Part 4: Festivals & Events for the Tourists
In the penultimate article, we’ve taken a different approach to the Festivals & Events series of the past articles.
We’ve identified some of the activities and locations that every tourist, and every New Zealand inhabitant, should consider when wanting to experience some of what our mighty land has to offer.
This is by no means a complete list, but somewhat more of a taster of things to explore. It’s hard to limit what New Zealand has to offer in 5 points, as the possibilities are endless – but we’ve drawn a line in the sand, rightly or wrongly.
1. Rotorua
Rotorua is not an activity, event or festival, but one of the most tourist applicable destinations New Zealand has to offer. Culture, heritage, adrenaline, family, relaxation, scenery – Rotorua has it in abundance.
Located in the Bay of Plenty region on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, Rotorua is the geothermal heart of the North Island, New Zealand. Hot bubbling mud pools and thermal springs are located throughout the region and make the area an enchanting place to visit.
The activities and opportunities are endless, for more information visit www.rotorua.nz.com
Luckily for you, you’re spoilt for choice with two Kiwi Holiday Parks at your fingertips; Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park and Cosy Cottage Holiday Park.
2. Queenstown
Like Rotorua in the North, Queenstown sits in the Wakatipu basin in the centre of the South Island. A skiing paradise in the winter months, the adventure capital of the south has a strong heritage that links to the goldrush of yesteryears along with fruit orchards and farming.
Jetboating, luging, bungy jumping and mountain biking are just some of adventure type activities available, but is only a small slice of what Queenstown has to offer. Nestled in some of the most beautiful scenic backdrops, Queenstown is home to numerous vistas both by water, land and air and the town is shopping paradise with supporting eateries, restaurants and nightlife.
If it’s a more laidback approach you desire, you can entertain yourself on some of the highest quality golf courses in the country, take a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw (a vintage steamship), or ride the gondola car – the steepest in the Southern Hemisphere to view 450m above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
For more information on Queenstown and what it can offer, go to http://www.queenstownnz.co.nz
A day trip to Queenstown after staying at the 4½ Star (Qualmark) Aspiring Holiday Park and Motels, is the remedy to adventure bug, and of course the perfect place to lay your weary bones after a day of action-packed adventure.
3. Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound could be mistaken for paradise. Something of this beauty, tranquility and sereneness is something that has to be experienced and seen to be believed. Multiple waterfalls are the only thing that will break the stillness.
Experiencing a guided boat trip out to the entrance of the fiord, you’ll take in some of New Zealand’s most untouched flora and fauna and be able to experience New Zealand Fur Seals and Fiordland Crested Penguins.
The sound is 412m deep – the deepest fiord in the country and you are able to experience it as part of a tour that starts from the shores of Lake Manapouri, view via a scenic flight, or look for a greater physical excursion such as kayaking through the sounds.
For accommodation, look no further than either than Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels or Te Anau Kiwi Holiday Park.
4. Hobbiton
You don’t need to be a Lord of the Rings fan be overawed by the impact that New Zealand has made on the world film stage, or the impact that Lord of the Rings has had on New Zealand. There are multiple tours that provide visitors with a Lord of the Rings experience throughout the country, but none so more than Hobbiton.
The Hobbiton movie set is located in the picturesque setting near Matamata in the Waikato Region of the North Island. A two-hour guided tour of the set that featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies is on offer where you see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, double arched bridge and other assets that were within the movies.
Hobbiton is a movie-buff’s paradise and supporting facilities have also been constructed onsite including The Shires Rest Café and souvenir shop.
There are a number potential Kiwi Holiday Parks that you can stay at and visit Matamata’s Hobbiton from with a day trip. In close proximity is Cambridge Kiwi Motor Park, or a little further afield, the Otorohanga Holiday Park.
5. Kaikoura
Number 5, but certainly not the least of our list of must see’s and do’s, is that of the regional township of Kaikoura. This coastal settlement is home to ecological protection and safest observation of wildlife in the country. From marine mammals to ocean birds, Kaikoura’s natural environment is world class.
On the Kaikoura doorstep, you have the ability to whale watch – and see these gigantic creatures in their environment as they go about their daily business. Not just Sperm whales are available for viewing, but a plethora of sea life including New Zealand Fur Seals and dolphins, with the opportunity to swim with these.
Be sure to check out the culinary options in the township as well. Fresh seafood is in abundance and the culinary fare world class.
For more information on the wonders of Kaikoura, visit www.kaikoura.co.nz
For a place to lay your weary head, the Kaikoura, Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park has your accommodation needs sorted.
And many more….
Kiwi Holiday Parks can be found all over the country, so if its these five ‘musts’ on your list or another 20 throughout New Zealand, we’ve got your accommodation woes all covered.
We can take care of the ‘where’ you’ll stay and leave the important decisions on what to do up to you. But if you get stuck on ideas of what to do, speak with us as we know our regions inside and out. We’re a friendly bunch and we look forward to meeting with you in the future.
