Tag: New Zealand

Adrenaline Forest New Zealand

Want to engage in some complete outdoor fun while in Wellington? Get down and dirty at the largest forest adventure park in New Zealand. With aerial and land based challenges for the whole family, there’s no chance for a moment of boredom here.

There are over 125 challenges waiting to test your commando skills at the park. Visitors are able to choose from seven difficulty levels from easy to jaw dropping adventure. You can test your jungle stealth and aerial wizardry through so many activities and compete with friends and family for the ultimate hero’s position. As long as they are over 130 cm tall, anyone can join in the fun. Mom, dad , children or even the good spirited grandmothers, you will climb rope ladders, leap from rocks as if you were hunting for your meat and go flying across little streams holding on to dear life and a zip wire of course! Sounds like a lot of fun doesn’t it?

While you’re here in this amazing park, you are welcome to try as many activities as you want. Challenge yourself and others as you head towards an exhilarating climax from the rather easy ones at first. It makes up for a truly unique day on your journey to Wellington, New Zealand. This is a famed location for family get-togethers, office trips, birthday parties and corporate trainings. Safety is taken very seriously and you are attached to a safety wire at all times and given a safety briefing before the games begin. Some attractions at the park have a strict height requirement. An adult pays $39 and children pay $26 for the whole course. The park opens at 10 am on weekdays and 11 am on weekends. The last entrance is at 2.30.

Stay at a hotel in Wellington that is truly heavenly to retire to once you have had your course of adrenaline for the day. Among Wellington New Zealand hotels, a hotel well known for its touch of class and luxury is the Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay. This luxury hotel offers great views of the beautiful city of Wellington from their well-appointed rooms and state-of-the-art amenities to make your stay a memorable one.

Queenstown Ice Arena

Queenstown – the exciting and riveting adventure capital of New Zealand – offers all visitors the chance to hit the slopes, the lakes or the ice arena for some fantastic adrenaline-pumping action. Adventure seekers should also consider some quality New Zealand Queenstown hotel accommodation to rest and relax after a thrilling day of adventure. The Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview provides visitors with ideal Queenstown hotel Accommodation for the perfect way to wind down after all the action on offer round town. Take the whole family to the Queenstown Ice Arena for some chilling fun on ice that is safe and fun for all ages! The arena is equipped to let everyone from pro skaters to budding amateurs strut their skating stuff at very economical rates if you’re on a budget. Individuals can skate all day for $15 or the whole family can do so for $55. Open rain or shine or hail, the skating arena provides fantastic entertainment that is also an exhilarating workout! It also features a state-of-the-art LED lighting system that beautifully changes colours above your head while you and family and friends carve up new chills and thrills on ice! The arena is also home to several leagues in ice hockey, figure skating, and curling, and it also offers lessons for folks wanting to learn how to skate. Visit the onsite pro shop to pick up some fantastic ice skating and ice hockey gear, and the friendly and knowledgeable staff who work there will help visitors find what they need, featuring brands such as Easton, Mission and Bauer. So whatever your ice ethic, the Queenstown Ice Arena will give you an experience you’ll never forget!

Paihia Diving and Snorkelling

Diving and snorkelling off the New Zealand coast has to be a one of a kind experience as there is hardly a bit of land for thousands of miles away from the country, save for Australia which is towards the north. Three sides of the ocean are likely to offer some inimitable views of the underwater world. The only apparent disadvantage in hoping to snorkel in this part of the world, as opposed to a tropical region is that the waters are unbearably cold during most times, therefore you will have to plan and time your vacation well so that the natural deterrents are avoided.

The area of Paihia in the bay islands off the northernmost island of New Zealand is a wonderful spot to dive and visit the underwater creatures, shipwrecks and feel the seaweed. The octopuses with rough tentacles, the manta rays, bottlenose dolphins, stingrays and moray eels reside amicably in these clear waters, hence chances are that you will have a view of all or most of them during an underwater venture.

There are volcanic rock formations towards the Purerua Peninsula which can require a dive that reaches approximately 30m below sea level. On the way to the bottom of the ocean, you will see several caves, canyons and rocks. During the summer months there are tropical species such as sunfish, mako sharks and flying fish who immigrate to the waters. The PADI instructors who are employed by the diving schools in the area will take you through a remarkable itinerary.

One can even stay ashore and enjoy the marine life; camp on the outer islands and watch the dolphins rub noses as they spring out of the water suddenly and then collapse back into the pristine waves with only a single splash.

Get hold of New Zealand hotel deals by booking months ahead of the trip and then set out from your New Zealand hotels to explore the marine life off the New Zealand coast. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ are from a chain of celebrated hotels that are well loved not only below Down Under, but around the world as well.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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The Wrights Hill

Several astounding beautiful tracks wind their ways through the many little towns that make New Zealand. Most places boast immaculate beauty and make trekking both adventurous and relaxing. There is one particular location that has so much more than the mere benefits of trekking; it is the Wrights Hill. 28 different tracks make their way through Wright’s hill and to top it all, this spot is intriguingly historic. Being the location of the famous Wrights fortress, it is certainly a must see for all those visiting New Zealand.

The Wrights Hill is located in the Karori suburb of Wellington and is the home to the famous fortress built between the years 1942 and 1947 during the time of World War 2. The fortress is predominantly created underground and consists of an array of tunnels, plotting rooms, gun emplacements and magazines. At some points these structures go as deep as 50 feet underground. The fort installed 2 large 9.2 Mk guns but although it was indented to be used, the fort never saw action. The guns and the entire defense was a protection against the Japanese but strangely, after the war, the guns were fired and sold as scrap metal to the Japanese itself. The entire fortress has an eerie aura within its walls. It is open to public on particular days; the queen’s birthday and Labor Day are some of the days but through prior appointment the fortress can be opened for viewing on other days as well. Film industries have been attracted to this location thanks to the structure of the fortress and the sound effects within it and an entire New Zealand horror movie was shot within these walls.

In the surrounding you can find nature at its finest. Several parks, lush flora and rare fauna are all found here. The Wrights Hill also provides connections between the Makara Peak mountain bike park and the Polhill area.

When it comes to staying in Wellington New Zealand hotels are found in plenty. One of the most popular Wellington city Hotel, is the Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay. This is one classy place that keeps you coming back for more.

Water sports in Queenstown

A vacation spent in Queenstown is one full of excitement and relaxation, and specially includes outdoor fun. Selecting centrally located Queenstown hotel accommodation preferably at a New Zealand Queenstown hotel such as Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview will help you make the most of your holiday. Outdoor enthusiasts can expect to have the thrill of a lifetime enjoying the wide range of water sports in Queenstown including whitewater rafting, diving, river surfing, kayaking, river jet safaris, river boarding and more. Adventure travellers will find themselves trying out one water sport after the other immersing in the addictive fun and thrill.

 

Back to a golden history; Gold Fields Mining Centre

The guests at Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview will always have the opportunity to get a great view of the Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. This New Zealand Queenstown hotel provides a quality service with modern accommodation, making it one of the bet Queenstown hotel accommodationoptions available.

Make a trip to the Goldfields Mining Center in Queenstown to witness a history that was based on gold, which took place during hundreds of years ago. Gold was first discovered in the area in the 1860s and the mining process had lasted for almost 100 years. A visit to this place will show you how the miners lived those days, the hardships they faced and the critical living conditions. If you’re lucky you will be able to find gold in the midst of virgin soil!

Whale Watching

Just off the coast of New Zealand the conditions are perfect for one of the most charming activities out at sea – whale and dolphin watching. People flock to these waters to get a glimpse of these playful yet majestic creatures in the breathtaking backdrop of the southern seas. But the best sightings can be found around New Zealand’s south island of Otago.

The unique features along the eastern shores of Otago – where the continental shelf plunges into a series of underwater gorges – create an ideal home for several types of whales, who prefer to feed in deep waters. As the warm currents from the equatorial regions mix with cold currents from the Antarctic seas forming an upward movement underwater, the nutritious waters of the deep are brought to the surface. This creates a great food source for plankton and krill, which in turn become food for whales and small fish, the preferred food of dolphins. The continuous motion of this cycle sustains an eco-system that keeps all this marine life concentrated into this area.

Although New Zealand’s seas turn quite harsh and cold in the winter the resident populations of sea life can be seen all year around. Pods of sperm whales – that grow a humungous 15 metres in length – have made a permanent home along the coasts of Kaikoura. The migratory humpback whales come looking for cooler waters in June and July, while the killer whales (Orcas) reside in the warm summer waters from December to March. Watch out for the tall sprouts of water from their blowholes as they surface for air. Try to spot the distinctive markings in each tail as they splash copious amounts of water with one playful flip. Many times large pods of dolphins are spotted around the boats as well, accompanying the visitors to their destinations. Their colourful personalities are a delight to watch as they swim alongside the hull and jump over the waves. All this activities make wonderful photo opportunities and even better memories for all.

To reach the whale watching hotspots, take the picturesque scenic routes to the south island. As the tours depart at sunrise, a stay one of the South New Zealand hotels is preferred. Afterwards, relax in the stunning surroundings on land. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ has a variety of properties throughout the country including one situated in the middle of the city of Dunedin, the second largest city in Otago. One of the finest Dunedin hotels, it not only gives access to the hottest business, food and shopping centres in town, but also provides a gateway to the beautiful countryside.

Seal Tours

The beautiful expanse of New Zealand is home to some of the most adorable creatures and seals are one of them. With their innocent beady eyes, long slithery body, happy sounds and friendly moves they are sure to take your breath away. They are exciting little creatures full of spirit and life and when trained they can be quite entertaining to watch. In New Zealand you get plenty of opportunities to watch these creatures in their natural habitat. Savouring their favourite meal or caring for their young, they are indeed a sight to savour.

New Zealand has an abundant seal population that has intrigued the marine wild life lover and photographer. It might even come as a surprise to you, one minute you are walking on the rocky shoreline admiring the many black rocks and wola; the next minute it is not a rock anymore. It is an adorable fur seal basking in the sun. The New Zealand fur seal has a very notable appearance. Its pointy nose, long thick whiskers, jet black beady eyes and visible ears are some of its renowned features. At times the gorgeous fur coat that the seal proudly bears was eyed by many and as a result many innocent creatures were shot down for their skins. Numbers reduced drastically but before the problem got even worse seal hunting was banned. Today it is a protected and treasured species that people from all round the world come to see.

Seals are found in many regions around New Zealand. In North Island itself you find it at Cape Palliser, near Wellington and also at Castlepoint located on the Wairarapa coast. You can also indulge in a little kayaking around the Tonga Island at the Abel Tasman National Park where you can enjoy seals as well as dolphins and penguins. In Cape Foulwind near Westport you can even indulge in a guided seal swimming experience and enjoy these creatures at your best in their natural element.

After an adventurous day out with these adorable creatures come home to the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ. This is one of the finest of all New Zealand hotels. There are many excellent Taupo hotels but nothing tops the Millennium brand.

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Sea and Fresh Water Kayaking

New Zealand is one of those nations with stunning landscapes right out of a fairy tale. Snow capped mountains, tumbling waterfalls, isolated golden beaches, deep green forests and intricate waterways that criss-cross the land from end to end. Travel the waterways, lakes and streams and the open sea for a complete new perspective of the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand. Kayaking is one such mode of transport you can enjoy with your loved ones, cruise on glassy waters or tumble among the rocks for a bit of adventure but there is a ride for beginners and the more experienced to enjoy.

Take a journey into the open seas and into mysterious caves, chase dolphins in your kayak, say hi to a seal and dip down in for a bit of snorkelling with the fish. Marlborough Sounds in South Island are relatively wilder than others with Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorus Sound and Kenepuru Sound, the main areas for kayaking and all with stunning landscape to explore and dolphins and orcas to play with. Home to the world famous Mitre Peak and dramatic waterfalls is the Milford Sound and nearby is the Doubtful Sounds, a still larger and more remote but equally stunning area to explore. Abel Tasman National Park with its tranquil lagoons, golden beaches, mild sunny climate, and forest covered hills and ideal camping grounds and swimming areas is the perfect place for the carefree traveller. From day trips to multiday trips to the Cavalli Islands with over 150 islands and 800 km of coastline is the Bay of Islands in North Island and Kaikoura with the majestic Kaikoura Mountains, Canyon and haven for marine life is a world unto its own to see. Other sea kayaking destinations include Okarito Lagoon, Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel Peninsula and Dusky Sound.

Paddle along the longest navigable waterway, the Whanganui River or visit Maori rock carvings on Lake Taupo for a spellbinding experience of freshwater kayaking in New Zealand. Visit the Rotorua’s crater lakes for a gentle lake paddle or battle the white water of Mohaka and Rangitaiki in North Island or Kawarau and Clutha in South Island for an adrenaline rush. Be it an epic river journey, a tranquil drift on a glassy lake or spending some quality time with family on a golden beach, a kayaking trip along the many waterways is the ideal way to explore this exquisite land.

For the best of New Zealand hotel deals visit Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ, one of the best among the New Zealand hotels.

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Sand Boarding in NZ: An Exhilarating Ride Down Golden Dunes

Climbing atop a small board and flying down a snow covered hill at an exhilarating speed is a common snow sport that is known to many all around the world by the name of snow boarding. However, the idea of doing the same, but on a steep sandy hill is an activity that not many people have heard of let alone experienced. Such is the art of sand boarding which is also one of the many diverse activities and experiences the tropical island nation of New Zealand has to offer her visitors.

The island is riddled with sandy dunes that make for great sand boarding and one such location is Cape Reinga where there is a meeting of the Tasman Sea and the great Pacific Ocean. The dunes are absolutely massive and though the trek to the top is a tiresome exercise, the fast paced, exhilarating ride down, makes it absolutely and completely worth it.

A sand boarding experience, but with an intriguing and exciting twist is known as the Hokianga Express in Opononi. For those wishing to experience this interesting activity, take a boat from the jetty to the sandy dunes and experience sand boarding in a completely different way. These golden dunes will allow you to ride down a thirty metre slope and skim over the water, giving you the illusion of suspending gravity. The boat ride from the jetty can be booked according to your convenience and the entire experience should cost less than 30 dollars.

Sand boarding is an activity that can be abundantly found in this Paradise of the Gods and gives you an ideal opportunity to explore the amazing feats of nature as well. After a fun bout of sand boarding, opt to go for a walk or hike and see how these deliciously golden dunes mould together to make beautifully scenic imagery thanks to strong winds and rain.

When staying at New Zealand hotels, ensure to make queries regarding the closest sand dunes suitable for sand boarding for this is a kiwi experience you would surely not want to miss. When touring the country, opting for reliable accommodation is a must as you move from city to city. When on the west coast and searching for Greymouth hotels in the area, it is always sensible to opt for the hotel belonging to the reputed chain of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ for it is sure to make your holiday in New Zealand, convenient and comfortable.

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