Danny de Hek

Escape to a world of peace and tranquility and see the dawn break over a silent land. There’s nothing quite so romantic and exciting as soaring skyward in a balloon and cruising effortlessly over a changing landscape.

Have you tried the ultimate wilderness ski experience? New Zealand has thousands of hectares of untouched powder snow on virgin mountain slopes - the stuff of dreams. Heli-ski operators cover a vast area of off-piste territory, ranging far and wide along the Southern Alps during the July to October season.

Have you ever dreamed of cantering along a wild, white-sand beach, or riding a high country ridge with views forever? New Zealand has horse trekking operations in almost every corner of the country. Ask your nearest Visitor Information Centre for the pamphlet ‘Where to Ride in New Zealand.

Take a hike on a massive river of ice sliding inexorably down the precipitous slopes of the Southern Alps. Glacier walking is one of New Zealand’s top attractions. Experienced guides can lead you into an alien world of blue-tinged ice caves, seracs and pinnacles on the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Are you ready for the rollicking river ride of your life? In New Zealand there is only one way to catch the canyons, go goggle-eyed in the gorges and ballistic on braided rivers - that is by jet boat.

New Zealand offers some of the finest big game trophy hunting in the world. Dedicated hunters hold this country in high regard for the quality of its trophies, the outstanding alpine and forest habitats and the year round open season for deer species.

Nothing can match the freedom of touring New Zealand on the open road. Enjoy the buzz of barrelling along in fresh cool air, with the hum of tyres on tarmac, while observing the countryside. When the tar seal gives way to gravel or even clay and sand, you still have freedom to ride.

When the fat tyre fever hits you there’s only one thing to do. Take a power-trip down a twisting, turning, gnarly mountain bike track in the New Zealand mountains, hills and forests. bMountain biking is an adventure sport that has come of age in this country.

Have you tried getting your mind around ‘The Thought Sport’. This adventure sport calls for a perfect harmonious balance between mind and body. You use your mind to interpret the map and compass and your body to tackle the strenuous physical achievement of completing the course.

Want to follow in the footsteps of the conqueror of Mt Everest? The Southern Alps of New Zealand are the ideal training ground for aspiring mountaineers. The Alps extend along the spine of the South Island from the Inland Kaikouras and Nelson Lakes down to Fiordland and are studded with many impressive peaks.

New Zealand offers the visitor a whole new dimension in world travel as it has infinite variety within a very compact landmass. You will be delighted with the ever-changing landscape vistas. Complete contrasts can be experienced within one day, including breathtaking alpine scenery.