Adventure Awaits: Discovering the Thrills of New Zealand

As a young Australian who fell in love with travel at an early age, I never imagined that my business in the horse racing industry would take me on a whirlwind adventure across the globe. One destination that always held a special place in my heart was New Zealand, a country I visited multiple times for both work and pleasure.

My connection to New Zealand ran deeper than just business trips. One of my oldest friends, Steve (or "Devo" as we affectionately call him), had moved to Auckland after meeting the love of his life on Contiki of Europe – the same tour I happened to be on, which I've mentioned in previous blog posts about European adventures.

A Taste of Kiwi Hospitality

Steve and Sarah had started several café-style restaurants in Auckland, creating a dream environment for their beautiful girls to thrive in. My visits to New Zealand were always a mix of work and pleasure, often with last-minute flights booked through Aviasales for a quick sales call or equipment breakdown.

Devo would always laugh when I'd call, asking, "Are you in NZ?!" because the amount of notice I'd give him was usually measured in minutes or hours, not days or weeks like a normal overseas traveler.

Casino Nights and Surfing Legends

One of our favorite pastimes was hitting the tables at the Auckland casino. We even started a make-believe gambling entity in Ireland called Access High. On one memorable occasion, we found ourselves sharing a table with two of Australia's top surfers who had just competed in the New Zealand round of the world surfing tour.

Having spent time chasing waves in our younger years, Devo and I were thrilled to be in their company. We even managed to arrange a phone call between one of the surfers and a friend back home who idolized him. The resulting conversation was hilarious, with our friend initially not believing he was actually talking to his surfing hero!

Top 5 NZ Adventure Activities

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1. Bungee Jumping in Queenstown: Experience the thrill of New Zealand's most iconic adventure sport.

2. Skydiving over Lake Taupo: Freefall with breathtaking views of the country's largest lake.

3. White Water Rafting in Rotorua: Navigate the rapids surrounded by stunning geothermal landscapes.

4. Glacier Hiking on Franz Josef: Explore the otherworldly terrain of New Zealand's famous glaciers.

5. Canyoning in Abel Tasman National Park: Descend waterfalls and navigate through pristine canyons.

To book these exhilarating activities, check out WeGoTrip for great deals and easy reservations.

Top 5 Places to Stay Near Adventure Activities

1. The Rees Hotel, Queenstown: Luxury apartments with stunning lake views, perfect for bungee jumpers.

2. Hilton Lake Taupo: Upscale accommodation close to skydiving operations.

3. Regent of Rotorua: Boutique hotel with easy access to white water rafting adventures.

4. Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef: Eco-friendly luxury in the heart of glacier country.

5. Split Apple Retreat, Abel Tasman: Exclusive lodge offering tranquility after canyoning expeditions.

For the best rates on these accommodations, use Hotel Look to compare prices and find great deals.

Top 5 Places to Eat Near Adventure Spots

1. Rata, Queenstown: Michelin-starred dining experience after your bungee jump.

2. The Brantry, Taupo: Gourmet New Zealand cuisine to refuel after skydiving.

3. Atticus Finch, Rotorua: Innovative sharing plates perfect for post-rafting hunger.

4. Alice May, Franz Josef: Hearty meals to warm up after glacier hiking.

5. Hooked on Marahau, Abel Tasman: Fresh seafood to satisfy your appetite after canyoning.

Don't forget to book your dining experiences in advance using Tiqets for exclusive deals and skip-the-line privileges.

The Beauty of Spontaneous Adventures

My experiences in New Zealand taught me the value of spontaneity and keeping an open mind while traveling. Whether it was impromptu casino nights with surfing legends or last-minute flights for business calls, each trip was filled with unexpected joys and memorable moments.

As you plan your own New Zealand adventure, remember that the best experiences often come from embracing the unexpected. Keep your itinerary flexible, be open to new opportunities, and don't be afraid to strike up conversations with locals and fellow travelers alike.

To make the most of your trip, consider using Intui for comprehensive travel planning and Airalo for affordable eSIM options to stay connected throughout your journey.

So, are you ready to create your own unforgettable stories in the land of the long white cloud? Click on the links throughout this blog to start planning your New Zealand adventure today!

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