Reasons To Visit New Zealand
This small nation has established a name for fabulous wineries, many internationally acclaimed. Whilst most will point connoisseurs to the Marlborough region for the finest vintages, Hawkes Bay and Martinborough should not be ignored. A trip here would not be complete without trying the local 'fush 'n' chups' or traditional Maori fare either.
For a small country, New Zealand incorporates landscapes as diverse as they come. Mountains, volcanoes, beaches, lakes, fiords, valleys and caves - to the everyday traveller these remarkable sights are other-worldly. Both the North and South islands share many common features, but are also wonderfully contrasting.
It's not necessary to throw yourself off a suspended platform in order to fully experience New Zealand. Alternative options include air safaris over White Island, heli-hiking the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers and wilderness cruises in Milford and Doubful Sounds.
New Zealanders are proud of their Maori roots. Maori song, dance and mythology are prevalent, towns are adorned with carvings and rooms are dressed in flax weavings. Most physical locations also have Maori names with literal translations such as Waimakariri River (Cold water river).
The 'outdoors' perception of New Zealanders is not something consciously cultivated; with such a plentitude of mountains, beaches, fiords lakes and forests on their doorstep it is simply a way of life.
New Zealand has wonderful roads - scenic, safe and, especially on the South Island, largely empty. They even drive on the left and some of the most scenic routes are waymarked. There are car hire stations at all of New Zealand's airports.
There are so many excellent hikes - or 'tramps' as the locals call them - in New Zealand that it is sometimes difficult to know which one to select. We feature several of the country's 'great walks' which can easily be incorportated into any itinerary.
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New Zealand & the South Pacific
The centre of all water-based activities in the Bay of Islands, Paihia is surrounded by three pretty bays and sheltered from the ocean by the Russell Peninsula.
This modern bed and breakfast is perched high above the town of Paihia with views over the native bush which surrounds the area, and out into the bay. There are just three guest rooms at...
In a quiet position high on the hill overlooking Paihia and the ocean, Allegra House is a wonderful place to stay in the heart of the Bay of Islands. It is just a five minute walk downhill...
These waterfront apartments have outstanding views of Paihia's crisp, golden sands and the full sweep of the Bay of Islands and beyond. Edgewater Palms provides fully self-contained and...
The Paihia Beach Resort is ideally located just on the edge of the town and is perfectly placed to take advantage of the many activities and attractions available in the surrounding Bay of...
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Further reading:New ZealandRegions of New ZealandWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout New ZealandCountry Guides
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