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Featured Journal
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THE BAY OF PLENTY
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| A hot New Zealand summer drives outdoor enthusiast Nathan Fa’avae on an adventure holiday. His aim is to explore the ‘Heartland’, and to see why the ‘Bay of Plenty’ got its name. |
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All On for Water-Based Fun
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| Featured Activity | |
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| SAILING ADVENTURES |
Yachting isn’t only about racing. Set sail to explore the cruising zones of New Zealand and discover blissful relaxation.
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In 1997, New Zealanders Rob Hamill and Phil Stubbs completed the Atlantic Rowing Race from Tenerife to Barbados in 41 days, 2 hours. Not only was it a world record crossing of the Atlantic, they were 7 days ahead of their nearest competitor.
New Zealand has something of a reputation as a rowing, rafting and paddling nation - probably because there’s so much opportunity to row, raft and paddle. At 15,000 kilometres, our coastline is close to the same length as that of the United States, and there are major rivers throughout the country.
FAST FACT:
Marine reserves are New Zealand’s ‘National Parks’ of the sea - places where the coastal and marine landscapes, and the marine life within them, are protected by law. The first marine reserve in New Zealand was established at Goat Island north of Auckland. Now fifteen marine reserves exist throughout the country. You’re welcome to dive, swim and snorkel, but you mustn’t take fish or harm the natural habitats in any way. |
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Sea kayaking has sprinted to popularity in recent years. It’s an activity that doesn’t require a high level of fitness, and it provides participants with a wonderful sense of accomplishment. North Island sea kayaking destinations include the Bay of Islands, the Tutukaka Coast,
[ more about the Tutukaka Coast ]
the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, the Bay of Plenty and the lakes around the Rotorua region. In the South Island, paddlers should head for the Marlborough Sounds, the Abel Tasman National Park, Fiordland or the Southern Lakes District. Wildlife encounters, remote beaches and the satisfaction of propelling yourself through the water are the key reasons to try sea kayaking.
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Interview |
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ROB HAMILL
Q: If you wanted a kayaking holiday in New Zealand, where would you go?
A: I’m drawn to the lesser known places - like the Mohaka River in Hawke’s Bay where I learnt to white water kayak. You could have a great holiday paddling around Lake Taupo – many of the bays can’t be reached any other way. The Mercury Islands at the tip of Coromandel Peninsula are a paradise that few people know about.
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Rivers add another dimension to paddling. Some are slow and tranquil, others are fast and furious. Inexperience doesn’t necessitate choosing a tame river – while white water kayaking does require a degree of skill and fitness, almost anyone can cope with a white water rafting trip. Just paddle when the guide says 'paddle!'. In the North Island, check out the Tongariro, Whanganui and Rangitikei rivers. In the South Island, head for the Buller, Rangitata, Grey and Clutha rivers. Variations on river rafting and kayaking include river sledging, river surfing and black water rafting (rafting through cave systems).
| Diving on the Rainbow Warrior Wreck, Cavalli Islands |
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Unusual diving and snorkelling opportunities are another New Zealand speciality. Accessible wreck dives include the Rainbow Warrior (now a living reef) in Matauri Bay and the frigate Waikato near Tutukaka. The Poor Knights marine reserve is in the same area – a favourite with the late Jacques Cousteau. And you won’t need scuba gear to enjoy Goat Island Marine Reserve – just swim out from the shore to meet a lot of friendly fish. For a deep south dive experience, immerse yourself in the underwater splendour of Milford Sound in Fiordland. View black and red coral,
[ more about black and red coral]
sea pens and brachiopods. Diving doesn’t get any more extraordinary.
Like our coastline, the opportunities for water-based fun go on and on. Sailing, wind surfing, fishing, water skiing, kite surfing, parasailing – you name it, you can do it. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to try, make it part of your New Zealand travel mission.
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Sea kayaking in New Zealand is as common as commuting to work!
