6 New Zealand Destinations for Adventurous Baby Boomers

(featured image above is at Mount Ruapehu) Scenes of Mordor and Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings film trilogy were filmed on its slopes.  You can also visit Hobbiton while in New Zealand.

New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world for adventure travel. With its gorgeous scenery and a huge range of outdoor activities, the land of the Long White Cloud is a great destination for baby boomers. There’s something for everyone, and you can never run out of exciting things to do. Here are 6 amazing destinations in New Zealand you won’t want to miss.

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Russell

Russell is an idyllic town in the Bay of Islands. Much history is to be found in Russell, New Zealand’s first permanent European settlement and seaport. If you want to enjoy a low-key summer adventure, Russell is the place to be.

Made popular by its seaside location, Russell is a popular spot for keen anglers and sailors – with a reputation for fantastic local produce and tasty seafood. The laid-back town boasts many great restaurants and cafes, serving delicious food for you to enjoy after a day of exploring the township and museums.

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Rotorua

Exciting geothermal activity has made Rotorua world famous. People from all over the world come here to experience its unique thermal attractions. With spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot pools all around, there’s nowhere else quite like Rotorua!

Aside from its geothermal wonders, Rotorua also boasts a range of adventurous activities. Water sports like white-water-rafting, jet-boating and kayaking are popular here. Other highlights include the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Skyline Luge Rides.

Tairawhiti Gisborne

Tairawhiti – the Gisborne region – is known for its stunning beaches and world-class wineries. It’s the first place in the world to see the sun in the morning and is the perfect place to spend the summer. Enjoy a full morning out surfing or sailing, then indulge in some delicious food & wine. What better way to spend a beach holiday? The region also has loads of treks, cycling trails and sacred sites to explore. Don’t miss the Motu Trails, one of New Zealand’s “great rides.”

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The Coromandel Peninsula

There’s so much to do and see in the Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel is home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic sites, including Cathedral Cove. This gorgeous beach is only accessible by foot, kayak or boat. The setting is so beautiful that it was used in the film adaption of “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.”

The Coromandel also has plenty of amazing walks. The Pinnacles is regarded as one of the region’s best, most suited for fit walkers, with a loop taking about 8 hours. Other highlights include Hot Water Beach, the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, and Karangahake Gorge.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is a wilderness reserve in the South Island, home to golden sand beaches, native bush and a range of adventure activities. From sailing and canyoning to thrilling scenic flights, there’s something for everyone.

The reserve is most famous for the Abel Tasman Coast track, which is one of New Zealand’s great walks. Along the track, there are 4 huts and 18 campsites where you can stay overnight. There’s no better place to enjoy an action-packed camping holiday. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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Queenstown

Queenstown is one of the most beautiful and popular places in the South Island, known for spectacular scenery and a huge range of adventure sports. In fact, the vibrant town is regarded as the “Adventure capital of New Zealand.”

Adventurous baby boomers have an array of thrill-seeking activities to choose from. Popular activities include bungee jumping, jet boating, skydiving, white-water rafting, and paragliding. In the colder months, the town turns into a winter wonderland. There are four major ski-fields throughout the region. It’s really a dream destination for anyone looking for thrill & adventure.

Author’s bio:

Cloe dwells in the charming South Island city of Dunedin, New Zealand and enjoys her freelance writing career. She enjoys crafting articles for various sites and blogs and especially loves working with local sites such as Hercules Gazebo. Check out more of Cloe’s work here.