New Zealand-Hot Air Balloon or Skydive - Your Adventure Vacation!

New Zealand - Whats there to do? Are you looking for the ultimate New Zealand Adventure? Then lets review some options for you whether you arrive in New Zealand by land or sea, we are able to customize your holiday.

HOT AIR BALLOONING
You have to rise early to catch a hot air balloon flight, but the experience beats a sleep-in every time. As you float over a world that is only just waking up, your smile will be as wide as the horizon.

With the exception of Queenstown, hot air ballooning operators in New Zealand are usually found on the flatter parts of the country - North Auckland, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa.

North Island flights will take you above lush rural areas, where you can observe an ornate natural tapestry of pasture, crops, vineyards, forests, roads, rivers, lakes and towns. In the South Island, the imposing Southern Alps provide an impressive snow-capped backdrop for hot air balloon flights that float over the sprawling patchwork of the Canterbury Plains.

From inflating the envelope at the beginning of your adventure to the champagne breakfast that marks the end of your flight, hot air ballooning is a long-lasting thrill.

SKY DIVING
Is it time to make the big leap? Sky diving is one of those things that many people say they’re going to do “some day”. Maybe that day is going to happen during your New Zealand vacation.

On a tandem skydive, where you’ll be strapped onto the front of a qualified jumpmaster, there’s plenty of time to admire the scenery on the way down. You can expect up to 60 seconds of free fall, followed by several minutes of peaceful floating before touchdown.

In the far north you can admire the beautiful Bay of Islands as you float towards the drop zone. The central north island has volcanic wonders to enjoy - crater lakes, geothermal areas and mountains. Canterbury, Wanaka and Queenstown deliver vast amounts of alpine scenery on your down-to-earth journey.

One of New Zealand’s leading skydive operators, and a winner at the 2008 New Zealand Tourism Awards, is Skydive Lake Wanaka. With Skydive Lake Wanaka, you can enjoy a personalised scenic flight up, 45 - 60 seconds of freefall at 200 kilometres per hour harnessed to your instructor, and five minutes of gentle parachute gliding towards the landscapes below.

The most southern jump on offer is in Te Anau - it’s a very imaginative way to see Fiordland!

SCENIC FLIGHTS

If you aren’t quite the daredevil, then lets look at a more comfortable way to view New Zealand. Sightseeing from a small plane or helicopter will give you the ultimate view of New Zealand’s spectacular geography.

You’ll be able to count the volcanic cones that are scattered across the face of Auckland; appreciate the immensity of Lake Taupo, a supervolcano that’s just biding its time; and glimpse the beautiful glaciers that tumble down from the peaks of the Southern Alps.

Flightseeing opportunities are concentrated in areas where the scenery is most extraordinary - Northland and Auckland, the central North Island, Canterbury, Queenstown, Fiordland and the West Coast.

Some operators combine airborne sightseeing with ground explorations. White Island, an active marine volcano in the Bay of Plenty, is a destination that uses this formula. At Mount Cook and Franz Josef a ski-plane operator makes glacier landings, so that you can get out and feel the quiet solitude of the mountains. Another rare treat is a flight to watch the whales at Kaikoura.

Contact the Travelgal to assist you in building your

ultimate adventure holiday to New Zealand

Teresa@Luxuryhideaways or 800 644-6659

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Waiheke Island Vineyards & Wineries

Waiheke Island is home to boutique wineries that produce unique, high quality wines based on cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, cabernet franc and the recent move into chardonnay grape varieties.  The hot, dry summers and stony soils of Waiheke are perfect conditions for growing grapes.

There are Waiheke Island vineyards and wineries spread throughout the island and visitors can either visit at their leisure, or take a tour. Below you will find a partial list of some of the best boutique wineries on the island:

Cable Bay Vineyards - The Cable Bay winery, restaurant and cellar door are set amidst vineyards and olive groves.

Goldwater - Goldwater combines old world traditional wine making techniques with modern day technology to achieve outstanding and memorable hand-crafted wines.

Jurassic Ridge - Syrah, Montepulciano, Pinot Gris and Cabernet Franc vines are planted over 155 million year old Jurassic rock.

Kennedy Point Vineyard and Olive Grove - At the International Wine Challenge, London 2009 the Kennedypoint 2007 Syrah was awarded International Syrah Trophy, Best NZ Red, Best NZ Syrah.

Man O’ War Vineyard - Located at the eastern end of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War first introduced grapes in 1993, firm in the belief that world class wines could be produced here.

Mudbrick Vineyard - Named after the Barn/House was built from mud bricks, Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant offers a unique Waiheke wine and cuisine exprience, available all year round.

Obsidian Vineyard - Obsidian Vineyard nestles in the coastal hills of the Onetangi Valley.

Passage Rock - Passage Rock Wines was established in 1994 by David and Veronika Evans-Gander.

Peacock Sky Vineyard - Located in the centre of Waiheke Island surrounded by lush native bush.

Peninsula Estate - With spectacular views of Oneroa Bay and the Hauraki Gulf, Peninsula Estate is focused on producing single estate, world-class premium red food wines, that can be confidently cellared for many years.

Poderi Crisci - Poderi Crisci is a small family owned vineyard with a passion for growing Italian varietals and olives.

Stonyridge Vineyard - Stonyridge Vineyard is a specialist cabernet-blend winegrower producing cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec, and petit verdot, combining traditional winemaking with meticulous organic viticulture.

Te Motu Vineyard - Te Motu Vineyard was established by the Dunleavy family in 1989 and is noted for its fine reds, notably the Te Motu cabernet/merlot.The first vines were planted in 1989, and the first vintage was produced in 1993.

Te Whau Vineyard - With breathtaking 360° views, stunning architecture, exquisite food, and a fantastic wine list, including its own five-star wines, Te Whau Vineyard and Cafe is a truly unique wine lover’s experience.

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A Perfect Combo - M.Y. Galerna & Blue Penguin Estate

While in Marlborough your onboard Galerna experience is paired with its exclusive land base, Blue Penguin Estate, off Tory Channel. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, Blue Penguin comprises 450 acres of secluded coastline and the northern slopes of Mount Taurakawa.

When you’re not out cruising, a jetty and floating pontoon connect Galerna to the estate, complementing your onboard experience with a tennis court, heated pool and spa, barbecue area, boutique vineyard, private beaches and bush walks.

Everything about your ship and shore experience can be tailored to your wishes. Never has a luxury cruise offered such unique variety and comfort.

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Cruise New Zealand Aboard Your Own Private Yacht

Cruise aboard the M.Y. Galerna - a fully crewed, luxury charters through New Zealand’s finest coastline - a travel experience for the discerning, unlike any other.

Make your rendezvous with New Zealand as luxurious and uniquely memorable as possible by experiencing this exquisite land from the stunningly beautiful sea surrounding it aboard your own private luxury motor ketch.

The M.Y. Galerna once host to the Danish Royal family, and the artist Salvador Dali, this classic Scandinavian motor yacht, fitted out to the highest specifications, offers guests the ultimate in cruising comfort. Galerna is 87 feet and is fully crewed to provide the ultimate in ocean-going pleasure. Teak and mahogany interiors embrace you; state of art technology and entertainment systems pamper you. All meals and drinks are provided by your gourmet chef.

From the simple joy of ‘taking the air’ on the expansive wooden decks while enjoying the ever-changing southern scenery, to soothing away stresses and strains in the Scandinavian sauna, everything is undeniably first-class. The haute cuisine, centered on the fish and shellfish harvested daily, is superb; the New Zealand wines captivating.

Accommodating up to 6 guests in three stylish guest cabins, each with full ensuite facilities, Galerna offers pleasures to stimulate the most jaded traveler: luxury tenders for exploring shallow areas and rivers, water skiing, wind surfing, wake boarding, game fishing, hunting, archery, kayaking, snorkeling and scuba diving.

The very best in navigational and marine safety equipment ensures Galerna provides the ultimate in safe luxurious cruising. Enjoying exclusive use of so elegant and finely appointed a vessel as Galerna provides you with the perfect platform from which to discover New Zealand’s unique cruising playgrounds.

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The Huka Lodge Helicopter Adventure!

Your helicopter awaits on the front lawn of Huka Lodge. From here you will fly along the eastern edge of Lake Taupo towards the majestic Kaimanawa mountain ranges. As you approach, sit back in awe as the alpine scenery unfolds before you. Once your Pilot has set the aircraft down beside the crystal waters of the Rangatiki River, you may take a short walk to one of the many secluded pools which are home to some of New Zealand’s largest Rainbow trout. This is nature at its best!

Re-board your helicopter for the remainder of the flight, which continues west along the Kaimanawas towards Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and the snow-capped peaks and crater lake of Mt Ruapehu. On a clear day visibility exceeds 50km. Descend from the mountains, head towards the Western Bays of Lake Taupo where your pilot will set the aircraft down on a remote rock shelf where a well-appointed motor launch, a sumptuous lunch and a chilled bottle of New Zealand wine awaits you. En route back to Taupo you will have the opportunity to troll for trout or you may wish to try your hand at clay pigeon shooting or swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taupo. On arrival at the Taupo Boat Harbour, a courtesy vehicle awaits to transfer you back to Huka Lodge. What a day! I’m ready to experience Huka Lodge now! [Read more]

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New Zealand - the Adrenaline Adventure!

The premier company in travel, Abercrombie & Kent have launched “Extreme Adventures”

Extreme Adventures are for the traveller ready to meet a different kind of challenge. No matter what goals we attain in our lives and careers, nature remains the ultimate benchmark of what we can achieve. An Extreme Adventure reveals exactly who you are, demanding the most of your physical, psychological and perhaps even spiritual selves.

Expedition Guide - Mark Everard - The Adrenaline Adventure

With a lifetime of physically tasking experiences in New Zealand’s diverse wilderness areas, Mark Everard has earned the reputation as one of the country’s best outdoor guides. An accomplished athlete, Everard tests his skills both in organized sports and in the wild, including mountain climbing, marathon running, white-water rafting and cross-country quad biking.

Expedition Timeline

Day 1/Auckland, North Island / Rotorua

Arrive and transfer for a flight to Rotorua. Fish for trout at Lake Tarawera and take a relaxing soak at Hot Water Beach, where you can stretch out in the thermal-spring-heated sand.

Days 2 - 4 /Rafting the Motu River

Helicopter to the remote Motu River, which has carved a spectacular 60-mile gorge through the Raukumara Range, with its native New Zealand forest. Seated in four-person rafts, take on the quieter upper reaches before graduating to Grade 3 and 4 whitewater challenges, with overnights at riverside camps along the way. After tackling the White Rapid, Jet boat to the Bay of Plenty where you are met and transported by helicopter back to Huka Lodge.

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New Zealand - Cruise Aboard Oceanic Discoverer

Discover New Zeland on a Expedition Small Ship Cruise All meals included Excursion, zodiacs & glass bottom boats Guest lectures cultural & eco tourism Amazing on shore sightseeing Cultural experiences Resort style accommodations Much more…

Oceanic Discoverer Cruise New Zealand

On your expedition cruise through NZ your’ll see and experience pristine landscapes and stunning natural features of the Land of the Long White Cloud. Get ready to be amazed by the spouting geysers, bubbling thermal pools, fiords, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rivers and sweeping stretches of white sandy beaches enshrine the country’s natural heritage; forever protected in 14 national parks. New Zealand is a land of spectacular landscapes,amazing wildlife, lush forests, and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. [Read more]

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