Some ideas of things to do before, after or in between our trips. In most cases we have done these activities ourselves and we assume you are like us and enjoy a bit of exercise:
Diving Poor Knights Island - Probably some of the best diving trips in New Zealand.
Trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island - A bird sanctuary where you will see some of New Zealand's most endangered birds including the Takahe and Saddleback.
Rangitoto Island - half hour ferry ride from downtown Auckland, it is easy to spend a day exploring this volcanic island with caves and beautiful Pohutukawa forest.
Te Papa - New Zealand's National Museum is a must. Gives you a great feel of our country and culture.
Karori Sanctuary - A few years ago a predator proof fence was built around a patch of forest in Wellington, and all possums were removed. Now the reserve is home for many of our native birds including the kiwi.
Red Rocks - Out on the coast of Wellington, NZ fur seals are often found basking in the sun.
Tararua Forest - About a hour north of Wellington, the Tararua Forest has great tramping, both day trips and overnight.
Great sunshine hours in Nelson and lots to do in the outdoors.
Richmond forest can be accessed from the back streets of Nelson and within a few hours you can have awesome views of the surrounding areas. Both day trips and overnight.
Abel Tasman kayaking - great to kayak this National Park but it is getting busy during peak season. A great place to go in the winter when crowds are less.
Marlborough Sounds - this is one place you must see on your New Zealand trip and it is great for kayaking and walking. Many small resorts where the only way to get there is by water taxi. A great place to wind down for a few days during your trip to New Zealand.
This is a tourist mecca and you name it and you can do it in Queenstown: Bungy jumping, parapunting, hang-gliding, water sledging, rafting trips, jet boating ...
There are also some great walks in this area. A good day walk is to head up Ben Lomand (cheats can catch the Gondola half way up).
The Port Hills are a great place for a bike ride or walk. It is possible to catch a gondola to the top and walk from there.
Blackcat Wildlife Cruise run excellent trips out to the harbour mouth to see the endangered Hector's dolphins.
Antarctic Museum is a must - especially on a rainy day.
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