This ancient Māori trail crosses over tussock downs to lush forests, through Nikau palms and onward to the roaring seas of the West Coast of the South Island. Of all the Great Walks, the Heaphy Track delivers the strongest contrasts. Every section of the track is vastly different from the previous one. Choose to hike […]
Great walks in the South Island of New Zealand ABEL TASMAN COAST TRACK At the very top of the South Island, explore the beautiful golden sand beaches, impressive rock formations and cheeky wildlife of glittering Abel Tasman National Park. One of New Zealand’s Great Walks, this track is the perfect way to explore the unmatchable […]
This amazing walk encircles Mount Ngauruhoe, an active volcano in Tongariro National Park. You’ll see craters, explosion pits, lava flows and more. Hiking around an active volcano would have to be one of life’s most memorable experiences. And if you decide to climb to the summit, the feeling of achievement is even more uplifting. The […]
With a length of 290 kilometres the mystical Whanganui River is one of the longest rivers in the country. This magnificent canoe or kayak adventure follows 145 kilometres as it ventures deep into the pristine forests of a vast national park. The journey has been named one of New Zealand’s 9 Great Walks, but this […]
The Great walks of New Zealand New Zealanders are known for their love of the great outdoors and it is not surprising considering the natural beauty available in this beautiful island paradise which Ariki New Zealand Limited is proud to call home. We here in New Zealand refer generally to hiking or walking the extensive […]
Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third main island, situated 30 kilometres south of the South Island, across the Foveaux Strait. This small island paradise offers a special experience – a glimpse into a simpler, slower lifestyle, in rhythm with the sea and the tides, attuned to the natural world of bush and beach. In the […]
My virtual “tour” of New Zealand now brings me to its southern most point. The region of Southland is a land of rugged coast and rolling plains, world-renowned Bluff oysters and the launching place for a visit to Stewart Island. (New Zealand’s third small sometimes overlooked Island) Southland’s largest centre is Invercargill. As a garden […]
During a recent trip to Dunedin I visited New Zealand’s only castle which is an important and much loved piece of Dunedin history. Built in 1871 by William Larnach, a merchant and politician born of Scottish parents, Larnach Castle is absolutely stunning, it has been carefully restored to its original Victorian grandeur, and its beautiful […]
You simply can’t drive along the North Otago coast without stopping to stare at the Moeraki Boulders – they’re amazing! Mysterious spherical stones lay scattered across the beach. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and is up to two metres high. Scientists explain the boulders as calcite concretions formed about 65 million years ago. But according […]
We are very nearly at the end of what I hope you have found an interesting “trip around” New Zealand. My next instalment brings me to Dunedin, a region of unique landscapes and fascinating cultural history. Here I enjoy getting close to rare wildlife and soaking up the quirky city vibe. Known as the Edinburgh […]
