My 6 Top New Zealand Activities

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.

1. 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.
2. Getting acquainted with the Maori Culture in Rotorua was definitely special. Such friendly people and a lot of fun and educational.
3. Shotover Jet in Queenstown is the best way to experience the beauty of the canyons while having adrenaline high.
4. 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!!
5. Franz Josef Glacier Hike and helicopter ride landing on top of a snow-capped mountain. Remarkable!
6. 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)