Bike the Vines with Explore Marlborough

Cycling along quite country lanes, along river banks and through private vineyards with stops along the way to sample the fantastic wines the Marlborough region offers. Do I need to say anymore? Explore Marlborough is the only fully guided bike tour company in the region offering guided cycling wine tours and they do a fantastic job of introducing you to some of the best cellar doors in the area. The area is very flat with small distances between the wineries so even after a few wines the cycling isn’t too taxing.

Dolphin Encounter with Encounter Kaikoura

My favourite activity in New Zealand, even allowing for some minor sea-sickness. With pod sizes of the resident dusky dolphins ranging in the hundreds along the Kaikoura this is one of the top places in the world to swim with these amazing marine mammals. On our trip we had to settle for swimming with ‘only’ 40-50 dolphins but it was certainly the favourite animal encounter of my life. The intimacy and inquisitiveness from both sides was very special and I think it should be on everyone’s New Zealand itinerary. It is also a great chance to be a pop star for a while as singing helps keep the dolphins interested in you!

Maori Tours Kaikoura

A much more intimate and dare I say it authentic experience when compared to the Maori cultural attractions in Rotorua. If anyone has seen Billy Connolly’s World Tour of New Zealand you will recognise owner/guide Maurice as he guided Billy around the native forests of Kaikoura explaining the uses and significance of the flora. This also forms part of Maurice’s tour and you will also gain a real insight into the Maori culture, history, traditions and spiritual values. Also, it’s not just me who was impressed, they have been voted ‘Best Cultural Experience in NZ’ for the last three years.

Franz Josef Glacier Nerve Discoverer with The Helicopter Line

This was a great way to get up close and personal with Franz Josef Glacier and touch the snow. As a helicopter virgin as I was slightly nervous before the flight, however I was amazed by how smooth and comfortable the experience was which meant I was free to enjoy the incredible scenery as we flew up the valley. As we got to the head of the glacier the vast snowfield that feeds it as well as the other glaciers in the region came into view and after a very soft landing we were able to get out and experience the solitude of being the only people in this alpine wonderland. This is the shortest trip The Helicopter Line operates, longer flights including views Fox Glacier and Mount Cook are also available.

Wilderness Safari with Dart River Jet Safaris

Not quite as scary as the word ‘jet’ intimates more a soft-adventure trip. The jet boat does however enable you to navigate the shallow channels of the Dart River taking you into the Mt Aspiring National Park and the stunning scenery that comes with it. The ride is one of three elements of the trip and is combined with a guided walk through the ancient native forest surrounding the river (top tip: take some insect repellent to ward off the sand flies) and a 4WD back-country drive which takes you back to Glenorchy. This section should actually be pretty familiar as it has formed the backdrop for many international movies, most famously of course The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.   

Routeburn Track Encounter with Ultimate Hikes

If you are keen on hiking but don’t have time or energy to walk the whole of the Routeburn or Milford Tracks then one of Ultimate Hikes Day Encounters works perfectly. I chose the Routeburn and certainly wasn’t disappointed. Starting from the end point of the multi-day walk it was a leisurely 6km walk through the forest to Routeburn Flats. This is a great point to have a rest by the river and contemplate whether to climb up to Routeburn Falls Lodge. Fairly steep at points, however the stunning views more than make up for the extra energy exerted and I would definitely recommend the walk up to the lodge. This walk can be done on your own as it is well signposted however I found having a guide to explain the unique flora and fauna and local history made the day much more enjoyable.