Interesting ways to get around New Zealand
The beauty of the New Zealand landscape means that wherever you are in the country, you are within hours of getting anywhere else. Aside from the standard transportation options of flying, driving or training, there are a variety of other options available. Whether by vehicle, on foot, by air or over water, the choice is limited only by one's sense of adventure.
Both Wicked Campers and Spaceships provide a travelling experience with a difference. Despite accommodating sleeping berths within, both types of rental vehicles are as compact as an ordinary van, meaning they are easy to drive, can be parked in car parks and booked onto ferries as a car. The newly released double-decker Spaceships with a pop-up top, provide sleeping facilities for up to four people, making them perfect for families. For younger travellers, Wicked vans are a budget-conscious mode of transport and accommodation with a unique twist- each van is 'bombed' with its own graffiti design making them a talking point at any destination.
Travellers can now venture to remote areas of New Zealand and still be in touch with family and friends around the world with campervans from Maui Rentals. Maui will also soon offer their Maui Interactive package, a mobile computing platform that provides easy internet communication and access to a wide range of information and entertainment including travel guides, blogs, DVDs and weather reports.
For some of the comforts of home, Kea Campers offer two and four berthed campervan options, complete with comfortable beds, a shower, toilet, central heating as well as a fully equipped entertainment system with DVD player and plasma TV.
For those that like to live in the fast lane, a guided Harley Davidson tour provides an alternative perspective along the many open highways and rugged routes of New Zealand. Harley Tours New Zealand offer packages from both Auckland and Queenstown, with one of the more popular options including a Hobbiton day tour.
Those keen to play a more active role in their journey have the option of taking a mountain biking tour. Fat Tyre Adventures in Queenstown and Heli Pro at Mount Tarawera both offer action packed mountain biking packages, including heli-biking options. However, for a more leisurely two-wheeled adventure, On Yer Bike Winery Tours present a relaxed expedition through 28 kilometres of Hawke's Bay's vineyards, including stop-offs at seven wineries. With a completely flat gradient, cyclists can opt for mountain bikes, tandem bikes or even a rickshaw.
New Zealand's clear skies are ideal for an early morning hot air balloon experience. There are hot air balloon operators located around the country in Hastings, Queenstown and Methven and the trips provide great panoramic views of the local scenery.
Alternatively, experience the secluded wilderness through Mount Aspiring World Heritiage National Park with Siberia Experience, comprising a 25 minute scenic flight above the Southern Alps, a three hour bushwalk through native Beech forest in the Siberia Valley and a 30 minute jet boat along the Wilkin River.
One of New Zealand's most recent transport innovations is Alan Gibbs' Aquada, a sports car that transforms into a speedboat within 12 seconds. For those who wish to experience an amphibious journey without the Aquada’s luxury price tag, a trip in a Duck may be a viable alternative. Relics of World War II amphibious vessels, the Paihia, Rotorua and Queenstown Ducks operate guided tours across land and waterways in the popular holiday spots.
For a more contemporary twist on New Zealand's aquatic heritage, Sail NZ invites visitors aboard NZL 40, an America's Cup yacht built for the 1995 San Diego regatta. Keen sailors can opt for a three day adventure, sailing up the coast from Auckland to the Bay of Islands. The experience is as hands-on as people desire. Those wanting a more laid-back trip can just sit back and take in the scenery.
There are also a range of operators who provide transport options with an old fashioned or heritage slant. Great New Zealand Steam Journeys take visitors on a one or two week long steam rail journey along the lengths of New Zealand's rail network, exposing travellers to secluded scenery mostly reserved to the nation's freight trains.
The waka (canoe) is an integral part of Maori heritage, as their initial means of transportation to New Zealand. Visitors interested in exploring the waterways of New Zealand with an additional Maori heritage element can do so with operators such as Waka Tours and Mana Adventures. Waka Tours provide guided tours down the Whanganui River, including an overnight stay on a marae (traditional Maori settlement).
The Annual Cavalcade sees participants trekking by foot, horse or atop a wagon through the remote, tussock covered hills and lowlands of Central Otago, following in the footsteps of the region’s nineteenth century gold-miners. New Zealand Backcountry Saddle Expeditions offer a similar experience, with appaloosa horse trekking through the historic Cadrona Valley gold-mining region.
Dunedin and Queenstown based Classic Jags and Christchurch's Southern Classic Rentals comprise fleets of classic and luxury vehicles. Classic Jags provide personal tours throughout the Otago Peninsula, while Southern Classic Rentals offer self-drive and chauffeur-drive hire Rolls Royces, Aston Martins, Bentleys, MGs and Hummer H2.
These topics may also be of interest to you
|
