Culture in Rotorua was definitely special. Such friendly people and a lot of fun and educational.
- Shotover Jet in Queenstown is the best way to experience the beauty of the canyons while having adrenaline high.
- The Milford Track … overnight cruise onboard the Mariner, Wanderer or the luxurious Fiordland Discovery. In the morning we kayaked on the spectacular Milford Sound. Just beautiful!!
- Franz Josef Glacier Hike and helicopter ride landing on top of a snow-capped mountain. Remarkable!
- Wildlife viewing up close of rare yellow-eyed penguins in the penguin reserve
This first trip was not my last to this wonderful part of the world. Since that time I have led 4 groups to New Zealand and enjoyed each one. I hope next time I can take my husband, Bob. There are about 29 other great activities to do when I return.
As they say in Te Reo, the other national language,
Haere Ra (Goodbye)