Dani's Kosher Outdoor Adventures in New Zealand

Te Anau is situated in the southern region of New Zealand’s South Island, on the eastern bank of Lake Te Anau (the largest lake on South Island). The town is the perfect gateway to the unique and awe-inspiring geographical attractions of Milford Sound (boasting rich marine life and spectacular views), and the Fiordland National Park (offering the excellent Kepler, Routeburn, and Milford hiking and biking trails among astonishing landscapes). However, beautiful Te Anau has plenty to offer in its own right. Active travellers can enjoy water sports on the lake, such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and trout fishing, while gentle boat cruises provide a more leisurely option. Make sure to visit the incredible Te Anau Caves to see other-worldly displays of glowworms and an impressive underground waterfall, and visit the beautiful native birds at the Punanga Manu o Te Anau aviary.

Queenstown, an idyllic resort town, lies on the shore of Lake Wakatipu in the southwest of South Island, New Zealand, surrounded by beautiful alpine peaks. Considered by many as one of the world’s top adventure capitals, this nature-laden destination offers a wide choice of adrenaline-boosting activities including white water rafting, zip-lining, skiing, skydiving and bungee-jumping (and a particular highlight, the world’s largest rope swing at Nevis Valley). Those who prefer soaking up the gorgeous scenery without too much effort will enjoy the lush vineyards, pristine golf courses, the dazzling Queenstown Gardens and the town’s luxury spas and wellness centres. Culinary types will also be pleased with Queenstown’s exciting gourmand offerings - the lively bar and restaurant scene provide a variety of flavours and experiences.

A visit to the South Island heartland of Central Otago is to experience New Zealand’s pioneering soul firsthand. Gabriel’s Gully near Lawrence was the original site of the 1860s gold rush, and well-preserved relics of this era are to be found throughout the region. Along with the rich history, you’ll discover industrious, friendly locals just itching to show you around. Take the 150km Central Otago Rail Trail, enjoy a cruise along the Clutha River, cycle in the Roxburgh Gorge, and visit the towns of Alexander (for the annual Spring Blossom Festival) and Bannockburn, where winemaking is burgeoning. The region’s Pinot Noir is said to be the ‘new gold’, so factor in a wine tasting during your visit.

Haast is a small collection of communities, Haast Junction, Haast township and Haast Beach, on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Favourably located on the edge of Mount Aspiring National Park, the Haast region covers over 2500 square kilometres of one of the world's most diverse and spectacular landscapes. In 1990 this area was internationally recognised as a location of significant natural value and became the centre piece of Te Wahipounamu - The South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. A single day can be spent hiking in lush green mountains and rain forests, mingling with the friendly locals, or discovering stunning waterfalls, untouched beaches and rugged glacial river valleys. This spectacularly beautiful natural environment is an outdoor sport enthusiast’s dream with excellent hunting, fishing, rafting and kayaking opportunities on offer. Haast is an ideal place to sneak away from the crowds and experience nature at its wildest and its best.

Hokitika, or ‘Hoki’, as locals have affectionately named this little town, is located on a stunning, driftwood-strewn beach on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Presided over by the towering Mount Cook and the Southern Alps, this idyllic little town functions primarily as a gateway to the South Westland World Heritage National Park. However, the town itself offers plenty to keep visitors engaged. Hokitika is well-known for its excellent local crafts and has developed a prolific artistic community with an array of open studios and galleries, where visitors can watch skilful artisans in the process of weaving, greenstone carving and glass blowing. Enjoy the fabulously fresh local seafood, or have a picnic on the banks of the picturesque Lake Kaniere, surrounded exquisite snow-capped mountains.

The tiny township of Punakaiki on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is primarily used by visitors as a base for exploring the nearby Paparoa National Park. The park is best known for its dramatic blowholes and the distinctive Pancake Rocks. These picturesque limestone formations look curiously like stony stacks of pancakes which funnel blasts of water up to 15 metres into the air as the waves crash into the caverns below the rocks. Visitors can explore the sub-tropical rainforests, horse ride along the spectacular coastline, paddle a canoe down the tranquil Pororari River, or climb the remarkable limestone formations for which this area is known. The town itself offers some delightful cafes and restaurants and is home to many jewellers, carvers, painters and potters.

The oldest city on New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson, lies on the eastern shore of Tasman Bay. With more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year, it is also considered the country’s sunniest city and is a perfect setting in which to enjoy an array of adventure and leisure activities – biking, horse trekking, rock climbing, wine-tasting at local estates, or simply enjoying the golden beaches and superb views of the Tasman Bay. The city is also famous for its abundant arts scene, and is a popular hub for creatives; and a thriving culinary scene completes the package. Must-see highlights include Founders Heritage Park, a wondrous museum housing historical displays; and the World of Wearable Art and Classic Cars Museum, featuring an iconic collection of classic cars.

Auckland, the biggest city in Polynesia, is situated in the north of North Island between two harbours. The city has been named the most multicultural one on earth and boasts a lively modern centre as well as spectacular natural attractions. At the Sky Tower, the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere, where one can dine in a revolving restaurant or get involved in pulse-quickening base jumping or Sky Walking. Further adrenaline can be found at the famous Rainbows End theme park, as well as along the harbour (with water sports), at diving spots the (Great Barrier Reef and Goat Island Marine Reserve) and among the string of 45 volcanoes found here. Explore superb art galleries, live music venues, restaurants, and shops or picnic at the gorgeous Auckland Botanic Gardens. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World.

The city of Rotorua has been a spa town since the 1800s, thanks to the many geysers, hot springs and mud pools that can be found in what is one of the world’s most active geothermal fields. The Maori, who considered the region sacred, make up 35% of the population and a popular attraction is discovering their rich culture and traditions. Rotorua is surrounded by lakes, mountains, forests and other natural features that afford visitors the opportunity to try out several outdoor activities between relaxing sessions in the hot springs and pools.

As previously described