New Zealand is known for its picturesque lakes, tranquil boat cruises, and vibrant culture that provide an oasis of rejuvenation and relaxation for older visitors. Enjoy sailing lessons, wine tasting and hiking excursions on these escorted tours!
Start in Auckland and visit Waitomo Caves and Rotorua before flying over to Queenstown on South Island for some bungee jumping and hot-pool soaks!
Bay of Islands
North Island paradises like Northland provide the ideal water playground, where visitors can discover traditional Maori culture alongside beautiful beaches and islands. You’ll also discover vibrant marine life, amazing waterfalls, lush forests and historic buildings to keep the fun going!
On a cruise to the Bay of Islands, you’ll discover many enchanting sites such as the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where Maori chiefs signed an accord with British colonists in 1840. Additionally, charming seaside villages like Paihia and Russell offer plenty of accommodation options and provide ideal launching pads from which to discover this region’s flora, fauna and history.
From these coastal settlements, you can embark on scenic sailing excursions. Set sail across the serene waters of Bay of Islands to watch for dolphins; hike through Puketi Rainforest where native bird species may be discovered; or explore Puketi Rainforest to find native orchid species and more!
As part of an escorted tour or planning your own holiday in New Zealand, finding suitable tours for senior travellers in the Bay of Islands should not be hard. A good senior travel tour will give you a mixture of relaxation and adventure while exploring heritage and natural wonder at your desired pace – and give you an opportunity to try delicious wines as well as explore popular attractions like Rotorua Agrodome, Hobbiton Movie Set Milford Sound Dunedin etc.
Marlborough Sounds
At the top of New Zealand’s South Island lies Marlborough Sounds: sea-drowned valleys where deep waters reach between hilly, bush-clad slopes. Each main bay (Queen Charlotte Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Pelorus Sound) hosts its own distinct ecosystem – Queen Charlotte Sound is home to lush native forest which thrives with wildlife while Kenepuru Sound boasts marine life in abundance.
Marlborough Sounds are an ideal destination to spend a few days boating and sailing, or hiking the Queen Charlotte Track – an impressive 70km multi-day trek (or “tramp”) through lush native bush with rest stops for overnight stays and food stops dotted along its length. Birding enthusiasts should visit Motuara Island Sanctuary which is easily accessible from Picton.
Picton and Havelock serve as the hub of Marlborough Sounds, hosting cruise ships docking for cruise ship services from overseas and Interislander ferry services arriving and departing to and from North Island. Just minutes from Picton is Blenheim wine region containing 30+ wineries producing some of Australia’s best Sauvignon Blancs.
An aerial tour is one of the best ways to explore the Marlborough Sounds, with flight options ranging from 20-minute trips up to 45-minute flights covering all three sounds. Enjoy breathtaking views of sparkling blue waters, secluded homes and native bush. And at certain times of year you might even spot whales!
Fiordland
Fiordland National Park enchants visitors with its breathtaking fiords, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife. As featured in Lord of the Rings films, its dramatic glaciers, isolated sounds, and towering falls make up some of its most dramatic features – inspiring visitors with wonder. A UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Te Wahipounamu (Place of Greenstone), these spectacular landscapes incite admiration and respect for nature as a whole.
Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound offer the ultimate escape into nature’s untouched wilderness, where cruising along these stunning glacier-carved fjords allows visitors to appreciate its tranquil beauty amidst cascading waterfalls or fur seals barking! Enjoy sailing through these jaw-dropping fjords carved by glaciers as you experience their silence interrupted only by cascading waterfalls or barks from fur seals!
Experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site on either a multi-day tour from Queenstown or day trip, which includes flying over Milford Sound. Additionally, add Rotorua as an extra stop and be dazzled by geysers, boiling mud pools and massive volcanic craters!
Travel from Dunedin in New Zealand’s south island to its northern island via scenic train ride and explore Maori culture at an authentic pre-European village. After taking in stunning vistas and sampling their unique cuisine (hangi feast and cultural show included! ), relax in thermal hot pools or take a ride on the historic Taieri Gorge train!
Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf
MoaTrek has evolved since 1971 from backpacker trips to operating one of the most comprehensive New Zealand tours for seniors. Their 21-day Kakapo Tour covers both North and South islands with both famous spots as well as hidden gems not available elsewhere – their experienced guides know exactly how to pack each itinerary full of unforgettable moments among breathtaking landscapes of snowcapped peaks and olive-green forests.
Hauraki Gulf lies between Auckland and Coromandel Peninsula and boasts 16 motu (islands). These motu can be easily reached on day trips from Auckland, such as Waiheke Island with its wineries, volcanic Rangitoto, Tiritiri Matangi or Tiritiri Matangi; others require more effort to access but provide an unforgettable back-to-basics experience – perfect for whale or bird-watching tours, vineyard visits or exploring local history.
The Hauraki Gulf is protected from the Pacific Ocean by Great Barrier Island and Little Barrier Island, the Coromandel Peninsula, and North Island, providing shelter from any waves that might otherwise enter. Furthermore, this area hosts much of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park – offering visitors scenic destinations while also supporting an abundant range of aquatic life and offering excellent water quality standards.
