  Aoraki Mount Cook - Aoraki Mount Cook is New Zealand's tallest peak at 3754 metres and is located in the central part of the South Island, deep in the heart of the Southern Alps. The mountain is park of Aoraki Mount Cook which is New Zealand's greatest alpine park - boasting the highest mountains and the largest glaciers! The park is a harsh land of ice and rock with glaciers covering 40% of the park and 19 peaks over 3,000 metres located within. There are plenty of activities within the park, including short or day walks around Aoraki Mt Cook Village and into the main valleys, for more experienced trampers there are 3 alpine routes; over the Mueller, Copland and Ball Passes. Guided ski trips and heli-skip trips for experienced skiers are along with mountaineering for experienced climbers. Aoraki Mt Cook and the other high peaks attract mountaineers from around the world! For the less experienced there are regular scenic flights from Aoraki Mt Cook airport so you can still enjoy the mountainous terrain. |
 Franz Josef Glacier - Franz Josef Glacier is nestled in Westland National Park in the wild West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand. The Franz Josef is approximately 10 km's long and descends the steep mountain sides to the west. Because of the glaciers steepness and location, the Franz Josef Glacier is the most dynamic in the world and responds quickly to variations of precipitation and temperature. This glacier is accessible by anyone and called a valley glacier. The valley is formed by rock, ice and water as it carves it s way through lush temperate rainforest to the ocean. The glacier is accessible only via a certified tour operator company, such as The Guiding Company, with a variety of hikes, heli-hikes and walks to suit most levels of fitness and time frames - all year round! The Guiding Company is located in the township of Franz Josef, which is on the Glacier Highway half way between Hokitika and Haast. |
 Orakei Korako - Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park is a Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Activity and a truly unique tourist attraction in the North Island of New Zealand. Cross the
Waikato River between Rotorua and Taupo by boat, then tour a world of gushing geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs and some of the largest silica terraces in the world - a truly geothermal wonderland park! Lonely Planet Guide refers to the area... "Orakei Korako is possibly the best thermal area left in New Zealand and one of the finest in the world"... There is a vast number of boiling hot springs to view as well as mud pools, Silica terraces and extensive bush walks through areas of native flora and fauna. Orakei Korako boasts the largest number of active geysers of any geothermal field within New Zealand, however the most popular natural attraction would have to be the thermal Ruatapu Cave (sacred hole) which extends around 120 feet down into a hot pool at the bottom - truly breathtaking! |
 Punakaiki Pancake Rocks - Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes are a spectacular and a must-see feature when visiting the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Punakaiki is famous for The Pancake Rocks, which are limestone formations that began forming a staggering 30 million years ago, when lime-rich fragments of dead marine creatures were deposited on the seabed, then overlaid by weaker layers of soft mud and clay. The seabed was raised above sea level by an earthquakes to form the coastal cliffs and coastline, while the rugged ocean, wind and rain have of the West Coast has since etched out the soft layers to form the unusual rock formations that visitors flock to see today. When conditions are right, heavy ocean swells thunder into the caverns beneath the rocks and huge water spouts blast skywards through the blowholes in a truly spectacular sight. Other visitor activities in the area include horse trekking, canoe adventures, caving, guided tours and much more. |
 Rotorua Geothermal - Rotorua Geothermal is easily noticed from the moment you enter Rotorua in New Zealand's North Island. Constant steam drifts combined with the distinctive scent of sulphur, let you know you are in Rotorua - the centre of an active thermal area. Not far from the town of Rotorua you can see geysers of hissing, steaming, scalding water roar from deep within the earth’s crust and hurl spray 100ft into the air. Pools of bubbling mud pop and belch like pots of porridge, while crater lakes are constantly refilled with hot water. Rich mineral deposits paint the landscape from a multi-coloured palette from white to turquoise, steam escapes from cracks in cliff faces. Geothermal activity provides the source of Rotorua’s fame as a spa resort. Relax in pools of natural hot mineral water, wrap yourself in mud, soothe body and soul with a massage under warm thermal water, and experience for yourself why Rotorua has developed its reputation as Nature’s Spa of the South Pacific. |
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