Seven once-in-a-lifetime trips for Aussies to do in Aotearoa

Kia Ora, the place the bloody hell have you ever been Aussies?

Properly, we know exactly, however let’s put that behind us and focus on the long run. New Zealand is wanting ahead to displaying off its pure property to you as soon as once more.

Listed below are only a pattern of the unforgettable journeys accessible as we welcome you again to Aotearoa.

READ MORE:
* NZ must-dos: Our travel guide for Richie and Gemma McCaw
* Country calendar: The 50 best outdoor adventures to try this summer
* New Zealand’s best once-in-a-lifetime trips: Why 2020 is the year to give one a go

Siberia Valley, Otago

It could appear a bit impolite to instantly ship you to Siberia when you get right here, however hear us out.

New Zealand’s model of Siberia is, in reality, an historical valley, and getting there’s one mighty journey.

The Siberia Valley is surrounded by Mt Dreadful and Mt Issue – so whoever named this place clearly wasn’t having an excellent day. However Aotearoa’s little slice of untouched wilderness is an unforgettable small yellow aircraft experience away. Fly in, hike the valley, earlier than a high-speed jetboat journey again to civilisation. See: siberiaexperience.co.nz.

Voyage on Waka Hourua, Tairāwhiti Gisborne

This can be a historical past lesson like no different. Tairāwhiti-Gisborne is steeped in tradition, and Waka Voyages takes you thru the historical past of the early Pacific explorers. The standard Māori Waka Hourua is considered one of solely 9 double-hulled wakas of this kind on the planet.

The waka is used as a floating classroom within the harbour, the place educated hosts paint the scene of these unbelievable journeys. The waka may also be employed for particular half-day or full-day group charters.

The knowledgeable crew will help the prepared and capable of lash ropes, hoist and decrease sails and pilot the craft utilizing solely the texture of the wind on their face. Observe: sailings are solely operational through the summer season months, so that is one to ebook in case you are visiting from December. See: wakavoyagers.com

Milford Sound/Piopiotahi flight, Fiordland

Imagine the hype: Milford Sound/Piopiotahi is a nationwide treasure.

A scenic flight is the last word method to expertise the Sounds and the snow-capped mountain ranges that encompass it. You will move over a panorama barely unchanged for the reason that final Ice Age.

Or you may cruise and/or kayak to completely admire the size of the glacier-carved fiord and absorb its many waterfalls. Even the highway from Queenstown by Te Anau is an journey in itself.

Snorkel on the Poor Knights Islands, Northland

Northland is house to the nation’s greatest snorkelling. The sub-tropical currents that move the Poor Knights Islands imply you can be surrounded by 1000’s of fish, together with colossal snapper and even kingfish.

With many dive websites, the Poor Knights Islands are appropriate for all ranges of licensed divers. Get there on a day journey with Dive! Tutukaka, it’s an hour boat experience from the coastal village of Tutukaka. See: diving.co.nz

Spot a kiwi within the wild on Stewart Island/Rakiura

The truth that many a Kiwi has by no means noticed a kiwi within the wild, might offer you some critical bragging rights if you happen to do, in reality, catch a glimpse of 1.

Stewart Island/Rakiura has greater than 20,000 however do not anticipate them to be sitting round chilling exterior the 4 Sq.. Go on one of many excursions with skilled guides and tread rigorously round distant tracks and seashores, listening out for elusive calls.

Seize some meals on the Kai Kart and a pint on the South Seas Resort and loosen up on the backside of the world. See stewartislandexperience.co.nz.

Waipoua Forest, Hokianga, Northland

The Hokianga area is considered one of New Zealand’s often-overlooked gems. That is an space steeped in historical past and tradition and residential to the world’s most historical and largest kauri forests.

Be taught in regards to the particular relationship Māori have with the bushes and nature on a twilight tour and see the adjustments because the solar units within the large forest on a guided tour by the maze of distinctive flora. See: footprintswaipoua.co.nz

Picnic on a glacier, Mackenzie Area

When you’ve got some coin, then you might as nicely do one thing you positively cannot do at house in Australia – picnic on a glacier.

Fly excessive above the Tasman Glacier earlier than touchdown and having fun with meals surrounded by Aoraki/Mt Prepare dinner and the Southern Alps. You’ll additionally get the possibility to strap on the crampons and witness the ice formations up shut. See mtcookskiplanes.com.