132 142
TRAVEL
132
Apr-May15
NEW ZEALAND
BEST OF
While New Zealand this month
gears up for its peak winter sea-
son, the experts at
Lightfoot Travel
are already looking ahead to the
warmer weather later in the year.
Here are some of their top picks for
outdoor activities, natural sights,
beautiful lodges and top-notch food
and wine in the Land of the Long
White Cloud.
#1
ACTIVE VOLCANO
LANDING
New Zealand is one of the only
places in the world where you can land on
an active marine volcano. Fly by private heli-
copter over the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve –
New Zealand’s most colourful volcanic area,
continuing on to dormant Mount Tarawera,
covered with mighty domes and craters
formed during its 1886 eruption. Next, head
over to White Island with an expert guide
who takes you past steaming fumaroles
and bubbling activity, to the edge of the
Crater Lake where you can view the roaring
volcanic vent known as “PJ”. As the island is
protected, very few companies have conces-
sions to land on it, thus leaving it very much
untouched and that much more special.
#3
SEAFOOD & WINE CRUISE
An extensive network of sea-drowned valleys off the northern
tip of the South Island, the Marlborough Sounds is a strikingly
beautiful region of sounds, islands and peninsulas. The best way to
appreciate its size and distinctiveness is from the water, and if you’re on
a cruise, why not choose one that serves up lovely wines and fresh local
seafood? Marlborough is claimed by some critics to produce the world’s
best Sauvignon Blanc, which pairs perfectly with the salmon, Tio Point
oysters, Greenshell Mussels and Cloudy Bay clams also native to the area.
This activity is particularly popular with seafood-loving Hong Kongers!
#4
STARGAZING
Pay a visit to the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark
Sky Reserve on the South Island, the
southern hemisphere’s first dark sky reserve and
the largest in the world. The Mackenzie Basin is
renowned for having some of the clearest, darkest
and most spectacular night skies in the country, and
guests can take tours to out-of-town locations that
are completely free of light-pollution – something that
is bound to excite us city dwellers! Your expert guide
will point out hidden gems in the night sky visible to
the naked eye, as well as ones that can be viewed
with high-quality binoculars.
#5
GOLF
New Zealand is home to striking
and naturally beautiful courses,
and because the country’s population is fairly
sparse, they tend to be largely uncrowded. Top
of our list is the iconic Cape Kidnappers Golf
Course, perched atop rugged cliffs with unique
undulating fairways. Sister course Kauri Cliffs
is also located on a cliff’s edge, with elongated
routing to make the best use of the stunning sea
views. Located outside Queenstown, Millbrook is
another fantastic option that incorporates three
9-hole courses into a luxury lifestyle resort. The
best time for golfing in New Zealand is between
September and April during the warmer months.
#2
FLY FISHING
New Zealand’s North Island, and
specifically Lake Taupo, has some of
the best fly fishing in the world. With streams
and rivers crisscrossing the area, there is plenty
to choose from to suit all levels, and lessons
are available for those looking to learn a few
tips and tricks to bring in the biggest fish!
Helicoptering into more remote areas is also an
option for the most experienced anglers. The
best time for wilderness fly fishing is December
through March.