[sarahw]

OK so the AA is running their website on what are the best holiday activities & places to visit in NZ & summer hols are fast approaching & I thought we'd all benefit from recommendations of places to visit when we're away this summer. I'm interested to find out what your all-time favourite activites to do in NZ on holiday are.

My fave must-do activities so far have been:

Sailing with the dolphins & penguins from Paihia Wharf (Bay of Islands) on a small catermaran. We stopped off at an island for a swim & to take in the scenery (and, for a sausage sizzle!!).

Spending NYE in Paihia - fantastic fireworks that would easily challenge any top firework display in the UK!

Hot natural springs in Taupo - great for a morning's relaxation (especially when you've got a hang-over!).

Kapiti Island - good exercise walking the Trig track to the top and amazing bird-life and lovely native plants/trees. I even saw a kiwi in the wild (stayed at the Kapiti Island Alive lodge overnight - v. rough & ready but great food & very welcoming hosts) - although it rained all weekend I'd say this has been the very BEST thing I ever did in NZ!

[thepiesleys]

Just reading that has made me get all excited again. I cant wait.......

[Avalon]

1/ Zorbing at Rotorua. There just are not the words to describe how much fun this is. I particularly recommend the wet version over the dry version - and doing a joint run is a must for pure hysteria.

2/ Jumping off the Skytower in Auckland. Not as much a strain as Bungy - but im my mind - an excellent way to start a New Life in New Zealand.

3/ Toast Martinbororugh (this weekend :D ) If you can get tickets to this wine event - its well worth it. A rambling tour of teh Wairarapapa's vineyards,; music, food and company. A great day out. (though NOT cheap :wah )

[Smiler]

The whale watch at Kaikoura.

It's very well organised, the boats are excellent and the staff helpful and informative.

I was surprised at the technology too, with pc's and a flat screen tv in the cabin, air craft style.

It was $70 per person and you get half of that back if you don't see any whales.

Edited to say: I love your daughter's pic in your avatar Sarah :D

[Carol]

The Maori show at Tamaki Brothers place just outside of Rotorua. I have seen it twice now with different visitors and it was excellent both times.

Seeing the Franz Josef Glacier from a helicopter - it is breath-taking!

Love the Taupo hot pools at De-Bretts.
Essential to go to - especially in the rain!

The Huka Jet up the river to the Huka Falls at Taupo - not cheap but cool.

Martinborough Craft Fair - first Sundays in February and March.

The Mission vineyard concert in January - last year was Chris Rea and Olivia Newton John - this year we are going to see Eric Clapton wahoooo

Seeing the stage show "Maui" at the St James in Wellington - it was amazing.

Mt Ruapehu - in all shapes and forms. Even just driving up it!
It erupted a few weeks after we got here!

Kapiti Island visit - nearly killed me getting to the top but I did it.

Te Papa. Over and over again - never get tired of it!

The farmer's market in Porirua on a Saturday morning.

Shopping in Petone - the cafes are awesome.

so many more...

[adamsat]

Taking the Tranzalpine in the middle of winter - got to be one of the most fantastic train journeys anywhere.
Any jet boat ride
Hells Gate
The luge at Rotorua
The scenic route drive from Akaroa to Christchurch

[Tate6]

I am loving this and making notes!! When I finally get there, I will have a great list of things to start with!! FANTASTIC!!

Thanks, all!!

Terry