Unseen Queenstown

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world and it is a general perception that you should do the adventures activities while you are in Queenstown. However there are plenty of hidden treasures which are not famous or unexplored by majority of the tourists. These activities are relaxed in nature and still enjoyable. Let us put down a list of such activities for you all.

Unsen Spa & Hot Pools:


You cannot miss this if you are on honeymoon tour. Overlooking the beautiful shotover river, private bathing pools of this Japanese style spa is the perfect relaxing activity after the fun filled day you might have had. You can actually customize your session by selecting maximum privacy or maximum view. With just one push of a button you can retract the side walls and roof of the hot pool to enjoy the beautiful views. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Hot Air Balloon:


We would recommend Hot Air Balloon to someone who is afraid of skydiving but not afraid of heights. You must make sure that you finish your day early and sleep well because early morning flights of these balloons are a treat to watch. If weather is good these balloon go as high as 2000 meters. It offers spectacular views of mountain range, serene lake Wakatipu and fantastic green ranges. You need at least half a day to do this activity.

Artistic Tours:
Have you ever wondered that you can actually have a place where you enjoy drawing paintings and unleash your inner artist? There are communities in central Otago region where you can actually find like minded people as you and organize a tour to distinct places where you do not need any other inspiration to draw paintings as nature will be the biggest inspiration.

Explore Queenstown with various Tour packages for Queenstown

Contact kiwi@freedontourism.com for more information on New Zealand travel packages from India

Photo Credit to - Julian Apse

10 Reasons to Visit Auckland

Auckland is a city of sails and metropolitan city has something for everyone from beaches to food to sports. Recently Auckland has voted 5th best city in the world for quality of life. Auckland is a home for around 1.5 million Kiwis.

Check out the 10 top reasons to visit Auckland, 

1) Auckland Sky Tower:
Auckland sky tower is a favourite tourist attraction. At 328 metres tallest man made structure in New Zealand offers breathtaking views of beautiful Auckland city. Auckland celebrated New Years Eve in 2015 with a giant clock display on the sky tower with amazing view of fireworks.

2) Rangitoto Island:

Rangitoto Island is located in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland. Rangitoto Island is a home for largest pohutukawa forest, and some pleasant plantlife. To reach the island, catch the ferry from Auckland and reach there just in 25 minutes.

3) The Unique wildlife:
Auckland is a wildlife lover’s paradise. Auckland zoos, wildlife park and aquariums are the perfect holiday destination for family. Explore the beautiful dolphin, whale, butterfly creek or lions at Auckland zoo.

4) Auckland beaches:

Auckland has top 10 beautiful beaches to visit. You can find black sand surf beaches to sheltered golden bays. If you like to visit Piha beach, you will get excellent view from a top Lion Rock. Have your family barbeque, picnic, swimming or surfing, choice is yours at any of the Auckland beaches.

5) Hobitton day trip:

If you will drive a two hour south of Auckland, visit the Hobitton movie set used in the Lord of the Rings movies.

6) Auckland Museum:

Auckland war memorial museum is one of New Zealand’s most important museums to visit. Museum has extra ordinary stories of New Zealand original Maori people, military history and more.

7) Auckland Bungy:
Cosmopolitan city Auckland has adrenalin pumping activities. From 47 meters off the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge experience bungy jumping or have scenic helicopter rides.

8) Bularangi Motorbikes:
See the New Zealand very different way with your own personal driver. You just sit on the back of motorbike and explore amazing sight scene from Harley Davidson passenger tour.

9) Museum of Transport & Technology:
MOTAT is Auckland’s museum of transport and technology. You can experience the history and development of New Zealand transport, technology and Kiwi ingenuity.

10) Hauraki Blue Cruises:
Why not discover beautiful Auckland with Hauraki Blue Cruises? You will find an overnight, lunch or multi day cruises, around the island of Hauraki Gulf which has accommodation of 60 people. Enjoy the eye catching view of the Waitamata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf. You can also arrange business conferences, meetings and weddings at Hasuraki.
 
Visit New Zealand Travel Blog for more information

If you are planing your tours to New Zealand, check out the best Auckland Tours, you can even contact at kiwi@freedomtourism.com

Photo Credits to - Bob-McCree, Sara-Orme & respected owners....

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

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

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

Create your Holiday Route Plan with Freedom Tourism

Freedom Holiday got a great tool where you can customize your holidays and create a route plan for your family vacation. As name suggest 'FREEDOM', you have complete freedom to choose your places & destinations where you can enjoy your vacation. Once you create your route plan Freedom Tourism team will come in to action and according to your route plan suggest possible changes where you can save time and money.

It has very simple process where you can create custom Trip planning for your New Zealand holidays.

1. Go to http://www.freedomtourism.com/select/city

Select your desire cities where you want to travel & Click on NEXT

2. You will have Hotel category options, select hotel category you want to stay & Click on NEXT

3. You will have food options, select your food options & Click on NEXT

4. Transport options are available, select what type of transport facility you need & Click on NEXT

5. List of activities are there, select activities and places you want to visit based on your earlier city selection & Click on Finish

6. Your Trip plan is ready

After this trip plan creation, Freedom Team will work on that plan and get in touch with you to explain & give you complete tour itinerary

See how simple is this? So what you waiting for you Plan your holidays and create your holiday trip to New Zealand.

Contact Freedom Tourism Today!

Visit the available New Zealand vacation packages

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

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