Barrhead Travel Destination of the Week: New Zealand!

This week's destination of the week is about as far flung as is possible: New Zealand

From rivers and caves to volcanoes and forests, there’s no shortage of stunning landscapes to explore in New Zealand, and no end of activities to enjoy therein:

Whale-watching in Kaikoura

The waters off Kaikoura in the South Island are so rich in a diversity of marine life that they have earned the reputation of being New Zealand’s “Natural Marineland”.

A boat trip around this marine paradise is extremely popular and offers an enviable opportunity to see giant sperm whales, migratory humpbank whales, orca, hector dolphins and dusky dolphins in their natural environment. You could try including Kaikoura in a full-day tour from Christchurch, including a visit to a winery.

Cape Reinga

Known as “the meeting place of the oceans”, Cape Reinga, in the Northland Region near the Bay of Islands, is where the Tasman Sea crashes into the Pacific Ocean.

Located on the northern tip of New Zealand, this is where the Maoris believe their spirits depart for their ancestral homeland of Hawaiiki.

An 11-hour air-conditioned coach tour from Auckland to Cape Reinga includes a drive along the rugged sands of Ninety Mile Beach, which is flanked by the Aupouri Forest. Gigantic sand dunes and stunning scenery make this a trip to remember.

Rotorua: Mitai/Rainbow Springs Night-time Combo

Spiritual home to the Maori, Rotorua is the ideal place for people seeking to learn more about New Zealand’s origins.

This cultural excursion enables visitors to meet the descendants of the local tribe of Te Arawa, hear their tribal stories and myths and enjoy an authentic and intimate Maori experience.

A visit to their ancient village in the magical forest, together with a feast of traditional and contemporary cuisine is included.

This is followed by a nocturnal visit to the spectacular wildlife park at Rainbow Springs – a must for people keen to see kiwis and other wildlife in their natural environment.

A Rotorua Sightseeing Combo pass means visitors can make the most of the wide range of other activities available in this region.

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Described by Rudyard Kipling as “the eighth wonder of the world”, Milford Sound set in the spectacular Fiordland national park in the south-west corner of the South Island, is a huge draw for visitors from all over the world.

A two-and-half-hour nature cruise through the crystal-clear waters of Milford Sound provides visitors with breathtaking views of the stunning waterfalls, ancient rainforest, varied wildlife and majestic mountains, including Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed natural landmarks in New Zealand. An unforgettable experience!

Glacier Walk

Of the 140 glaciers that flow from the Southern Alps, only two penetrate as far as the lower rainforests, reaching just 250m above sea level.

The largest one, Fox Glacier, carves an impressive path through the mountains and a half-day guided walk here gives a real taste of this spectacular, natural phenomenon.

This half-day trip ends in the middle of the glacier where there are spectacular views of the icefall and lower glacier. Mountain gear is provided, and visitors will need a reasonable level of fitness to take part.

For the more adventurous visitor, helicopter flights and overnight guided treks staying in alpine huts are also available.

Barrhead Travel can arrange the perfect New Zealand trip for any of our customers with stopovers en-route possible in Dubai, the Far East, Australia, the US or in the beautiful South Pacific. Whether you're looking to go for two weeks on the North Island, a month taking in both North and South or as part of an even longer trip or Round-the-World itinerary we can tailor a holiday to your exact needs and budget.

Contact one of our friendly experts now by calling 0871 226 2673 or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk and start planning your holiday to New Zealand today!