New Zealand: Islands for the adventurous
New Zealand is known as the adventure capital of the world — but there’s more to the country that sky-diving and Hobbit hikes on the mainland. If you want to experience a different kind of holiday, hop on a ferry to one of the country’s many islands.
Walk on an active volcano at White Island
Take a walk on the wild side and head to New Zealand’s only active marine volcano, White Island, a giant, barren moonscape streaked with iron oxide reds and vivid sulphur whites and yellows.
White Island is located 48 kilometres off the shores of Whakatane in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, just 100 kilometres from Rotorua in the North Island. For those who want to arrive in style, take a flight with White Island Flights, flying over farm land, white sand beaches, off-shore islands and landing right on the volcano.
For the truly adventurous, take a 90-minute boat cruise arriving 50 kilometres offshore to the island and then an unforgettable two-hour walking tour past steaming cracks in the ground, bubbling pools and roaring gas fumaroles. The cliffs rise vertically to over 300-metres high and the crater lake, a huge expanse of steaming water, is a must see.
Where to stay… White Island Rendezvous provides a variety of accommodation to fit all needs from backpackers to those who want luxury, and is just walking distance to the departure point for White Island tours. Rooms start from £69 per night based on two people sharing.
For diving…
Motini Island
Motiti Island is the perfect getaway, offering ultimate relaxation and seclusion with a population of just 40 people.
Just a ten-minute flight from Tauranga in the North Island, Motiti is paradise for diving, fishing, swimming and snorkeling and offers all kinds of beaches from white sand sheltered bays to rocky shorelines on the ocean side. Keen divers can even explore the tug-boat wreck known as Taioma, which lays on the sea floor just a few metres off shore.
Fancy a seafood dinner? At the right time of year, divers can collect crayfish and scallops while fishermen can catch snapper, kingfish, terakihi and blue mao mao and cook them right on the beach.
Where to stay… Situated on the mainland, Tauranga Lodge is a luxury Bed & Breakfast in a private setting with views over Tauranga City, Mt. Maunganui and Motiti Island. Tauranga Lodge offers suites from £116 per night based on two people sharing.
Before you say goodbye…
Bay of Islands
If there’s one thing you must do in New Zealand, it’s visit the Bay of Islands. Known for its beauty and history, the Bay of Islands is paradise for those who love beaches and water activities.
Just a three-hour drive or 35-minute flight north of Auckland, the Bay of Island consists of 144 islands including Cape Brett, the Purerua Peninsula, Moturua Island and towns such as Opua, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri. Whether it’s sand dune surfing in Cape Reinga, a cruise to the famous “Hole in the Rock”, a day at the beach in Paihia or a boat ride around Tapeka Point to spot wild dolphins, whales and marlin, the Bay of Islands has something for everyone. For the more adventourus should head to Urupukapuka Island for hard-core walking tracks and secluded campsites.
Where to stay… If money is no object (or if you’re just up for a bit of dreaming)Eagles Nest offers world-class luxury villas each set within their own grounds in a 75-acre private estate on a cliff top in Russell. Guests can choose from one of the five villas including Sacred Space, First Light Temple, Eagle Spirit, The Eyrie or the Rahimoana Villa where they can enjoy an invigorating swim in a horizon-edge pool or luxuriate in an outdoor spa. Villas start from £5270 per night.
For more information on New Zealand visit www.newzealand.com
