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If you’re seeking, exploring, and rethinking travel, these experiences in New Zealand are right on the ball
As the world gets back to some normalcy and we begin travelling in earnest again, it’s time to rethink travel in terms of prioritising the wellbeing of people and the planet to ensure a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable travel industry.
New Zealand has transformative experiences to help travellers make authentic, meaningful connections. Expect tantalising local cuisines, peaceful forests, warm sandy beaches and adrenaline-pumping activities that will help you broaden your horizons, change your perspective and meet interesting people.
Connect With Nature With Forest Bathing At Terra & Tide
Slow down and connect with nature in a unique forest bathing experience that will leave you refreshed and revitalised. Forest bathing (main image) originated from Japan, and is believed to have many health benefits. It is said to improve immunity, alleviate anxiety and depression and even decrease blood pressure. Discover the natural environment of Waiheke Island as you participate in a wellbeing workshop and retreat.
Image: Instagram/@mustdonz
Get Up Close With Stingrays With Dive Tatapouri
Dive Tatapouri offers a world-famous interactive marine experience with stingrays and other sea life. You will discover the Tamariki (children) of Tangaroa (the Maori God of the Sea), while immersing yourself in the local culture and magical marine surroundings of Tatapouri on the East Coast of the North Island, where the first light touches New Zealand’s shores. Dive Tatapouri is located on an idyllic waterfront location, and the owners are forever mindful that they share it with taonga (precious) species that require their protection, including penguins and rays. Environmental protection is key to their business; onsite projects include providing protection with nesting boxes and pest trapping.
Image: Instagram/@josrast
Relax In A Mud Pool at Hell’s Gate
Immerse yourself in the silky-smooth mud pools at Hell’s Gate, an active geothermal reserve and mud spa. Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, and the mud is known to heal while the water has soothing properties. Used by indigenous Maori people as a place for healing and revitalisation for centuries, this is where you just sit back and relax as the nutrients in the mud soothe your body and gently soften and exfoliate your skin, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Image: Instagram/@nzinturkey
Stargaze At The Aoraki Dark Sky Project
Savour the stillness, peace and calm of the night sky from the Aoraki Dark Sky Reserve in the heart of South Island. The clear skies found in the Mackenzie Region are like nothing else in New Zealand, and light pollution is strictly controlled in the area. Declared an international dark sky reserve in 2012, the 4,300-square-kilometre area is home to New Zealand’s premier astronomical research centre. As the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, the reserve is sought out by both curious visitors and astronomers alike.
Image: Shutterstock
Find Yourself As You Fall Outta The Sky
If you seek personal growth and challenge, try skydiving. In New Zealand, the landscapes beneath you – towering mountains, crystal blue oceans and rolling, green valleys – witnessed from thousands of feet above the Earth will take your mind off the fear. The country is known for its high safety standards, and you will be rewarded with a feeling of accomplishment and a memorable bucket list travel experience.
Main image: Shutterstock | used for representational purposes only
Also Read: Eating Vegetarian In Ireland: Yes, You Can!
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