Herding sheep with the shepherdess and her canines at Flockhill Lodge, New Zealand
Fallon
New Zealand’s best luxurious stands out as the extraordinary entry it presents to nature and spectacular surroundings. Throughout a latest 15-day journey to the nation, I uncovered countless alternatives for outside experiences—however the three finest ones weren’t solely memorable, in addition they got here padded with luxurious facilities. The proper outside expertise blends a little bit of thrill with beautiful surroundings, a second of discovery and no small little bit of bodily effort–followed by an unbelievable meal and heat hospitality. These high three outside adventures ship the dramatic surroundings and pleasant charms that outline New Zealand however with five-star panache. Earlier than you start any outside journey in New Zealand there are a number of necessary packing and preparation particulars to keep in mind.
What To Pack For Out of doors Adventures in New Zealand
Climbing sneakers—or any waterproof footwear—are a should. Terrain is unpredictable so it’s finest to be in a strong pair of sneakers that may stand up to the whole lot from water to rocky trails. The UV mild in New Zealand is fierce and sunscreen/solar safety is important. A chilly winter day with vibrant solar can nonetheless yield a pleasant sunburn in New Zealand. Deliver a hat, pack mineral sunscreen and all the time have it available wherever you go. At all times carry sufficient water on any journey, particularly within the alpine area the place altitude can dehydrate you shortly. The excellent news is there a no toothy, fearsome predators right here. As somebody who has hiked extensively all through the American West, the shortage of bears, mountain lions and snakes in New Zealand is liberating; it makes traipsing throughout the panorama a joyful delight. The largest nuisance could be rabbit, possum or ferret so depart the bear spray, whistles and bells at house. Whereas these pests received’t ambush you, they’re thought-about invasive pests to New Zealand and also you’ll usually see traps to mitigate their populations.
High Out of doors Adventures in New Zealand for 2026
Herd Sheep with a Native Shepherdess
A day watching sheep canines work their magic is reward in and of itself and it’s a must-do exercise in New Zealand, the place sheep outnumber residents. The last word sheep herding expertise (or Farm Tour as they name it) would possibly effectively be at Flockhill Lodge, a comparatively new ultra-luxury resort in Canterbury, simply an hour or so from Christchurch. Positioned on a working sheep station, the animals far outnumber individuals right here with a herd of 10,000 sheep unfold throughout 36,000 acres and a workforce of 70 employees that takes care of 36 visitors. The menu of outside actions and journey choices is in depth (fly fishing, heli-sking, climbing, biking), however to not be missed is the Farm Tour which is a fairly understated description of the immersive full-throated farm expertise that awaits. It’s extra of a two-hour farm actuality present as visitors accompany members of the farm workforce on each day rounds. We donned the complimentary gumboots and jumped in a four-wheeler–along with the herding canines—for an opportunity to witness an official Kiwi Muster, aka sheep herding. Driving throughout pasture and grazing land to a clutch of sheep, our shepherdess/farm information labored the canines with a collection of whistles with one canine performing because the “eye” directing the flock and one other performing because the “muscle” barking and pushing them to maneuver. It’s genuine real enjoyable, and might take a good bit of time relying on the sheep’s antics. Afterwards we cease on the shearing barn to witness some fascinating sheep gymnastics because the farm workforce shear rams for breeding season. The most effective, 5 star luxurious half about all of that is popping off the muddy gumboots and returning to the pampered fold of Flockhill Lodge, sinking into a hearth chair, sipping some New Zealand glowing wine and savoring a meal at Sugarloaf from Flockhill’s acclaimed Chef Tyler Cullen.
Off-road by one of many nation’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries
View of the bay from Cape Sanctuary
Cape Sanctuary
Cape Sanctuary is New Zealand’s largest privately owned and funded conservation undertaking with over 6,000 acres of restored habitat and residential to 1000’s of sea and forest birds together with little blue penguins, kiwi (they now boast a inhabitants of 600 kiwi) and the endangered Takahe. The habitat is open to specifically guided flagship excursions with curated choices; the half-day excursions can be found for personal teams of as much as 5 visitors and debut this September.
Throughout my go to we four-wheeled throughout the Ocean Seashore Wilderness space stopping alongside the best way to feed endangered takahē and kākāriki. The journey is bumpy and probably messy, and also you’ll scale some severe switchbacks to get to the clifftop, so depart the flamboyant sneakers at house. The views are reward sufficient—out to Kidnappers Bay and past, however better of all is the clifftop enclosed web site that’s house to their sea chicken restoration undertaking. Chook lovers will respect the chance to see tuatara, large wētā, and takahē.
The five-star portion of this journey is a brand new providing compliments of close by vineyard, Craggy Vary. The workforce at Cape Sanctuary is partnering with the vineyard to supply an expensive picnic of particular bites from the Craggy Vary restaurant together with a number of wonderful wines. This connoisseur feast is loved underneath a cover of Kauri timber with views spanning over native forest, farmland and sand dunes. It’s price noting that since 2006, shut to 1 million native timber have been planted within the Ocean Seashore Wilderness Space, and the efforts right here have solely simply begun.
Hike Te Mata Peak
Superb dawn at Te Mata Peak, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand.
getty
There are a number of choices for climbing the enduring Hawke’s Bay peak at Te Mata Belief Park, however probably the most fulfilling is the Big Circuit, a 3.2 mile loop that takes 2 to 2.5 hours with roughly 1000 toes of elevation achieve. Count on beautiful 360-degree views of the Heretaunga Plains, Ruahine and Kaweka ranges and Cape Kidnappers as soon as on the high of the height. For those who desire to not hike the entire method up, you may as well drive on to the summit on Te Mata Peak Street to entry the shorter trails. The path, whereas steep and difficult at occasions, reveals a lot in regards to the variety of New Zealand’s natural world and features a lovely grove of 137 California redwood—in addition to the occasional flock of roaming sheep.
After the hike, one might cease on the Peak Restaurant (which is about midway down the height) for refreshment, however we made a reservation at Craggy Vary Restaurant—a part of the hospitality expertise at family-owned vineyard Craggy Vary. Right here you’ll be able to anticipate a chef-driven meal plucked straight from the vineyard’s natural gardens. Chef Casey McDonald’s domestically targeted menu is available in a spread of experiences providing vegan, vegetarian, a la carte and tasting menus. Tuck right into a dish of peppered venison rack with almond cream, selfmade black pudding and morello cherry sauce paired with a glass of Craggy Vary’s silky Le Sol Syrah or their Hawke’s Bay Rose.
Reservations are smart as each locals and vacationers are massive followers of the delicacies right here. The Restaurant has been awarded Restaurant of the 12 months, and Chef of the 12 months (Casey McDonald). Most just lately, it received the Supreme Winner award on the Lion Hospitality New Zealand Enterprise Awards.
