 Milford Sound has officially landed in my top five favourite places in the world list. The spectacular fiord is blessed dramatic and impressive scenery, including majestic mountains, clear, calm waters, abundant wildlife, sheer towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest. Exploring this natural beauty on a Milford Sound Nature Cruise was a perfect grand finale to our road trip through New Zealand’s South Island.
As we cruised by the world’s highest vertical sea cliffs, passed the iconic Mitre Peak and Mount Pembroke and under waterfalls double the height of Niagra Falls, we were truly inspired. As this is an experience that words and even photos really cannot do justice, I highly recommend you make the journey to this awe-inspiring region. To learn more of what you can expect from the unforgettable experience, read Experience Oz’s full review of the Milford Sound Nature Cruise.
 Book your Ziptrek Ecotour here!
 Consisting of several exhilarating zipline circuits amidst gorgeous forest overlooking stunning alpine vistas, the Ziptrek Ecotour encompasses the essence of Queenstown. My two friends and I were thrilled by Ziptrek’s Kea 6-line Tour, which offered us not only the high-energy, fun-filled activity, but also spectacular views of the picturesque region and informative discussion on present environmental issues.
Launching from Bob’s Peak, 430m above Queenstown, we travelled down to the base of the mountain throughout our 3-hour tour by gliding down a series of six exciting ziplines! Ensuring we were always entertained, each zipline was unique, having different launching and landing platforms, varying degrees of steepness and different lengths; they were also each set in different scenes and offered different views.
Further making each zip unique was the flexibility of our safety harnesses, which allowed us to launch in a variety of ways; for example, we jumped off the platform forwards, leapt off backwards, canonballed off, flew upside-down and more! The world’s steepest tree-to-tree flying fox, one kilometre (or ten rugby fields) in length, the 6th and final zipline was a definite highlight. On this thrilling run, we zipped down 30 storeys at speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour!
You don’t have to be a daredevil to enjoy the rush from ziplining in Queenstown. If you’re interested in this flying-through-the-forest adventure, read Experience Oz’s detailed review of the Ziptrek Kea 6-line Tour!
Book your Ziptrek Ecotour here!
 Panoramic city, lake and mountain views; Maori cultural experiences; and a delicious and diverse dinner spread – we enjoyed all of this with the Skyline Queenstown Gondola, Kiwi Haka and Taste of NZ Buffet Dinner Package half way through our road trip through New Zealand’s South Island.
The exciting evening out began at 5:30pm with an incredibly scenic dusk gondola ride. Travelling up to Bob’s Peak, 430m above the city, on the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere, we marvelled at views of the city, Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range, Walter Peak and Cecil Peak, among other highlights.
After our 730m gondola journey up the mountain, we arrived at  the Skyline complex in time to enjoy a fascinating Maori cultural experience – the Kiwi Haka. Throughout this 30-minute live show performed by Queenstown’s leading Kapa Haka group, we learned of the world of the Maori, including some of their traditions, mythical legends, fighting tactics, weaponry, songs and dances; we even got on stage to join the Maori women in a dance!
Following the very entertaining and educational cultural show, we indulged in a mouth-watering feast of NZ flavours at Skyline’s Taste of NZ Buffet Dinner. The one buffet included over eight unique tables/stations, each offering something unique and irresistible to tempt and please the palette. Further, as the restaurant is designed with large windows for optimal viewing, this dining experience offered not only a deliciously satisfying meal, but also a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views of Queenstown and beyond.
After dessert, we rode the gondola back to the base of the mountain, admiring views of Queenstown’s lit by the city’s evening lights – and landed extremely impressed with our evening at Skyline. If you’re wondering what to do in Queenstown, consider an evening of stunning natural and built scenery, of culture and history and of a fulfilling feast. To learn more, read Experience Oz’s full review of the Skyline Queenstown Gondola, Kiwi Haka and Taste of NZ Buffet Dinner Package.
Book your Skyline Combo here!
 I’ve never been into swinging…until today. Today, my two friends and I could not be prouder to have gained the official status of “swingers” after braving Queenstown’s Shotover Canyon Swing. The world’s highest cliff jump and the world’s greatest giant rope swing – this extreme and exhilarating experience was the perfect introduction to the vibrant and high-energy city of Queenstown – and now seems an essential stop in any holiday in New Zealand’s South Island.
One of the company’s slogans is: “Gravity is toy” – and the friendly folks at Shotover Canyon Swing sure do know how to play. Throughout our adventure, the jumpmasters, three Kiwi jokers, put us as ease by poking fun and pulling pranks – and they offered us over 70 jump style options ranging from scary to very, very, very scary. Figuring the go-big-or-go-home motto applied in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, the three of us chose jump styles from the scariest end of their scary scale.
My girlfriend and I were up first and chose to do a very, very, very scary tandem jump, Gimp Boy Goes to Hollywood. This consisted of us being dangled upside-down in the open air 190 metres above the canyon’s rock and river bottom; once in position, facing the ground we were about to fly toward, we were released – we freefell for 60 metres next to the cliff’s rock walls, accelerating up to speeds of 150 kilometres per hour, watching the canyon’s floor rapidly rush toward our faces! Then, we gently slowed as the ropes carried us on a few 200 metre swings over the clear blue water of the iconic Shotover River.
My partner was up next, doing a very, very, very scary solo Pin Drop jump; then, he and I capped off the adventure with a final tandem Forwards jump. To learn more about these extreme experiences, including the now-funny breakdowns and mishaps, read Experience Oz’s in-depth review of the Shotover Canyon Swing.
Book your Shotover Canyon Swing here!
 Majestic mountains towering above, cascading waterfalls and rushing rivers beside us and plenty of winding scenic drives. We love New Zealand. I, Experience Oz’s Travel Writer, and two others have just begun our tour of New Zealand’s South Island – and we began it with a bang aboard a Fox and Franz Joseph Twin Glacier helicopter flight.
After driving the incredibly scenic and mountainous roads of Arthur’s Pass from Christchurch to the rugged West Coast, we arrived at our first destination, Franz Josef. As a short side note, for anyone who may want to take this path, plan to do the drive during the day – it gets dark early and you do not want to miss the highlights of Arthur’s Pass!
 In Franz Josef, we woke early on a very sunny morning, ready for the scenic helicopter flight. Originally from Canada, we have explored mountains before and are used to the snow; but our prior expectations of the glacier flight were so far from what we actually enjoyed – a truly unforgettable, inspirational experience.
We flew over many of the alpine region’s most spectacular highlights and marveled at awe-inspiring views of the iconic and magnificent Mount Cook, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and Victoria Falls, as well as other waterfalls, creeks, mountains and more. Part way through our in-air exploration came the most exhilarating moment of the journey, landing on a snow field on the Franz Josef Glacier!
 There, we jumped out onto the vast snow field dressed in a fresh layer of snow and felt unbelievably alive. Unable to see any sign of civilization, we stood in the midst of the open, bright white field, surrounded by massive snow-capped mountains, strange and stunning ice formations, unique rocks with water rushing down them and unusual neves and crevasses, among many other spectacular sights.
Being surrounded by such unspoiled impressive beauty is an experience like none other – and one I recommend to all. To learn more about this memorable adventure and the unbeatable high it induces, read Experience Oz’s full review of the Fox and Franz Joseph Twin Glacier helicopter flight. Or check back here soon to read about what to do in Queenstown!
Book your glacier flights here!
 Explore the Bay of Island’s beauty and discover its natural, cultural and historical icons on an overnight Ipipiri cruise! Right now, as a limited time special offer, you can save over $90 per person if you book this cruise for the months of March or April online on Experience Oz!
If you’re visiting New Zealand’s North Island, the Bay of Islands is a must-visit destination—and the overnight Ipipiri cruise is the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in all that the region has to offer.
Departing just after lunch, you have that day, evening and following morning to cruise the Bay’s sparkling waters, to tour its many secluded islands and more. Visit the area’s famous natural icons, such as the Hole in the Rock; learn of the fascinating history of NZ’s birthplace; keep an eye out for wild life and you may even get to take a dip with  dolphins; kayak on the pristine waters for something more active; or just relax, have a drink and watch the sunset from the top deck.
From the comfortable accommodation to the included meals, everything is taken care of so you can simply relax. While on board, enjoy a homemade muffin, a full buffet dinner, showcasing local Northland cuisine and, in the morning, a hot country breakfast! Further, there are 30 ocean view cabins spread over two floors on the vessel, each including full-sized ensuites, so you are always comfortable and have access to optimal views!
Usually $274.88, the Ipipiri overnight cruise is currently being offered on Experience Oz for only $184.02* for cruises booked for March or April! If you’re staying in Auckland, you can add a return scenic coach tour to bring you from the city to the cruise and back! The overnight cruise departing from Auckland is offering even greater savings; usually $353.42, it costs only $230.07* right now! Take advantage of these hot deals while they last and enjoy your unforgettable cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands!
*Please note: all prices are listed in Australian dollars (AUD).
Book the Ipipiri overnight cruise hot deal here!
 Just over a week ago, Experience Oz expanded its extensive online catalogue of travel experiences to include tours, attractions and activities in New Zealand, as well as in Australia. While we introduced NZ to the public through the online catalogue, one of our team members, Michelle, had the opportunity to experience NZ first hand and to test some of the new products.
Today, we welcomed Michelle back and got the inside scoop on some of NZ’s top tourist destinations and some of the top things to do in each—and we’d like to pass this information on to you, starting with where Michelle’s holiday began—in NZ’s biggest city, Auckland.
Offering a vast array of exciting activities, unique day tours, world-class  attractions and scenic cruises, Auckland is a must-visit region in NZ’s North Island. Whether you’re after the glitz and energy of the big city or you prefer a more leisurely and scenic experience, the range of things to do in Auckland ensures there is something for all types of travellers.
Michelle, a tourist with diverse tastes, took advantage of this by taking part in both Auckland’s extreme and relaxing options–and we’ve written about each of her experiences. If you’re into the adventurous, click here to read a full review of Michelle’s experience on Auckland Sky Tower SkyWalk and SkyJump. If you are looking for something more laid-back, click here to read a review of her full-day Taste of Waiheke Winery Tour.
To learn more about other NZ regions and to read more reviews of things to do in NZ, check back here—we will be posting more about Michelle’s NZ trip soon!
Book your Auckland experiences here!
 Experience Oz is excited to announce a major expansion of its online catalogue of travel experiences—now, with Experience Oz, you can also experience New Zealand! As it offers over 2000 tours, attractions, activities and more, you can now browse a diverse range of things to do in both Oz and NZ and book experiences online at www.ExperienceOz.com.au.
Experience Oz, now Experience Oz + NZ, has introduced exciting day tours, cruises, activities, attractions, extreme experiences and more in all of the main regions of NZ’s north and south islands. If you are planning to visit NZ, be sure to read what we have to say about each city and browse the many options for things to do in each.
If heading to the North Island, you will probably be stopping in the big city, Auckland. While  there, if you dare, brave the Auckland Sky Tower SkyWalk and walk around a platform without railings 192 metres above the city—and lean over the edge!
If in the Bay of Islands, considering killing two birds with one cruise; on the Dolphin Cruise to Hole in the Rock, you can discover the area’s wildlife, including playful dolphins, as well as the natural highlights, such as the iconic Hole in the Rock and the Grand Cathedral Cave.
You can also join combination tours for a full experience of Rotorua and nearby areas. Explore the Waitomo caves, view amazing glowworm displays, watch Moari cultural performances and tour Waikato and King Country, as well as other scenic regions, on the Rotorua and Waitomo Caves Day Tours.
If heading to the South Island, there is a whole new world of exciting and spectacularly scenic options. Consider taking a cruise through Doubtful Sound, a highlight of the pristine Fiordland, and discover the dense rainforest, clear waters, abundant local wildlife and much more.
You can also view the South Island’s beauty from above with unique scenic flight packages. With a Milford Sound scenic flight combination package, you can explore the massive fiord and its surrounding waterfalls, ancient glaciers, crystal clear lakes and rivers and beech forest from the roads, the waters and the skies!
If in Queenstown, you will have no shortage of thrills available to you. For adrenaline-packed  day out, consider the Shotover Threesome package with which you enjoy a scenic helicopter flight from the city to the Shotover River, where you embark on a whitewater adventure rafting on grade 3-5 rapids and, finally, you hop aboard a jetboat for some serious on-water speed and spins!
Alternatively, for a more relaxing experience, you may enjoy a Stewart Island Cruise or a Paringa Track Guided Walk on the West Coast.
Whether it’s a peaceful, scenic holiday you’re after or an extreme adventure, there are tours, attractions and activities that will appeal to you. Experience Oz + NZ is now your one stop shop for things to do in Australia and New Zealand!
Book your experiences in NZ and in Oz here!
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