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Thread: 101 Best things to do in NZ - the ENZ list!!

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
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    Wellington, NZ - Yay!
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    Default 101 Best things to do in NZ - the ENZ list!!

    OK so the AA is running their website on what are the best holiday activities & places to visit in NZ & summer hols are fast approaching & I thought we'd all benefit from recommendations of places to visit when we're away this summer. I'm interested to find out what your all-time favourite activites to do in NZ on holiday are.

    My fave must-do activities so far have been:

    Sailing with the dolphins & penguins from Paihia Wharf (Bay of Islands) on a small catermaran. We stopped off at an island for a swim & to take in the scenery (and, for a sausage sizzle!!).

    Spending NYE in Paihia - fantastic fireworks that would easily challenge any top firework display in the UK!

    Hot natural springs in Taupo - great for a morning's relaxation (especially when you've got a hang-over!).

    Kapiti Island - good exercise walking the Trig track to the top and amazing bird-life and lovely native plants/trees. I even saw a kiwi in the wild (stayed at the Kapiti Island Alive lodge overnight - v. rough & ready but great food & very welcoming hosts) - although it rained all weekend I'd say this has been the very BEST thing I ever did in NZ!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Auckland - West Midlands
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    231

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    Just reading that has made me get all excited again. I cant wait.......

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
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    1/ Zorbing at Rotorua. There just are not the words to describe how much fun this is. I particularly recommend the wet version over the dry version - and doing a joint run is a must for pure hysteria.

    2/ Jumping off the Skytower in Auckland. Not as much a strain as Bungy - but im my mind - an excellent way to start a New Life in New Zealand.

    3/ Toast Martinbororugh (this weekend ) If you can get tickets to this wine event - its well worth it. A rambling tour of teh Wairarapapa's vineyards,; music, food and company. A great day out. (though NOT cheap )

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    UK>Welly>Boonies>where next?
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    The whale watch at Kaikoura.

    It's very well organised, the boats are excellent and the staff helpful and informative.

    I was surprised at the technology too, with pc's and a flat screen tv in the cabin, air craft style.

    It was $70 per person and you get half of that back if you don't see any whales.

    Edited to say: I love your daughter's pic in your avatar Sarah
    Last edited by Smiler; 16th November 2006 at 04:49 PM.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    north of Wellington
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    2,202

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    The Maori show at Tamaki Brothers place just outside of Rotorua. I have seen it twice now with different visitors and it was excellent both times.

    Seeing the Franz Josef Glacier from a helicopter - it is breath-taking!

    Love the Taupo hot pools at De-Bretts.
    Essential to go to - especially in the rain!

    The Huka Jet up the river to the Huka Falls at Taupo - not cheap but cool.

    Martinborough Craft Fair - first Sundays in February and March.

    The Mission vineyard concert in January - last year was Chris Rea and Olivia Newton John - this year we are going to see Eric Clapton wahoooo

    Seeing the stage show "Maui" at the St James in Wellington - it was amazing.

    Mt Ruapehu - in all shapes and forms. Even just driving up it!
    It erupted a few weeks after we got here!

    Kapiti Island visit - nearly killed me getting to the top but I did it.

    Te Papa. Over and over again - never get tired of it!

    The farmer's market in Porirua on a Saturday morning.

    Shopping in Petone - the cafes are awesome.

    so many more...

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Oxford (Canterbury)
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    283

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    Taking the Tranzalpine in the middle of winter - got to be one of the most fantastic train journeys anywhere.
    Any jet boat ride
    Hells Gate
    The luge at Rotorua
    The scenic route drive from Akaroa to Christchurch

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    WI, USA-Dreaming of NZ
    Posts
    168

    Thumbs up

    I am loving this and making notes!! When I finally get there, I will have a great list of things to start with!! FANTASTIC!!

    Thanks, all!!

    Terry

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