Things To Know Before You Go on an Adventure Vacation in New Zealand

How To Get There and Around
We flew via Los Angeles on Air New Zealand, which has fares from the United States starting at around $1,000 and also offers domestic flights. We flew from Nelson on the South Island to Wellington on the North Island because it was faster than taking the ferry. Most car rental companies (we used Europcar) will let you drop off on one island, then pick up on the other.

When To Go
November to April offers the maximum chance of sunshine, June to August is best for skiing.

Where To Stay
These two places were great: Parautane Lodge, near Nelson, has a spectacular hilltop location, clean modern design, comfy beds, big windows, a hot tub, a pet goat, and friendly owners. At CastleRock Adventure, built on a working bull farm across the road from the Wharepapa Crag, guests can book a whole lodge for a big group (up to 18) or share with other guests. Facilities include kitchen, big deck, barbecue, swimming pool, hot tub, and tennis court. You have to bring in your own food. CastleRock offers rock-climbing instruction and also has miles of purpose-built mountain-biking trails.

New Zealand is set up for travelers on any budget. If a place uses the term "backpackers," it offers shared kitchen facilities and some dormitory accommodation—but some backpackers, like ultra-sharp Xbase in Auckland, are spiffier than some bed and breakfasts, which shall go unnamed, and cost the same amount for a private room.

Gear
Our kayaks were from Okarito Nature Tours, which also offers guided tours. An employee made hot chocolate for us after we got drenched. We rented mountain bikes from R&R Sport in Nelson. I took my windsurfing lesson through Taranaki Windsurfing; call 0508 946 376 inside New Zealand. (Drop the first 0 and add country code 64 from outside.) To inquire about wave-sailing lessons and equipment, contact Carbon Art at or Vertigo at 06 752 8283; ). CastleRock Adventure offers rock-climbing equipment and instruction as well as accommodation.