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Nature experiences

Swimming with Dolphins Akaroa

Akaroa, Canterbury
1 Oct-30 April. Booking essential

Make a date with the worlds smallest, rarest and friendliest dolphins, the Hector’s dolphin only on Akaroa Harbour. An incredible safe experience with a great dolphin guarantee.

Dolphin Seafaris Tauranga

Bay of Plenty, Tauranga
Daily Nov to May.

Step aboard a purpose-built dolphin-viewing vessel and embark on a wild encounter with the ocean's most fascinating creatures. As the winner of a Trip Advisor Award of Excellence, Dolphin Seafaris provides an educational and organic experience that's completely on the dolphin's terms.

Dolphin Encounter Kaikōura

Canterbury, Kaikōura
All year round

Imagine being eye to eye with a dusky dolphin! Join as a swimmer or a watcher, if that is more your speed. Watchers and swimmers travel on the same boat, so if some of you want to watch and some of you want to swim this is not a problem as you will still be together. It's fascinating to witness the interaction between swimmers and wild dolphins from above too.

Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari 

Auckland
All year round

New Zealand’s most unique whale and dolphin watching safari departs direct from downtown Auckland. Enjoy a 4.5-hour cruise on board the luxurious ‘Dolphin Explorer’ as we explore the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of encounters with its amazing and diverse marine wildlife.

Rotorua Rafting

Rotorua
All year round

Rotorua Rafting offers spectacular white water rafting adventures on the world-famous Kaituna River, just a 20 minute drive from Rotorua.

Motu River Rafting

Bay of Plenty
On demand

The Motu River is the North Island of New Zealand’s last dam free river, and flows from its source high in the Raukumara mountains 100 kilometres down to the Bay of Plenty. The rugged region through which the Motu River runs was the last area of New Zealand to be mapped, and much of it still remains a mystery. Rafting the Motu is thus a true wilderness adventure, taking boaters through deep gorges of sandstone, mudstone, and breccia lined with the majestic trees of virgin native forest.

River Rats Rotorua

Rotorua
All year round

Paddle deep into the heart of 100% pure New Zealand on this exciting white water rafting experience! Browse the variety of rafting adventures available. From Grade 2 scenic trips to the thrilling Grade 5 Kaituna Waterfall Experience. Sledging is also an option, for physically fit, not for the faint hearted.

Legendary Black Water Rafting Black Labyrinth

Waikato
All year round

Float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off waterfalls and take in the magic of the glowworm studded Ruakuri Cave.

River Valley

Taihape, Whanganui
All year round. Bookings essential

River Valley Lodge is situated in a beautiful location, beside the Rangitikei River on the central North Island of New Zealand. Using the Lodge as a base, you can go on a rafting adventure, a horse trek, or explore some of the local rural back roads on an e-bike. Of course, you could simply relax beside the river and enjoy some delicious food, many of the ingredients of which come from the on-site organic gardens.

Cow Stream Hot Pools

Canterbury
Check with DOC

Cow Stream Hot Pools is a small thermal spring located in St James Conservation Area. It’s one of a number of hot pools located in the northern reaches of Canterbury with others being found in Lake Sumner Forest Park. This is really extra for experts with good backcountry experience and travelling in a group.

Otumuheke Stream

Taupo
All year round

Warm geothermal waters from Otumuheke Stream flow gently into the Waikato River at Spa Thermal Park, providing a hot spot where bathers can relax in healing mineral water.

Wairakei Terraces

Taupo
All year round

Wairakei Terraces is a holistic, wellness experience nestled in the Wairakei geothermal valley. Embraced by native bush. Blessed with natural silica pools.

Otumuheke Stream

Taupo
The Spa Park car park is open daylight hours only

Warm geothermal waters from Otumuheke Stream flow gently into the Waikato River at Spa Thermal Park, providing a hot spot where bathers can relax in healing mineral water. Spa Thermal Park is about a 25 minute walk from Taupō town centre.

Pororari River Track

West Coast
All year round. Check with DOC

Follow the river upstream while passing between dramatic limestone cliffs and through sub-tropical forest. Part of Punakaiki area walks. The Pororari River Track is the pedestrian entry/exit for the Paparoa Great Walk.

Blue Pools Track

Central Otago, Wanaka
All year round

Wander through beautiful native forests and over a swing bridge to experience the pristine waters of Makarora River's Blue Pools.

Conical Hill and Heritage Forest

Canterbury
All year round

Conical Hill is a 30 minute walk up a gentle zig-zag track to reach the lookout at the top which is approximately 200m above the village. Dogs under control and on a leash are allowed.

Ship Creek Walks

West Coast
All year round

This ancient kahikatea swamp forest provides a glimpse back in time to what much of the West Coast may have looked like prior to human settlement.

Centre of New Zealand Walk

Nelson
All year round

The Centre of New Zealand, on Botanical Hill at the start of the Maitai Valley, is an iconic walk in Nelson Tasman.

Wharariki Beach Walk

Nelson
All year round

A easy walk along the most spectacular coastline in the Nelson -Tasman, passing through farmland and forest.

Wainui Falls Track

Nelson
All year round. Best in Autumn

A short walk through lush native bush leads to the cascading Wainui Falls, the largest and most accessible falls in Golden Bay/Mohua - there's a long swing bridge for children to enjoy as well.

Wither Hills Farm Park

Blenheim, Marlborough
All year round

The Wither Hills Farm Park offers a brilliant range of walking and mountain biking tracks on a 1,100ha working sheep and cattle farm just minutes from Blenheim's CBD.

Matiu/Somes Island Loop Track

Wellington
All year round

A 40 minute loop track around Matiu/Somes Island offers 360 degree views of Wellington harbour - with native wildlife, remnants from the world wars, historic quarantine buildings, and a lighthouse, there is plenty to keep you interested.

Red Rocks Reserve

Wellington
All year round

Put half a day aside for this easy coastal walk to Red Rocks and a fur seal colony on the south side of Wellington. Make sure to take a drink and lunch! Seals can get stressed by people, so keep a reasonable distance at all times. A 7.4km walk, taking 2-3hrs (return) along Wellington’s rugged south coast.

Fensham Reserve 

Wairarapa
All year round

Fensham Reserve is one of the best places for a bush walk near Carterton. This 48-hectare native bush reserve is just a few minutes' drive from the town's main street, and a popular spot for families and joggers.

Coastal Walkway

New Plymouth
All year round

The award-winning Coastal Walkway is a 13.2km path that forms an expansive sea-edge promenade stretching from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki all the way to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach.

Tarawera Falls Track

Rotorua
All year round. Permit required

The track runs between the Waterfall road carpark to the spectacular falls, where water surges out of fissures in a high cliff face.

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari 

Waikato
All year round

Step through the pest-proof gate into another world where ancient New Zealand forest towers majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong. Enjoy a variety of hikes and bush walks around the eco-sanctuary, take a guided tour or nature walk and discover why this conservation project is so special.

Cathedral Cove

Waikato
Anytime

Voted as one of the 102 Must Do's for Kiwi's. Accessible only on foot or by boat, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the 'must visit' sites on the Coromandel Peninsula. Stunning views of the Coromandel coast guide you to the dramatic cliffs and iconic rock archway of Cathedral Cove.

Rotoroa Island

Auckland
All year round. Book walks and accommodation before you come

Discover Rotorua Island by going on a guided walk with one of their passionate rangers. This island sanctuary is just an hour from Auckland, but feels like another world. It’s a place where curious explorers can uncover fascinating stories and beautiful beaches. Experience first hand the conservation of iconic New Zealand species. And escape to somewhere truly special for the day, or overnight.

Rangitoto Summit Track

Auckland
Always check the DOC website for changes that might affect your trip.

An easy-ish climb through pōhutukawa forest and lava fields gives way to panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf from the summit of this volcanic island. DOC describes it as one of their best short walks.

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