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
At Matauri Bay you can visit the monument to the Rainbow Warrior, the Greenpeace flagship which was deliberately sunk by the French in 1985 and is now a popular dive site.
With three guest rooms and three gorgeous beaches, this attractively-designed contemporary hilltop boutique hotel offers luxurious accommodation for a maximum of six guests. On...
This stunningly designed coastal retreat blends beautifully with its natural environment. Overlooking a small remote harbour, you can swim, kayak and snorkel, as well as take part in diving,...
One of New Zealand’s finest golfing retreats, the views from the 11 cottages on this 2,400 hectare coastal estate, with their 180-degree panoramas over Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands are...
Auckland & Northland, 9 miles away
Auckland & Northland, 48 miles away
Auckland & Northland, 57 miles away
Auckland & Northland, 102 miles away
Auckland & Northland, 114 miles away
Further reading:New ZealandRegions of New ZealandWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout New ZealandCountry Guides
Other countries in Australasia:AustraliaFrench PolynesiaSamoaThe Cook IslandsFiji