My husband and I are 80 and 60, are we too old for NZ?

It seems that everything I read about NZ includes bungi jumping, mountain climbing, surfing, skiing, glacier hiking, paragliding, etc.

We enjoy beautiful scenery, history, architecture, museums, gardens, walking (not hiking), and good food and wine.

Hoping you have some great suggestions for us. Thank you!

NZ is full of 'beautiful scenery, history, architecture, museums, gardens, walking (not hiking), and good food and wine.' You do not have to do any of the sports to fully enjoy a wonderful country.

You would do well to consider a tour group such as http://www.elderhostel.org/programs/...rd=new+zealand

Some of their programs are tailored to the less active.

I'd say you are a great age for New Zealand. We really enjoyed our six weeks in New Zealand and although we are younger and with a family, we're not the adventure travel types. We adored Christchurch for it's lovely culture, museums, crafts, gardens and more. John, our hot air balloon pilot was at least 60 years old and we had an amazing flight with him out of Christchurch. We loved the Wanaka area on the South Island - beautiful, natural, not busy but with plenty to see and do - nice restaurants as well. Up near Nelson and Motueka on the north end of the South Island, we loved the vibrant arts community, amazing seafood, wineries and great people and natural beauty. While we didn't have the best weather in Wellington, we did visit Te Papa and the City & Sea museums - both wonderful. We are not jumpers or hikers by any stretch of the imagination and we all had a fabulous time - I encourage you to find out more and perhaps give NZ a go.

Connie (happy to supply more details if you'd like)

Too old for NZ? Perish the thought!

NZ is not just for thrill seekers and adventure lovers - it's a gorgeous country with plenty to do for people of all interests and ages.

Go and have yourself a wonderful time.

We are young'ns but I can say with certainty that you will have a wonderful time in NZ!

Too old for New Zealand? Perish the thought!

I'm 72. my wife is 60. We spent two weeks in New Zealand in 1999. Loved it so much we went back in 2000 for 4 weeks. Fasinating country.
We are sight seeing buffs. No bungi jumping for us, although we went to a bungi site and watched others do it.
We're eating folks. First thing we do when we hit town is to look for a good reastaurant. The locals are most accommodating in this search and are quick to suggest the best there is where ever we happen to be.
We were never disappointed.
You didn't say where in NZ you were going so I can't recommend any particular eating place. However Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington, Dunedin and Auckland all have world class eating places. Start at your hotel for recommendations. Also, you won't be far from a tourist center where ever you happen to light. They too are a great source of restaurant information.
You are going to love New Zealand!
John

Thank you all so much for your encouragement!! I will continue with my research.

Hi Cameron. Oh my goodness, you are never too old for New Zealand. I did not do any of the adverture stuff and would never have the nerve or desire to do anything like bungy jumping or anything like it.

When I visited NZ last year, I really enjoyed the beautiful scenery, enjoyed the friendly people and must say it was one of the best vacations I've ever had. I can't wait to go back. I'm not a young one, but retired.
There are beautiful walks to do that are not strenuous.
So much to see and do!

Hi Cameron,

Agree with the other posters, you're not to old to visit New Zealand (or many other places for that matter)!

The adventure / extreme sports get the headlines, but NZ is so much more than that, as you'll find out.

It will meet and surpass your wish list of things you enjoy, with the added bonus of the warmth of the Kiwis themselves.

There are tons and tons of lovely walks (not the "Strenous, Put a Pack on Your Back and trek 10 miles a Day" kinds) all over NZ.

And hey, I know that they have a SENIOR rate at the bungey jump in Queenstown, so what does that tell you?!!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

One thing you might really enjoy along with whatever else you choose to do is the overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner (no physical exertion required!!). It's a lovely cruise which leaves in the afternoon, sails around Milford Sound taking in the remarkable scenery and local wildlife followed by a 3 course dinner, stargazing (amazingly beautiful) and a restful sleep. Up early to a hearty breakfast, morning cruising and then a side trip to the acquarium. You can paddle a canoe around if you want to but it's certainly not essential

My significant other and I are just back from New Zealand and I would suggest the way we did it -- on a wonderful cruise.

We were on Holland America's Statendam which sailed from Auckland one month ago today. We were in many ports and in each port we took various excursions.

The scenery is breathtaking, the people are wonderful -- I can't say enough about New Zealand. We ending with a few days in Australia even enjoying Madame Butterfly at the amazing Sydney Opera House.

The most adventurous thing I did was to use the facilities on the plane during a time of turbulence. Forget bungee jumping -- my adventure took nerve!

Hello Cameron, I am so glad to see all the wonderful comments regarding you two travelling to NZ as when I read your post I immediately thought of couples that I have known that were at least in their 70's that went to NZ and came home raving about their visit. One couple went back two more times, and her husband had really bad knees. One comment that every couple mentioned was how absolutely delightful and kind the people in NZ were. Do go, and have a beautiful visit. Hope you will write a trip report afterwards. Best wishes.