Optional New Zealand Excursions

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is located roughly 150 miles from Auckland and is one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions. The deep blue and turquoise water of the bay is punctuated by dozens of coves and small islands. Explore the islands via jet boat or sailboat, swim with dolphins, sea kayak, scuba dive or hit the waves. The Bay of Islands is rich in New Zealand’s early history. The Waitangi Treaty House and Russell, New Zealand’s first capital, are significant to the early political relationship between the Maori and early European settlers.

Rotorua

Rotorua is the most popular tourist destination on the North Island. Teeming with volcanic activity, its spouting geysers, thermal mud pools and natural hot springs make Rotorua a natural wonder. Explore Maori culture at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Center, a Maori hangi and concert, and Tamaki Maori Village. Other activities include sledging, whitewater-rafting, bungee-jumping, kayaking, mountain-biking and hiking.

Raglan

Hang ten on one of the world’s most famous surf breaks just west of Hamilton.

Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo was formed by one of the largest volcanic explosions in Earth’s history. The largest lake in New Zealand, Taupo affords breathtaking views of the snowcapped volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park. Hike through the national park and be awed by its active volcanoes in summer or ski the slopes in winter.

Cape Palliser Bay

View fantastic natural coastal scenery on Cape Palliser Bay. Have an up-close encounter with the largest fur seal colony in the North Island.

“Lord of the Rings” Film Locations

Visit the film locations for Helm’s Deep, Hobbiton Woods and Rivendell as well as studio locations throughout Wellington and surrounding areas.

Kaikoura

In Kaikoura the mountains meet the sea and supply a breathtaking backdrop for some of the rarest marine life on Earth. Here you can see whales, dolphins, seals, albatrosses, penguins and many species of ocean birds in a single day.

Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park

The Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park features skyscraping peaks, glaciers, permanent snow fields and Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Mountaineers consider the area the best climbing region in Australasia.

Arthur’s Pass National Park

Cross the wide expanse of the Canterbury Plains from Christchurch and enter the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass National Park. The eastern side of Arthur’s Pass National Park features wide, shingle-filled riverbeds and vast beech forests. The western side of the park has wetter weather that feeds deeply gorged rivers flowing through dense rainforest. The highest mountains feature snow-covered peaks, glaciers and scree slopes.

Akaroa and Banks Peninsula

Located about 55 miles from Christchurch, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Here you can walk on the French-influenced streets, shop in boutiques or swim with the smallest dolphins, the New Zealand Hector Dolphin.