Make the most of an Easter long weekend and glorious autumn weather to really get out and explore New Zealand this April. From the North to the South Islands, we’ve rounded up a stack of cool experiences you’re guaranteed to love, including an unforgettable train journey, epic mountain bike trails and a day of wine tasting.
Cruise From Wellington to Picton
Considered one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world, a trip on the Interislander Ferry is a must-do for anyone wanting to witness the sublime beauty of the New Zealand coastline. Departing Wellington, the three-hour cruise to Picton crosses the Cook Strait and links the North and South Islands. Dolphins, seals, seabirds and even orcas frequent these sparkling waters, and the final stretch through the Marlborough Sound is out-of-this-world stunning.
InterIslander Ferry
Hit The Trails
Biking enthusiasts, you won’t want to miss this trip! On the outskirts of Rotorua is the Whakarewarewa Forest, which is home to a magnificent collection of towering Californian redwoods and more than 160 kilometres of twisting, stomach-churning mountain bike trails. There are routes for riders of all abilities, and experienced staff are on-hand to help plan your course and fit you out with the appropriate bike and helmet.
Half-Day Self-Guided Mountain Bike Journey
Go Hang-Gliding
For a bird’s-eye view of Queenstown, take to the skies on a tandem hang glide. After a thorough safety briefing with your pilot, you’ll take off from the Coronet Peak Ski Field, one of the highest flying sites in the region. Catching thermals to soar through the clouds, you’ll float effortlessly above lakes, rivers, mountains and valleys, before gliding in to land on solid ground. Flights last around 10 minutes, although you’ll likely be too mesmerised by the views to even realise the time passing.
Coronet Peak Tandem Hang Gliding
Jump Aboard The Northern Explorer
Train journeys don’t come much more dramatic than this: the Northern Explorer, a picturesque rail service that runs between Auckland and Wellington. From the comfort of a world-class carriage, you’ll bypass rolling green farmland and charming country towns, and chug through the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park and past the sparkling Kapiti Coast. There’s an open-air viewing deck so you can really soak up the sights, and GPS-triggered audio commentary is available through headphones at your seat.
Northern Explorer Journey
Escape To The Country
See another side to Wellington when you venture out to tour some of the region’s most unique properties and rural outposts. At a local wind farm you’ll learn all about the 360-feet-tall turbines and the energy they produce, before moving on to the Ohariu Valley Equestrian Centre where you’ll get up close with the resident sheep, cattle and horses. To top it all off, a delicious afternoon tea is included at an isolated shepherd’s hut, complete with gorgeous views of Cook Strait and the South Island.
Wellington Scenic Farm Tour
Head Off Road
Let your inner rally driver go wild on an insane 4WD track just outside of Rotorua. All you need is a valid driver’s license to get behind the wheel of a high-performance Suzuki Jimny, which is equipped with power steering for total control over the rigorous course. There are tight bends, sheer inclines, mud-soaked holes and a seven-metre-high luge that promises to raise your blood pressure. And if that’s not enough extreme adventure for one day, you can also go for a spin on New Zealand’s newest and longest outdoor KartSport circuit.
Drivers Obsession at Off Road NZ
Take To The Green
If you’re more into bogeys than bungee, a round of golf at Jack’s Point should be your first port of call in Queenstown. The 18-hole, par 72 championship course is ranked among the top 50 golf courses in the world, and offers an exciting challenge to all who tee off. But it’s not just the exclusive golfing experience that attracts the polo shirt-wearing crowd, Jack’s Point also boasts incredible views from the green that extend across Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Jack’s Point Golfing
Sip Wine On Waiheke
Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is a wine-lover’s paradise. There are more than 30 boutique wineries, vineyards and cellar doors dotted across the island, and on this full-day, small-group tour you’ll get to visit at least three of them. Waiheke is best known for producing award-winning red wine varietals like merlot, malbec and cabernet sauvignon, so there’s sure to be plenty on offer at the tasting sessions.
Waiheke Island Wine Day Tour
Enjoy A Marine Safari
Swap lions for dolphins and elephants for whales and you’ve got a marine safari that’s just as impressive as any African jaunt. On this family-friendly excursion you’ll head out to the volcanic islands and hidden coves of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park in search of rare birds and sea mammals. Your chances of seeing them up close are good, too: dolphins and whales are spotted 90% and 75% of the time, respectively.
Auckland Marine Safari
Ready to add some incredible things to do to your April plans? Book in one of the activities above, or explore more things to do around New Zealand to find experiences, excursions and more. If you need hotels, flights or car hire for your trip, Webjet has you covered for those too.
Hero image: Waiheke Island. Credit: Greg & Lois Nunes on Unsplash .
