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Nature experiences
Matariki 2024
Matariki is a time where people, whānau, and communities gather together to remember the year that has passed, to celebrate the present, and to plan for the next year. It is a time to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us, to feast and celebrate with our relatives and friends, and to look towards the future and the hope of a season full of bounty.
The Alembics Lab
Designed for anyone who wants to learn the practical skills of distillation and extraction. The online Foundation courses are the gateway to working with natural flavour and aroma. The specialised courses will elevate your skills and enhance your practice. In person courses also available
Rongoa Maori
A series of practical workshops for rongoa Maori - Traditional Maori Medicine. Workshops are taught in the bush in a supportive and encouraging environment for both Maori and non-Maori participants. All workshops are run over a weekend and are held in the ngahere (bush). The aim is to teach people how to identify the plants used for rongoa, where to find them, and how to collect them and the tikanga (customs) that must be followed.
Babylon Workshops
Love to get your hands dirty? Have a passion for pretty plants? Babylon have exciting classes at their plant paradise. Keep an eye on their ‘Workshops’ page for upcoming workshops at the potting bench, bring a friend and learn something new!
Conservation Volunteers New Zealand
Discover your environment and make a difference to our natural habitat by joining in on one of their many projects. They welcome volunteers all year round to help out with events and projects in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Punakaiki.
Gisborne Astro Tour
Under the dark skies of Patutahi in the East Coast, Gisborne Astro Tours is a unique and memorable experience for all ages. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle and set in the beautiful backcountry of the East Coast, you can experience a unique and in-depth voyage of discovery to the far corners of the universe. This intimate and inspiring 2-hour astro tour with a highly acclaimed astronomer is your gateway to the stars.
The National Aquarium of New Zealand
Come and meet the gorgeous and iconic Kororā (little penguins).The National Aquarium is a rehabilitation centre for Little Penguins. Some penguins are brought in because they've been abandoned as chicks, are partially sighted, have become sick in the wild, or have been injured in dog attacks. Some are also missing flippers due to getting caught in fishing nylon. Once recovered and ready, Little Penguins are sent back out into the wild. But some are unfortunately not strong enough to return to their natural habitats, so they find a permanent home at the Aquarium's Penguin Cove.
Creative Matakana
Based among beaches and vineyards of Matakana, an hour north of Auckland, this week-long programme of artistic workshops is held in early May each year. Participants learn from talented tutors, exchange ideas and techniques, meet people with diverse interests, and discover Matakana and its beautiful surroundings. Extra events include a welcome event and a participant’s dinner.
Lan Yuan, Dunedin Chinese Garden
Explore an authentic example of a Chinese scholar's garden that celebrates the Chinese influence on Otago's history and heritage. The Garden Gift Shop offers the chance to find something culturally different while the Tea House allows you to take your taste buds on their very own tour of China.
Crystal Mountain
For crystal enthusiasts out there, have a look at this purpose built gallery which houses New Zealand’s largest selection of crystals and minerals from around the world. Many rare and beautiful specimens are available both on exhibit and for sale. Crystal Mountain has been specifically built for easy access for visitors of all ages, regardless of physical ability, and will delight old and young alike with things to see and do.
Canopy Camping Escapes
Unplug and reconnect, slow down and get close to nature with these beautiful escapes across NZ.
TranzAlpine Train
Weaving coast-to-coast through the stunning Southern Alps, the TranzAlpine journey is one of a kind. Ranked amongst the best train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine route is truly stunning. Cutting through the mountainous spine of New Zealand's South Island, the railway weaves through cliff-lined river gorges, over high mountain plains, over braided rivers and around pristine mountain lakes.
EcoZip
EcoZip offers 3 flying fox ziplines and a native forest walk on breathtaking Waiheke Island! New Zealand's premier native forest adventure experience. Book now!
Kawarau Zipride
Whether you’re a family with kids or a family of mates, the Zipride will have you bolting down our 130m line at over 60kms an hour. The three lines are side by side, letting everyone take off from the Kawarau Bungy Centre in a hot pursuit for the finish line. Don't be afraid to get creative - there are lots of ways you can ride the Zipride including one of the favourite styles - 'Superman'!
Raglan Rock
An outdoor adventure company located right in Raglan! Most people know Raglan for its incredible waves, but did you know they also have some incredible rock climbing, caving, sea kayaking, and canyoning as well?! Whether you're wanting to rock climb, cave or canyon Raglan Rock is the right place!
Abel Tasman Canyons
Canyoning is a combination of lots of fun stuff all bunched into one exciting activity. Trips normally start with a walk through beautiful scenery. Then it’s time to get the rubber suits on and start making your way down the canyon. You jump off cliffs into deep pools below, slide down water polished chutes and abseil besides or sometimes even through showering waterfalls. Most of the time you’ll be surrounded by steep walls covered in moss and ferns. And of course your guides will make sure you know exactly what to do. Going on a trip is the only way anyone can get to see these stunning places and experience all the fun stuff Mother Nature throws at you.
Tree Adventures Woodhill Forest
Swing, jump, slide and zip your way through the treetops on a range of unique and challenging activities. Each activity is designed to put your acrobatic skills and nerve to the test while ensuring everyone has plenty of fun. Improve your balance and build confidence as you conquer the unique treetop challenges. Once you have completed all of the activities on the course you are rewarded with an exhilarating flying fox (zipline) ride back to the ground. Bookings are essential to guarantee entry into the park and should be made well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Adventure Forest
TREE-MENDOUS! Not just for children - the whole family will enjoy these challenges. Adventure Forest offers high thrill activities packed with fun - a family-friendly must do in Northland.
West Coast Treetop Walk
A uniquely wild and wonderful destination of discovery with easy access for all. Enjoy a leisurely 45-minute to one-hour stroll through the beautiful West Coast rainforest treetops. Take your time pause to listen to bird calls - the bellbird or tui, the swish of a wood pigeon's flight and see what can only be seen from above.
Adrenalin Forest
High excitement, stomach churning and a great confidence builder. Test your skills by taking on an Adrenalin Forest aerial obstacle course. This isn’t just a test of your physical skills - each obstacle can be conquered in different ways, so you’ll be stretching your brain as well. Challenges include the Indiana jump, crossed logs, barrels, wrecking balls, a commando flying fox and Tarzan jump.
Redwoods Treewalk
Majestic and magical, the Redwoods Treewalk experience is truly a walk to remember. Suspended high above the forest floor, encounter 75-metre-tall redwoods as you walk across eco-suspended bridges and platforms intricately designed to honour and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Regarded by many as one of the best tree top walks in New Zealand. What a gorgeous experience.
Rudy’s Retreat
Mindful Conscious Cooking Wellness Food Weekend. You are more than welcome to enjoy your stay at Rudy's Retreat without ever cooking a thing. But if you find cooking relaxing, you may want to consider joining their cooking classes! Together you can explore ways to cook healthy, delicious food with fresh, seasonal produce.
Earth Village
Earth Village is a 386-acre block of native New Zealand forest and pines located on the edge of the Puketi Forest near Kerikeri. It is a sanctuary for a diverse range of experiences including wellbeing retreats and an educational hub for youth development programs. Features include spectacular views, amazing natural landscapes, tranquil spaces, walking tracks, cabins for overnight accommodation, meditation platforms and gardens designed to awaken the senses, calm your mind and invigorate your body.
Tangiaro Kiwi Retreat
Situated in Coromandel, surrounded by native bush, close to many beaches, the perfect venue for relaxing.
Greenstone Retreat
Enchanting wellness retreat with accommodation and camping, nestled among organic gardens and rainforest on the west coast of the South Island.
Parohe Island Retreat
Relax, rejuvenate, and reset at this gorgeous retreat on Kawau Island
Aio Wira Seminar and Retreat Centre
Aio Wira is an Auckland based retreat centre used for wellness workshops and workplace wellbeing retreats. They host a mix of group private bookings and public events.
Auckland Deerstalkers
The Auckland Branch of NZ Deerstalkers' exists to promote safe and enjoyable hunting and other related activities. A club for people of all ages. The Auckland Branch welcomes the whole family to participate, at an activities level that suits them.
Canterbury Archers
For those who enjoy the pleasure and skill of the bow and arrow. Getting out in nature, connecting with people who are passionate about the sport. It's all here.
Out & About Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
Out & About is an awesome programme of free events and activities in Auckland's local parks, places and open spaces. They work with your local boards to deliver fun opportunities to get active in our region’s beautiful outdoors. Get active in the way that suits you best, with your friends, whānau and people from your community.