1. Auckland Skywalk
The rush is unbeatable! Leap off the famous Auckland Sky Tower and fall over 600 feet straight down. It is an unforgettable experience for true daredevils, offering a base-jump by wire off the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand. For those folks looking for a more mild adventure, you can walk around the top. As you can see from my photo, I was having the time of my life!
2. Wharekauhau
Built along the lines of an Edwardian country manner, Wharekauhau Country Estate presides over 3,000 acres of rolling pastureland. The main lodge offered a large country kitchen, wood-burning open fireplaces, a formal dining room, wine cellar, game room, intimate library, heated indoor swimming pool and gymnasium. It was a perfect destination for a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Right onsite the estate, Wharekauhau offers a range of onsite activities such as cellar tastings or soothing massages to relax and ATV quad biking, clay target shooting, archery, tennis and a tour of the farm for those more adventurous.
3. Treetops
Another fantastic estate we stayed at was located in the heart of New Zealand’s world famous therapeutic thermal region, Rotorua called Treetops Lodge & Estate. This particular estate is nestled in 2,500 acres of an 800-year old native forest. Treetops offer seven streams, on-site trout fishing, four lakes, and over 40 miles of adventure trails. It was an outdoor enthusiast’s dream!
For foodies, they proudly offer seasonal organic meals, from “estate to plate”. They even offer a cooking school where you can learn from professional chefs. New family experiences on the property include: photography safaris; geocaching hunts; their own on-site helicopter tours to the nearby live Volcano – White Island; luxury treks to spectacular waterfalls; and a 4WD safari experience. The recently opened Wilderness spa offers genuinely local, indigenous treatments within a choice of traditional day spa and residential wellness programs.
4. Kauri Cliffs
Set on 6,000 acres near the Bay of Islands in Northland, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs provides spectacular 180 degree views of the Championship Golf Course and Pacific Ocean.
Guests can enjoy Kauri Cliff’s beautiful property and also experience a variety of nearby activities including world famous game fishing, scuba diving, quad biking, scenic helicopter tours, snorkelling, sailing, sea kayaking, and hunting for boar. Guided tours feature visits to the Ninety Mile Beach, Tane Mahuta, Doubtless Bay, the Puketi Kauri Forest, Rainbow Falls, historic Russell and the Waitangi Treaty House.
Authored by Laura Clark, Australia, New Zealand and European Travel Expert at Travel Leaders / Destinations Unlimited, following a trip throughout New Zealand. She has traveled throughout this great country more than a handful of times!
Would you be interested in joining a group tour to the land down under, led by Laura Clark in 2021? Click HERE to email Laura for more information as the trip is planned!