Your NZ Adventure Guide!
If there’s one thing we’ve learnt in the past year, it’s just how beautiful NZ really is! While international travel may still be on the back burner for a while, beautiful New Zealand has so much to explore – whether that be in Queenstown, Taupo, Rotorua or even Auckland!
New Zealand has so much to offer for adrenaline junkies, forest trekkers, and water warriors alike, and lucky for you VR Hotels stretch right across the country too. Check out our guide to NZ’s adventure capitals and for our less adventure-inclined travellers, a quick entertainment guide for Auckland.
Things to do in Queenstown
Queenstown is known for being the adventure capital of the NZ – and rightly so! It has thrill-seeking spots of all ages and abilities. Hike, fly, ski, or snowboard to your heart’s content in this natural playground, we promise you won’t be disappointed! Here are some fantastic activities to add to your itinerary.
1. Take a hike up Queenstown Hill
This 2-3 hour return walk up Queenstown Hill will let you soak up the views of the Remarkables and Cecil Peak, and glimpse Lake Wakatipu and the Kawarau River! Located just outside of Queenstown Central, this popular trek climbs 1.5km to the summit of Te Tapunui where you can view the famous ‘Basket of Dreams’ sculpture. This is a great activity for those with moderate fitness abilities and for travellers on a budget who want to soak up the incredible sights that Queenstown has to offer.
2. Hit the snow at The Remarkables
Whether you ski, snowboard, sled, or just like to sight-see, The Remarkables ski area during the snow season is a must-visit. Get a piece of winter wonderland with seven lifts, lessons, and rentals available. You can carve down the mountain or even have lunch with unparalleled views of the Southern Alps – The Remarkables definitely have a lot to offer any adventure-seeker.
3. Glacier Heli-hike
If you’re looking to take the adventure up a notch and experience a little luxury too, True South offers incredible Glacier Heli-hike tours of the Franz Joseph or Tasman Glaciers. These tours include 7.5hr or 7hr trips, scenic flights to and from the glaciers with guaranteed window seats, 4hrs of heli-hiking, and 2hrs on the ice. Something extra special!
Accommodation in Queenstown
If you need a place to stay on your Queenstown adventure, look no further! Here at VR Hotels, we have four excellent properties to accommodate explorers of every budget. Our top-tier, luxury stay is Lakefront Apartments, offering ultimate comfort and stunning views. For our guests who would rather spend their travel funds on experiences than accommodation, we offer Lakeside Motel and The Lofts Apartments where affordability meets relaxation.
Things to do in Rotorua
Rotorua, or RotoVegas as some like to call it, is a favourite holiday destination for Kiwis. This small town has so much to offer everyone, from natural thermal hot pools to rafting down the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall. We’ve gathered a few of our top adventure activities for all budgets.
1. Mountain bike in the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest
Explore the 150km of exceptional trails through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest. All fitness levels are provided for, from beginner to extreme grade, and everything in between. These expertly cared-for tracks pass through the awe-inspiring trees and varying landscapes, the Whakarewarewa Forest is one of the oldest mountain biking networks in New Zealand.
2. Conquer a 7m waterfall on Rotorua Rafting’s Kaituna rafting tour
Only 20 minutes from Rotorua, Rotorua Rafting boasts the awards for Tripadvisor’s 2021 #1 Experience in New Zealand, #1 Experience in the South Pacific, and the #2 Experience in the World! Run by four-time Extreme Kayaking World Champion, NZ’s Sam Sutton, you’re guaranteed to have a thrilling time white water rafting on the Kaituna River. Get the adrenaline pumping when you raft down three waterfalls on this tour, including the 7m Tutea Falls – the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world!
3. Fly through ancient forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours
This ziplining adventure is not one to miss when you’re in Rotorua! The Ultimate Canopy Tours has been awarded Tripadvisor’s World #11 Top Overall Experience – so you’ll be swept off your feet when you fly through untouched native forest. Rotorua Canopy Tours’ winning adventure experience is a must-do for your Rotorua holiday.
Accommodation in Rotorua
There’s no better choice than VR Rotorua Lake Resort to experience premium accommodation on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Our rooms range from budget-friendly to luxury with several amenities to make your Rotorua stay outstanding. Our lodge-inspired resort stands on 7 acres of picturesque gardens with exceptional views of the lake. What are you waiting for?
Taupō
On the shores of Australasia’s biggest freshwater lake, Lake Taupō offers a huge variety of outdoor activities to get involved in!
1. Experience the historic Pureora Forest park and ancestral Māori lands cycling the Timber Trail
The Timber Trail is a favourite overnight exertion for cyclists looking for a unique experience. Travel through 85km of stunning natural bush and forest, cross the longest suspension bridge of any cycle trail in the world, and follow the historic Ellis and Burnand Tramlines. The mixture of culture and adventure will provide thrills to all who undertake this expedition, and it’s also a budget-friendly activity for Taupō visitors!
2. Gaze in awe at the Māori Rock Carvings with Canoe & Kayak’s Tour
A must-do in Taupō is visiting the Māori Rock Carvings, and what better way to do it than by gliding over Lake Taupō in a kayak? Experience the stunning landscapes of three active volcanoes, the crystal clear waters of the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, and learn the history behind the incredible carvings. At 4hrs return, Canoe & Kayak’s Māori Rock Carvings Tour is a great half-day adventure for all fitness levels.
Try kayaking for your next trip!
3. Conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the best one-day hike in Aotearoa
You can’t go on an adventure holiday in Taupō without making the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing part of your itinerary. Tongariro National Park is an essential experience for all adventure lovers. The 19km crossing explores beautiful landscapes with abundant spiritual and cultural importance to the local Māori Tribe Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro. During the Crossing, you’ll come across ancient lava flows, the brilliant Emerald Lakes, steam vents, and unbelievable views of Tongariro National Park.
Accommodation in Taupō
With exceptional quality and affordability, the Silver Fern Lodge offers accommodation for Taupō journey-goers. All of our rooms have been recently refurbished and Silver Fern Lodge is located within walking distance to the city centre! Choose the Silver Fern Lodge as your base for your Taupō adventure.
Auckland
For those after a more entertainment-focused holiday, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) has an incredible food and drink scene and great culture experiences to satisfy your every need.
1. Wine tasting at Waiheke Island’s Tantalus Estate Vineyard & Winery
Tantalus Estate Vineyard & Winery sprawls across Waiheke Island’s Onetangi Valley, one of the best wine-making spots on the island. Within walking distance to other top wineries, you can easily get lost in the wine-tasting experience at Tantalus. They make Bordeaux Reds, Rhone-style Reds, and Pinot Gris and serve a delicious menu at their restaurant. Visiting a Waiheke winery is a rite-of-passage when visiting Auckland, and Tantalus is a superb one to get you started!
Try Tantalus for your next trip!
2. Matakana farmer’s market
Every Saturday morning from 8am till 1pm, Matakana Village Farmers’ Market attracts visitors from all over the surrounding area. There’s award-winning coffee and an incredible variety of food for the most fussy to the most adventurous. Bring your reusable bags or baskets to stock up on fresh produce from the locals, pick up trinkets and gifts for your loved ones, and listen to live music on the banks of the Matakana River.
3. Soak up history at the Auckland Museum
Make time to explore the exhibitions at Auckland Museum on your trip to Auckland. The museum is renowned for its large collection of Māori taonga (treasures), displaying over 1,000 in their Māori galleries. The museum also has many iconic exhibitions, including some about Māori and Pacific People history, New Zealand’s evolution and environmental story, as well as warfare galleries detailing NZ’s roles in both national and international wars.
Accommodation in Auckland
VR Hotels offer seven top-tier accommodation options in Auckland! The Airport Gateway Hotel, Airport Kiwi Hotel, and Airport Kiwi Motel are located close to Auckland Airport for flying convenience. In the city centre, we have VR Queen St, Ascotia off Queen, VR Auckland City, and the Quadrant Hotels & Suites. There’s an option for visitors of every calibre so come and stay with us, and our friendly staff will look after all of your needs!
Aotearoa is packed with adventure and VR Group can match that with our number of fantastic accommodations throughout New Zealand. No matter where you’re headed, you can trust us to host you with warmth, comfort, and exceptional service! Talk to us today to get planning your vacay started.