Fabulous Fiord land National Park

This is a truly beautiful place you must visit. There are about 14 National Park in New Zealand with beautiful, natural scenery and activities. Fiordland National Park is established in 1952 is now over 1.2 million hectares in size surrounded by mountain, lakes, fiord and rainforest environments with an area of 12500 KM2. There is limited human activity in Fiordland. Have an amazing experience with Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds while visiting fabulous Fiordland National Park. You can also take a beautiful scenic flight over Fiordland National Park.

Activities to do in Fiordland National Park

1) Visit Honey fields Alpacas Farm:
You should learn more about farm and the animals. You can buy honey as well.

2) Doubtful Sound:
Have an incredible experience with Doubtful Sound Cruise. Stay overnight at Cruise and immerse yourself in the vast and untouched wilderness

3) Te Anau Glowworm Caves:
Te Anau Glowworm Caves offers an underground adventure which attracts visitor of all ages.

4) Lake Te Anau:
Lake Te Anau is a beautiful place where to sit on grassy mound, drink a glass of Champaign and watching Sunset with your partner.

5) Te Anau Wildlife Park:
Visit Te Anau wildlife Park, where you find friendly kaka, native New Zealand birds, kereru(native pigeon), pukeko (blue flamingo), tui, kea, kakariki, takahe and weka. Te Anau Wildlife Centre run by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation and takes special care of rare, endangered or injured birds.

6) Dusky Track:
Dusky Track is a weather permitting activity. You need to challenge yourself which can endure adversity, isolation, hip deep mud, sheer ascents and descents, while you feel all 4 seasons in one day. Finally, when you finish love this adventure pain.

7) Mitre Peak:
Try to get marvellous views of Sunrise and Sunset from Mitre Peak Lodge. Even if it rains, you will find waterfalls everywhere.

8) The Chasm:
Chasm is a place where the Cheddau river disappears between a narrow gorge forming a beautiful waterfall. Come and visit some of the sweet looking, fun loving, friendly looking parrots.

9) Fish Jet: Jetboat + Fishing = Fish Jet Fiordland 
Fish Jet is a unique Te Anau activity where you get a chance to do fishing, jet boating, adventure and adrenaline.

10) Fiordland Penguin:
Come and visit Fiordland Penguins which has brownish red eyes, pinkish-white legs and blackish brown behind and on the soles. They can be seen on landing beaches during July-December. Penguin populations can be considerably in range and numbers since human arrival.

Visit New Zealand Travel Blog for more information or contact us at kiwi@freedomtourism.com

Photo Credit to - Gilbert van Reenen

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

Kiwi - The National Bird of New Zealand

Have you ever seen Kiwi? Maybe you are confused what is Kiwi, Is it a fruit? Or is it a bird? Yes, we are talking about KIWI Bird. The National Bird of New Zealand . The Kiwi evolved 70 million years ago from a flightless ancestor from the great southern continent of Gondawana. Kiwi represents New Zealand, the word Kiwi came from Maori Language. Kiwi has given his name to New Zealanders and now New Zealanders known as Kiwis in the world over. There are about approx. 70,000 Kiwis left in New Zealand. It can often seen in daylight.

If we talk about Kiwi size, it grows as a size of little chicken. A flightless bird has coarse, bristly, hair like feathers. Brown Kiwis can be found in forested areas in the North Island. Spotted Kiwis are found on offshore islands. Kiwi is a unique bird, it cannot fly. Kiwi loose hair like feathers and little Kiwi has no tail.

Types of Kiwi Birds:

Brown Kiwis

The Little Spotted Kiwi

Great Spotted Kiwi

Activities:

Kiwi Birdlife Park, Queenstown

Hours:

9am to 5pm (Winter)

9am to 6pm (Summer)

Watch out more tourist activities in New Zealand

Photo Credit @ Tourism New Zealand

South Island Cities, Locations & Attractions

South Island is the larger than the North Island, it has Cook Strait to the north, Tasman Sea to the west, Pacific Ocean to the south & east, 23% of New Zealand's 4.5 million inhabitants live in the South Island.

Largest city is Christchurch & know as 'Garden City'.

South Island offers wide varieties of tourist attractions in New Zealand for family vacations & couples for their honeymoon.

Main Cities are:

• Christchurch
• Dunedin
• Fox Glacier
• Franz Josef
• Greymouth
• Hanmer Springs
• Kaikoura
• Lake Tekapo
• Milford Sound
• Mount Cook
• Queenstown
• Wanaka

For more information about places to visit in South Island, do visit Freedom Tourism website

Click here for family holiday packages for South Island, New Zealand

Tourist Destinations for Indians in New Zealand

New Zealand has so many places and activities for every Indians & for every religion. Here are the list of religious places in New Zealand, specially for Indian Tourist, so every Indian traveler can continue their worship with their respective god.

Temples in New Zealand
Auckland Ganesh Temple
Subramaniyar Temple
Shree Swaminarayan Temple
Ratanadipa Buddhist Temple
Radha Krishna Mandir
Murugan Temple
Bharatiya Mandir
Thirumurgan Temple
4 Dent Place, Papakura
41A Stanhope Road Mt, Wellington
10/12 Wentworth Avenue, Papatoetoe
3075A Great North Road, New Lynn
145 New North Road, Eden Terrace
145 Church Street, Otahuhu
252 Balmoral Road, Sandringham
174 Marua Road, Ellerslie

Jain Derasar in New Zealand
New Zealand Jain Sangh
44F Portage Road, New Lynn

Gurudwaras in New Zealand
Sri Guru Nanak Dev Sikh
Sangat Gurudwara Sahib Ji
Takanini Gurdwara
Shri Dashmesh Darbar
Shri Guru Singh Sabha
Nanaksar Thath Isher Darbar
(Gursikh Temple)
Gurdwara Sri Guru Arjan Ji
120 Princess Street, Otahuhu
70 Takanini School Road,Takanini
158 Kolmar Road, Papatoetoe
Shirely Road, Papatoetoe
100-106 Great South Road, Manurewa
132 St George Street, Avondale

Mosques in New Zealand
Al-Mustafa Jamia Masjid
Masjid Al Noor
Masjid Al Makhtoom
Masjid At-Taqwa
Masjid e Abu Bakr
Masjid e Umar
26 Mangere Road
122 Blockhouse Bay Road, Avondale
91 Westney Raod, Mangere
58 Grayson Ave, Manukau City
5B Cortina Place, Pakuranga
185 – 187 Stoddard Road, Mt Roskill

The best New Zealand tour packages from India, which has Indian cook, regional language speaking tour guide & local travel ambassador to enjoy every moment of your holidays in New Zealand.

Contact on kiwi@freedomtourism.com for more information on travel planning & packages for NZ.

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

Explore Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo lies in New Zealand's central South Island & the heart of the Mackenzie Country. 

Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north–south. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water.

Church of Good Shepherd

The Church was built in 1935 as a place of worship for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie country. Located on the shores of Lake Tekapo, this church always attracts a crowd of tourists keen to capture this historic church


Glacier Boat Tour

The only tour of its kind in New Zealand. A memorable and amazing encounter on the terminal lake of New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. View icebergs of all shapes and sizes that periodically tear away from the glacier face.


Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking

The Mackenzie Country's Lake Tekapo contains some of New Zealand's most picturesque and natural scenery. Teal blue lake water and chiselled mountains are amongst the Mackenzie's jewels.


Mt John Observatory

Stargazing and astrophotography with Earth and Sky in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand. We provide guided day and night sky tours at Mt John Observatory and Cowan's Hill.


Tekapo Springs Hot Pools

Tekapo Springs is a recreation facility set in the stunning setting of Mt John in Lake Tekapo. Tekapo Springs is dedicated to providing the ultimate experience for the whole family and to lift your spirits.

Explore Lake Tekapo for more details at Freedom Tourism

Stewart Island - New Zealand

Stewart Island is the third-largest island of New Zealand. It lies 30 kilometers south of the South Island, across Foveaux Strait.

Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui, the original Maori name, positions Stewart Island firmly at the heart of Maori mythology. Translated as "The Anchor Stone of Maui's Canoe", it refers to the part played by this Island in the legend of Maui and his crew, who from their canoe (the South Island) caught and raised the great fish, (the North Island).

Its permanent population is 381 people as of the 2013 census, most of whom live in the settlement of Oban.

For more information do visit - Stewart Island

Contact for New Zealand tour packages from India & you can also customize trave plan with self drive tour package contact -  kiwi@freedomtourism.com

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

Mount Cook - the tallest mountain in New Zealand

Mount Cook Mackenzie is situated in the centre of New Zealand's majestic South Island. The region is renowned for its incredibly clear starry nights, brilliant sunny days, remarkable turquoise blue lakes, valleys of emerald green and snow-capped mountains.

Mt.Cook is also know as home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers.

Places to visit in Mount Cook

Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook National Park is located in the central part of the South Island, deep in the heart of the Southern Alps. Aoraki/Mount Cook village lies within the park with Twizel the nearest town outside.


Lake Pukaki

Lake Pukaki is a shimmering blue jewel set into a grand alpine playground - an iconic New Zealand landscape of high mountain peaks, glacier fed alpine lakes and golden tussocks stretched beneath an endless sky.


Things to Do in Mount Cook

Big Sky Stargazing

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is a gold-rated reserve, meaning the darkness of our night skies is almost unbeatable.
Recommended Time 2 Hrs


Tasman Valley 4WD & ARGO Tours

A short walk to a vantage point overlooking the Tasman Glacier and its terminal lake provides one of the most spectacular photographic opportunities in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.
Recommended Time 2 Hrs


Kayaking Tasman Lake

At over 750 metres above sea level you can become part of the environment, paddle beneath towering glaciated mountains and view the majestic glaciers and summit of the mighty Aoraki Mount Cook. We must have sun cream, sun hat, sun glasses, wind shell, walking shoes, snacks, water and camera.
Recommended Time need 3 Hrs

For more travel information about Mount Cook visit - Mount Cook New Zealand

For tour booking & package information for Mount Cook, visit - New Zealand Tour Packages

Things to Do in Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest & main city in the Canterbury region in the South Island of New Zealand. Also known as "The Garden City".

There are many things to do in Christchurch, below are the top places to visit while you are in Christchurch

International Antarctic Centre

One of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, the International Antarctic Centre provides visitors of all ages with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of Antarctica.

Orana Wildlife Park

Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. Orana specialises in providing unique animal encounters in an open range setting.


Tranz Alpine Kiwi Rail Scenic Journey

Climb aboard one of the world’s most famous train journeys, between Christchurch and Greymouth. Cross the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, and enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River.


Hagley Park

Hagley Park has been at the heart of Christchurch since the 1850s and is today the most significant central city park. It offers a diverse range of entertainment and recreational facilities close to the city centre.

Cashmere Hills

Cashmere is a highly desirable southern suburb of Christchurch City, New Zealand. Cashmere is nestled into the northern side of the Port Hills, overlooking Christchurch City, New Zealand.

Addington Raceway

Addington Raceway or The Met is the home of the Metropolitan Trotting Club in Addington, Christchurch in New Zealand. The venue consists of a trotting track, a greyhound track conference centre and restaurants.

Air Force Museum

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand holds the national collection of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The Museum’s role is to preserve and present the history of New Zealand’s military aviation through its collection.

For more details about Christchurch kindly visit - Things to do in Christchurch

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