New Zealand
If I had to pick my top ve must-visit destinations around the world, the list would most de nitely include glorious New Zealand. Yes, I know it’s a very long way for Brits to go, but you won’t regret it.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit there earlier this year – and those delightful images of little Prince George having a great time – has done almost as much for the country’s tourism as The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit films.
While the country has a well-established reputation for adventure holidays – bungee jumping, white-water rafting, jet boating – there are many less vigorous family attractions to enjoy, too.
Just in and around Auckland, main entry point for visitors from the UK, for example, you’ll find lots of great things to do. Children of all ages will enjoy Hobbiton, movie set for the films and now a delightful place to spend the day, complete with Hobbit Holes, the Party Tree and other Bilbo Baggins favourites. A two-hour drive from Auckland, the attraction has also recently launched evening tours, which include a banquet fit for a hungry Hobbit at the Green Dragon Hobbits, seals and adventure provide lashings of family fun in New Zealand Inn and a lantern-lit tour – www.hobbitontours.com
Not too far away, the magical lights at the Waitomo Caves – www.waitomo.com – are provided by hundreds of glowworms. How many can you count on a boat ride through their homes? Waiheke Island, a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, is where you’ll nd EcoZip Adventures – www.ecozipadventures.co.nz – the ying fox zipline is suitable for all ages, and dual lines mean you can travel side by side with a relative or friend if you’re a bit of a scaredy-cat.
Or get on your bikes at the Hauraki Rail Trail Cycle Way – www.nzcycletrail.com – a family-friendly trail that is flat and easy to ride. Highlights include stunning Karangahake Gorge, an historic gold-mining town and luxurious mineral spas.
In Auckland itself, travel up 328 metres in the glassfronted lifts of the Sky Tower – www.skycityauckland.co.nz – to the spectacular viewing platforms. Family members aged 10 years and over might like to try a SkyWalk – a circular walk around the tower’s pergola 192 metres up – or SkyJump, exactly as it sounds, from the same height. Er, I don’t think so, but daredevil teenagers will love it.
Animal lovers can get up close to sharks and penguins at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium – www.kellytarltons.co.nz
Or there’s Auckland Zoo – www.aucklandzoo.co.nz – home to 138 species and more than 875 animals, including iconic creatures such as New Zealand fur seals and kiwis, of course. The zoo’s behind-the-scenes tours are your chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered animals.
For more information about New Zealand: www.newzealand.com
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s visit there earlier this year – and those delightful images of little Prince George having a great time – has done almost as much for the country’s tourism as The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit films.
While the country has a well-established reputation for adventure holidays – bungee jumping, white-water rafting, jet boating – there are many less vigorous family attractions to enjoy, too.
Just in and around Auckland, main entry point for visitors from the UK, for example, you’ll find lots of great things to do. Children of all ages will enjoy Hobbiton, movie set for the films and now a delightful place to spend the day, complete with Hobbit Holes, the Party Tree and other Bilbo Baggins favourites. A two-hour drive from Auckland, the attraction has also recently launched evening tours, which include a banquet fit for a hungry Hobbit at the Green Dragon Hobbits, seals and adventure provide lashings of family fun in New Zealand Inn and a lantern-lit tour – www.hobbitontours.com
Not too far away, the magical lights at the Waitomo Caves – www.waitomo.com – are provided by hundreds of glowworms. How many can you count on a boat ride through their homes? Waiheke Island, a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, is where you’ll nd EcoZip Adventures – www.ecozipadventures.co.nz – the ying fox zipline is suitable for all ages, and dual lines mean you can travel side by side with a relative or friend if you’re a bit of a scaredy-cat.
Or get on your bikes at the Hauraki Rail Trail Cycle Way – www.nzcycletrail.com – a family-friendly trail that is flat and easy to ride. Highlights include stunning Karangahake Gorge, an historic gold-mining town and luxurious mineral spas.
In Auckland itself, travel up 328 metres in the glassfronted lifts of the Sky Tower – www.skycityauckland.co.nz – to the spectacular viewing platforms. Family members aged 10 years and over might like to try a SkyWalk – a circular walk around the tower’s pergola 192 metres up – or SkyJump, exactly as it sounds, from the same height. Er, I don’t think so, but daredevil teenagers will love it.
Animal lovers can get up close to sharks and penguins at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium – www.kellytarltons.co.nz
Or there’s Auckland Zoo – www.aucklandzoo.co.nz – home to 138 species and more than 875 animals, including iconic creatures such as New Zealand fur seals and kiwis, of course. The zoo’s behind-the-scenes tours are your chance to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered animals.
GETTING THERE
Discover The World o ers a range of holidays in New Zealand: 01737-214250, www.discover-the-world.co.ukFor more information about New Zealand: www.newzealand.com
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk