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

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

Self Drive Holidays in New Zealand

Self driving holidays are one of the most relaxing ways of enjoying New Zealand's landscape. Many roads are scenic and traffic is low when compared to international standards. Although distances may seem short, however the roads often include hilly or winding terrain, which slow down your journey.
If you're used to driving in the city, you should take care when driving on the open country roads.

• All motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road and the unit is in Kilometers.

• There is no left turn rule as in North America.
· The speed limit on open roads is 100kmph.
· Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times, in both front and rear seats.
· Make sure that you have plenty of sleep before a long drive. Take regular breaks - one every two hours and when you feel sleepy.
· Do not drink alcohol before driving in New Zealand - drinking and driving laws are strictly enforced

Self Drive Holidays
New Zealand is easy to drive around with many signposted touring routes.

• Traffic is light
• Well maintained roads
• Great scenery

Rental car
Multiple choices of late model vehicles from well-known companies - Budget, Hertz, Avis, Europcar and others.

Second driver rule:
• AT the time of hiring a vehicle the second driver fee applies ranging between $10 -$20.

Soiling charges:
• In New Zealand it is a reserve to right to charge $50-$80 soiling fee if the vehicle is not returned with the interior in a clean condition.

Accidents and Health Insurance
• With a little care and common sense, your visit to New Zealand should be accident-free.

• In New Zealand, you cannot sue anyone for compensatory damages if you are injured.

• You need to purchase your own travel and medical insurance.

• New Zealand's public and private medical/hospital facilities provide a high standard of treatment and service but it is important to note these services are not free to visitors, except as a result of an accident.

• Visitors bringing in a quantity of medication are advised to carry a doctor's certificate to avoid possible problems with New Zealand Customs. Doctor's prescriptions are needed to obtain certain drugs in

New Zealand.
• No vaccinations are required to enter New Zealand.

Visit - New Zealand Travel Information for more information on Self Drive Packages to 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.

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

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

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

Top 5 Things to do in Queenstown

Queenstown is one of  the top travel destination in New Zealand. It is world famous for iconic scenery, friendly people, golf courses, wineries & smorgasbord of outdoor activities, you’ll never be short of things to do in Queenstown.

Here are the Top 5 Things to do for Queenstown, NZ




Skydive - It takes a certain kind of person to skydive from 15,000ft. It takes courage. You step out of that aircraft door and for some 60 seconds you freefall at 200km/hour. Queenstown is the birthplace of Tandem Skydiving in New Zealand, also known as the 'Adventure Capital of the World'.


Bungy Jumping - Bungy jumping, a term that screams adventure and craziness to some, and creates
pure fear in others. All began in november 1988, when two great mates had a crazy idea to throw themselves off the kawarau bridge, (queenstown, nz) attached only by a bungy cord.

Go Skiing – During the winter months, the mountains here provide some of the best skiing (or snowboarding) in New Zealand. The trails range from easy to difficult and there are many options here for experts. (Remember the NZ winter is during the North American summer!)

Ride the Shotover Jet – This ultrafast speedboat whips around the local rivers at neck-breaking speed. Sometimes the water is shallow you think you are going to crash. It’s quite the rush!

Go off-Roading – There are a few tour operators in the area that offer half-day off-roading adventures in 4WD vehicles. These tours take you through the canyons and across the rivers, so prepare for a lot of fun and don’t worry if you get a bit wet. Expect to pay between $75-125 NZD.

For more details about Queenstown things to do & activities go to - Things to do in Queenstown page at Freedom Tourism website