Is it any wonder? Since Hollywood has launched New Zealand on world movie screens with epic blockbusters, such as the 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, and nearly every million online requests for information are growing every year, even beating up favorites like Hong Kong and London.
New Zealand consists of two main islands, North and South, the size of Colorado. With a population of about 4 million people and English as the main language, you can expect a warm welcome and a fantastic vacation. There is also a strong, vibrant Maori culture, reflected in the frivolous mood of people and the pride of their heritage.
From the west coast of the United States, a direct flight to New Zealand is 12 hours. Next to the Australian continent, New Zealand shares the Australian love of sports and has 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 high mountain peaks and glaciers to volcanoes and bubbling mud springs. And here is a surprise. It is also very English. Lush green fields and hills, reminiscent of English countryside and village life, never look so far away.
Major attractions and landmarks.
Bay of Islands on the North Island.
The absolute necessity is to see on your trip. A magnificent natural treasure for those who love to go out on the water. Catch a ferry or charter boat and immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere. Stroll around the sea kayak to and from island nooks and entrances. If you have always wanted to swim with dolphins, do it here. Many operators in the region offer excellent trips to the breathtaking Cape Brett and the “Hole in the Rock”. on the island of Piercy.
Memories of a colorful past live in the settlements of this historic bay. Take time to see well-preserved relics of both Māori and Europeans, in romantic Russells, Paihia, Waitangi or Kerikeri.
Rotorua. What scares you?
Known for its amazing geothermal earth forces, this fascinating region offers you more than natural beauty; it is also a very spiritual place. Manaakitang is a deeply rooted concept in Maori culture. This is a local task to offer visitors the best experience.
The famous city of New Zealand three times, the gardens of Rotorua, the cobbled streets and the various combinations of Maori and English Tudor architecture, make the city a significant difference. In addition to the urban center, against the background of geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes, you remind you that this region lies directly above the Pacific Ring of Fire.
By the way, in the Hall of Gates of Rotarua there was a “Black Gate of Morodor”, shot for the “Lord of the Rings” Trilogy.
Release a little. Steam flies out of cracks in the ground, gardens bloom along bubbling craters and geysers shoot into the sky.
Spa therapy. Good packing. 160 years after the first Europeans arrived at the spa in Rotorua, today visitors still enjoy the therapeutic properties of geothermal resources. Mineral pools, mud wraps and massage will leave you rejuvenated and ready for more.
Awe cooling in Glacier Country.
Nowhere in the world are time zones accessible to glaciers. On the West Coast of the South Island, the remains of the ice age cascade from the vast snow fields of the Southern Alps to the valleys, almost 1,000 feet above sea level.
You can enjoy excursions to explore the stunning ice formations. Or take off on a picturesque flight and land among the highest peaks of New Zealand with a view of the glaciers. The two most famous villages are Franz-Josef and Fox Glacier, good bases for planning your glacier study days.
Milford Sound. Your eighth wonder of the world?
Legendary writer Rudyar Kipling was a well-traveled man. He called Milford Sound "the eighth wonder of the world."
The Milford Sound Hotel is located in the south, in the heart of Fiordland National Park, which is a World Heritage Site. Traveling through the clear, still-flowing waters of Fiord, you will find magnificent sights such as the impressive Mithra Peak and the Stirling Falls.
With the highest rainfall in New Zealand (I think your feet are not inches!) So expect rain when you visit. However, when it pours, the waterfalls that appear around are simply amazing.
Watch out for wildlife such as dolphins, penguins and seals, which are often seen in their natural habitat. Go on a scenic cruise and take a breath in the capricious majesty of the Fjord in your red Milford Sound boat. Another attraction is the Deep Underwater Observatory from Milford. Get down 30 feet below the surface and admire the exciting marine life, with anemones, sponges, fish and rare red and black coral in their natural habitat.
Discover Middle Earth.
According to the winner of Oscar Peter Jackson, New Zealand was the only landscape on the planet that could provide sensational places for Tolkien on Middle Earth. You can go on a search tour and visit key areas featured in films such as the Southern Alps and Queenstown. Make sure you stay at Matamata, not far from Hamilton (two hours south of Auckland) and be surprised at how the landscape turned into the peaceful village of the Hobbit the Hobbit.
Auckland. The largest city.
Wellington is actually the capital, but Auckland is the place where many visitors first set foot in New Zealand.
Imagine the urban environment in which everyone lives for half an hour of beautiful beaches, walking routes and dozens of charming island islands that are located in Auckland.
It is located on the North Island and is called the city of sails. Know why? He has more boats per capita than in any other city in the world. Almost completely surrounded by water and covered with volcanic hills, the city boasts an excellent 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 want to stay.
Auckland has a pleasant subtropical climate with mild winters (June, July and August) and warm, humid summers (December, January and February). Remember that the seasons are canceled here, so plan your vacation accordingly.
Accommodation for every taste.
For visitors to Auckland there are all kinds of accommodation.
Websites, such as www.hotel.com.au, offer a wide range from backpackers to low-cost international hotels. Since the North Island is visited by more visitors than in the south, it pays to check what is there when you plan your trip.
Act. Adrenalin. Anticipation.
Auckland is the best choice if you are interested in wide open spaces and physical activity. Above the ground, you can go bungee jumping, skydiving and parachuting.
On the ground you can go hiking, mountain biking, skiing, ride horses, rock climbing and z z ... Under the ground you can go landing on the surface, rafting in a cave and hydro-gliding; and on the water, you can go on boarding in jet water, sledding with white water, rafting, boogie boarding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing and diving. If there is a difficult and complicated way to get from one point to another, you can do it in New Zealand.
If you are looking for several less exciting activities such as retail therapy, many stores in Auckland are open seven days a week. Bars, restaurants and nightclubs welcome patrons at night.
Regardless of whether you stop for a week or plan to spend a month exploring everything in the Land of the Long White Cloud, New Zealand will make you feel at home.
