Creative Adventures
New Zealand operates luxury escorted tours with a variety of New
Zealand's nature, wildlife and cultural activities selected for active, mature
travellers.
When you combine New Zealand's magnificent wilderness playground
with a fun-loving population the result is a lifestyle that is centred
in the great outdoors. New Zealand is blessed with an amazing diversity
of natural landscapes and interesting wildlife. We like to get out
of the vehicles and 'get amongst it'.
And when we say 'get amongst it', we don't mean visiting birds in
cages and fish in fish-tanks. We select our wildlife activities based
on the "wild-ness" factor. That is, how wild is the setting?
If the wildlife are truly wild, if they can fly or swim away, then
they rate a 5/5 score. When considering other tour operators, make
sure you examine their "wild-ness" factor.
Our private and small group New Zealand tours put the environment first. We take every precaution to ensure
there are no lasting impacts on the natural places or wildlife. If your guides suspect that wildlife is being disturbed they will ask the group to withdraw to a more respectful distance from the animal or bird. Please
visit the Protecting Nature page for more information.
As part of your tour we often arrange nature guides who specialise in their area, enabling you to receive a more in-depth interpretation of that area's flora, fauna and human history. Your Creative Adventures guides know New Zealand from top to bottom, but by adding a local guide's knowledge your experience is greatly enhanced.
“Best experiences?
Wine tasting and lunch in the sunshine,
BBQ and afternoon tea in
Nelson” – Grace W
Included activities require no more than good health and a medium
level of fitness. Sea-kayaking and wildlife trips etc are suitable
for first-timers as you will receive any necessary instruction from
professional guides.
Before starting each activity your guide will thoroughly
describe what's involved and the level of difficulty. If you decide
that a scheduled activity is not right for you, there are usually
other options available, or you can simply enjoy a relaxing time-out.
“The sea-kayaking was a highlight” – Fran
H
We also take you to the cities and small towns to meet the local
people and learn about their daily lives. Learn about the Maori culture,
legends and early lifestyle. Examine the history of European settlement
and New Zealand's place in the global community.
Below is a small selection of the activities we like to include
in our tours...
Walking
An extensive network of tracks give access to breathtaking mountain
views, rainforests, glaciers, lakes, rivers and beaches. The absence
of any dangerous animals (no snakes, bears etc) makes New Zealand
a hikers paradise. We arrange opportunities for walks nearly every
day during our tours. Walks are selected to suit your fitness and
interests, and are usually between 30 minutes and 4 hours, on well-maintained
tracks, some of which can include gentle uphill sections.
We often hike together with local guides who are experts on that
area's flora and fauna. You need to bring comfortable outdoor footwear
for walking, preferably with ankle support and deep-grooved soles
for grip. A hiking stick can also assist stability.
Meet the Wildlife
New Zealand abounds with many wonderful opportunities to observe
a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat, many of whom are
found only on or around the New Zealand islands. Examples are the
kiwi and other flightless birds, penguins of varying shapes and sizes,
and a reptile called the Tuatara. New Zealand is located on the migratory
route of many species of globe-trotting whale and bird. Our favourite locations include Kaikoura, Dunedin's Otago Peninsula, Kapiti Island, the wild islands near Auckland, Stewart Island and more.
Culture and History
New
Zealand's human history is one of migration and discovery. Around
1,000 years ago Polynesian people navigated and sailed their way
south to the islands they call "Aotearoa" - Land of the
Long White Cloud. The Maori people found a place untouched by humanity
and developed distinctive language, customs and legends which have
become an integral part of today's multicultural New Zealand. We
learn about the Maori culture from Maori people, but also get to
grips with the history of settlement by the British and others. Since
the Maori tribes and British Crown signed the Treaty of Waitangi
in 1840 our melting pot society has developed a distinctly "Kiwi" character
and lifestyle. Prepare to encounter New Zealand's city-life, farming-life,
food, history, politics, art and cuisine.
Crusing and Sailing
New Zealanders love the water. Auckland and Nelson have some awesome opportunities for sailing. Lots of fun, no
sailing experience needed. Fiordland, Stewart Island, Dunedin and other locations are great for scenic or nature-based cruises.
Sea-kayaking
The Abel Tasman National Park boasts a coastline dotted with golden
sandy beaches and native bush advancing up into the hills behind.
Fiordland National Park offers kayaking experiences in truly wonderful
places - complete isolation, incredible nature. We love to explore these
places by kayak with the assistance of professional sea-kayak guides.
No experience is necessary as full instruction is given. All
sea-kayaks are of the 2-person, enclosed variety, very stable, and
simply the best way to enjoy these very wild, natural playgrounds.
Glacier Hiking
The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are incredible rivers of frozen
water in an ever-changing environment. Their relatively steep nature
speeds their descent toward the sea enabling them to reach the forest-covered
valley floor before melting away. After a 40-minute walk to the face
of the glacier, an experienced glacier guide cuts steps into the
ice, enabling us to easily explore the ice formations of lower reaches.
This very safe activity proceeds at a slow pace, includes discussion
about the dynamics of the glacier, and is suitable for most agile
people. Sturdy glacier boots, warm jackets and walking sticks are
provided.
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Creative Adventures New Zealand
Email: info@creativeadventuresnz.com
Phone: +64-3-546-6081
Fax: +64-3-546-6083
PO Box 1605, Nelson, New Zealand
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