Things to Do in New Zealand

Bungee Jumping
Undoubtedly the most prominent sport in Queenstown, bungee jumping takes place from four of the world's most scenic bungee sites. Visitors can choose to throw themselves off a bridge or a gondola, or there are milder options that include cable swinging or the Bungee Rocket that shoots people into the air while strapped into a cage-like device on the end of a bungee cord. The first commercial bungee jump site in the world is on the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, situated 137.5 ft (43m) above the river, with viewing platforms for spectators. The urban option is Hackett's Ledge, situated at the top of the gondola, and it is open even at night. The second highest is the Pipeline Bungee, operating from a suspension bridge across Skippers Canyon on the site of the 1864 gold-sluicing pipeline. The engineering masterpiece is the highest bungee jump, and the world's first gondola jump, a pod suspended terrifyingly 440 ft (134m) above the riverbed, spanning a remote gorge. A glass-bottomed cable car takes the jumpers out to the gondola.

Swimming with Dolphins
The beautiful and sheltered Akaroa Harbour is the only place in the world where visitors can swim with the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector's or New Zealand dolphin. All necessary equipment is included such as wetsuits, masks and snorkels and supervision is provided throughout. It is also possible to simply watch the graceful antics from aboard the vessel.

Hiking
The area around Queenstown offers some excellent hiking, known locally as tramping. Some of the country's excellent multi-day hiking trails start from nearby, including the spectacular Routebourne Track, one of the best in the country for its variety of countryside and scenery. The Rees-Dart Track is a rugged circular track, and the Greenstone Caples Track is a less challenging option. All the tramps have well maintained paths and comfortable mountain hut accommodation.

Jet Boating
Hurtling up and down the churning rivers around Queenstown in jet boats is a very popular activity. The Shotover River surges through Skippers Canyon, the narrowest and deepest section and trips include heart stopping 360-degree spins, last minute turns away from the canyon edges and high speed boating on either the Shotover or the Kawarau Rivers. It is an exhilarating experience that continues to draw the crowds.

The Milford Track
The Milford Track is considered to be the finest walk in the world, a four-day hike ending at Milford Sound that has been attracting tourists and locals for over 100 years. Following glaciated valleys and crossing an alpine pass it traverses some fabulous scenery, past towering snow-clad peaks, rivers and waterfalls, along grassy plateau and through dense rainforests. The number of hikers is limited and accommodation is provided in comfortable mountain huts along the way. For more information go to www.doc.govt.nz

Golf
The scenery alone is worth walking 18 holes for, but New Zealand also has great golf along the way. The country is only now becoming a popular golf holiday destination, and its anonymity is to the great advantage of those who visit. Many of the country's courses don't require an advanced booking, and despite cheap greens fees, visitors strike golf gold at the top courses. In the north, Kauri Cliffs Golf Club fringes the picturesque New Zealand coastline. Its fairways stretch along the seashore and striking cliffs. Inland, Wairakey International Golf Course is a richly forested and difficult course. The density is contrasted to Cape Kidnappers. Here expansive views follow fairways created atop ridge lines with holes that start and finish at the water's edge. While the North Island's courses are made picturesque by coastline, the South's are made equally impressive along the base of snow-crowned mountains. Top courses such as Terrace Downs, Clearwater and Millbrook have views of the Southern Alps. While many quality municipal courses dot any area around cityscape the best courses are often quite removed. Staying in their resorts is worth it for the scenery alone and custom tours can link golfers to resorts all around the country. For shorter stays it is a good idea to tour only one island at a time.

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