6 Unique New Zealand Adventures
Most people are incredulous when I tell them the story behind what incited my visit to New Zealand. Believe it or not, it came about because Sir Edmund Hillary and his wife invited us over to visit. There is a long story behind how this unfolded, but in short it involved a documentary we were producing that centered on Sir Edmund Hillary’s Himalayan Trust, a nonprofit he created for the welfare of the Sherpas of Nepal.
We did, in fact, meet Sir Edmund. We sat in his living room and talked with him for at least an hour. But news came from his wife the following day that he would be unavailable for us to interview for our documentary. (Again, long story.) Seeing as the film hinged on those interviews, plans for the documentary came to an abrupt halt.
We were suddenly left with three unplanned weeks to discover New Zealand, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The country is rich with things to see and do. And on our first night out of Auckland, we ran into a friendly Kiwi who quite literally drew a map for us (which I still have in a memento box to this day) and marked all of the must-see places and must-do activities in the country. I pulled together below some of our favorite New Zealand experiences.
Experience Zorbing
What is zorbing, you ask? It may be the most quintessential Kiwi – sport? – you’ll find on the islands. It involves climbing a steep hill, where you squeeze through a narrow opening into a six-foot inflatable ball. You can choose either a dry or wet Zorb. If you choose wet, they splash some water in there with you. In either case, they then launch you down the hill to tumble to your fate. I chose the wet Zorb, and I can say it is what I imagine it would feel like to be inside a washing machine. In a positively good way, of course.
Climb Mount Olivier
Located on the South Island, Mount Olivier is the first mountain climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary. First piece of advice: don’t underestimate the time it will take to reach the top. Kiwis mark the trailheads with the time in minutes or hours it will take to hike a trail. And I have to say, they must be a hearty bunch.
But it is worth it when you reach the top, where you have a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. In the distance, we could spot a mountaineer’s tent near a peak, a minuscule speck of yellow on an expanse of white. And there is nothing quite like the boom of a glacier breaking free and avalanching down a mountainside.
Cross a swinging bridge
New Zealand is dotted with swinging bridges that cross the most picturesque vistas – lush forests, clear blue pools, and backdrops of alpine mountains. Test your agility while exploring some of the country’s breathtaking terrain.
Go Black Water Rafting
Another activity unique to New Zealand. After shimmying into a wet suit, you tube down a river – inside a cave. It was admittedly unnerving at first to be in the pitch black with no forewarning of upcoming rapids and falls, but it’s worth a thrill or two.
And the highlight? Stopping mid-trip in a pool to marvel at what appears to be stars shimmering above. It turns out this illuminating spectacle is the result of glow-worms on the cave’s ceiling. Or to be more specific, it is actually the glow-worm’s excrement. Kind of puts things in a different light, but hey, it’s still incredible to see.
Kayak the Marlborough Sounds
Kayaking may be the best way to immerse yourself in the lovely Marlborough Sounds. Glide through sheltered bays and inlets with a backdrop of forested hills rising steeply from the water. You are likely to see gannets dive-bombing for fish and seals sunning themselves on the beach. And there are many bed and breakfasts and lodges to make your home base during your stay.
Slide down sand dunes on Ninety-Mile beach
This may be one of my favorite things we did on our visit, and yet it was something so simple that we stumbled upon. On our way to the beach, we stopped at a gas station for snacks. When we saw boogie boards hanging behind the cashier, we assumed it was for the waves. But the attendant quickly explained that they were intended for sliding down the hundred foot sand dunes. For a dollar a piece, we had a blast. Sometimes it’s the simplest – and cheapest – things that are the most memorable. To this day, I think that was one of the best dollars I have ever spent.
I often tell people New Zealand is like an expansive playground. We had no plan in sight, and yet we were never at a loss for things to see and do. My advice is to go with a child’s curiosity. Be open to whatever crosses your path. Fortune favors the bold in this exquisite land.
