The Amazing Race Season 13

For the fourth episode of the 13th series, the Amazing Race hurtled around the Auckland and Tauranga regions of the North Island. Just two hours apart from each other by road, these two areas combine to create an adventurous holiday with a major emphasis on ocean experiences.

The Amazing Race, which recently won a sixth Emmy for ‘Best Reality TV Show’, features 11 two-person teams competing to win a $1 million prize. While in New Zealand, race competitors encountered a variety of scary, puzzling and outlandish challenges, such as a "match the tattoo to the warrior' exercise on Mount Eden while a slew of warriors performed a stirring haka (traditional war dance).

'The Amazing Race' star Phil Keoghan.
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In and around Auckland

In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau - the maiden with a hundred lovers. The region earned this name because it was desired by all and frequently fought over. These days, Auckland regularly appears on the list of best places to live in the world. The combination of beaches, ocean, islands, forests and parks alongside a pleasure-driven urban lifestyle is hard to resist.

A rocket-style elevator ride up the Sky Tower is the best way to appreciate all that Auckland has to offer. Enjoy the toe-tingling view over a meal at the revolving restaurant or go a step further with a Sky Jump - 11 seconds straight down. It’s a vertical journey you’ll never forget.

From downtown Auckland it’s easy to jump on a boat and leave the city behind. You could join the crew on a genuine America’s Cup yacht or catch a ferry to Waiheke Island, the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke is relaxed and outdoorsy, with activities like horse riding, winery sampling sessions, sea kayaking and mountain biking. A special highlight is the WWII tunnel complex at Stony Batter - a labyrinth to explore by torchlight. From the Waiheke ferry terminal you can hire a scooter or bicycle for self-guided touring.

For a land-based day trip, drive an hour north to the arty vineyard town of Matakana. As well as restaurant hopping, wine sampling and craft shopping, you can visit Goat Island marine reserve for a snorkel with some very friendly fish.

Tauranga and Mount Maunganui

Perfectly positioned on the eastern shoulder of the North Island, Tauranga and Mount Maunganui offer a distinctly sunny view of life. Surf beaches stretch for miles and the offshore waters are places for dolphin watching, scuba diving and big game fishing. Hike to the summit of Mauao, the extinct volcanic cone that guards the entrance of Tauranga Harbour, and you’ll see why the region is called the Bay of Plenty. It’s a land of abundance, particularly known for its kiwifruit orchards.

At Kiwi 360, east of Mount Maunganui, you can have a kiwifruit-flavoured kiwiana experience. This theme park pays homage to one of the healthiest fruits in the world. You can ride on a KiwiKart, eat kiwifruit culinary masterpieces as the café, shop for kiwifruit products and take an orchard tour that delves into the mysteries of kiwifruit growing.

For a totally different kind of thrill, follow the lead of the Amazing Race competitors and go for a blast in a blokart at Blokart Heaven. These nifty little land yachts are huge fun, even if you've never sailed before.

A family affair!

A special moment for host, Phil Keoghan was having his father there as the greeter at Mt Maunganui, the final pitstop in New Zealand. John was on hand to comfort with plenty of hugs for the girls! Phil's parents have a B&B in the South Island, the Garden View B&B Rolleston Canterbury

Previously on the Amazing Race...

	With over 8 seconds of freefall there is a long way to go yet!
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This season of the Amazing Race brings the total number of visits to New Zealand to three. In seasons 2 & 5 competitors visited Rotorua and Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capitals!

What's a visit to New Zealand without doing a bungy jump? Competitors on season 2 were required to jump at the Nevis Bungy in Queenstown, at 134 m high (440 feet) for most this will be about conquering one of their greatest fears. Competitors also had to complete a treacherous 'scree' run at high speed down Mt Tawawera near Rotorua.

In Season 5 the Amazing Race returned to Rotorua where contestants got to try Zorbing, one of New Zealand's more unusual adventure activities.

Amazing quality

When you’re planning your Auckland/Tauranga experience, look for the Qualmark© logo - it’s your sign that accommodation, activities, services and transport have been independently quality assessed.

For further information check out these links:

United States CBS - The Amazing Race Season 13 - Sundays 8pm/7c

Canada CTV - The Amazing Race Season 13 - Sundays 8pm/7c