Short Cuts

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME Throw a line into the waters of North Island's Lake Tarawera and there's a good chance you'll bag a trophy-sized trout. Do it from a Clearwater Charters boat, (64-7) 362-8590 or www.clearwater.co.nz , and Captain Doug Allen will cruise you over to where a boiling stream crosses a secret geo-thermally heated beach. While you soak in this natural hot tub at the lake's edge, he'll clean the fish, wrap it in tinfoil and bury it in the sand. An hour later, lunch is served.

LETTING IT ALL HANG OUTThe original bungee jump at the Kawarau Bridge outside Queenstown used to offer a free jump to those who took the 43-m plunge buck naked. This publicity stunt garnered worldwide media attention, but rebounded on the operators: too many visitors volunteered to let it all hang out. The scheme has been suspended, but even at full price, about $60, bouncing around in the buff is popular. Call (64-3) 442 4007 or click on www.ajhackett.com .

VINTAGE NIGHTCAP In Queenstown, Eichardt's Private Hotel, a former woolshed converted during the 1862 gold rush, has been refurbished with pewter fittings, the comfort of possum fur on the bed and a real fireplace in the living room. Vintage port is left next to the bed each evening, and strong black coffee is served in the morning. The five well appointed suites go for $420 to $560 a night; click on www.eichardtshotel.co.nz for more information.