The action never stops in New Zealand, and the month of March is certainly no exception. Whether you’re into high-octane adventures or slightly more relaxing outings, there are plenty of things to see and do across the two islands to keep you busy.
Go Zorbing
First things first: no, we don’t mean the Greek dance. We’re actually talking about getting inside a giant inflatable ball and rolling down a hill. Sound crazy? You bet it is – but it’s also ridiculously fun! At this Zorbing course in Rotorua you can choose between three different tracks: a straight slope, multipoint harness or curvy water ride. Each has its own twists and turns, all of which are captured on the hand-held GoPro camera that you’ll take along with you.
Zorb Inflatable Ball Ride
Have An Animal Encounter
Say hi to Wellington’s cutest residents when you check out the local New Zealand fur seal colony. These once-endangered creatures call the city’s rugged south coast home, and can be found basking on the rocks or splashing in the waves. On this half-day excursion you’ll learn all about the history of the colony and their quirky behaviours, plus stop at the Brooklyn Hill wind turbine to enjoy epic views across Cook Strait and the rest of the South Island.
Seal Coast Safari Tour by 4WD
Saddle Up For A Ride
Although this is a horse riding adventure, your journey to the saddle actually begins with a lovely cruise from Queenstown across Lake Wakatipu. The historic steamship TSS Earnslaw will ferry you to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a mouth-watering spread of scones and pastries awaits. Once all the goodies have been gobbled, it’s time to take the reins of a mighty steed and giddy up, heading out along a rugged alpine trail that offers incredible views of The Remarkables.
Half-Day Walter Peak Horse Trek
Paddle With A Glow-In-The-Dark Kayak
When it comes to magical experiences, this late-night kayak tour of Auckland’s Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve is hard to top. Leaving the bright lights of the busy city behind, you’ll paddle to a quiet section of the coast to catch a glimpse of the bioluminescent plankton that glow a neon shade of blue come nightfall. It’s definitely one of those pinch-me-this-can’t-be-real moments, and you’ll have about two hours to bask in the beauty of this natural phenomenon.
Bioluminescence Kayak Tour
Visit The Buried Village Of Te Wairoa
As the site of one of New Zealand’s greatest natural disasters, a visit to the Buried Village of Te Wairoa on the outskirts of Rotorua is an eye-opening experience. In 1886 Mount Tarawera erupted, engulfing both the small village (home to M?ori people and Christian missionaries) and the fabled Pink and White Terraces – which were once dubbed the eighth wonder of the world. Today, there’s an interactive museum housing ancient relics and artefacts, excavated archaeological sites and a scenic walking trail to nearby Wairere Falls.
Buried Village of Te Wairoa Tour
Sample Martinborough’s Best Drops
Sip your way through the vineyards of Martinborough on a full-day wine tour showcasing the best tipples this North Island region has to offer. Renowned for its pinot noir and sauvignon blanc grapes, you’ll get the chance to sample award-winning varietals at three cellar doors, with a platter-style lunch included at one of them. But it’s not all about the drinks; other pit stops include a gourmet cheese shop, the historic settlement of Greytown and even a few Lord of the Rings filming locations.
Martinborough Full Day Wine Tour
Free Fall Through A Canyon
Not so keen on skydiving? Don’t love the idea of bungy jumping? Then let us suggest the Shotover Canyon Swing in Queenstown, which basically involves a 60-metre free fall above the Shotover River, before a cable swing system kicks in and stops you in your tracks. A thorough safety briefing beforehand should quell any simmering anxieties, but if you’re still not feeling brave enough you can go tandem with a friend.
Shotover Canyon Swing
Join The Scrum
You don’t have to be a rugby union fan to enjoy the brand-new All Blacks Experience, which has just opened in Auckland. The 45-minute interactive journey, which is guided by a team of hardcore rugby experts, begins with a helpful introduction to the game, followed by an important breakdown of why the haka is so culturally significant. You can then test your kicking, catching and passing skills (and see how they weigh up against real-life players) in the hands-on zone.
All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Tour
Soak In An Onsen
Believe it or not, there’s more to Queenstown than extreme sports. Take, for example, the Onsen Retreat and Day Spa at Arthur’s Point. Here, you can soak your weary body and calm your frenzied mind in a traditional Japanese-style hot tub, complete with snacks and a glass of bubbly. A one-hour session in the steamy waters is guaranteed to rejuvenate any aching muscles, while also giving you plenty of time to admire the jaw-dropping views across the Shotover River Canyon
The Original Onsen Queenstown
Ready to add some incredible things to do to your March 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: Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown. Photo by Kishan Modi on Unsplash