As the economic situation puts a squeeze on home budgets and we become increasingly conscious of the cost of flying, both in terms of price tag and the environment, the staycation is growing in popularity all over the industrialised world. Giving the passport a rest is also a great way of keeping cash in our nation's coffers instead of somebody else's. Thankfully, living as we do in the most beautiful country in the world, it isn't a hardship for Kiwis: there's more than enough to do. So why let the foreigners have all the fun,
SCALE MOUNT TARANAKI
New Zealanders are a dab hand at climbing mountains, and these days anybody of average fitness can get a piece of the action. Mount Taranaki Guided Tours will take you to the 2,517m snowbound summit and safely back down in about five and half hours. You will need your own boots, wet weather gear, warm clothing, water and food, and be in the eminently capable hands of Ian McAlpine, the most experienced guide on the mountain. www.macalpineguides.com
MARLBOROUGH VINEYARD TOURS
Refresh yourself with the delights of New Zealand's most famous wine region, without having to worry about who's driving. The landscape around Blenheim is awash with the stuff, from the robust forest floor flavours of Wither Hills' Taylor River Pinot Noir to the lovingly handpicked goodness of Jackson Estate Chardonnay. A trip to Peter Yealands' cutting edge CarboNZero certified eco-vineyard is also well worth a trip, as educational to the mind as it is to the palette. www.marlboroughwinetours.co.nz
CANYONING IN THE COROMANDEL
Part epic natural water park, part extremely wild adventure, a day out with the folks from Canyonz begins with full safety gear and briefing. After that you will be closely guided by experienced instructors down one of two breathtakingly huge waterfall cascades. This involves descending on ropes, sliding down rocks and testing your bottle on optional water jumps up to 10 metres high! The adrenalin rush will wear off (eventually) but the memories of these very special places will last a lot longer. www.canyonz.co.nz
GET CREATIVE IN KERIKERI
Both accommodation and destination, Wharepuke has been in the Booth family since 1938 and is a little slice of heaven for anybody interested in gardening or the arts. Stay in one of several eco-cottages nestled in two hectares of award-winning subtropical grounds, lovingly tended by Robin Booth, who has more than 40 years of green-fingered wisdom to share with bookable guided tours of the premises. And the gallery showcases NZ and international artists working in printmaking, painting, ceramics, sculpture, installation and video. ?www.accommodation-bay-of-islands.co.nz
TAKE A TRIP TO THE UNDERWORLD
There are a bunch of great options to explore above and below ground in and around Waitomo. For something with a personal touch away from the crowds we recommend Green Glow Eco-Adventures. It is led by Paul Hunt, who has done more than a quarter century of dangling off rocks for a living as well as working as a professional geologist. The joy of his approach is its flexibility: you and the family can choose the pace and structure of your exploration to suit your abilities and ambitions. www.greenglow.co.nz
GET LOTS OF AIR
Soaring like an eagle amid the mountains around Queenstown sounds like a dream, but it can come true for under $200 with the guys at Extreme Air. This exciting introduction to paragliding or hang-gliding offers you the chance to be flown by a certified instructor, meaning you can concentrate on saying 'Wow' over and over again. www.extremeair.co.nz
GRAB A LIFE RAFT
Rafting on the Upper Clutha River with Wanaka-based Pioneer Rafting provides an invigorating taste of the pioneer lifestyle. Anybody over the age of five can jump on board the specially equipped inflatables, alongside highly experienced instructors who will make sure you navigate the grade 2-3 rapids safely and in style. There's also a chance to try panning for gold for those feeling lucky just from having made it down the river. www.ecoraft.co.nz
GARDEN TOURS, NEW PLYMOUTH ?
Holidays are all about enjoying the fruits and flora of somebody else's dedication and hard work. New Plymouth is a particular hub for the horticulturally minded Kiwi, with a host of high quality gardens open to the public. The nationally important Holland Gardens in Kaponga is a highlight, but Pukeiti's 360 hectares of rainforest, complete with its renowned rhododendron collection, is also a very rewarding wander. And landscaped gardens in New Zealand do not come finer than the outstanding Tupare. www.trc.govt.nz
GET SPACE, BUT NOT LOST.
To understand how much legroom there is in our country, you might want to get off your legs, jump in a four wheel drive bus, boat or a plane with Molesworth Station Tours. The company offers guided travel through what is reputedly the country's largest farm, giving you a rare glimpse into a private landscape that has seen all the success and heartache of hard working New Zealanders down the years. www.molesworth.co.nz
MEET THE MASTERS OF THE DEEP
Whale Watch is New Zealand's only marine-based whale ?watching company offering visitors an exciting up-close encounter with the Giant Sperm Whale at all times of the year. Operating daily, the team has a 95% success rate, and offers an 80% refund if your tour does not see a whale. Eat a hearty breakfast and pack your sea legs. www.whalewatch.co.nz
4. 'Naki loop
From Hamilton, take State Highway 3 to Mokau, and mosey down the coast to New Plymouth. On the way perhaps check out the Seven Sisters, walk the White Cliffs walkway and stop at Mike's Organic Brewery for a cleansing ale. From New Plymouth take the Surf Highway to Hawera, hang a left for Stratford, then take the Forgotten Highway to Whangomomona (leave time for a brew at the iconic pub). When you hit SH4, either head home or detour to Taupo.
5. South Island
Fly into/drive to Christchurch, drive the stunning Athur's Pass, South to Franz Josef, Haast, Wanaka, then drive the interesting Pig Root to Palmerston (stop for the night at St Bathans) and turn right for Dunedin or left for Christchurch once you hit the main road. If you go left, be sure to stop at Fleur's Place seafood restaurant for lunch or dinner.
