Is it any wonder? Since Hollywood launched New Zealand success onto the world’s cinema screens with epic block busters like Lord of The Rings, King Kong and therefore the Chronicles of Narnia, everyone wants to go to . In fact, New Zealand is one among the foremost popular travel search destinations, with almost two million online searches for information annually , even beating out firm favorites like Hong Kong and London.
New Zealand consists of two main islands, North and South about the dimensions of Colorado. With a population of around 4 million and English because the main language, you’ll expect a warm welcome and an incredible vacation experience. there’s also strong, vibrant Maori culture reflected within the plain sailing attitude of the people and pride in their heritage.
From the West Coast of the us , an immediate flight to New Zealand may be a bearable 12 hours. on the brink of the Australian continent, New Zealand shares the Australian love for sport and having an honest time.
Think Hawaii meets Switzerland.
Where else are you able to find numerous differing types of scenery and breathtaking landscapes in one country! From towering mountain peaks and glaciers to volcanoes and bubbling mud springs. then there’s the surprise. it is so very English too. the luxurious green fields and rolling hills like English countryside and village life never seem that distant .
Major highlights and attractions.
The Bay of Islands on the North Island .
An absolute must-see on your trip. a powerful natural treasure for anyone who enjoys getting out on the water. Catch a ferry or charter boat and immerse yourself within the unique atmosphere. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of island nooks and inlets. If you’ve got always wanted to swim with dolphins, roll in the hay here. Many operators within the region offer excellent trips to spectacular Cape Brett and therefore the ‘Hole within the Rock’ on Piercy Island.
The townships of this historical bay are alive with memories of the area’s colorful past. Take outing to ascertain the well-preserved relics both Maori and European, in romantic Russell, Paihia, Waitangi or Kerikeri.
Rotorua. What’s bubbling you?
Known for its amazing geothermal earth forces, this fascinating region offers you quite natural beauty, it is also a really spiritual place. “Manaakitanga” may be a deep-rooted concept in Maori culture. it is a local challenge to supply visitors the simplest experience possible. Voted New Zealand’s Most Beautiful City 3 times , Rotorua’s gardens, cobbled streets and diverse mixture of Maori and English Tudor architecture , give the town a big point of difference. Beyond the urban centre, a backdrop of geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and large crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of fireside .
Incidentally, Rotarua’s Hell’s Gate Reserve was where the “Black Gate of Morodor” was filmed for The Lord of The Rings Trilogy. excuse some steam. Steam escapes from crevices within the ground, gardens bloom alongside bubbling craters and geysers draw a bead on the sky.
Spa therapy. an honest wrap.
160 years after the primary Europeans arrived to ‘spa’ in Rotorua, today’s visitors are still enjoying the therapeutic properties of the geothermal resources. Mineral pools, mud wraps and massage will leave you feeling rejuvenated and prepared for more.
The thrill of chilling call at Glacier Country.
Nowhere within the world’s temperate zones are glaciers so accessible. On the West Coast of The South Island , remnants of the glacial period cascade from the vast snowfields of the Southern Alps to valley floors, almost 1,000 feet above water level .
You can enjoy guided excursions exploring stunning ice formations. Or begin on a scenic flight and land amidst New Zealand’s highest peaks overlooking the glaciers. the 2 most famous villages are Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, good bases from which to plan your days exploring the glaciers.
Milford Sound. Your eighth wonder of the world?
Legendary writer Kipling was a well traveled man. He called Milford Sound the “eighth wonder of the planet .” Still down South, Milford Sound lies at the guts of Fiordland park , a World Heritage area. Cruising the clear, still waters of the Fiord you’ll encounter magnificent sights, like the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls.
With the very best rainfall in New Zealand (think feet not inches!) so expect rain once you visit. However, when it pours, the water falls that appear all around are simply amazing.
Keep a lookout for wildlife like dolphins, penguins and seals often seen in their natural habitat. continue a scenic cruise and gasp at the moody majesty of the Fiord in your Milford Sound Red Boat.
Another worthwhile attraction is that the Milford Deep Underwater Observatory Option. Descend 30 feet below the surface and marvel at spectacular marine life, with anemones, sponges, fish and rare red and black coral in their natural habitat.
Discover Middle Earth.
According to Oscar winner Peter Jackson, New Zealand was the sole landscape on the earth that would have provided the sensational locations for Tolkien’s Middle Earth. you’ll depart on your voyage of discovery and visit the key areas featured within the films like The Southern Alps and Queenstown. confirm you stop at Matamata, near Hamilton (a few hours drive south of Auckland) and marvel at how the landscape was transformed into the peaceful hobbit village of Hobbiton.
Auckland. the most important city.
Wellington is really the capital, but Auckland is where many visitors first set foot in New Zealand. Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of lovely beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanting holiday islands, that’s Auckland. It’s located on the North Island and called the town of Sails. Know why? it’s more boats per capita than the other city within the world. Almost entirely surrounded by water and covered with volcanic hills, the town boasts an outstanding harbor and a population of 1.3 million people. Add a background rhythm of Polynesian culture, a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping – and you will want to remain .
Auckland features a pleasant subtropical climate with mild winters (June, July and August) and warm, humid summers (December, January and February). Remember the seasons down here are reversed, so plan your vacation accordingly.
Accommodation to suit every taste.
For visitors, Auckland has all kinds of accommodation. internet sites like http://www.hotel.com.au offer a variety from backpacker to budget to luxury international hotels. because the North Island attracts more visitors than the South, it pays to see what’s out there as you propose your trip.
Action. Adrenalin. Anticipation.
Auckland may be a top choice if you’re curious about wide open spaces and physical activities. Above the bottom you’ll go bungee jumping, parachuting and skydiving.
On the bottom you’ll go hiking, all-terrain bike riding, skiing, horse riding, hiking , and ‘zorbing’. Underground you’ll go surface caving, cave rafting and hydro sliding; and on the water you’ll go jet-boarding, white-water sledging, rafting, boogey boarding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing and skin diving . If there’s a difficult and challenging thanks to get from one point to a different you’ll roll in the hay in New Zealand.
If you are looking for a few less exhilarating activities, like retail therapy, many Auckland stores are open seven days every week . Bars, restaurants and nightclubs welcome patrons well into the night.
Whether you’re stopping for every week , or getting to spend a month exploring everything within the Land of The Long White Cloud, New Zealand will cause you to feel right reception .