Adventure ·Mar 15, 2020

6 Kiwi Adventures, when you got to play close to home.

Had to cancel or change your international travel plans at the last moment due to all the craziness that is, unfortunately, happening in the world?

Changing plans last minute can be a little daunting, disappointing and even overwhelming...

So I asked the team what they would choose to do if they got to go on holiday anywhere in New Zealand, and these are their top picks! I hope it helps get you excited about a holiday in your own back yard!

Milford Sound Cruise

Overnight Cruise on Milford Sound

There are plenty of day trips available on Milford Sound, but overnight is really special. Milford Sound by moonlight is breathtaking, star gazing surrounded by waterfalls and glaciers off in the distance. Nighttime brings a quietness without any light or sound pollution (no planes or helicopters buzzing at night time). As an added bonus some tour operators offer sea kayaking and swimming in the Sound too! Used as a movie backdrop often, it is no wonder people call it the '8th Wonder of the World'.

Kaiteriteri and Able Tasman National Park

Kaiteriteri and the Abel Tasman National Park

The golden sandy beaches and laid back vibes of Kaiteriteri make the lushest, relaxing getaway. Miss the crowds and head to Kaiteriteri outside the festive season for some RnR, nature walks, and the incredible mountain bike park. Drive to Marahau and catch a water taxi into the Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the park from the boat and jump off at a beach of your choice and wander back to the car. From Bark Bay to Marahau is 24km of a well-maintained trail amongst native bush and golden sandy beaches. The scenery is out of this world and having a dip in Cleopatra Falls is a must-do! When you reach the car pop into the Fat Tui for the most delicious burgers and treat yourself to an ice cream sandwich.

Paparoa track

Paparoa Track

Our GodZone Team, the Further Faster Fledglings said this was do-able (but not recommended... lolz!) in a day trip from Christchurch. This epic track has a mix of technical climbing through the bush, insanely beautiful ridge riding and a long fun descent through epic west coast scenery out towards the beach. While Odie and his team did it in a day return from Christchurch, there are awesome options to stay the night before around Blackball and the night after in Punakaiki or Greymouth. Also available are stunning modern huts if you want to break up the 55K ride and stay a night or explore some of the many sidetracks, or take your time and family and tramp at a more holiday pace.

castle hill

Castle Hill Village

Castle Hill is an amazing alpine village about an hour inland from Christchurch. Once there, you are surrounded by mountains and epic scenery. Castle Hill is one of those places that is fun in every season. There are boundless outdoor adventures awaiting you, whether it's hiking, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, running, tramping, hunting, bouldering, rock climbing, caving, or a scenic drive and picnic, there is something for every age. I highly recommend booking one of the many holiday homes in the village and making a weekend out of your visit, and exploring the outdoors. Walking around and checking the hundreds of limestone rock formations is another fun way to soak up some hours. **Local tip - stop in Sheffield at their famous pie shop and check out their range, makes the drive to the mountains even better!

mountain dog challenge

Mountain Dog Challenge - Canterbury or Greater Wellington!

Don't want to leave your doggo at home? Take them on the adventure of a lifetime and smash out the Further Faster Mountain Dog Challenge. 10 peaks to summit in Canterbury or 10 Epic hikes with Epic Views in Greater Wellington to choose from. Once you have finished your doggo gets a FREE Graduates Dog Bandana. All the details are at mountaindogchallenge.co.nz

Te Araroa

Section Hike the Te Araroa

No matter where you live in New Zealand you are not too far from the Te Araroa. For most of us, taking 3-6 months off to walk the long path from Cape Reinga to Bluff is not possible... but taking your annual leave and the family along for shorter sections is totally doable! Beaches like in this picture, to mountain tops to city escapes... the TA has it all... just got to choose your section and get walking!