Is it any wonder? Since Hollywood launched New Zealand big time onto the world’s cinema screens with epic block busters such as Lord of The Rings, King Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia, everyone wants to visit. In fact, New Zealand is one of the most popular travel search destinations, with almost two million online searches for information each year, even beating out firm favorites such as Hong Kong and London.
New Zealand consists of two main islands, North and South about the size of Colorado. With a population of around 4 million and English as the main language, you can expect a warm welcome and a fantastic vacation experience. There is also strong, vibrant Maori culture reflected in the easy going attitude of the people and pride in their heritage.
From the West Coast of the United States, a direct flight to New Zealand is a bearable 12 hours. Close to the Australian continent, New Zealand shares the Australian love for sport and having a good time.
Think Hawaii meets Switzerland.
Where else can you find so many different types of scenery and breathtaking landscapes in one country! From towering mountain peaks and glaciers to volcanoes and bubbling mud springs. And then there’s the surprise. It’s so very English too. The lush green fields and rolling hills reminiscent of the English countryside and village life never seem that far away.
Major highlights and attractions.
The Bay of Islands on the North Island.
An absolute must-see on your trip. A magnificent natural treasure for anyone who enjoys getting out on the water. Catch a ferry or charter boat and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of island nooks and inlets. If you have always wanted to swim with dolphins, do it here. Many operators in the region offer excellent trips to spectacular Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’ on Piercy Island.
The townships of this historical bay are alive with memories of the area’s colorful past. Take time out to see 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 more than natural beauty, it’s also a very spiritual place. “Manaakitanga” is a deep-rooted concept in Maori culture. It’s a local challenge to offer visitors the best experience possible. Voted New Zealand’s Most Beautiful City three times, Rotorua’s gardens, cobbled streets and diverse mix of Maori and English Tudor architecture, give the city a significant point of difference. Beyond the urban centre, a backdrop of geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Incidentally, Rotarua’s Hell’s Gate Reserve was where the “Black Gate of Morodor” was filmed for The Lord of The Rings Trilogy. Let off some steam. Steam escapes from crevices in the ground, gardens bloom alongside bubbling craters and geysers shoot for the sky.
Spa therapy. A good wrap.
160 years after the first 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 ready for more.
The thrill of chilling out in Glacier Country.
Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers so accessible. On the West Coast of The South Island, remnants of the ice age cascade from the vast snowfields of the Southern Alps to valley floors, almost 1,000 feet above sea level.
You can enjoy guided excursions exploring stunning ice formations. Or take off on a scenic flight and land amidst New Zealand’s highest peaks overlooking the glaciers. The two most famous villages are Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, good bases from which to plan your days exploring the glaciers.
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