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Up for some action packed break this winter? We've pulled together a list of New Zealand's top ten active getaways...
1: Diving in the Bay of Islands Beyond Auckland lies New Zealand’s premier island paradise. A treasure trove of islands, beaches and coastline, the favourite past times up here are always water bound. One of the best ways to take in the bay’s beauty is to get out on a boat and go catch yourself some fresh kai moana. Scallop diving is highly recommended for luxury, kiwiana style. Summer is the best season to visit with the peak season from early Dec til late Jan. Go to www.nzinfo.com and check out Paihia Dive for the best way to organise a dive and snorkel adventure. Prices range from $110 - $195
2: Raglan Surf Adventure Ahhh Raglan, home of world famous breaks and nationally famous for its relaxed beach going lifestyle. Let the locals show you how to become a grommet in true local form with a surf adventure hosted by Raglan’s Surf School. This includes a 3 hour lesson, transport, equipment, accommodation and trip to Whale Bay where you will be treated at Karioi Lodge. Relax on the black sand beaches and soak up the cool vibe in this cute coastal township. You can get on board a surf adventure from a little as $142. Check you options out at www.raglansurfingschool.co.nz
3: Caving at Waitomo Natural highlights of New Zealand’s beauty are the caves at Waitomo. A huge cave network, including a glow worm grotto, a deep limestone shaft and a cathedral cavern where acclaimed opera singer Kiri Te Kanawa once performed, will have your mouth hanging open in amazement for hours. The trip is expertly guided and you will enjoy a serene boat ride from start to finish. A fantastic look at a different side of New Zealand for under $70. Book your trip with Waitomo Glow Worm Caves Guided Tours at www.waitomo.com.
4: Taupo Trout Fishing It may sound a little old school but with a trout-fishing master as your guide, catching yourself some fresh fish on the stunning lake Taupo is anything but uncool. This area is a must see if only for the quiet beauty of this vast lake and sunny township. Taupo itself borders the lake and all over town are breathtaking views. With plenty of opportunities to get out onto the water, you may as well cast a line and kick back in the sun. You can find said masters of the lake at www.taupofishing.co.nz where they will even provide the best recipes to cook your fare. You can get out there for a half day from around $250.
5: Whanganui River Paddle to Jerusalem Many river tours operate out of the city of Wanganui (the river’s name is spelt differently according to the wishes of the local iwi) and you can choose from an adventure based paddle to a culturally based paddle, with local Maori as your guide. Most trips take you up to the small settlements of Pipiriki and Jerusalem where the famous late James K. Baxter formed a small settlement and is now buried. Whanganui River Guides has an excellent reputation, you not only paddle the river but you also gain huge insight into Maori culture and history. Go to www.whanganuiriverguides.co.nz to have a unique experience paddling a Waka (Maori canoe). Prices are from $120 - $170.
6: Ohakune Snow trip and Mardi Gras Partying is active, isn’t it? Well if you agree then check out the party vibe of New Zealand’s smallest snow village, which goes off during winter. While there, get a healthy dose of Mt Ruapehu, which boosts two huge ski fields. The first week of August is the best time to soak up Ohakune, with the annual Mardi Gras street festival providing plenty of entertainment. Don’t forget the exercise to get rid of all those naughty toxins, and with two large national parks surrounding the area you will have plenty of choices from walking tracks to snow sports. Look up www.ohakune.info for a range of ideas.
7: Abel Tasman Trekking A unique natural playground of coastal beauty, Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its easy flat walking tracks and gorgeous private beaches. You can choose from accommodation such as bush retreats, national park cabins or take your own tent in summer time for a relaxed camping experience. The waters are breathtaking in their colour and clarity and you can walk the coastal track in 3-4 days. With temperatures staying around 25 degrees and 2500 hours of sun each year, you will find yourself stretched out on golden sands most of the time. Click here to plan your own hike.
8: West Coast Exploration and Glacier Hike You can find stunning landscape formed by the ice age, rare rainforest and seabird and seal colonies – all in one place! What is exceptionally unique about the two Glaciers that form part of the South Island is that they fall almost straight into forest. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are easy to get to for any fitness level and boast a World Heritage award for natural beauty. Soak up the local hospitality and enjoy one of the most accessible wilderness areas of New Zealand. www.glaciercountry.co.nz is a great visitor’s guide.
9: Glenorchy Invincible Ski Field Heli Boarding For the more extreme, I have included this getaway as a premium secret spot for advanced snow bunnies. The area of Glenorchy is definetly worth a visit for much tamer action to be found there, such as horse riding, lake sports and guided walks. But the real attraction has got to be the spectacular Invincible ski range, which is privately owned by a local family. For a price, you can grab a bunch of like-minded friends and call the slopes your own. There are no roads, no queues, and definetly no crowds. Taking a helicopter ride up into the icy peaks is a once in a lifetime experience and dropping in on pristine untouched powder is boarder/skier paradise. Head to www.invincible.co.nz to book an unforgettable session now.
10: Stewart Island Scenic Flight To end your New Zealand getaway journey, take a magnificent flight over Stuart Island, a community of only 450 people at the very bottom of the country. You can fly from the west side to the east and be amazed at the diversity of native bushlands. Home to the kiwi, Stewart Island is famous for its bird life and walking tracks. By air is the best way to view the island and the coast-to-coast trip by Stuart Island Flights is highly recommended. It includes a bush walk and an hour-long boat trip with a spot of kiwi watching inbetween. Go to www.stewartislandflights.com for more info.
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of New Zealand's top ten active getaways...
Zealand’s premier island paradise. A treasure trove of islands, beaches and coastline, the favourite past times up here are always water bound. One of the best ways to take in the bay’s beauty is to get out on a boat and go catch yourself some fresh kai moana. Scallop diving is highly recommended for luxury, kiwiana style. Summer is the best season to visit with the peak season from early Dec til late Jan. Go to 
2: Raglan Surf Adventure 
3: Caving at Waitomo 
It may sound a little old school but with a trout-fishing master as your guide, catching yourself some fresh fish on the stunning lake Taupo is anything but uncool. This area is a must see if only for the quiet beauty of this vast lake and sunny township. Taupo itself borders the lake and all over town are breathtaking views. With plenty of opportunities to get out onto the water, you may as well cast a line and kick back in the sun. You can find said masters of the lake at 
(the river’s name is spelt differently according to the 
Partying is active, isn’t it? Well if you agree then check out the party vibe of New Zealand’s smallest snow village, which goes off during winter. While there, get a healthy dose of Mt Ruapehu, which boosts two huge ski fields. The first week of August is the best time to soak up Ohakune, with the annual Mardi Gras street festival providing plenty of entertainment. Don’t forget the exercise to get rid of all those naughty toxins, and with two large national parks surrounding the area you will have plenty of choices from walking tracks to snow sports. Look up 
A unique natural playground of coastal beauty, Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its easy flat walking tracks and gorgeous private beaches. You can choose from accommodation such as bush retreats, national park cabins or take your own tent in summer time for a relaxed camping experience. The waters are breathtaking in their colour and clarity and you can walk the coastal track in 3-4 days. With temperatures staying around 25 degrees and 2500 hours of sun each year, you will find yourself stretched out on golden sands most of the time. Click 
8: West Coast Exploration and Glacier Hike
To end your New Zealand getaway journey, take a magnificent flight over Stuart Island, a community of only 450 people at the very bottom of the country. You can fly from the west side to the east and be amazed at the diversity of native bushlands. Home to the kiwi, Stewart Island is famous for its bird life and walking tracks. By air is the best way to view the island and the coast-to-coast trip by Stuart Island Flights is highly recommended. It includes a bush walk and an hour-long boat trip with a spot of kiwi watching inbetween. Go to