Westhaven (Te Ai Tapu) Inlet Marine Reserve and Wildlife Management Reserve - Nelson

Golden Bay and the South Island's northwest coast are renowned for their diverse and ancient landforms, endemic plants, abundant birdlife and outstanding scenery.Westhaven (Whanganui Inlet) is part of this paradise. It is one of the largest and least modified estuaries in the country. An uninterrupted sequence of plant life, from forest to salt marsh, helps to maintain the estuary's overall health and supports a great diversity of life.Much of the inlet is bordered by coastal forest, including kahikatea, pukatea, rata, beech, rimu and nikau palm. Eelgrass beds, salt marshes, tidal wetlands, dunes, cliffs, islands, rock platforms and underwater reefs are all found at Westhaven and are important habitats for a variety of species.Approximately 30 species of marine fish use the inlet at some stage of their life history. It is an important breeding and nursery area for snapper, flatfish, kahawai and whitebait. Many fish enter the estuary to take advantage of the rich food supply found in the eelgrass beds and intertidal sandflats.Westhaven is the second most important tidal area in the Nelson/Marlborough region for wading birds, particularly godwit, knot and oyster catcher. It is also the only site on the west coast of the South Island where the threatened banded rail finds a home.To drive to Westhaven, follow the road from Collingwood to Farewell Spit, taking the left-hand fork just north of Pakawau. The wildlife management reserve is about six kilometres on, just beyond the turn off to Kaihoka Lakes. Continue on along Dry Road, which leads around the inlet to Mangarakau.

Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson

It would be hard to imagine a more perfect piece of coastline - clear turquoise waters, golden beaches, interesting rocky headlands, lush native forest and all kinds of interesting wildlife. The Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal paradise that you can walk through or explore by cruise boat, sailing catamaran, water taxi or sea kayak. Marahau is the park's southern entry point. Here you'll find accommodation of all types, cafes, guided sea kayak tours, kayak hire for self-guided trips, Maori cultural experiences, seal swimming operators and horse trekking operators. Kaiteriteri is another launching point for adventures in the park. Cruises and water taxis depart from the beach - you can even paddle into the park in an authentic Maori waka (war canoe). Walking the coastal track - guided or self-guided - is an exercise in freedom. You'll hike from beach to perfect beach, around headlands, across tidal mudflats and through native forest. There are huts and campsites along the way. Generally, the track takes around three days to complete. If you don't have time to do the whole track, it's easy to arrange for a water taxi drop-off or pick-up at various points along the way. If you want to walk a path less trodden, take the Inland Track through the hilly centre of the park.

Tonga Island Marine Reserve - Nelson

One of the major attractions of Abel Tasman National Park, Tonga Island Marine Reserve includes sandy beaches, boulder headlands, rocky reefs and small estuaries. The reserve is named for Tonga Island, which is offshore from Onetahuti Beach.Foot access to the reserve is along the coast track from north or south. The nearest carpark is at Awaroa. Allow a full day for the return trip, because it’s only safe to cross Awaroa Inlet two hours either side of low tide.In summer and autumn, the best snorkelling is around the rocks between Tonga Quarry and Foul Point. Scuba divers should target reef systems in the north of the reserve, at about 15 metres depth.The underwater environment is notable for the attractive film of pink algae that coats much of the rock and the abundance of grazing animals, such as kina and turban shells. Caves and crevices on the reefs may conceal a crayfish passing the day in secret or a conger eel lurking in the dim light. A torch will illuminate a colourful array of animals encrusting the rock surfaces. Look out for the more common inshore fish - wrasse, blue cod, snapper, tarakihi and moki.At any time of the year, sea kayaking is a great way to explore the reserve. Sea-kayakers can discover Mosquito Bay and Shag Harbour - beautiful coves that the walking track doesn’t reach. From a kayak you could also encounter dolphins and penguins. Seals are common around Tonga Island, especially during winter when they travel north on their annual migration.If you’re on foot, the small estuary behind Onetahuti beach is a good place to see herons, oyster catchers and other wading birds. At the southern end of the beach the track climbs around a small headland to Tonga Quarry, where granite was quarried early this century. Continue down the coast to the beautiful arches at Arch Point. There is a good variety of seaweeds here, visible at low water. There are also rock pools to investigate.

Golden Bay - Nelson

Before you lay eyes on Golden Bay, you'll enjoy an amazingly scenic road journey. The long, slow climb over Takaka Hill, known as 'marble mountain', is the first challenge. There are signposted lookouts along the way and the subterranean marvels of Harwoods Hole (176 metres deep) and the Ngarua Caves shouldn't be missed. Te Waikoropupu Springs (also known as Pupu Springs) is on the other side of the hill, near the town of Takaka. The springs are a 'wahi tapu' - sacred place - to the local Maori tribe. You can take a stroll around the walkways and read the interpretive panels along the way.As the road leads west, fabulous views of Golden Bay will keep you entertained. The huge, sandy bay is famous for its scallops. Collingwood is the final settlement of any size before Farewell Spit, a lengthy sandspit that wraps itself around the upper reaches of the bay. The sandspit is a bird sanctuary - too long to walk, so you might want to catch a guided 4WD safari to see the lighthouse and birds. On the Tasman Sea side of Cape Farewell is Warariki Beach - a wild, beautiful place where wind and waves have created massive rock and sand dune formations. The ultimate Wharariki experience is a horse trek.

St Bathans - Central Otago

In 1887, Saint Bathans was a bustling town with around 2,000 miners living in the immediate vicinity. Some of the buildings from that era remain today and little else has been added since, so it's very easy to imagine the town as it was during the gold rush.The Vulcan Hotel, built in 1882, is a fine example of mud-brick construction. It's a great place to share tall stories over an ale or two, and offers meals and a small amount of comfortable accommodation. Overnighters should be aware that many people believe this fine public house has a resident ghost. The two-storey kauri (native hardwood) Post Office that opened in 1909 is also still in operation. Other historic buildings include the mud-brick Anglican Church built in 1882 and the stone school house.Close to the town, the Blue Lake was created by extensive mining activity. Beginning in 1864, miners chipped and sluiced their way through the quartz rock of the 120 metre high Kildare Hill. By 1933 the hill had become a 168 metre deep pit. From the 1880s the miners used hydraulic lift technology, like a giant vacuum cleaner, to suck water and gravel out of the pit to where it could be worked for gold. Mining was halted in 1934 because the sides of the pit were getting too close to the town. The huge hole was allowed to fill with water to create today's beautiful lake. The minerals in the surrounding rocks give the water an astonishing blue colour which is offset by surrounding columns of white quartz tailings.

Nevis Valley - Central Otago

The Nevis Valley was first used as a trail route by Maori people. Early European settlers farmed the valley and in 1862 a Maori farmhand found some gold in the river. Years later, pioneering miners decided to investigate reports of this find and they soon struck it rich. Efforts to keep the find a secret failed - and so began the Nevis Valley gold rush.Saved by the remoteness of this valley, the remains of numerous stone buildings from the gold mining days offer a fascinating insight into the perseverance and ingenuity of early pioneers. The relics include everything from the cemetery and settlement buildings through to a woolshed and the first ski hut.Today only the family at Ben Nevis Station occupies the area, so it still feels very isolated. High mountain ranges rise from either side of the valley - to the west the Remarkables and Hector Mountains, and to the east the Old Woman Range. Fed by numerous creeks from the ranges, the Nevis River meanders along the broad valley floor. From Cromwell the unsealed road to Nevis Valley rises 1300 metres over Duffers Saddle before descending to run alongside the river. Nevis Valley has a lower and an upper section separated by a gorge. When the valley is not snowbound, four-wheel drive vehicles and trail bikes can continue on through the gorge and upper valley, crossing several fords before rising over the Hector Mountains to the town of Garston just south of Lake Wakatipu.

Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail - Central Otago

Like a giant outdoor museum, the Otago Goldfields Trail combines exciting walkways and mountain biking trails with opportunities to see the weathered remains of human endeavour from the 1860s. You can pick and choose from more than 20 separate gold mining locations. Together they accurately portray the broad range of gold mining techniques developed by ingenious people who were driven by the chance of great riches. When gold was discovered in Otago in 1861, thousands of miners poured into the region, causing similar scenes to the rushes of California and Australia. Gabriel's Gully is where it all began, and within seven months 10,000 miners flocked to this goldfield. With mine names like Dead Horse Pinch, Serpentine and Lonely Graves, the hardship and bleak optimism of gold fever is very much apparent. The Golden Progress Mine and Earnscleugh Dredge Tailings show how technology evolved during the rush. By 1867, around two million ounces of gold had been taken out of Otago. This prosperous time had a major impact on the young New Zealand economy - the grand buildings of Dunedin city are one example of how Otago's riches were spent.

Milford Sound - Fiordland

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during successive ice ages. At its deepest point, off Mitre Peak, it plunges to a depth of 265 metres. Maori attribute the creation of the fiords to a 'titanic mason' by the name of Tu Te Raki Whanoa. With his magical adze, he sculpted Milford Sound's sheer cliffs and towering mountains. Wet or fine, Milford Sound is breathtaking. The fiord's sides rise vertically from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade down precipitous cliffs. There are various ways to enjoy Milford Sound, the most accessible of New Zealand's fiords. You can take a day trip on a launch or organise an overnight stay on a charter boat. Scenic flights, sea kayaking safaris and diving excursions can also be arranged. For a look at life below the water's surface, there's an underwater observatory in Harrison Cove. You can see black coral, 11-legged sea stars and delicate anemones, as well as intriguing snakestars that wrap themselves around the black coral.

Hollyford Track - Fiordland

The Hollyford Track is the only major track in Fiordland that can be walked in any season. It's a 56 kilometre adventure that takes four days.Beginning at the end of Lower Hollyford Road, the track follows the Hollyford River on its journey to the sea. The diversity of vegetation and wildlife along the valley is truly unparalleled. The sheer rock walls of the Darran Mountains accompany you for much of the way, gradually blending into lower hills around two beautiful lakes - Alabaster and McKerrow. On the way you will see Fiordland's two highest peaks, Mount Tutoko (2746 metres) and Mount Madeline (2537 metres), as well as the roaring cascade of Hidden Falls which emerges from a hanging valley through a narrow chasm of granite.Before the track's end at the old port of Martins Bay, you'll discover what's left of Jamestown (ancient rose bushes and apple trees) - a settlement that was established in 1870 and abandoned about 15 years later. At the coast, make a point of looking for fur seals and penguins, which are present at certain times of the year.

Fiordland National Park - Fiordland

One of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand, the power of Fiordland’s scenery never fails to enthral travellers. Waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into massive fiords; ancient rainforest clings impossibly to the mountains; shimmering lakes and granite peaks look the same today as they did a thousand years ago.Carved by glaciers during successive ice ages, the park's fourteen fiords were 100,000 years in the making. The Maori attributed their creation to a giant stonemason called Tute Rakiwhanoa. At 421 metres, Doubtful Sound is the deepest of New Zealand’s fiords. It’s a haven for nature, with resident bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ Milford Sound is always spectacular - daily scenic flights and cruises reveal its beauty to visitors.The remaining two thirds of the park are covered by virgin beech and podocarp forest, where you can find trees that are more than 800 years old. Visitors are able to explore via a 500 kilometre network of walking tracks. As well as the famous Milford, Kepler and Routeburn Tracks - three of New Zealand's 'great walks' - there are many other less known, but just as spectacular, tracks to discover. The Department of Conservation provides more than 50 hikers' huts in the park - accommodation ranges from the higher-than-usual level of comfort to the more basic.Several of the fiords can be explored by sea kayak, as can lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. Eco-cruises of the less accessible fiords can be arranged in Te Anau or Manapouri. Diving in Fiordland provides a rare chance to see deepwater sea plants growing near the surface. In 1990 Fiordland was listed as a United Nations World Heritage site and given the name Te Wahipounamu - 'the place of greenstone', after the area's most treasured mineral resource.

Manawatu gardens - Manawatu-Wanganui

Manawatu is a region of gardeners and there are many botanical masterpieces open to view throughout the year.At Cross Hills Gardens in Kimbolton, you can walk around a park-like landscape that includes one of the world's finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas - there are over 2,000 varieties on display. Many other rare trees, shrubs and perennials have been planted to ensure there's something to see in every season.The Fragrant Garden in Feilding is a commercial production nursery specialising in herbs and lavender. Visitors are welcome to visit the display gardens and inhale to their heart's content. A garden on a grand scale can be found in the city of Palmerston North. The Victoria Esplanade Gardens were opened to mark Queen Victoria's 60th Jubilee. Features include a large duck pond, a cherry drive and an avenue of phoenix palms. The rose garden has over 5,500 varieties and incorporates the International Rose Trial Grounds. There are walkways and a miniature railway through native bush.

Whanganui National Park - Manawatu-Wanganui

The Whanganui National Park is located in the central North Island north of Wanganui City. The small towns of Taumarunui, Pipiriki, Ohinepane and Whakahoro provide access to hiking and canoeing experiences in the park.The main point of this national park is to protect the upper reaches of the Whanganui River. Winding from Tongariro National Park to the Tasman Sea through wild lowland forests, this river was once an important transport route for both Maori and early European settlers. Western tributaries of the Whanganui flow through mudstone gorges and valleys, which colour the river waters. To the east the waters are clearer and are an important habitat for the whio (a native torrent duck).As New Zealand's longest navigable waterway, the Whanganui turns on a great river journey. Taumarunui is the starting point for most canoe or kayak safaris; huts and campsites are spaced along the river. An overnight stay at Tieke Marae is a special highlight. Run by local Maori, the marae is a chance to see traditional customs in action.Jetboating is another way to enjoy this national park. From Pipiriki you can journey up the river to the Bridge to Nowhere, which is all that remains of Mangapurua, an isolated settlement that was abandoned in 1942.

Bason Botanic Gardens and Bushy Park Forest Reserve - Manawatu-Wanganui

Bason Botanic Gardens in Wanganui has been acclaimed by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a 'Garden of Regional Significance', so it's definitely worth squeezing into your itinerary. Once part of a farm, the gardens were gifted to Wanganui by Stanley and Blanche Bason in 1996. In spring you'll find a mass of camellias, daffodils, magnolias and flowering cherry trees. In summer, roses and perennials paint the landscape with a rainbow of colours. Walking trails lead around the gardens and the original homestead.Another of Wanganui's natural attractions is Bushy Park Forest Reserve - nearly 100 hectares of native forest eight kilometres from Kai Iwi on the Wanganui to New Plymouth highway. The reserve's hero is 'Ratanui', a rata tree which is estimated to be somewhere between 500 and 1000 years old. With a girth of more than 11 metres and standing 43 metres high, Ratanui is believed to be the largest rata tree in New Zealand. Bushy Park was gifted to the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society in the 1960s. Today it is a predator-free bird sanctuary with a very successful kiwi creche.

The road to Pipiriki - Manawatu-Wanganui

Allow a couple of hours for the 80 kilometre journey from Wanganui to Pipiriki - not because the road is particularly slow, but because there's a lot to see along the way. The road follows the Whanganui River, ensuring a constant stream of beautiful scenery. First place of interest is the Kawana Flourmill and Millers Cottage. Built in 1854, Kawana was the most successful of the flour mills that operated on the river. The next highlight is the fascinating village of Jerusalem (Hiruharama). Originally a larger Maori village known as Patiarero, Jerusalem was once home to famous New Zealand poet James K. Baxter and Sister Mary Aubert, whose Catholic mission remains there to this day.At Pipiriki you can visit the Colonial House, a museum that has many exhibits on the history of the Whanganui River. Another interesting sight is the restored riverboat MV Ongarue, which plied the river from 1903 to 1959. From Pipiriki you can organise a jet boat tour to the Bridge to Nowhere. Marooned in the forest, this bridge was built across the Mangapurua Gorge to give access to an isolated farming settlement that was finally abandoned in 1942.

Historic Arrowtown - Queenstown

Just up the road from Queenstown, Arrowtown is famous for its autumn leaves, gold mining history and heritage buildings. In April and May the area ignites with colour as deciduous trees prepare for winter. A festival is held in the last week of April, to celebrate the town's seasonal beauty and glittering history. Arrowtown was established in 1862, during the height of the Otago gold rush. Situated on the banks of the gold-bearing Arrow River, the settlement grew quickly as pioneers constructed cottages, shops, hotels and churches, many of which can still be seen today. They also planted the avenues of European trees that are responsible for autumn's glory.A special highlight is the Chinese settlement at the edge of the river. Built by Chinese miners from 1868, this area of restored shelters and buildings paints a picture of earlier times. Life was hard, winters were cruel and gold was often elusive. The Lakes District Museum in Buckingham Street has been described as one of New Zealand's best small museums. A variety of entertaining exhibits presents an authentic picture of early Maori life in the Southern Lakes district, the harsh pioneering days and the exciting gold rush era of the mid to late 1800s.

Gibbston Valley vineyards - Queenstown

The Gibbston Valley, also known as the 'Valley of the Vines', is one of the most scenic wine growing areas you'll ever encounter. Vineyards are sandwiched, sometimes precariously, between rugged schist mountains and the rocky Kawarau River gorge.This high altitude area is subject to cold winters, hot dry summers and a huge night-to-day temperature range. These challenging conditions have led to consistently superb wines, worldwide recognition and an avalanche of international awards. More than 70% of the grapes grown here are pinot noir; other varieties including chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling and sauvignon blanc. As well as wine, the Gibbston Valley is known for delicious cheese. Washed rind and sheep's milk cheeses can be added to your picnic basket, which might soon also acquire a few excellent bottles of pinot noir. At the western end of Gibbston Valley is the Kawarau Bridge, where you can watch bungy jumpers leap into space above the turbulent river. Bungy is a great spectator sport.

Lake Wakatipu - Queenstown

Shaped like a lightning bolt, Lake Wakatipu is the third largest lake in New Zealand. The Dart River flows into its northern end; the Kawarau River, beginning near Queenstown, handles its outflow.The lake occupies a single, glacier-carved trench and is bordered on all sides by tall mountains, the highest of which is Mount Earnslaw (2819 metres). Settlements around the lake shore include Queenstown and the villages of Kingston, Glenorchy and Kinloch.Because of its unusual shape, Lake Wakatipu has a 'tide' (more correctly, an unusually large seiche or "standing wave"), which causes the water to rise and fall about 10 centimetres every 25 minutes or so. Maori legend links this phenomenon to the heartbeat of a huge monster named Matau, who is said to be slumbering at the bottom of the lake. The T.S.S. Earnslaw cruises the lake every day. Complete with a bright red, 12 metre funnel, white hull and kauri timber decks, this vintage paddlesteamer is a New Zealand icon. Lake Wakatipu offers year-round trout fihsing - the mouths of the Greenstone and Lochy Rivers are particularly rewarding. In summer, the lake's beaches are popular for swimming.

Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve - Marlborough

The Marlborough Sounds are a spectacular network of drowned river valleys, forming one of New Zealand's most distinctive land and seascapes. Nestled in the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound are Long Island and the Kokomohua Islands; around them is Long lsland-Kokomohua Marine Reserve.The reserve protects all marine life within its boundaries - not just fish and shellfish, but also animals like seals, penguins and other seabirds that live on the land but feed in the sea.Scuba divers can investigate the reef systems along the north-facing shore of Long Island, around Kokomohua Islands and the charted rock further north. The best diving is at depths of up to 15 metres.Rocky crevices shelter crayfish, the night-time predators of the sea floor. A variety of fish can be seen - local reef fish and visiting predators such as kahawai.Because the reserve is accessible only by boat, the port town of Picton is the best place to launch your expedition to this reserve. The flat landing area on Long Island is ideal for picnicking and swimming, although no facilities are provided.

The Marlborough Sounds are a spectacular network of drowned river valleys, forming one of New Zealand's most distinctive land and seascapes. Nestled in the entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound are Long Island and the Kokomohua Islands; around them is Long lsland-Kokomohua Marine Reserve.The reserve protects all marine life within its boundaries - not just fish and shellfish, but also animals like seals, penguins and other seabirds that live on the land but feed in the sea.Scuba divers can investigate the reef systems along the north-facing shore of Long Island, around Kokomohua Islands and the charted rock further north. The best diving is at depths of up to 15 metres.Rocky crevices shelter crayfish, the night-time predators of the sea floor. A variety of fish can be seen - local reef fish and visiting predators such as kahawai.Because the reserve is accessible only by boat, the port town of Picton is the best place to launch your expedition to this reserve. The flat landing area on Long Island is ideal for picnicking and swimming, although no facilities are provided.

Pelorus Bridge - Marlborough

Halfway between Blenheim and Nelson, where a bridge crosses the Pelorus River, there is a beautiful scenic reserve that has some of the most accessible examples of mature native forest in the Marlborough region.Native tree species in the reserve include matai, kahikatea, rimu, totara and miro, as well as several varieties of beech. The forest undergrowth is rich with ferns, epiphytes, mosses and lichen.Easy walks lead through forest glades, to a waterfall or up along a ridge to a 417 metre peak. Along the way you may see several species of native bird including the large native pigeon (kereru), bellbirds, tui and fantails.The valley was the site of a massacre of the Ngati Kuia and Ngati Apa tribes by the Maori chief Te Rauparaha, who came from the North Island coast, west of Wellington. The first Europeans to arrive in 1843 found a few remaining Maori people producing flax for Te Rauparaha. The original route to Nelson went through the reserve site and over the Maungatapu Saddle. Later, the path that the road follows today was discovered, and a bridge was built across the Pelorus River around 1860. The Pelorus Bridge location was set aside for a future township, but in the early 1900s this was changed to preserve the area's natural beauty. The present bridge was built in the 1950s.

Marlborough Sounds - Marlborough

Marlborough Sounds is a collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays. The area has three main bodies of water - Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorous Sounds. The Department of Conservation manages over 50 reserves in this scenic playground.Several islands within the sounds are predator-free sanctuaries for native wildlife. Motuara, Long, Blumine and Allports Islands are ideal for picnics, forest walks or viewing historic sites.According to Maori tradition, the South Island is the canoe of Aoraki. Its sunken prow forms Queen Charlotte Sound/Totaranui and Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere. The sounds provided good shelter and food for Maori people. To avoid travelling out into the open sea to get from one sound to another, they carried their waka/canoes over low saddles.Captain James Cook also used the sounds for shelter and food. He made Ship Cove his base in the 1770s and discovered a plant (Cook's scurvy grass) that is high in vitamin C to cure scurvy. Today, the sounds are popular for kayaking and hiking, and there are numerous tent camping sites available. Kayaks, yachts and motor launches are available for hire or charter.Walking tracks in the area range from short trails of an hour or two to overnight hikes through native forests and along beautiful sandy beaches. Five of the tracks are open to mountain bikes.Picton (on Queen Charlotte Sound) and Havelock (on Pelorous Sound) are the main towns in the area. The large passenger and vehicle ferries from Wellington arrive at Picton.

Lake Sumner Hikes - Christchurch

This scenic park provides a safe haven for rare species and is renowned for its rewarding multi-day hikes. All the routes involve river crossings and some navigation skills, so both previous hiking experience and suitable equipment are required.The Saint James Walkway (five days) is suitable for beginners and experienced trampers. It features native beech forest, sub-alpine terrain and open high country farm land. There are comfortable huts for overnighting. Harper Pass Track (three to four days) leads through the lowest crossing over the Southern Alps, Harper Pass, and on past hot springs. This route was the main pathway for Maori trading pounamu (jade). Later it was an important stock route and gold rush track.Devilskin Saddle Track (two days) begins up the attractive Nina River valley near Lewis Pass. There is one hut, a bivouac and good swimming holes in the river. Situated on a rise with a spectacular view, the hut is a good place to spend the night. From Nina Hut the trail continues via Devilskin Saddle and Sylvia Tops to complete an excellent round-trip.Lake Man Track (two to three days) is suitable for more experienced adventurers. The beautiful mountain lake is at an altitude of 1500 metres near the Lewis Pass highway. The track starts from the Boyle River valley. Jolliebrook circuit makes a good two-day hike with a choice of three huts. The trail leads up the Hurunui River, over a low saddle and down the Jolliebrook hunting block.Lake Sumner Forest Park lies 100 kilometres northwest of Christchurch between the Lewis Pass and Arthur's Pass National Park. It is accessible by road along the Hurunui River Valley from the nearby townships of Waipara, Hurunui, Culverden and Hanmer Springs.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park - Christchurch

This national park is home to the highest mountains and the largest glaciers in New Zealand. It has 19 peaks more than 3000 metres high, including Aoraki/Mount Cook which is a sky-scraping 3754 metres tall. The road to the park runs along the Tasman Valley beside Lake Pukaki, which is fabulously blue due to the glacier-ground rock particles that are suspended in its waters. At the end of the valley you'll find Mount Cook village and the most amazing alpine scenery you can imagine. While there are 17 Department of Conservation huts in this national park, most are positioned beyond the reach of the average traveller - you'd need mountaineering skills to reach them. For non-climbing visitors, there's a great variety of alpine day walks beginning near Mount Cook village. Two of the most popular are the Kea Point Walk and Hooker Valley Track.The Kea Point Walk begins near the Hermitage Hotel. The trail gently winds its way through sub-alpine grasslands and scrub to the Mueller Glacier moraine wall. The walk ends at a viewing deck that gives stunning views of Mount Sefton and the Footstool, the Hooker Valley, Mueller Glacier Lake and Aoraki/Mount Cook.The Hooker Valley Track begins at the visitor centre and leads up the Hooker Valley towards Aoraki/Mount Cook. The track passes close to the Alpine Memorial, which is a great viewpoint.The route crosses the Hooker River twice (on swingbridges) before eventually reaching the Hooker Glacier terminal lake.Local operators can help you to explore the park in other ways - scenic flights, guided hikes, ski touring, glacier adventures and instructional climbing expeditions.

On and Around Beautiful Lyttelton Harbour - Christchurch

The port town of Lyttelton is on the north-western side of Banks Peninsula. Its deep harbour is an ancient volcanic crater - steep hills rise from the sides of the harbour to a height of 500 metres. The town is linked to Christchurch by a road tunnel that runs through the Port Hills. At 1.9 kilometres long, the Lyttelton Road Tunnel is the country's longest. Historically, Lyttelton played a crucial role in the settlement of Canterbury. In 1848 the Canterbury Association was formed and its mission was to found a Church of England colony in New Zealand. Lyttelton was chosen because of its suitability as a port and the availability of a large area of flat land just over the hill - the extensive Canterbury Plains. The first four ships of immigrants arrived soon after the dock was constructed. The old stone dry dock remains, and is the last of its kind in the South Island. Another interesting feature of the port is the Time Ball Station, which is perched high above the town. A timeball is a device that enabled navigators to check their chronometers before returning to sea. Lyttelton's Timeball Station was one of many constructed as part of a vast Victorian network of time signals around the globe. It is a rare piece of maritime history that has been carefully restored. Lyttelton makes a great day trip from Christchurch. It has an excellent variety of restaurants and local operators can take you cruising on the harbour.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens - Christchurch

Work began on the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in July 1863, when an English oak tree was planted to commemorate the marriage of Queen Victoria's eldest son Prince Albert Edward to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Over the years, natural wetlands and sand dunes have been transformed into an elegantly cultivated 30 hectare park with more than ten sub-gardens, which are mostly contained within a loop of the Avon River. If you enter from Rolleston Avenue, next to the Canterbury Museum, you'll walk past annual bedding displays and across the archery lawn to the rose garden. For much of the year, more than 250 different roses make this a colourful and fragrant place. The nearby Herb Garden has an extensive range of plants used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Adjacent to the Rose Garden is the New Zealand Garden, which provides an introduction to native species. Seven conservatories display everything from cacti and succulents to tropical orchids and carnivorous plants. Open every day from 7am, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens are an easy walk from Cathedral Square.

Canterbury Plains - Christchurch

The Canterbury Plains is an area of braided rivers and pastoral perfection between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. As flat as a billiard table, the plains are a remarkable sight from the air - a patchwork of agricultural activity that ranges from grazing grass and wheat to herbs and sunflowers. The area produces more than 80% of New Zealand's grains, crops and seeds.The Canterbury Plains are formed from the alluvial shingle fans of several large rivers - the Waimakariri, Raikaia, Selwyn and Rangitata. These rivers provide all kinds of entertainment - trout and salmon fishing, jet boating, rafting and kayaking. One of the best ways to explore the Canterbury Plains is to follow State Highway 72, which is known as the Inland Scenic Route. This rural main road follows the western boundary of the plains and takes you to a succession of country towns. Farm stays and luxury lodges let you sample Canterbury's country life. Around Mount Hutt, you can venture into the Southern Alps or drive along the Rakaia River to beautiful Lake Coleridge.

Waikato walks - Waikato

For keen walkers and hikers, the Waikato region has an extensive selection of tracks that follow rivers, circumnavigate lakes and crisscross forest parks. In the city of Hamilton, there are lengthy riverside walkways along the banks of the Waikato River. If you walk south on the eastern side of the river, you'll arrive at Hamilton Gardens - a botanical paradise. There's also a pleasant walking track around Lake Rotoroa, which is also known as Hamilton Lake. Mountain hikes are many in this region. The Hakarimata Range, north of Hamilton, has a two-day hiking track that runs along the length of the range. There are two giant kauri trees at the northern end of the track. Pirongia Forest Park and Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park are also great venues for hikers. Favourite on-foot adventures include tracks to the summits of Mount Pirongia (959 metres) and Mount Te Aroha (952 metres). The Te Aroha Mountain Track can finish with a rewarding hot soak in Te Aroha's geothermal pools. With both summit climbs, you get amazing views and the chance to see how the native vegetation changes with altitude.Mount Maungatautari, south of Hamilton, is a chance to watch environmental preservation in action. Soon the entire mountain will be fenced, to allow the elimination of introduced predators. In the meantime, you can walk the tracks in two pest-free fenced forest enclosures or hike to the mountain's summit.

Waitomo Caves - Waikato

Below the hilly green pastures of the Waitomo region is a subterranean limestone landscape of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. Once, many millions of years ago, this land was beneath the sea. The limestone was formed by the remains of marine animals, then boosted to the surface by tectonic activity. The name Waitomo comes from the Maori words wai (water) and tomo (hole).The hundreds of caves in this region have been carved out of the limestone by underground streams. Many of the caves have amazing speleotherms created as water seeps through the limestone to drip off the cave ceilings. Stalactites grow down from the ceiling and stalagmites grow up from the cave floor. If they join together they are called columns or pillars and where they spiral around they are called helicti. Some caves also have stunning glowworm displays. The New Zealand glowworm (Arachnocampa luminosa) is the larval stage of a flying insect. Its bright blue light attracts tiny flying insects into a curtain of sticky threads. Above ground you can see fascinating layered limestone rock forms. A walkway that beings opposite the Waitomo Museum of Caves leads through farmland where you'll see sculptured rocks and strange fluted outcrops. There are various ways to see the sights below the ground. You can walk through some of the caves along well formed paths and stairways. Others present you with the challenge of abseiling, followed by a classic caving experience complete with headlamp. You can also crawl, swim and float through caves – an experience known as 'blackwater rafting'.

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CONTACT DETAILS
Contact:Waitomo i-SITE Visitor Centre
Phone:+647 878 7640

Fax:+647 878 6184

Postal:PO Box 12 Waitomo Caves New Zealand

Email: waitomo@i-SITE.org

Cape Rodney - Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island Marine Reserve) - Auckland

Goat Island, the local name for Cape Rodney/Okakari Point Marine Reserve, was New Zealand's first marine reserve. It was established in 1975 and in less than 10 years it became a rich ecological area, teeming with fish and other sea life. Previously the area had been overfished, so this transformation illustrated the value of conservation.Beneath the waves habitats range from rocky shores and sandflats to deep reefs, underwater cliffs and canyons. Each habitat has its own community of sea creatures.The best way to experience the reserve and its inhabitants is to get into the water. With a mask and snorkel you can explore the sand and rocks close to shore while scuba divers can visit deeper areas further out. Divers need to be careful not to break off small fragile animals such as gorgonian fans, lace corals and sponges - some of these are hundreds of years old.In shallow areas of the reserve, particularly off the main beach, you will see many varieties of fish and shellfish. At low tide you can explore the rocky shore, taking care not to disturb rock pool creatures.Two coastal walkways leading from Goat Island Bay through coastal forest offer spectacular coastal views and quiet picnic spots. One walkway leads from the western end of the car park, the other from the driveway to the marine laboratory.

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CONTACT DETAILS
Contact: Department of Conservation

Phone:+649 425 7812

Fax: +649 425 7813

Postal: PO Box 474, Warkworth 0941

Website: www.doc.govt.nz/templates/podcover.aspx?id=33851

Contact:Warkworth i-SITE Visitor Centre
Phone:+649 425 9081

Fax:+649 425 7584

Postal:1 Baxter Street Warkworth

Email: warkworth@i-SITE.org

Website: http://www.warkworth-information.co.nz/

Top Auckland scenic highlights

Auckland's volcanic cones

Auckland sits on top of a large volcanic field that has produced around 53 volcanic scoria cones in the last 140 thousand years. Each of the cones is monogenetic, which means it was formed by a single bubble of magma that rose from deep within the earth. This means the next eruption is likely to occur on the thinner crusted areas between the existing cones.Wherever you are in Auckland, a green volcanic cone is never far from view. Two of the more prominent examples are Maungawhau (Mount Eden) and Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill). Maungawhau, meaning mountain of the whau tree, is the highest of all at 196 metres. It has an oval base caused by three in-line craters. Maungawhau's lava flows covered 5.6 square kilometres and the 'bubble' contained enough lava to fill 32,000 Olympic swimming pools. Maori people lived on Maungawhau until around 1700 when the pa (fortification) was abandoned. Changes to the natural shape of the cone are clearly visible today, providing evidence of Maori terracing, food pits and house sites.Maungakiekie, meaning hill of the kiekie vine, was home to one of the largest Maori settlement structures in New Zealand and included three pa sites. Terracing and pits can be found all over the cone. The mountain has been a reserve since 1840 and in 1901 an affluent early Aucklander had the vision and generosity to gift his adjacent farm to the city as a park. Today they offer an extensive recreational area for visitors and the residents of Auckland. With walking tracks, glades of forest, picnic areas and paddocks of sheep and cattle, there is delightfully rural feeling to this inner city enclave. Maungawhau, Maungkiekie and many of the other larger cones offer long-range, 360 degree views of the surrounding land and sea. Because Auckland is on a narrow isthmus you can easily see from one side of New Zealand to the other.

Auckland Botanic Gardens

With more than 10,000 beautiful and fascinating plants, Auckland Botanic Gardens is a gardener's nirvana. Enter through the award-winning visitor centre and unwind over a coffee while you plan your route through the plantings.Begin with the refreshingly different edible garden. Here fruit, vegetables, nuts and edible flowers are featured to encourage people who want to grow more of their own food. There is also an informative display that compares different methods of composting.A more predicable theme, New Zealand natives, offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to find out more about the unique features of New Zealand's natural vegetation. A special feature of this garden is the collection of threatened native species.Deeper into the gardens, past the lower lake, things become a little more exotic. Palms from around the world grow alongside many mature native trees in a delightful setting with two meandering streams.Colour becomes the focus throughout the extensive rose, camellia and magnolia gardens. From here the spring blossom valley leads to the African garden, a collection of plants from the southern end of Africa - an area regarded as one of the world's richest floral kingdoms. Passing the upper lake and the intriguing rock garden, the edible theme emerges once more at the aromatic and informative herb garden. Signage also explores the contribution that herbs make to medicines, dyes, insect repellents, cosmetics and perfumes.From here the visitor centre is once more nearby and a visit to the library can help answer any of the more challenging questions you may have.The Auckland Botanic Garden is conveniently located close to the southern motorway - about 30 minutes drive from the city centre.

Long Bay Regional Park

Long Bay certainly lives up to its name. This seaside reserve includes a kilometre-long sandy beach that gentle slopes down to the waters of a coastal marine reserve. Green hillsides provide a buffer from the neighbouring suburbs and a broad, flat grassed area with large shady trees flanks the beach along the length of the bay. There's plenty of room to throw a ball, fly a kite or simply relax in the sun. And it's a safe beach for swimming, so a refreshing dip is on the agenda during summer and autumn.The parkland continues north of the beach for about two kilometres before turning inland along a broad river. A walking track passes along the sandstone cliff tops offering panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf. The trail leads through patches of native forest and side tracks reveal remnants of World War II gun emplacements. The original farm homestead has been restored and is open for visitors.Facilities at the park include toilets, changing rooms, showers and barbecue sites. Long Bay Regional Park is on the eastern coast about 30 minutes drive north of Auckland's city centre. There is a regular public bus service.

Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island is the largest and most seaward of the Hauraki Gulf islands. For thousands of years it has sheltered the gulf from the relentless swells of the Pacific Ocean, creating a boating paradise.The eastern shore of Great Barrier Island faces the ocean with high cliffs and long white surf beaches; the western side offers deep sheltered harbours and calm sandy bays.More than 60 per cent of the island's 285 square kilometres is public land administered by the Department of Conservation. The native forest is laced with beautiful walking tracks, which lead to secluded natural hot springs and an historic Kauri dam. These wilderness areas, foreshores and estuaries are home to several unique plant and bird species. Rising 627 metres above the sea, Hirakimata (Mount Hobson) beckons the hiker with a promise of 360 degree views that will never leave the mind.Great Barrier Island is a popular destination for diving, fishing, surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and camping. Accommodation options range from tent sites to luxury eco lodges. The 90 kilometre journey from Auckland city takes about 3.5 hours by fast ferry or you can catch a 30 minute flight.

Top Wellington scenic highlights

Tunnel Gully

This popular recreation area has historical links to the famous Rimutaka Railway.

With ample parking and modern facilities, Tunnel Gully provides a convenient stopping point for forest walks, mountain biking, wading in a mountain stream or simply lying about in the arms of nature.

The main walking track takes about one hour. It leads you through tall native trees, such as kahikatea, matai, rimu and tawa, then crosses the route of the old railway line before rising through beech forest to a delightful stream and waterfall. The journey back down through eucalyptus trees passes the old Mangaroa Railway Tunnel.

There are three other tracks which are shared with mountain bikers. These range from two to twelve kilometres in length and are graded from easy to moderate/hard. These tracks pass through native forest as they follow the old railway line, which includes a disused railway tunnel. A six kilometre climb to the ridge line of Mount Climie is rewarded with great views of the Hutt Valley, Wellington and the Wairarapa.

Tunnel Gully is located just north of Upper Hutt and is accessible by train and bus from Wellington.

Battle Hill Farm Forest Park

As its name suggests, this 500 hectare park offers a wonderful combination of Maori history, rolling farm land and areas of original native forest, including a swampy gully wetland.The park was the site of one of the last battles between Maori and early colonial forces in the region. Government forces, pursuing the Maori chief Te Rangihaeata, took three days to walk just six kilometres through the dense native forest. Some of this forest remains today near the park's front paddocks.The six walking tracks range from easy to strenuous and provide walking times of fifteen minutes to four hours. Rising from the forested gullies, the tracks towards the summit of Battle Hill offer sweeping views down the valley to Pauatahanui Inlet. Three mountain biking trails cater for a variety of experience and fitness levels. Riding times range from thirty minutes to four hours.Camping sites are available in a beautiful tree-lined setting close to a shallow stream and the native forest reserve.Battle Hill Farm Forest Park is located north of Wellington off Highway 58, which runs between Plimmerton and the Hutt Valley. Some of the Park's farm areas are closed for lambing between August and October, but the main tracks remain open.

Kaitoke Regional Park

Early Maori walking routes passed through this area, linking the fertile plains of Wairarapa with the port of Wellington.Today, large areas of original lowland rainforest remain, enhanced by well formed walking tracks and attractive riverside picnic and motorhome areas.Kaitoke Regional Park was the filming location for Rivendell and the Fords of Isen in the The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. The whole area is distinctly elvish, with light filtering through ancient trees and clear babbling brooks. You'll soon feel the magical tranquillity that surrounded the house of Elrond.The park contains nearly 2500 hectares of mature native forest, including beech, rimu, northern rata, hinau and kamahi. At the popular Pakuratahi Forks, ancient rata and rimu tower over a canopy of kamahi, hinau and miro. The park is also home to rare birds - kaka, yellow-crowned parakeet and a significant number of New Zealand falcon.The clear, deep pools of the Hutt and Pakuratahi Rivers are ideal for swimming, while the undisturbed Hutt River Gorge gives kayakers a chance to journey through forests and landscapes that have hardly changed in centuries. Kayakers will encounter grade 3 rapids, so experience is necessary. The Kaitoke Hill Track provides an eight kilometre mountain biking experience that'll keep the adrenaline pumping for around 45 minutes.Kaitoke Regional Park is a 50 minute drive north of downtown Wellington, or you can catch a train to Upper Hutt station and walk.

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary

In the suburb of Karori, just 2.5 kilometres from the Wellington central business district, you'll find a 252 hectare (one square mile) paradise of pest-free wilderness.The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is a world-first conservation attraction, where a unique and natural area is being patiently restored. As an early water catchment area, the Karori Valley was largely protected from the perils of suburban sprawl.When the area was longer required for Wellington's water supply, the vision emerged to recreate a natural environment - exactly as it would have been centuries ago, but right inside a major city.A purpose-built 8.6 kilometre perimeter fence keeps out introduced mammalian pests, such as stoats, weasels, possums, rats and cats. An eradication programme has removed all traces of these pests from within park. Rare and endangered birds - like the little spotted kiwi, saddleback, stitchbird and kaka - have been released into the park. Here they thrive on the increasingly abundant natural food sources.Stroll around natural forest, lakes and historical buildings at your own pace, or book a guided tour during the day or night. You can walk across a unique historic dam, see a 19th century goldmine carved deep into the hillside, take a scenic ride on an electric boat or picnic on the lawns by the wetlands.The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is easily reached by public transport. There are buses every fifteen minutes from the city. Get off the bus at the first stop after the Karori Tunnel, and walk for five minutes to the end of Waiapu Road. Plenty of free parking is available for people travelling by car.

Wellington Central Waterfront

A satisfying seaside stroll awaits on the doorstep of Wellington's central business district. Large areas of the once-busy waterfront were left idle by the change to more efficient container shipping. Clever planning and considerable investment have restored these wharves and cargo sheds to provide a spacious and entertaining seaside reserve - just for pedestrians.To walk at the water's edge and enjoy magnificent views of the harbour, cross to Queens Wharf on the City to Sea Walk Bridge, which features large Maori carvings. Restaurants, apartments and the Museum of Wellington City and Sea now fill this area's gracefully functional historic buildings.There are a number of interesting memorial plaques and artworks worth viewing. One plaque commemorates Paddy the Wanderer, a dog turned celebrity who was cared for by waterside workers, seamen and taxi drivers from 1928 until 1939. From Queens Wharf follow the harbour around past Te Papa (the national museum) and Chaffers Marina to Oriental Bay, where you will find numerous cafes and an enticing stretch of golden sand.Jutting out onto the beach is a great viewing platform and picnic place, which was originally a band rotunda before being converted into a bathing pavilion in 1937.

Wellington Botanic Garden

At the top of the Wellington Cable Car, and just minutes from the central business district, lies 25 hectares (64 acres) of beauty, peace and tranquillity. Established in 1844, the Wellington Botanic Garden is home to some of the oldest exotic trees in New Zealand.Today, the native and exotic forests are complemented by a duck pond, a begonia house and cafe, colourful floral displays, a herb garden, an Australian garden and the award-winning Lady Norwood Rose Garden.Several large garden sculptures, the Sun Dial of Human Involvement and stunning views across the city and harbour add to the natural attractions of the Wellington Botanic Garden. A strong sense of pioneering days can be found in the historic Bolton Street Memorial Park section, with its heritage roses and grave stones of the city's pioneers. In the evening, glow worms can be seen along the banks of the moist and shady areas.Wellington Botanic Garden is open daily, from sunrise to sunset. Tours are available by prior request. The Carter Observatory is sited within the garden.

Top Lake Taupo scenic highlights

Top Lake Taupo scenic highlights

Huka Falls

The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, moves gracefully north from Lake Taupo between banks 100 metres apart. Just before the Huka Falls it enters a shallow ravine of hard volcanic rock. The effect is nature's large-scale equivalent of a fire hose feeding into a very fine nozzle. The previously placid waters roar and rumble at great speed along the ravine before bursting into space out over Huka Falls to crash into the turbulent pool 11 metres below. A foot bridge right at the top of the falls puts you in a prime position to get up close and witness the frightening display of more than 220,000 litres of water blasting by every second.To follow the build up to the falls you can hike the Spa Park to Huka Falls trail, an easy one hour walk that begins where the river is still lazy and wide. Passing through exotic and native forests, the track emerges again alongside the river and the roar of the falls grows louder at every turn. Around the falls there are several great vantage points from which to enjoy their full splendour and capture some very impressive photographs.The Huka Falls car park is about 1.6 kilometres north of Taupo. A bus from Taupo passes several times a day on a circuit of the local attractions.

Lake Taupo

This beautiful lake is about the size of Singapore - more of an inland sea really. It was created nearly two thousand years ago by a volcanic eruption so big it darkened the skies as far away as Europe and China.The lake's volcanic origins are still evident today, from steam vents and warm water currents at the beaches to the ever-present views of the massive volcanoes in adjacent Tongariro National Park. There are several active geothermal areas to visit, where the earth hisses steam and mud boils in pools.With 47 rivers and streams flowing into the lake, this area is renowned for trout fishing and kayaking. The Waikato River is the only river flowing out of the lake - at 425 kilometres in length it's New Zealand's largest natural waterway. For all New Zealanders, the Waikato River has always been a great provider - from fish, eel and freshwater lobster, to drinking water, irrigation and hydro-electric power.The forests surrounding Lake Taupo offer hiking and mountain biking adventures to suit all levels of experience.The resort town of Taupo, on the northern shore of the lake, is a skilled and experienced host. There's a large visitor information centre ready to help you get the most from your visit.

Mine Bay Rock Carving

In the late 1970s master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell had completed his 10-year training period with Maori elders. He came to his mother's land at Lake Taupo to mark the occasion with a significant carving.On a boat trip around the Western Bays he saw the cliffs at Mine Bay and recognised the opportunity to use them as a canvas for his work. Matahi decided to carve a likeness of Ngatoroirangi, a visionary Maori navigator who guided the Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa tribes to the Taupo area over a thousand years ago. In recognition of the cross-cultural nature of New Zealand, Matahi also carved two smaller figures of Celtic design, which depict the south wind and a mermaid.The main carving is over 10 metres high and took four summers to complete. The artwork is Matahi's gift to Taupo. He and four assistants took no payment other than small change donations from local bar patrons to cover the cost of the scaffolding.The carving has become an important cultural attraction for the region and a clear demonstration that traditional Maori knowledge and skills continue to be passed from generation to generation.The Mine Bay rock carvings can only be reached by boat and are best viewed up close from a kayak.

Kaimanawa Forest Park

East of Tongariro National Park, the Kaimanawa Forest Park is a large area of ancient native forests, shrublands and tussock grasslands.Popular for hunting, fishing and overnight treks for experienced hikers, the park also offers shorter walks and picnic areas for day visits and short-term campers.There are several easy walks off Kaimanawa Road, 15 kilometres south of Turangi on State Highway 1. The Pillars of Hercules walk (10 minutes return) climbs steep steps to a spectacular gorge - the powerful Tongariro River passes through this narrow chasm. The viewing bridge offers views of Mount Urchin and sometimes a glimpse of the rare native whio (blue duck) upstream.The Kaimanawa Forest Road Walk, a 20-minute loop track, leaves from the Urchin camping area. This pleasant walk through native forest is known for the variety of native trees it offers within such a small area.The Tree Trunk Gorge track also leaves from the Urchin camping area and is the only off-road track open to mountain bikers. The track ends at Tree Trunk Gorge Road, which is off State Highway 1.There are several other walking tracks located off Kiko Road in the northwest of the park and Clements Mill Road in the north.

Top Rotorua scenic highlights

Top Rotorua scenic highlights

Lake Rotorua

This beautifully peaceful lake has a violent history. One of several large volcanoes in the Rotorua region, its underlying magma chamber collapsed after a massive eruption around 200,000 years ago. The collapse created a circular caldera about 16 kilometres wide, which filled with water to form the North Island's second largest lake.Geothermal activity continues below and around Lake Rotorua. Clouds of steam drift around the shore and the water has a high sulphur content, resulting in a magical green-blue colouration. Mokoia Island, in the centre of the lake, is a rhyolite dome formed by slowly oozing lava. This island was the setting for one of New Zealand's greatest love stories - the tale of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. The beautiful maiden Hinemoa was the daughter of an influential chief. She lived on the eastern shores of Lake Rotorua and was regarded puhi (sacred), which meant that her tribe would choose her husband. Many suitors came seeking her hand, but none met the approval of her tribe. On Mokoia Island lived a family of several brothers including Tutanekai, the youngest. At a tribal gathering, where young warriors practiced their fighting skills, Tutanekai saw Hinemoa and fell in love. Tutanekai's weaponry prowess and good looks caught Hinemoa's eye, and she too was smitten. However, neither could see a future together - Tutanekai was considered too lowly born to wed Hinemoa. Poor, sad Tutanekai would sit on the shores of the island playing sorrowful music on his flute. The music would waft across the lake to where Hinemoa waited forlornly. Aware of what was going on, Hinemoa's people made a practice of pulling the tribe's heavy canoes all the way up the beach. But they didn't count on Hinemoa's ingenuity.One night Hinemoa fashioned a life-belt from empty gourds and swam towards the sound of Tutanekai's flute. She finally made it to Mokoia Island and headed straight for the island's hot pool, Waikimihia, to recover from her cold swim. While she was warming herself, Tutanekai's slave came down to the pool to fetch water. In a gruff voice, Hinemoa called ‘Mo wai te wai?’ (For whom is the water?). The slave answered ‘Mo Tutanekai’ (For Tutanekai). Hinemoa grabbed the calabash he was carrying and smashed it on the side of the pool. When the slave returned to Tutanekai and told him what had happened, Tutanekai went to investigate. The two lovers were at last united, and Hinemoa's tribe accepted Tutanekai as her husband. A very happy ending. Today the history and natural beauty of Mokoia Island can be explored on a guided tour. Visitors can also enjoy a soak in Waikimihia (now known as Hinemoa's Pool), on the south eastern side of the island.

Whakarewarewa Forest

Just five minutes south from downtown Rotorua, a beautiful forest awaits your exploration. It was established in 1901 as an experiment to test the suitability of different native and exotic forest species for commercial planting. The management of this forest has included deliberate strategies to welcome recreational users.In an area of the forest known as The Triangle, there is a mountain bike park with two circuits, a BMX track and a labyrinth of custom-made single tracks ranging from easy to terrifying. Created in partnership with experienced mountain bikers, the trails have names like Check It Out, Gunna Gotta, North Face, The Tickler and Be Rude Not To. Bikes can be hired in town and guided tours of the trails are also available.With tracks this good, the bikers are not tempted to stray onto the many hiking and running trails, so everyone gets space to enjoy this magnificent forest in their own favourite way. Perhaps the most famous area is the grove of giant coastal Californian redwoods. This is such an impressive feature that the park is often referred to simply as 'the Redwood Forest'.

Government Gardens

Originally known as Paepaekumana, the Government Gardens are situated on the lake's edge in downtown Rotorua. This site is of legendary and historical importance to local Maori people, for here many significant battles have taken place.In the late 1800s, the Maori people gifted 50 acres of this land to the crown "for the benefit of the people of the world". The land was a scrub-covered geothermal area with several therapeutic pools. The scrub was cleared and formal gardens planted. Several large trees remain from those early days, including multi-trunked Japanese firs and an unusual Californian weeping redwood.Realising the opportunity to create a South Pacific spa attraction, in 1908 the New Zealand government opened a large and elaborate bath house, built in the Elizabethan Tudor style of architecture. Today this magnificent building houses a museum and an award-winning exhibition on the days when people came from all over the world to 'take the waters'.In the early 1930s a second building, the Blue Baths, was constructed in an ornate Mediterranean style. These were among the first baths in the world to allow both males and females in the same pool. Rather than medicinal, the purpose of the Blue Baths was fun - a chance to socialise in the style of Hollywood movie stars. Fully restored to their original glory, the Blue Baths offer you the chance to relax in heated waters in an architecturally stunning setting.

Ohinemutu

Ohinemutu was the region's original Ngati Whakaue settlement. The location was chosen for its lakeside setting and abundant geothermal energy for cooking, bathing and heating. In pre-European times, Ohinemutu was the main centre for the Lake Rotorua region - visitors and food arrived at this bustling settlement before going on to the surrounding villages.Today Ohinemutu is a suburb of Rotorua city, but the village retains a sense of importance. Standing on the forecourt of the marae, as steam rises through the pavers from the earth below, you can feel the spirit of this significant place. The carving on the large meeting house is exquisite and highlighted by hundreds of inlaid shiny paua shells. Towards the lake's edge is the magnificently decorated Saint Faiths church. Inside the church, Maori carvings and woven panels add a unique dimension to the European Tudor-style architecture. The quality of this century-old artistry leaves you in no doubt of the importance of this building to Maori people. A memorable feature is a window etched with the image of Jesus clad in a Maori cloak - he appears to walk towards you across the surface of the lake.At Ohinemutu you can see how the Maori and European cultures have collaborated. Visitors are welcome to explore the area on foot, taking care to treat sacred places with respect.

Geothermal activity

New Zealand straddles an active fault line where two giant pieces of the earth's suface are in a constant state of collision. In the South Island they meet and push upwards, creating the towering Southern Alps; around the central North Island, one piece is creeping slowly under the other, generating enormous amounts of subterranean heat and volcanic activity.All around Rotorua, sneaky threads of steam drift upward from parks, river banks and drains. The unmistakeable scent of sulphur wafts through the air. Minutes from the city centre, geysers of boiling water roar from the ground and pools of bubbling mud gurgle and belch.Geothermal and volcanic activity have sculpted the landscape in every direction. The many beautiful lakes are water-filled craters from violently explosive eruptions. Giant sleeping volcanoes rise all around and gently oozing lava has created conical hills and islands. Silica terraces and the edges of ponds have been beautifully coloured by minerals extracted from deep inside the earth by the rising superheated water and steam.Since the arrival of the first Maori settlers, people have harnessed this vast renewable energy source for cooking, heating and, more recently, electric power production. You'll discover that a relaxing soak in naturally heated water is the perfect end to a day of geothermal exploration.

THE MOST POPULAR PLACES IN NEWZEALAND

THE MOST POPULAR PLACES IN NEWZEALAND

Auckland
Tamaki-makau-rau

Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping - you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland.
In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau - ‘the maiden with a hundred lovers’. It earned this name because it was a region coveted by many tribes.
Auckland’s blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.
The natural assets of Auckland have made it a dream destination for all kinds of travellers, from doing-it-on-the-cheap backpackers to cost-is-no-issue super yacht owners.

Wairarapa
Wairarapa is tucked away in the south-east corner of the North Island, at the foot of the rugged Tararua Range. Maori called the region “Land of Glistening Waters”.
If you arrive from Wellington, you’ll wind your way over the Rimutaka hills and along the route trodden by early European settlers 150 years ago. The vast Wairarapa valley will open up before you, fringed by mountains to the west and rugged coast to the east.
European settlement dates back to the 1840s, but Maori history is much older. Archaeological research has shown that parts of the Wairarapa coast have been occupied for at least 800 years.
Essentially rural with off-the beaten-track charm, Wairarapa promises a diverse experience for those who appreciate great wine, gourmet food, astonishing wildlife and natural beauty. Rolling vineyards, acres of apple orchards, fields of lavender, olive groves, heritage museums and quaint historic towns combine to make Wairarapa an appealing destination.

Auckland's volcanic cones

Auckland sits on top of a large volcanic field that has produced around 53 volcanic scoria cones in the last 140 thousand years. Each of the cones is monogenetic, which means it was formed by a single bubble of magma that rose from deep within the earth. This means the next eruption is likely to occur on the thinner crusted areas between the existing cones.Wherever you are in Auckland, a green volcanic cone is never far from view. Two of the more prominent examples are Maungawhau (Mount Eden) and Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill). Maungawhau, meaning mountain of the whau tree, is the highest of all at 196 metres. It has an oval base caused by three in-line craters. Maungawhau's lava flows covered 5.6 square kilometres and the 'bubble' contained enough lava to fill 32,000 Olympic swimming pools. Maori people lived on Maungawhau until around 1700 when the pa (fortification) was abandoned. Changes to the natural shape of the cone are clearly visible today, providing evidence of Maori terracing, food pits and house sites.Maungakiekie, meaning hill of the kiekie vine, was home to one of the largest Maori settlement structures in New Zealand and included three pa sites. Terracing and pits can be found all over the cone. The mountain has been a reserve since 1840 and in 1901 an affluent early Aucklander had the vision and generosity to gift his adjacent farm to the city as a park. Today they offer an extensive recreational area for visitors and the residents of Auckland. With walking tracks, glades of forest, picnic areas and paddocks of sheep and cattle, there is delightfully rural feeling to this inner city enclave. Maungawhau, Maungkiekie and many of the other larger cones offer long-range, 360 degree views of the surrounding land and sea. Because Auckland is on a narrow isthmus you can easily see from one side of New Zealand to the other.

Long Bay Regional Park

Long Bay certainly lives up to its name. This seaside reserve includes a kilometre-long sandy beach that gentle slopes down to the waters of a coastal marine reserve. Green hillsides provide a buffer from the neighbouring suburbs and a broad, flat grassed area with large shady trees flanks the beach along the length of the bay. There's plenty of room to throw a ball, fly a kite or simply relax in the sun. And it's a safe beach for swimming, so a refreshing dip is on the agenda during summer and autumn.The parkland continues north of the beach for about two kilometres before turning inland along a broad river. A walking track passes along the sandstone cliff tops offering panoramic views across the Hauraki Gulf. The trail leads through patches of native forest and side tracks reveal remnants of World War II gun emplacements. The original farm homestead has been restored and is open for visitors.Facilities at the park include toilets, changing rooms, showers and barbecue sites. Long Bay Regional Park is on the eastern coast about 30 minutes drive north of Auckland's city centre. There is a regular public bus service.

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Top Northland scenic highlights

Ninety Mile Beach

Ninety Mile Beach is the fabled strip of sand that stretches from Ahipara to Scott Point, five kilometres south of Cape Maria van Diemen. Truth be told, it is actually 88 kilometres long.This beach is officially a highway, but is really only suitable for 4WD vehicles. Rental companies won’t allow their cars on the sand, mostly for safety reasons. The easy way to drive along the beach is to catch a coach tour from Kaitaia.Beach activities range from surfcasting and swimming to bodyboarding down the sand dunes. A special treat is digging for tuatua (a native shellfish) in the sand at low tide. Flanking the beach is the Aupouri Forest, which provides a green escape from the hot sun.Once a year, usually during the last week of February, 90 Mile Beach hosts a five day fishing competition. Hundreds of anglers surf cast from the beach, hoping to catch the biggest snapper.

Kawiti Caves (Waiomio Caves)

The Kawiti Caves are a few kilometres south of Kawakawa; they’re also known as the Waiomio Caves. This cave system attracts many visitors with its bizarre karst features, stalactite formations and spectacular glow worm display. The family running tours of the cave are descendents of Chief Kawiti, a hero who fought alongside Hone Heke at Ruapekapeka. The meeting house and marae complex at the caves are his memorial.A highlight of the tour is an encounter with a friendly eel, the guardian of the cave. Once inside you’ll discover ‘inner space’ in the glow worm cave. The ceiling of the cave looks like the night sky - each glow worm is a blue-green coloured star. 'Arachnocampa Luminosa' is a glow worm unique to New Zealand. It is the larval stage of a two winged insect that emits light to attract food.