Sensational New Zealand
Join me in my first visit to the home of the Māori
Although I have been lucky enough to visit Australia many times, I had never been to New Zealand. In April 2023 I was offered a place on a large multi-national agent’s trip, courtesy of Tourism New Zealand. I accepted as I was keen to find out what all the fuss and great reviews were about.
Auckland and Waiheke Island
On arrival in Auckland, I was tired but excited for what was to come. We started by familiarising ourselves with the city and as a rugby fan I was looking forward to our first stop - the All Blacks Experience. This was excellent and took us on a trip through what it takes to be an All Black, including the philosophy and culture. It culminated in a dark room with surround sound and a large screen. We found ourselves standing ‘on the grass’ in a full ‘stadium’ first in front of the All Blacks and then in front of the Black Ferns (Women’s XV) whilst they did a Haka at full volume and only only feet away from where we stood. That is something I will never forget and one I cannot recommend highly enough!
Next, we met the American part of our group, and we were due to sail on an America’s Cup Yacht. Unfortunately, the wind was a bit too strong for that yacht, so it was replaced with one more suited for the conditions and off we went into the harbour. It was initially a leisurely cruise but when then crew turned into the wind, the yacht changed angle, leaving some colleagues high above the water whilst others almost got their bums wet. It was great fun and showed the city in a different light and we also got a chance to take the helm.
The next morning, we were up early to take a 45 min ferry ride to Waiheke Island. On arrival we joined agents from Australasia and were lucky to experience a pōwhiri, or a Māori Welcome Ceremony. The pōwhiri has a set format and starts with an armed warrior approaching us to see if we were friend or foe. It is very impressive and although I was at the back I’m glad I was aware what was happening, as it came in useful later in the trip.
The ceremony ended in a Hongi, which is a traditional Māori greeting, where we touched our noses to those of each of our hosts, breathing in their spirits and making a connection. Formalities over, we introduced ourselves and told our hosts who we were and where we came from, before they offered us refreshments.
Later we undertook a relaxing healing nature walk in a forest, before joining a yacht from one of our operators as we headed to a small cove. We were again kept fed and watered and a great time was had, even though we didn’t see any of the usual Orca or dolphins, who are often seen in this area.
Back on land we headed to the hills of the island to Batch Winery for dinner with all the other participants. The weather had closed in a bit by now, but our hosts really looked after us and we had a great meal.
Dunedin and Otago, South Island
It was a very early 5am rise to get a flight to Dunedin in the South Island. I had wanted to visit here for a long time as the town was created by Scots and still has a strong Scottish feel to it. An old school friend lives there, but unfortunately, he was working away, so we couldn’t catch up. After checking in, we had a tour and tasting in Speights Brewery in the town before heading to the Otago peninsula.
Our first visit was to Natures Wonders, which was wildlife based with a bit of an adrenalin rush. We headed from their base to the cliffs in off road All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) that sat 1 in front and 4 in the back. It had been raining and it was a fun ride through the big puddles and mud and needless to say we all got filthy.
We saw seals, some very close up, and got up close and personal with Blue Penguins, the smallest penguin in the world. This was a real privilege and what the owners are, or more importantly are not doing, is very impressive. I highly recommend this tour.
Later, we visited the Albatross Centre and had dinner at Larnach Castle before heading back to Dunedin. It was a long day, and we were all very tired.
The next day we started our journey into central Otago and first visited a beautiful town called Karitane, located at the mouth of the Waikouaiti River. This has 2 beaches – one on the open water side and one on the quieter river side and it is really relaxing. We had a Māori tour of the town and its historic site, and I felt quite at home here.
Then it was a 35 mins drive up the coast to Moeraki Boulders Beach that has large marble like boulders on the beach. The tide was out when we arrived and we were able to see the boulders clearly. This is a beautiful beach that seems to go on forever!! After a lovely seafood platter lunch in the café, we headed inland to Central Otago where we had some wine tasting and visited a couple of boutique hotels before checking into the Marsden lake Resort.
Central Otago
The following day was my birthday, and it started really well with a Jet Boat ride through the Kawarau Gorge, passing literally millimetres from the rock edges. The professionalism of the drivers was very impressive and needless to say we got soaked, but no-one cared as it was a brilliant start to the day.
Next, we visited the National Motorsport Museum and track just outside Cromwell, where they have wonderful cars with everything from a Rolls Royce to a DeLorean. It was race day, so it was busy and there was something for everyone, including very unique toilets, with a view over the circuit. These toilets must be visited as they will guarantee you a laugh, especially the Donald Trump themed one.
The adrenalin continued as we next went on an e-bike ride alongside Lake Dunstan and past the beautiful Carrick Winery, where we stopped for a fantastic lunch. The bikes were incredible and very high end, so very little effort was required to get up any sort of hill.
After lunch at the winery, the local tourism host gave me a ‘birthday cake’ by way of some fudge with a candle in it, and for the second time that day I received a singing of Happy Birthday, with the first being at breakfast that morning.
I was looking forward to the next stop which was Cloudy Bay Winery and the tasting of their wines. I know these wines as we can get them in the UK and they are very good. After this the group split with the Americans heading off to Queenstown with the rest of us going to Wanaka.
Upon arrival we dumped our bags and headed down to the beach by the hotel for our 2nd Māori Ceremony, this time by a lone warrior. I got voted to be the one to get involved but thanks to the previous ceremony I knew what I was doing and it went well.
Wanaka and Queenstown
The following morning our first adventure was a safari into the hills above Wanaka. Here the operator took us onto a large private farm and drove up to a magnificent viewing point where you can view the entirety of Lake Wanaka. We were above the clouds here and the sun was shining and it was the best view and excursion of the whole trip. The views were just stunning, and I think it must be amongst the best in NZ, made more so by the fact that most Kiwis have not seen the view. I always recommend this trip to any client heading there.
Back in Wanaka we took to the water in Kayaks to paddle to an island on the lake. Whilst I have canoed before, I have not been in a double canoe for some time and have never used pedals to steer, so that took a bit of getting used to, but was still fun.
After coming off the lake we drove just over an hour south to Queenstown, the home of adrenalin sports in New Zealand. There is so much to see and do in this area that it is highly recommended. Located on the water’s edge, the town centre is lovely, and the airport is not far away.
Our last full day started with a Heli-Gin tour where we were taken by Helicopter to the top of a ridge overlooking Queenstown. On arrival the pilot opened a table, some crystal glasses and poured us each New Zealand’s most expensive gin at NZ$300 a bottle. I’m not a big gin drinker, but it was lovely. This was my first time in a helicopter and I loved it.
Then we flew down to Cardrona Distillery where we had a tour and some more gin tastings before heading to beautiful Arrowtown for lunch and yet more gin. This is a beautiful town that was busy, as it was their Autumn festival.
After lunch we headed off to our last official activity which was an adrenalin fuelled off road ATV adventure or an extremely fast jet boat trip. I did the jetboat trip where the boat goes from 0 to 100 in 2 seconds. In doing so the passengers go through 3 to 4g and then get soaked as the driver goes round man-made islands in a small ‘lake’. This was so much fun and I absolutely loved it. The offroad ATV trip that the others did was also very popular.
We then headed a short distance to the stunning Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, our home for the night, where we had a final dinner and a chance to thank our hosts, before another early rise at 5am to start the long journey home.
Conclusion
This was a fantastic trip with lots to see and do and loads of fantastic food and drink. Central Otago is a very big Pinot Noir region and also does Chardonnay, so if you like either of those, not to mention Gin, you will not go wrong. My final words though must be for the people. They were extremely friendly and hospitable and thoroughly looked after us all, with huge smiles on their faces. It was only my first visit, but I guarantee I will be back!
If you would like some help in planning something similar, please feel free to get in touch.
