Top 10 free things to do in New Zealandl

Top 10 FREE things to do in New Zealand New Zealand has spectacular landscapes, a clean environment and easy-going lifestyle, for these reasons it is one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations. The country is also renowned for its ‘extreme’ adventures in dramatic environments such as mountains, glaciers, volcanoes, fiords, caves and raging rivers. However dont forget the equally appealing gentle side where ‘soft’ adventures can be enjoyed on easy hiking trails, scenic hilltops, quiet rural towns and tranquil lakes. All these small towns and resorts have a plethora of activities such as bush walking, beach combing, mountain climbing, wine-sampling, art and craft trailing, sightseeing, heritage trail exploring, or just shopping and bargain hunting. There is something new around every bend of the road in New Zealand and these discoveries can take you off the beaten track. Sometimes the unplanned, spur-of-the-moment adventures can produce the most enduring holiday memories. A third of New Zealand’s land area is preserved as conservation estate and access is free to everyone. So explore as much of the country as possible and be prepared for many unexpected delights and surprises. 1. Muriwai Gannet Colony Muriwai is a one hour drive from the city of Auckland. Just before the beach turn right and continue to the top of the hill on your right is a car park. From here ts only a short walk that leads you directly to a viewing platform which is directly above the gannet colony. The colony continues on two islands out to sea. The nests are just centimeters apart. These two-and-a-half kilogram birds have a wingspan of two meters, and have mastered sea breezes, and updrafts that are caused by the wind hitting the steep cliffs. Each pair lays one egg and the parents share the work of raising their young. The views from the colony are very impressive. Muriwai Beach extends 60 kilometers to the north – the black sandy beach creates a line between the thundering surf and the rugged coastline. Far below, enthusiastic surfers play in the large ocean swells. 2. Hot Water Beach Naturally heated mineral water is forced from deep within the earth to emerge through the sand at Hot Water Beach (hence the name). Near the rocks at the southern end of the beach, you can dig your own spa pool in the sand (start digging two hours either side of low tide). It's a strange, but very pleasant sensation to be lying in a pool of hot water just meters from the comparatively cold sea, on a hot summers day its nice to cool off with a quick dip in the ocean. Bring your own spade or you can hire one from the local general store. From the part of the beach with hot water springs stretches a long sandy beach. Here you can find sheltered and secluded spots for sunbathing. For surfers, Hot Water Beach has good waves on shifting sandbanks in moderate easterly swells. However the presence of strong undertows means this beach is often dangerous for swimming, you need to pay attention here and listen to lifeguards. 3. Aucklands West Coast Beaches Whatipu is on the Northern side of the Manukau Harbor bar. Powerful currents meet the long ocean swells. Many early ships and lives were lost on this treacherous piece of water when they strayed from the channel. A hike through the Waitakere Ranges returns along this beach with its hill-sized sand dunes, sun-dried driftwood and a cave once used as a ballroom a stunning, remote and special beach. Karekare, three streams form in the surrounding Waitakeres, converge and descend to the beach. There are several forest walks in the area. An easy track leads to the Karekare Falls. The waterfall is six meters high and falls into a beautiful opal pool. The broad, firm beach is ideal for walking or running with famous horse races every year. Murawai is a regional park with cliff top trails, the beach runs 60 kilometers up to the Kaipara Harbor, interrupted by a few streams and rivers. A great beach to explore and enjoy the salt filled fresh ocean air. Visitors to the west coast beaches need to be aware that the powerful surf creates changing undertows and rips, but you can swim safely where there are surf patrol flags. There are camp sites at most of the beaches. 4. South Island Glaciers Incredibly even with all the talk of global warming and other environmental catastrophes the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers still flow almost to sea level. The cool and temperate climate at this altitude means that these glaciers are among the easiest to view in the world. Gentle and short walks to the foot of the glaciers pass through ancient river valleys carved out by the glaciers as they have advanced and retreated over millennia. The Fox Glacier is over 13 kilometers length, and starts at 2,600 meters, high in the Southern Alps. It is fed by four alpine glaciers. The snow is compacted at the top of the glacier and the pressure creates solid blue ice hundreds of meters deep. This ice then slides down to the river valley where it is still 300 meters thick. The movement is created as the ice at the bottom melts under pressure. This effect, combined with the large amount of snow falling at the top, means the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers flow around ten times faster than most valley glaciers. Note – while you don't have to pay for entrance if a person offers to watch your car for you while you explore the glaciers. Pay them, its not because the car might get stolen but because New Zealand has a native bird called a Kia and they take great joy in peeling ALL the rubber off your car. Click here to view page two Return to Articles Page