New Zealand Top Things To Do

Adrenaline activities
This is the world's prime destination for bungee jumping. Famous jump-off points include the Kawarau River Bridge, the Nevis, the Pipeline, the Ledge (near Queenstown), Taupo and Mangaweka (North Island) and Hanmer Springs (South Island). Or try bridge swinging: falling then swinging along a gorge whilst harnessed to a cable. New Zealand is also the birthplace of zorbing, which involves being strapped into an inflatable transparent plastic ball, or diving into a zorb with a bucket of water, which is then rolled down a grassy hill or onto a river.

White-water rafting
Popular rivers for this thrilling sport include the Wairora (near Tauranga), the Mohaka (in Hawke's Bay) and the Kaituna (near Rotorua), which features the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall at 7m (23ft). Black-water rafting through underground caves is a rare opportunity to experience. Tackle the three- to five-day Whanganui River Journey to see some of North Island's finest scenery.

Diving
The Poor Knights Islands (near Whangarei) are particularly renowned among divers. For many more suggestions, contact New Zealand Underwater (www.nzunderwater.org.nz). Swim with dolphins in the Bay of Islands (north of Auckland), the Coromandel Peninsula, Kaikoura (South Island) and Whakatane. Stay dry but witness the marine life by whale watching on the eastern coast of South Island, with most sightings from April to August. Contact Whale Watch (www.whalewatch.co.nz).

Surfing
Some of the best breaks are located at Mahia Peninsula (near Gisborne), Murawai, Palliser Bay (near Wellington) and Piha. You can also ride one of the best left-hand breaks in the world at Raglan.

Sailing and Jetboating
Auckland (‘the city of sails') is a perfect spot for sailing and yachting. Cruise the harbour in tall ships or sailboats, visit vineyards on neighbouring islands, or go further afield on an excursion to the remote maritime reserves in the Bay of Islands, Hauraki Gulf and Marlborough Sounds. Or for a faster pace, take a high-speed jetboating trip. These run on many of the country's best-known rivers, including Queenstown's Shotover River and on the Waikato River beneath the Huka Falls.

Caving 
Waitomo Caves, where explorers can abseil into the ‘Lost World' cave, are the most visited, especially famous for their glow-worm grottos. You can also try cave rafting or tubing, where participants float through the cave system on custom-made tyres keeping an eye out for glow-worms.

Fishing
Brown and rainbow trout are particularly popular. Salmon fishing is best in the Rakaia, Rangitata, Waimakariri and Waitaki rivers. For further information on seasons and permits, contact the New Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association (www.fishingguides.co.nz).

Hiking
Tramp though stunning national parks and protected forest areas. Popular walks include the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, the Lake Waikaremoana Track, the world-famous Milford Track and the remote Rakiura Track. Contact the Department of Conservation (DOC) (www.doc.govt.nz) for more information.

Wintersports
The best time to hit the slopes for skiing, snowboarding and winter mountaineering is from June to October. On the North Island, the biggest ski areas are on Mt Ruapehu. There are excellent ski slopes in the South Island in the Southern Lakes region and at Mt Hutt. An alternative is to glacier ski and glacier walk in the Southern Alps.

Wine tasting
A great place to enjoy a tipple or three is the wine-growing region of Hawke's Bay. Around 70 wineries allow visitors in to sample the region's respected red wines, particularly Pinot Noir. The Marlborough province in the South Island also has world-class, new-world wineries producing white, sharp Chardonnay and crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Or for a more potent tipple, visit the South Island's whisky distilleries, including what is reputed to be the world's southernmost distillery at Timaru.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.