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HairyHaggis
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Paihia ▷
Dolphin Eco Cruise
We did the Discover the Bay Cruise so, as well as dolphin spotting, we also went to and through the Hole in the Rock and stopped at Urupukapuka Island.
The crew were superb, especially the captain who kept up a really brilliant commentary throughout. There was no feeling of being rushed, with plenty time on the island and once we found dolphins, there was ample time spent watching and photographing them. We also spent time exploring other parts of the bay and learning a lot about its inhabitants, past and present! The boat is a good size - not too small so as to feel unstable and not too big so that you can't get near the side for photos. An excellent trip and well worth the money!
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Akaroa ▷
Akaroa Dolphins
We had a fantastic trip with this company - everyone involved was friendly and helpful.
It was undoubtedly worth every penny - saw lots of dolphins, some fur seals and even a couple of penguins, as well as umpteen shags and gulls. The commentary was clear and informative - learned lots and also aware that these people are doing something they know and enjoy so want us to share it too! The boat is perfect as it's not too big and very stable, also low enough at the back to feel you can almost touch the dolphins - we got fantastic videos and photos. Murphy the dog is a marvel - if you watch him, you'll know exactly where the wildlife is going to appear next! We went out on the most amazing day weather-wise, which obviously added to the trip.
The complimetary drink and home baking was an added bonus :)
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Karori ▷
Zealandia
This is an amazing place, even more so when you realise it's in the middle of Wellington.
The work they are doing to support native flora and fauna is excellent and definitely worth supporting with your entrance fee.
We were lucky to be there on a day when most of the city was watching the Christmas parade so it was fairly quiet - hence more birdlife! The feeding stations are a brilliant place to see tuis and kakas, but it's also great to do some of the many walking trails and see what you can find there (we were lucky and spotted a couple of saddlebacks among others). There are information boards, weta 'hotels', the tuatara sanctuary and so many beautiful trees. We spent several hours there but could easily have spent the day - it's a very special place!
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Auckland ▷
Bularangi Harley Tours of New Zealand
We had limited time so hired the trike for the day, out of Queenstown.
It was all organised online and everything went perfectly to plan - Ali's emails kept us informed of all we needed to know. Jo was brilliant - friendly, really helpful and almost as excited as we were. It's a perfect area to tour around by trike - and yes, the posing is part of it, let's be honest :)) We were also very lucky with the weather. We can't wait for the next time!!
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Doubtful Sound ▷
Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
An amazing experience and generally very well organised.
The outward journey in particular was excellent - shuttle bus with a witty and informative commentary - with no ambiguity over what and where we were going, unlike the return journey when everything suddenly seemed very vague and disorganised. The cruise was superb - breathtakingly beautiful scenery, penguins and seals. The crew were, without exception, friendly, helpful and enthusiastic and the food was fantastic. Accommodation is comfy and clean, although you are not really there much in case you miss anything!
Although any visit to Doubtful Sound would be magical, the overnight cruise means you have more time to explore and enjoy the grandeur and beauty, as well as greater chance of spotting wildlife.
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North Island ▷ Taranaki ▷ Tongaporutu ▷
Horses @Pukatea Hill
Even if (like us) you've never ridden before, this is a must do!!!!
We booked it with Lisa by email and she called on the morning of the trek to double check all was okay. The location takes some beating - as will your car if you attempt to drive up to the stables. Instead, leave it at the bottom and pre-arrange a lift with Lisa - walking up is not for the faint-hearted!
Everyone was really helpful and patient with us - our horses were picked for their patience too. Before the trek, you spend time brushing the horses and getting to know them before saddling up and heading out. The scenery is amazing and being up in the mountains, there is nothing to hear but the birds. It really felt like we'd left everything behind and there was nothing else - a truly magical experience. There are over 70 horses up there so you meet a few on your trek - many have come from the annual muster of Kaimanawa wild horses.
If you want to experience NZ on horseback, this is the perfect way to do it - you couldn't ask for better guides and horses. This is something special :))))
I am really sorry it's taken 7 years to respond. At the time I didn't know I could! I still remember our ride and I have after a long break rebirthed. No longer Okau Horse Treks...same people same place even some of the same horses..new name Horses @Pukatea Hill...same fun...new stories...Thanks for your wonderful review...I read this along time ago and saved it because it was awesome! Thank you and I hope we get to take you riding again!
okauhorse
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Paihia ▷
Darryl's Dinner Cruises
An excellent combination!
As well as the beautiful evening cruise upriver - where the scenery is lovely and there's also the chance to spot a few birds at very close quarters, especially shags roosting - the dinner was superb.
Although not particularly cheap, this is well worth the money. All the staff are friendly, helpful and informative - there is a commentary as you cruise along - and there is a totally relaxed feel to the whole evening. The food, especially the mussels and prawns, were very tasty; it's amazing how they managed to cook such a wonderful meal in the small space and with minimum fuss.
If, like us, you are lucky enough to do this on a warm, sunny evening, the experience will be truly magical.
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North Island ▷ Bay of Plenty ▷ Tauranga ▷
Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs
We opted for massage treatments with the complimentary soak in a private pool.
The massages were superb - thorough and relaxing - and we highly recommend them. The only reason it's not a 10/10 is that the private pools are a bit grotty - like a municipal pool from years ago. They were clean, just needed a bit of TLC. Next time, we'll try the main pool as it looked more inviting:)
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Nelson ▷
Bay Tours
We chose their Explore the Plains tour and highly recommend it.
Pick-up is available from local accommodation so you can have a totally driving free day. Our tour lasted almost 6 hours and in that time we visited and tasted wines from Te Mania Estate, Richmond Plains, Rimu Grove, Seifried Estate and Stafford Lane. We also called in at the Grape Escape to taste liqueurs, wines, chutneys, olive oils etc. Lunch was at Seifried Estate - beautiful place with a lovely restaurant. Throughout the day, our guide Roy regaled us with information on the wines, the growers, the area and everything else - he knows his stuff and was a mine of information. Everyone we met was friendly and happy to answer questions - they were also very generous with their samplings - which isn't always the case (apologies for the pun).
This was a great excursion - good company, informative and if anything, they underestimated just how much you will drink during the tour - or was that just us :))) so don't attempt to drive afterwards!!