New Zealand
Rex Features
New Zealand is synonymous with natural splendour, extreme sports and fabulous wine. From north to south, the country is incredibly verdant, enjoys perfect weather, is blessed with long, wide stretches of golden beaches, and vast hillsides planted with vineyards.
So where to begin? Start in the north island where farmland and active volcanoes merge with mud pools and golden sand beaches. Here you find Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand where there are infinite tourist attractions like the Skytower Observation Deck, the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, and the quaint Parnell Village area, packed with lovely boutiques, galleries and cafés.
Not far from Auckland are the scenic Hauraki Gulf and Lake Taupo where there are many good jet and cruise boat rental places.
In the south of the island it's surprisingly different. The landscape shifts from volcanoes to large mountains, glaciers, beech forests and fjords. You find a lot of beautiful beaches here and interesting cities like Christchurch, otherwise known as the gateway to Antarctica; and Dunedin, a city proud of its chocolate factories and Scottish heritage.
If you have the time, visit some of the offshore islands. Chatham and Stewart Islands are quiet and full of wonderful wildlife expeditions and have a good selection of lodges and self-catering accommodation.
Travel Tips
- From the top of Mount Eden you can take in Auckland Harbour and all its skyscrapers like nowhere else. Spend a few days luxuriating in the city before tackling some of the country's water and mountain sports. Hotel DeBrett and SKYCITY Grand Hotel Auckland are both classic hotels. For a romantic detour ask your concierge to help you reserve and Auckland Harbour dinner cruise.
- Just south of Hawke's Bay, the Art Deco city of Napier is a beautiful place to spend an evening in for its lovely green parks, its palm-lined streets and its quirky collection of art deco buildings. It’s also home to many lovely beaches and to some of the country’s best wine lands, like the Church Road and Mission Estate wineries.
- Don’t pass up a chance to spend an afternoon tramping through the emerald tracks of Abel Tasman National Park. If you don’t feel like hiking along the inland trails there are scenic boat tours by companies like Sea Limousines, that bring you to secret beaches and turquoise swimming inlets.
- Extreme sports enthusiasts and nature lovers will fawn over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Hire one of the eco tours like Ice Walks or Valley Walks, and try out the Salmon Farm Café. The Te Waonui Forest Retreat at Franz Josef Glacier and the Distinction Te Weheka at Fox Glacier are two of the best places to bunk down in the region.
- One of New Zealand’s top attractions are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, which you explore by boat. Luminescent worms dangle above you and shine their eerie light on top of tourists' heads below. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. also brings tours through the nearby Ruakuri Cave, also packed with dazzling glowworms.
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