Tourism New Zealand has been boosted by Prince Harry’s successful adventures through the land of the long white cloud. The prince had an amazing time and so can you if you follow a similar schedule. Here YourHols brings you TNZ’s Royal visitor guide to the country and new pictures of the Prince having a ball.
STEWART ISLAND & ULVA ISLAND
Prince Harry explored rugged coastline and temperate rainforests while trekking across Stewart Island and Ulva Island, which together have over 300km of trails. Just a 20-minute flight or 60-minute ferry voyage from the mainland across the Foveaux Strait, Stewart Island is the country’s third largest island renowned for its untouched natural beauty.
The island’s Rakiura National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife with pods of bottlenose dolphins, albatross and kakariki parakeets all spotted off the island’s shores and in its trees. With 270 hectares of protected rainforest on neighbouring Ulva Island, wildlife lovers and adventurers will not want to miss two of New Zealand’s best-protected nature reserves.
Don’t miss:
- Stewart Island from the air – Stewart Island Flights offers exhilarating flights over Stewart Island for a unique way to see Rakiura National Park. Arrive in style and touch down on the wild Mason Bay Beach to explore the coastline and forests on foot.
Stewart Island Flights - Kiwi spotting – New Zealand’s rare and iconic Kiwi bird thrives on Stewart Island with over 20,000 inhabiting its forests. Try a guided twilight tour with Bravo Adventures for the best chance to spot a Kiwi.
Kiwi Spotting
LAKE WANAKA, SOUTH ISLAND
Nestled at the foot of a towering mountain range, Lake Wanaka’s crystal clear waters stretch for 45 kilometres, providing a perfect playground for jetboarders, sailors and kayakers.
Prince Harry took a break from his Royal duties to enjoy some downtime with a private overnight visit at the luxury boutique Riverrun Lodge (above) on Lake Wanaka.
The Prince enjoyed a personalised lunch prepared by Chef Karen Marinkovic, which included local delicacies such as Aoraki salmon, Blue River sheep’s cheese quiche and Cardrona merino lamb. All washed down with Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinor Noir – the region’s famous tipple!
Don’t miss:
- Skydiving over Lake Wanaka – Lake Wanaka is one of the best places in New Zealand to skydive. Freefall from 15,000 feet with overlooking the stunning lakes and Southern Alps. Skydive Wanaka
- Cycling – Wanaka Bike Tours offers cycling tours ranging from leisure trails following the lake edge to advanced trails exploring Wanaka’s countryside. For a full day of activities, try the boat and bike combo – jet boating through Mt Aspiring National Park followed by cycling around Lake Wanaka.
Wanaka Bike Tours
Whanganui is one of New Zealand’s oldest cities and the Whanganui River – the longest navigable river in the country – is the lifeblood of the region. The river passes through untouched natural environment; home to rare New Zealand wildlife including whio (blue duck), kereru (native pigeon) and toutouwai (robin).
Prince Harry charmed his way up the mighty Whanganui River, immersing himself in Māori culture and paddling his heart out with the crew of a traditional waka (canoe) – a journey that made for a spectacular arrival in the riverside city. Pūtiki – the original Māori settlement on the Whanganui river mouth – is known as a gathering place for all the people of the region.
Don’t miss:
- Trek the Whanganui National Park – One of the most popular walks is the three to four day Matemateaonga Track which follows and old Maori path. Try a guided walk with Department of Conservation
- Whanganui Regional Museum – Delve into the history of Whanganui at the Whanganui Regional Museum, which has a range of permanent and changing exhibitions.
AUCKLAND, NORTH ISLAND
New Zealand’s largest city Auckland – perched between Waitemata and Manukau harbours – offers a buzzing mix of culture, events, nightlife and restaurants with native rainforest, wild beaches and wineries all within half an hour of downtown. Auckland this year plays host to the FIFA under-20 Football World Cup and Prince Harry stopped by for a kick-around, captaining a team in a five-a-side match.
Don’t miss:
- Free fall amidst the skyscrapers – Even pop superstar Beyonce has taken the plunge off Auckland’s Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. This 192 metre jump is an adrenaline rush not to be missed.
Sky Tower - Wining and zip lining on Waiheke Island – Dubbed ‘The Hamptons’ of New Zealand, just 35 minutes ferry ride from the mainland, Waiheke Island is a haven of art, sculpture, wineries and contemporary boutique hotels – and in true New Zealand style, home to its own flying fox zipline.
Waiheke IslandSee more information on New Zealand here
