Month: October 2017

You’re due for a holiday. You’ve been working hard, thinking too much and running yourself ragged for other people – it will be good to take care of yourself for a change. Sadly, time is limited and you’re not quite sure where to start to make the best of it. Where should you go? What should you do? North or South Island? Don’t worry about a thing. Our team have summarised the best of both islands, making any New Zealand holidays you have up your sleeve a breeze.

North Island New Zealand

The North Island of New Zealand is teeming with the sort of natural beauty you can only see to believe, with many travel blogs (including this one) doing their best to communicate just how special, magical and addictive it can be. We all fall short of course, as the wonderful North serves up something different every time we put together a new itinerary for folks just like you, if only just for a few days.

Nature

Tongariro National Park: Dive into the heart of Mordor and pick up the trail across a truly volcanic tundra.

Coromandel Peninsula: Walk the bluffs, cliffs and beaches of this underrated paradise, home to the resplendent Cathedral Cove and Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve.

Lake Taupo: Roughly the size of Singapore, the warm, geo-thermal waters make this inland sea the perfect place to stop for a picture and a relaxing swim.

Adventure

Canopy Walk: Step onto swinging yet stable suspension bridges, as you set out and discover the world above Rotorua, hidden in the sprawling canopy of tall Redwoods.

Diving at Poor Knight’s Islands: Described as an “A-W-E-S-O-M-E” experience, a day of diving the area around the Poor Knight’s Islands and nearby shipwrecks will leave you wanting more.

Skiing at Mt Ruapehu: Did you know the North Island has its very own ski fields? The South doesn’t own all the action. This is the place the locals go when tourists descend on Wanaka and the Remarkables – if that isn’t a silent testimonial, we don’t know what is.

South Island New Zealand

Nicknamed the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, the South Island is a breathtaking combination of adrenaline attractions, awe-inspiring experiences and environment marvels. It’s a tiny bit bigger than the North though, so round-trip exploration is a bit of a stretch on limited time – but you can always come back! Fun fact? This expanse of staggering sights is less populated than the North, leading to long open roads and lots of road-trip fun without the necessity of back-tracking to get where you want to go. You could say it’s perfect for linear holiday planning!

Nature

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers: Get up close and personal with these two, jaw-dropping natural formations, charting the progress and retreat of their ancient stories by foot, plane or helicopter!

Milford Sound: A true wonder of the world, there’s no words to really describe Milford Sound – it’s somewhere you just have to go, as the sheer walls crowd around you and dolphins play in the wake of the boat.

Aoraki Mt Cook: The highest peak in New Zealand, touching the sky at 3,754 metres; why not take a walking tour of the area?

Adventure

Nevis Bungee: New Zealand is packed with things to dive from, but none are so high as the Nevis Bungee, sending happy jumpers plummeting 134m straight down, into a roaring canyon. Do you dare?

Funyakking: The best way to see the Dart River, cruising comfortably down the turquoise waters in a bright red, inflatable canoe. Heaps of fun for all ages – emphasis on the fun.

Shotover Jet: Rip-roaring and very thrilling, the Shotover Canyon Jet will completely change the way you look at jet-boating. Twist, turns and near misses abound!

…

Chat with or email one of our New Zealand Specialists today, and discuss which island suits your holiday vision. We have an itinerary waiting to make you smile!

You’ve seen pretty. You’re done with pretty. And while New Zealand comes out swinging with plenty of pretty to talk about at length, it’s not what you’ll ultimately remember about Skippers Canyon. Relaxing Journeys have found three devilish thrills to satisfy your inner adrenaline junkie – one by water, one by air and one by road. Take a look.

By Water: The Skippers Canyon Jet

The first stop on your Skippers Canyon self-drive adventure is the warm-up… Board the Skippers Canyon Jet and ready yourself for a series of death-defying manoeuvres, 360 degree spins, and near misses that will having you thinking, oh damn, we’re going to crash. You won’t crash! An experienced team of jet boat drivers surge through the same canyon every day, at over 80kms an hour – short of a waterproof GoPro, it’s best to leave your camera behind for this one.

Bonus: You’ll see a few Lord of the Rings filming locations along the way, as your friendly guide commentates the slower section of the ride.

By Air: AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy

AJ Hackett are the unofficial thrill kings of New Zealand, specialising in experiences to chill and thrill across both islands. Go back to where their reign of happy scares began with a leap of faith from the Kawarau Bridge, the original Kiwi bungy destination. Countless people have been, seen and screamed their way to the bottom of the canyon, pushing themselves to do something different, frightening, challenging and unforgettable with a single leap. It’s your turn.

Inside Tip: Before you take the plunge though, make sure you wear the right clothes for the season – winter can get really cold, so take a jacket.

By Road: 4WD Skippers Canyon Tour

Okay, so it’s not possible to leave pretty behind completely on a New Zealand holiday. The best of both worlds collide in the form of a 4WD Skippers Canyon Tour. Skippers Road is nothing short of treacherous, with tyre creaking moments and sheer drops out the window, you’ll be hooked on the heartrate spike in addition to the view – it really is spectacular. Get your breath back on Plane Table, capturing a snap over the Wakatipu Basin before continuing on to the original township of Skippers. Do you feel lucky? Test your panning skills and hunt for a speck of gold in the dust, learning more about the local heritage between rugged road-legs.

Inside Tip: Lighthouse Rock is the best place to pause for a look over the canyon. We’ll be very surprised if you don’t take a picture or two.

There’s more than one way to see New Zealand. Speak to our experienced team at Relaxing Journeys and plan your not-so-relaxing getaway.

Located four hours north-west of Christchurch, this gateway getaway serves as basecamp for avid explorers, laid-back families, adventurous couples and anybody seeking a holiday less frantic than those found in city spaces. Take two minutes to find out more about what to do in Punakaiki – the following may surprise even the most experienced New Zealand travellers.

See the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

As far as walks go, this one is easy. Spanning just twenty minutes in total, you’ll be able to enjoy the large limestone pancakes from the very best vantage points, taking care to stay on the track and heed any warnings on the pathway. Fashioned from microscopic pieces of dead marine life around 30 million years ago, the Pancake Rocks have been refined by wind, rain and seawater into the shapes you’ll see with your own eyes. Pictures don’t quite do high tide justice, as the waves come roaring in.
Trip Tip: Pair the Pancake Rocks Walk with another from the selection below and make it a day dedicated to savouring the great outdoors.
Stay Nearby: Punakaiki Resort

Paddle up the Pororai River

Journey into the tree-soaked interior of the Paparoa National Park, a short drive north of the Pancakes Rocks, for a wet and rollicking good time; even kids love this one. No rapids or big dips to worry about, just a relaxing canoe or kayak down the Pororai River, passing through a staggering limestone gorge, hemmed in by sprawling rainforest.
Trip Tip: Track down an all-inclusive supplier, saving space in your luggage for essentials and keepsakes.
Stay Nearby: Paparoa Park Motel

Take in the Sunset

The perfect end to a perfect day demands a spectacular sunset, a soft blanket and the silence of an untouched beach. Watch dusk roll in with the tide over Punakaiki Beach and take a moment to appreciate the wonders of the New Zealand West Coast.
Trip Tip: Save an extra day or two for further exploration – Paparoa National Park is teeming with walking trails for beginners, intermediates and serious striders.

Leave life behind for a while and enjoy a no-hassle holiday. Speak to the Relaxing Journeys team today and make you-time happen.

Rated as the number two Best in Travel 2017 destination by intrepid publishers Lonely Planet, the Taranaki Region is an unsung hero waiting to be praised loudly and grandly, boasting over 200km of trails, breezy beaches, majestic ranges and many man-made curiosities, including a world-class art gallery.

Let’s explore Taranaki, including walks to enjoy and what to do while you’re there.

Our Three Favourite Taranaki Walks

Short (3 hours): Curtis Falls Track

Park the car at Ngati Ruanui Stratford Mountain House, pick up your water caddy and prepare yourself for a challenging stroll. You’ll pass Te Pop Stream, putting those glutes to work on man-hewn steps and ladders before a sharp descent into the Manganui River Gorge. Skip from rock to rock, taking pictures all the while, before arriving at Curtis Falls for an alpine paddle before returning to civilisation.

Medium (Overnight): Maketawa Hut Circuit

Take only your essentials on this overnight tramp into the Egmont National Park, preparing yourself for a stair-climbing, sight-seeing and sure-footed good time. Rated as Advanced – although beginners can do it too – the Circuit gives as much as it demands; you’ll be spoiled with dense rainforests, flowing rivers and sweeping alpine terrains. The views of Mt Taranaki are superb.

Long (2-3 days): The Pouakai Circuit

Experienced? Enthusiastic? There’s no better tramping trail than the Pouakai Circuit. Explore the alpine tussock fields, unique swamplands and staggering cliffs of Egmont National Park, and get away from the modern world for a while. The side trip to Bells Falls is worth the extra time on foot – where else will you see fresh water falling over an ancient lava flow?

3 Taranaki Must-Do’s

Harakeke Weaving Workshop

Do something a little out of left-field and learn the finer points of Harakeke weaving, using flax to make necklaces, bracelets and stars. You’ll become acquainted with Maori hauhake (harvesting) traditions, letting your fingers and hands do the work on a small keepsake, while immersing yourself in authentic culture.

Len Lye Centre

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is a New Zealand first, taking out the title of sole museum of contemporary art in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Its iconic curved, stainless steel walls attract many selfies and would-be photographers, but it’s what’s inside that should get you excited. This cornerstone of artistic innovation features an ever-changing exhibition programme, regular events and educational opportunities, daily tours as well as late-night hours on Thursday. Promising much and delivering more, enjoy the latest addition of the Len Lye Centre, another New Zealand first. Dedicated to the film-making legend and sculptor, the 62-seat Len Lye Centre Cinema catches audiences up on his genius before opening the doors on his many works.

See Mt Taranaki from the Sky

Survey the indominable peak of Mount Taranaki, rising 2518m above sea-level in a specialty helicopter built for the cold conditions of this mountainous monster – the view from the ground just doesn’t do it justice. You’ll see so much more than we can describe here; needless to say, this is a tour not to be missed.

…

There’s no better way to see New Zealand! Create your own itinerary with Relaxing Journeys and experience the Taranaki region for yourself.