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The Maori discovered New Zealand 800 years before any Europeans set foot on it’s lush volcanic soil, making Maori culture an essential must-see when visiting. This trip begins in Auckland with an in-depth look into legendary traditions, and ends up in adventure capital Queenstown for a look at how culture has developed. Think of it as the story behind the ‘land of the long white cloud‘.
auckland harbour
auckland: step back in time
Start off in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, and settle into the five star boutique hotel Mollies: overlooking the harbour it’s your perfect city base. Once settled in, you’ll be collected for a full day tour of Tamaki Makaurau, the Maori region surrounding Auckland, with an expert guide. Visit Pa (or Maori) sites where tribes once lived in fortified villages, listen to the legend of Rangitoto Island, and see the point where the first Polynesian canoe landed: this is where New Zealand was discovered.
fascinating maori carvings
A real highlight is visiting one of New Zealand’s top carvers, with 30 years of experience creating face masks, weapons and other indigenous artefacts from wood, whale and cow bone. Ask him about his full facial moko, or tattoo (the sign of a high rank) and visit an indigenous gallery to learn how the Maori culture evolved to the present day. Simply fascinating.
And now for some dramatic scenery: head inland on the aptly named Scenic Drive (you’ll be happy you’re being driven so you can enjoy the views), through the Waitakere Ranges rainforest, and end up on the black sand Karekare beach, where the award-winning film ‘The Piano’ was shot.
black sand karekare beach
A short walk into the bush here you’ll see the picturesque Karekare falls and discover how the plants all around you have been traditionally used for medicine.
have a heli time in queenstown
Now it’s time to hop south by plane to the goldrush city of Queenstown to check into hip design hotel The Spire. This city isn’t known as the adventure capital of the world for nothing, and our tailor-made experience will point you in the direction of the best quality adventures. As well as exploring the buzzing city with an expert guide, one must-do is a visit is to Branches High Country Station: an idyllic lakeside retreat for refreshing mountain air and stunning lakes.
hang gliding over queenstown
Head up by helicopter and try hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, clay pigeon shooting and even gold panning surrounded by mirror-still lakes. While you’re up there, why not extend your heli trip to see Lake Wanaka and witness some of the stunning landscapes where Lord of the Rings was filmed, including some adrenalin-pumping swoops over razorback ridges: not for the fainthearted.
watch the legendary all blacks
Back in town, be sure to catch an All Blacks rugby match on their home territory (definitely worth timing your trip for). Watching their take on the dramatic Haka in the electric atmosphere of fanatic supporters is a truly unique New Zealand experience.
And finally, no visit to the South Island is complete without a dose of white-knuckle adventure, so this experience ends with a high-speed jet boat trip down the scenic Dart River. Zip from the mighty Lake Wakatipu into the pristine Mount Aspiring National Park, strapped into a jet boat which skims the surface of the clear blue river overlooking snow-capped mountains and lush forests. A total blast to end your unforgettable New Zealand experience.
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adrenalin on the dart river
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