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It’s a wild, wild world out there – especially in
the northern fringes of New Zealand. Filled
with magnificent beaches, geothermal
wonders and mysterious landscapes, the
Northern Bay is brimming with great nature
and even greater adventure. Start with a
relaxing flight on Air New Zealand before
heading to the iconic Bay of Plenty in Tauranga;
grab a taste of the land’s bounty with lunch at
the Mills Reef Winery, and gear up for a Waimarino
Evening Glow Worm Kayak Tour, which will see you paddling through a
moonlit cave filled with these luminescent critters. Hike the summit of
Mauao or explore its base track through archaeological landmarks before
unwinding with a relaxing dip in Mt Manuganui’s hot salt water pools.
En route to Whakatane, explore the world of honey bees, step into
the enchanting forest of Tane Mahuta, or stop to savour the fruits
of many a berry farm along the way. 49km offshore is White Island,
a volcano that spews vivid hues of sulphur, which can be explored
through scenic flight or helicopter. A Maori Cultural Tour will have
you learning all about Maori legends, history and customs, complete
with traditional hangi feast. In Taupo, aquatic activities await; take
an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride down Huka Falls or go prawn
fishing at Huka Prawn Park. Rotorua, a popular tourist destination, is a
geothermal wonderland renowned for its therapeutic mud baths; go on
a magical tree-top adventure with Rotorua Canopy Tours, visit a unique
farm experience at Agrodome, or relax with an indulgent spa therapy
at Polynesian Spa or Hell’s Gate.
Then, of course, is the famed Matamata, the site of the Hobbiton
Movie Set. Explore the remnants of the original Hobbiton village that
appeared in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit with a 2-hour guided
tour. A short drive away, the sprawling Hamilton Gardens, a collection
of 21 themed gardens ranging from Italian Renaissance and Tudor
to the exotic Taj Mahal-inspired Char Bagh, beckons for that picture
perfect shot.After a luxurious flight on Air New Zealand, start your tour of New
Zealand’s boutique cities at the international Art Deco icon of Napier,
which rose to fame after a massive earthquake in 1931. Indulge in great
local produce such as Manuka honey from Arataki Honey, luxurious
lambskins from Classic Sheepskins, and fresh fruit from Pernel Orchard,
before driving up to Te Mata Peak for a spectacular sunset view.
Wellington, dubbed ‘the world’s coolest little capital’, is famed for its
vibrant arts and gastronomy and quaint harbour front setting. Here, a
plethora of activities await – take a cable car up to Carter Observatory
to visit planetariums and multimedia galleries; join a Zest Food Tour
for some of the best-tasting produce in town; visit the Museum of
New Zealand Te Papa for culture galore; and visit the Weta Cave
Workshop for a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of blockbuster
design and effects. As dusk falls, uncover the nocturnal world of glow
worms, kiwis, and other birds with the Zealandia Night Tour.
Foodie adventures continue in Blenheim; taste New Zealand’s most
awarded wines at Villa Maria or enjoy a sumptuous lunch with the
world’s first Sauvignon Blanc in Brancott Estate. Marvel at Sir Peter
Jackson’s personal collection of WWI aircraft and artefacts at the
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, or head down to unique Nelson to
visit the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum, the latter
boasting one of Australasia’s largest private collection of classic cars.
End off with a beautiful picnic at the Abel Tasman National Park, filled
with golden beaches and sculptured granite cliffs. The park’s world-
famous track will see you hiking through ancient
Maori sites to discover wild natives such as
cormorants, gannets, and even fur seals as
they sunbathe and swim the day away.MARVELLOUS
NATURAL
ADVENTURES
CITY-CENTRED
ART AND CULTURE
8D7N Northern Bay of New Zealand + Hobbiton
9D8N Discover Central New Zealand
Scenic Travel is offering $200 off per couple + Free New Zealand Data SIM Card for both itineraries
Log on to scenictravel.com.sg/newzealand or call +65 6226 3611 to find out moreADVERTISEMENT FEATURE