While Sauvignon Blanc might be one of the first things you think of when it comes to New Zealand, the country’s many lakes and beaches are also a big draw for visitors.
Swimming with dolphins is a popular activity in New Zealand. In fact, there are 13 different species living in the waters off the coasts of the North and South Islands. What makes it truly magical is that you swim with wild dolphins in the ocean, not in a caged area or aquarium. A highlight for many is a visit to see the dusky dolphins, which inhabit the coast waters off Kaikoura on the South Island year-round. These spectacular and acrobatic dolphins are a sight to behold – either from the water, where they love to show off for swimmers, or from the deck and the comfort of a tour boat, where you have a bird’s-eye view of their antics.
Another exciting water-based activity is sailing on an America’s Cup yacht with Explore NZ. Guests board the yacht, which has been raced in previous America’s Cup competitions and sail around Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour on the North Island. Depending on your interests, you can either take on the role of crew or choose to sit back and enjoy the feel of the wind in your hair and the ocean spray on your face.
Doubtful Sound, in Fiordland National Park on the South Island, is real favourite among those with the sea in their veins. New Zealand’s second largest fiord (Dusky Fiord, Fiordland is the largest) was carved by majestic glaciers millions of years ago and the result is a breathtaking view accompanied by something many of us don’t hear often enough – the sound of silence. Visitors are frequently so inspired by the dramatic views and the all-encompassing silence, that the only sound they make is one of delight when they see bottlenose dolphins, Fiordland crested penguins or fur seals.
Many visitors to New Zealand like to combine hiking (known as tramping to the locals) with their adventures on the water. On the South Island, the 51 km of the Abel Tasman National Park trail offers visitors the chance to bring the two together in one great experience. Wilsons Abel Tasman offers two, three and five-day Kayak & Walk breaks. Along with hiking through the natural beauty of the park and encountering some of the native birds of New Zealand, you can also kayak through the crystal clear, turquoise waters looking for the Tonga Island seals or, if the season is right, dolphins and orcas frolicking in the waters of the bay.
Air New Zealand has direct non-stop flights from Vancouver to Auckland and offers flights from many other North American cities. For more information about New Zealand, please visit: www.NewZealand.com.
Kaikoura –
Explore NZ –
Doubtful Sound –
Abel Tasman National Park –
Wilsons Abel Tasman –
For more information on New Zealand, please visit: NewZealand.com. The site offers interactive planning tools, special travel deals, operator listings and information on New Zealand.
Many visitors to New Zealand like to combine hiking (known as tramping to the locals) with their adventures on the water. On the South Island, the 51 km of the Abel Tasman National Park trail offers visitors the chance to bring the two together in one great experience. Wilsons Abel Tasman offers two, three and five-day Kayak & Walk breaks. Along with hiking through the natural beauty of the park and encountering some of the native birds of New Zealand, you can also kayak through the crystal clear, turquoise waters looking for the Tonga Island seals or, if the season is right, dolphins and orcas frolicking in the waters of the bay.
Air New Zealand has direct non-stop flights from Vancouver to Auckland and offers flights from many other North American cities. For more information about New Zealand, please visit: www.NewZealand.com.
Kaikoura –
Explore NZ –
Doubtful Sound –
Abel Tasman National Park –
Wilsons Abel Tasman –
