KEY POINTS:
Stare into the eyes of a tiger, touch a rhino or meet the chimpanzees on Hamilton Zoo's Eye2Eye programme. The behind-the-scenes experience allows pre-booked groups to take part in the animals' daily routines. It costs $50 per person to visit rhinos, tigers, cheetahs or chimps, maximum five people. A lemur visit costs $100 and is restricted to three visitors.
Contact: (07) 838 6720
On the web: www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz
Walk the distance
Explore the Wellington waterfront by following the 500m distance markers, starting at Queens Wharf and extending to Cobham Drive in Evans Bay. You can also download a free audio guide on to your MP3 player or iPod, describing the area's history, public art and heritage buildings. Or, borrow a CD and player from the i-SITE Visitor Centre in Civic Square.
On the web: www.feelinggreat.co.nz/activities
More than hobbit holes
Hobbiton village in The Lord of the Rings was built on a farm near Matamata and remnants of the village can be seen on a two-hour guided tour. There's also a new Sheep Farm Experience, which gives an insight into rural life with a shearing demonstration and a chance to bottle-feed lambs.
Contact: (07) 888 9913
On the web: www.hobbitontours.com
Licence to chill
The Chill 2008 pass gives access to 11 South Island ski areas from Kaikoura to Lake Tekapo, offering ski and board opportunities for beginners through to extreme experiences. Book your pass option online.
Contact: (03) 365 6530
On the web: www.chillout.co.nz
Get steamed up
Rotorua's walking tracks range from lakeside strolls to challenging hikes, offering something for every age and level of fitness. The 26km Rotorua City Walkway is in eight sections that meander through areas of historical, cultural, scenic and scientific interest, including geothermal areas and a bird sanctuary. Ask at the i-SITE in Fenton Street for details.
Contact: 0800 768 678
On the web: www.rotoruanz.com
Over the hills
Situated at Rangitukia on the east coast, Eastenders Horse Treks truly is off the beaten track. Horses to suit all levels are available, and treks take in a remote beach and steep hills, offering views of the coast. On-site backpacker accommodation is a chance to experience Ngati Porou hospitality, and you can learn bone-carving and try target shooting.
Contact: (06) 864 3033
On the web: www.eastenderhorsetreks.co.nz
