Auckland Activities and Attractions

Auckland New Zealand has various activities & tourist attractions to visit while going on holiday to New Zealand. Below are the famous places in Auckland.


1. Auckland Zoo

Auckland Zoo is situated next to Springs Park, not very far from Auckland Business. Auckland Zoo is a home to large number of native and exotic New Zealand Animals.

2. Auckland Bridge Climb

Climb to the Harbour Bridge with a professional guide and see spectacular views of Waitemata Harbour, Sky Tower and share informative commentary about Auckland. If you thinking to see best scenery with 360 degree views from summit then Auckland Bridge Climb Activity is for you only.

3. One Tree Hill
The park is renowned for its landscape design and wide variety of mature trees. It is centred on a volcanic cone, One Tree Hill, with many interesting geological features.

4. Tamaki Drive
Tamaki Drive curves along the waterfront from downtown to St. Heliers Bay offering a superb outlook over the sparking Waitemata Harbour.

5. Muriwai Beach
Some folk come for a stroll on the beach, others to surf or swim or fish. One of the greatest attractions at Muriwai Beach is the Gannet Colony.

6. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium
Set on the waterfront of Auckland City on Okahu Bay, Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium is one of top visitor attraction. Where you can visit 30 exhibits, more than 80 different species, and 8 new themed zones.

7. Shopping at Auckland

How can we complete our Holidays in New Zealand without Shopping, right girls? If you are looking for New Zealand’s designer, International labels or Fashion boutiques visit high street stores or city’s famous malls. To buy some Kiwi fresh produce and gourmet goodies lets visit Local Farmer’s Markets.

Visit New Zealand Travel Agency - Freedom Tourism blog for more information on Things to do in Auckland

Photo Credits to - aucklandzoo.co.nz, A J Hackett Bungy New Zealand, Fraser Clements, Chris Cameron

Westland Tai Poutini National Park

The West Coast is home to some of the world’s most beautiful scenery and the National Parks are a great way to explore this untouched beauty. Tai National Park established in 1960, the centenary of the European settlement of Westland District, and covers 1160 kms2

Westland Tai Poutini National Park, situated on the Western Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Tai Poutini National Park can be explored from Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. It is the proud home of over 60 Glaciers including Franz Josef and Fox Glacier villages. From its highest point in the snow capped mountains of the Southern Alps you are rewarded with a visual feast encompassing, ancient forests, crackling blue glaciers, pristine rivers, lagoons thriving with birds and an immense stretch of untouched coastline. It also remains of gold mining towns along the coast. Tai Poutini is the very popular National Park to visit a bunch of walking tracks, biking trails on mountain, daring ski slopes and an area of fossicking gold.  Between the glaciers and the sea the park is a bird watcher’s paradise. The best way to appreciate Tai Poutini National Park is to take to the air, the Twin Glacier Scenic Flight, takes you to both glaciers for amazing views before you are landing at the head of either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier for a precisely memorable snow landing.

Activities

Camping
Climbing
Hunting
Kayaking and canoeing
Mountain biking
Skiing and ski touring
Walking and tramping

Facilities

Opening hours for the centre are:

• Summer: 8.30am to 6.00pm (late October to mid April)
• Winter: 8.30am to 5.00pm

There are lots more must visit places in New Zealand, visit New Zealand Travel Blog for more information

Photo Credit to : Julian Apse

Water Activities in New Zealand

Thousands of kilometers of coastline, lakes and rivers herald New Zealand as a water sports mecca.
Kayaking, sailing, surfing, diving, fishing – Kiwis love the water and we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to water activities. Indulging your passion for the water is easy to do here in New Zealand and limited only by your imagination.

Kayaking

Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. It is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is a boat where the paddler faces forward, legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle. Most kayaks have closed decks, although sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks are growing in popularity as well.

White Water Kayaking: is the sport of paddling a kayak on a moving body of water, typically a whitewater river. Whitewater kayaking can range from active, moving water, to demanding, extreme whitewater.

Surf Kayaking: is the sport, technique, and equipment, used in surfing ocean waves with kayaks. Surf kayaking has many similarities to surf board surfing, but with boats designed for use in surf zones, and with a paddle. A number of kayak designs are used, but all are aimed at better using the waves to propel the craft.

Canoeing: is a paddle sport in which you kneel or sit facing forward in an open or closed-decked canoe, and propel yourself with a single-bladed paddle, under your own power. Kayaking is a comparable activity in a kayak which usually has a closed deck and is propelled with a double bladed paddle. In a kayak the paddler typically sits with legs extended forward

Paddleboarding: Stand Up Paddleboarding is one of the the best ways to explore New Zealand’s stunning coastline, lakes and islands.

Improve your balance and co-ordination while you explore the best of what New Zealand's coastline and beaches have to offer. The perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors, stand up paddleboarding is an activity suitable for all ages and abilities.

Sea Kayaking: Sea kayaking tours are a splendid way to enjoy New Zealand's pristine coastline, amazing sounds and rugged fiords. Because we cater for both beginners and advanced paddlers you won't need any previous sea kayaking experience, just a partner to paddle with in a modern double sea kayak.

Sea Kayaking Tour Options:
1. Marlborough Sounds: Sea Kayaking on Queen Charlotte Sound
2. Sea Kayaking on Okarito Lagoon
3. Sea Kayaking tours on Milford Sound
4. Other Sea Kayaking Vacation Options
5. Coromandel Peninsula
6. Bay of Islands
7. Dusky Sound
8. Able Tasman

For more information about New Zealand Tourism info visit New Zealand Travel Blog

Photo Credits - Respectively - Julian-Apse, Adam Bryce, Camilla Stoddart

Some Basic Rules & Tips for Self Drive Tour Package

Self-driving holidays are one of the most relaxing ways of enjoying New Zealand's landscape & natural beauty.

We suggest before you book your self drive holidays to New Zealand, one must check the basic rules & important tips for it,

Drive straight and you are sweet as.

• Always STOP at Stop signs or Red Traffic light.
• GO Green, Orange Prepare to STOP.
• Strictly NO HORN, it's considered as an abusive gesture to other driver
• Street limit 50, Motorway 100, few roads are drive to condition.
• Give way to Traffic from Right
• NO stopping on Motorways, only in EMERGENCY with Boot OPEN, Hazard Lights on
• Be courteous to let public bus go first, they will Thank You with dashing hazard lights
• NO MOBILE PHONE's while you drive. Stop and talk.
• NO driving around with your fngertips or one hand etc unsafe styles. Both hands on steer, no crossover hands.
• Use mirror, 15 second every mirror to look for safe driving.
• No changing lanes without at least 3 signals notice.
• In event of an accident, be calm call the tour operator and let them handle. No arguments. Just take the other vehicle's number plate and photos of events if possible.
• Follow the various road signs for your safe holiday. If it says 30 speed limit then drive at 30. If it says stop then please do it
• NO Rubbish throwing from Moving Car (use bins when stop comes)
• Overtaking is strictly NOT PERMITTED, unless it is PASSING LANE on highways
• To Park in general parking slot only. NOT TO PARK IN DIABLED YELLOW CAR PARKING AT ANY TIME
• Lock your car at all times. Don't encourage thieves. Do not leave any valuables in the car
• ZEBRA (Pedestrian) Crossing has always first right. STOP if anyone wants to cross roads
• Use Pedestrian Button, if you want to cross roads. It's not safe without your turn to cross roads
• Footpath is for only WALK, not to drive cars, NOT EVEN in ANY EMERGENCY
• Railway Crossing has only one sided barrier and up/down's automatic with bells warning while train passing by, however it's always recommended to LOOK FOR TRAINS at crossing, always
• NO RACING or COMPETITION on any road at anytime
• LOOK for Animals on road and drive safe. You may face Kiwi (in night), Cats, Duck, Horse, Rabbit and many more. They don't know road rules, we do.

For more information on Self Drive, kindly visit - New Zealand Information link on Freedom Tourism website

White Heron Sanctuary Tours - Franz Josef - New Zealand

When you plan to visit Franz Josef do not forget to visit beautiful white heron at Waitangi roto Nature Reserve. It is a must visit place at Franz Josef, the best time to visit heron is during summer between September to early March. Enjoy your family holidays with white heron( kotuku), royal spoonbill and little shag, without this your holidays will be nearly incomplete, so don't forget to visit heron and yaa don't forget to click pictures for your memories at Franz Josef glacier visit.

Visit Information about White Heron Sanctuary Tours

Tour time: Around 2.5 Hours
Adults: $110 per person
Child: (12 years and under)$45
Minimum boatload 4 adults and maximum 12 adults
Tour Timings: 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm (For sufficient demand we can organize extra tours)

For more details and travel packages for Franz Josef, visit - FreedomTourism.com

Photo credits to - whiteherontours.co.nz

Sightseeing in Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington city is Nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, it is a capital city of New Zealand & famous for its arts, heritage, culture and native beauty. A creative, cosmopolitan city, Wellington combines the sophistication of a capital with the warmth and personality of a village.

Wellington was recently named "the coolest little capital in the world" by Lonely Planet.

Wellington has number of places to visit, here are few of them,

Museum Of Te Papa

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the national museum and art gallery of New Zealand, located in Wellington.








Old Saint Pauls Cathedral

Welcome to Wellington Cathedral, in the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. Situated within the parliamentary precinct of New Zealand's capital city,














Moutn Victoria Summit

Watch the Cook Strait ferries sail into the harbour and the planes go in and out of the airport. Mount Victoria's original Maori name is Tangi Te Keo.











Zealandia

Zealandia is a must-see eco-attraction and groundbreaking restoration project: a nature lover's paradise and a sanctuary by the city! See some of New Zealand's rarest birds, reptiles and insects living wild in their natural environment, including hihi, tuatara, saddleback, kākā and (at night) little spotted kiwi.







There are number of restaurants with different tasty Indian food items & cuisines available for food lovers,

For more information do visit - Wellington New Zealand

For Holiday tour packages & customize tour plan with self drive contact -  kiwi@freedomtourism.com

Hamilton City - New Zealand

Hamilton is New Zealand's largest inland city, located on the banks of the Waikato River, which is the country's longest river. Hamilton city has a rich history & contrasting splendors.

Hamilton city has spectacular tourist attractions & activities for travelers, ranging from Gardens, Villages & Air Balloon ride.

Lets find out few of them,

Hamilton Gardens

Explore the stunning Paradise Garden Collection, visit Te Parapara - New Zealand's first traditional Maori garden, picnic with the family or catch one of the many exciting events staged here each year.


Hobbiton Village

Discover the real Middle-Earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand. On the most picturesque private farmland you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies in a fascinating two-hour guided tour.


Hot Air Ballooning

A hot air balloon ride over Waikato NZ is a most tranquil and sublime experience! Breathe in the still, crisp early morning air as your hot air balloon gently rises above sleepy Hamilton and then drifts out to the green pastures of the Waikato.

Find out more details about Hamilton New Zealand

Contact for New Zealand tour packages from India at kiwi@freedomtourism.com

Note: Images are copyright by their respective owners.

Most iconic landmarks - Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) is one of the Far North region’s most iconic landmarks with its serene beauty. It is generally considered the separation marker between the Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. At the northernmost tip of the Cape is a gnarled pohutukawa tree, believed to be over 800 years old, and according to Maori oral history, the spirits of deceased Maori leap from this tree into the ocean to return to their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki.

Things to do

Te Paki Stream 

Te Paki Stream - Famous for its massive sand dunes and shallow driveable streambed, the stream runs through the 7 square kilometre sand dunes of the Te Paki Recreational Reserve.


Ninety Mile Beach Cape Reinga Tour

A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to the very top of the North Island – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Maori culture and tradition.

For more information please visit - Cape Reinga

Looking to visit Cape Reinga, check out the exclusive New Zealand Travel Packages from India

Dunedin Tourist Attractions

Dunedin is the principal city of the Otago region of New Zealand. Dunedin is the largest city in the South Island and sits on the hills and valleys surrounding the head of Otago Harbour.

Dunedin is a region of unique landscapes and fascinating cultural history.

List of tourist attractions in Dunedin

Lanarch Castle 

Lanarch Castle is known for its exciting, scandalous and tragic history, magnificient carved ceilings. Min. 2 years required to visit this place


Chinese Gardens

The design of the garden evolved over a period of 8 years. Garden is in the traditional YUANLIN style. Min. 1 hr required to visit this place


Cadbury World

Much like our products, the Cadbury story in New Zealand, Min. 2 hrs required to visit this place

For more information please do visit - Tourist Attractions in Dunedin

Top 5 places to visit in Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and main transport hub. The region is home to some 1.5 million people and is also the largest Polynesian city in the world. Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanting holiday islands. This is Among world's TOP 10 city to live in.

City has lots of tourist places and attractions, here are the top 5 places to visit in Auckland city

Bastion Point

Bastion Point is a coastal piece of land in Orakei, Auckland, New Zealand, overlooking the Waitemata Harbour.


Auckland Museum

The Museum is a war memorial for the province of Auckland and holds one of New Zealand's top three heritage libraries.


Piha Beach

Piha is New Zealand’s most famous surf beach. Situated on the west coast of the North Island, 40 kms from the city of Auckland, this black iron-sand beach has a reputation for awesome surf which rolls in over the Tasman Sea.


Hunua Falls

The Hunua Falls is located in the western part of Hunua Ranges Regional Park. The spectacular 30 metre waterfall is part of the Wairoa River.


Tamaki Drive

Tamaki Drive curves along the waterfront from downtown to St. Heliers Bay offering a superb outlook over the sparking Waitemata Harbour.


For more information visit - Tourist attractions in Auckland

Check out more place to travel in New Zealand at Freedom Tourism

Rangitoto Island - Youngest Volcano in Auckland

Rangitoto island is a iconic island in Auckland, New Zealand, To reach there is an only a short scenic ferry ride across the harbour from downtown Auckland.



It is a must visit place & a favorite destination for hikers and day-travelers. It is the youngest and largest volcano in the Auckland. Water lovers can take a guided sea kayaking trip out to Rangitoto & for adventure travelers, try a night kayak, evening sunset is very beautiful & night will be full of stars.

How to Reach?

A regular daily ferry service from either downtown Auckland or Devonport Wharf makes getting to Rangitoto easy and convenient. Click here for timetable information.

For more information on island please visit -  Rangitoto Island Auckland