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

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

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

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

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

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

How to save money for Transport in NZ?

Kia Ora! Hello Traveler friends, Have you been carving for a travel around New Zealand but money is a hurdle you can’t seem to rise? Well, would that be a little less daunting if you could travel using no more than the change in your pocket?

Good news, here are some of exciting tips to help you grab the essentials for no more than $1. No hassle, just great, cheap travel…

HOW TO SAVE MONEY IN TRANSPORT IN NZ OR FREE TRANSPORT IN NEW ZEALAND

They say it’s the journey, not the destination but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot on it. Here plenty of options to make your journey dirt-cheap.

Free cars and campervans

Yes let’s start with the obvious best deal, Transfercar, the company that makes free travel possible! You are on our website so just search for your free rental car (https://www.transfercar.co.nz) or your free rental campervan. (https://www.transfercar.co.nz) How is this miracle possible? Rental car companies need to reposition their fleet for new hires, and travellers can help them relocate those cars. It’s 100% win-win where travellers get a free ride and rental car companies save on expensive relocation costs.

$1 bus rides

You can grab $1 bus fare bargains from both Naked Bus(http://nakedbus.com/nz/bus/how-to-get-our-cheap-1-fares) and InterCity (http://www.intercity.co.nz/travel-info/getting-a-1-fare/), both well known, reliable and popular long distance New Zealand bus companies.

Naked Bus is well renowned for its $1 fares and it’s possible to snatch one up on every single bus trip that they run. This is because the first seat on every bus is sold for $1 and according to them, “the sooner you book, the cheaper it will be”. To give you an idea of when to get booking, buses are listed 3-6 months prior to departure.

InterCity’s $1 bus fares work in a similar way, with at least one fare on every bus that they run being sold for just $1. However, they list their buses a year in advance so you have to be seriously organised to grab this deal.

Carpooling

New Zealand is a super friendly place, with its locals and travellers always looking to make new travel buddies to share adventures with. That’s why there are a number of carpooling avenues you can explore to share travel costs or sometimes travel for free.

CarpoolNZ is a website specifically designed for people who want to ride-share within New Zealand. The drivers register their current location and destination, what time they wish to leave, and a blurb about themselves.CarpoolWorld is another good tool for New Zealand travellers. Let’s Car Pool is a New Zealand government run website that allows those interested in carpooling to register and upload any trips they are taking. 

Public Facebook groups such as ‘Fellow Traveller Carpool New Zealand’, ‘Carpooling Otago’, ‘Southland/Otago Carpooling’ and ‘RIDES between WHANGAREI AND AUCKLAND’ are a great way to hitch a ride.

For more information visit - http://goo.gl/1BGjKx