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About New Zealand
New Zealand is a country of magnificent
scenery (showcased so spectacularly in The Lord of the Rings
film trilogy). Its two main islands stretch from the
sub-tropical north to the temperate south, making it a land of
great contrast. The beaches, lakes, forests, glaciers and
mountains of the great outdoors are matched by vibrant towns
and cities, making New Zealand the perfect holiday
destination.
There’s plenty to see and do from adventure
tourism to quiet times enjoying the internationally acclaimed
New Zealand wines
and excellent fare at our many superb cafes and
restaurants up
and down the country.
Here’s just a sample of what’s on offer.
Auckland
Auckland in the northern North Island is our largest city. It
is known as the Gateway to New Zealand and the City of Sails.
It is also the world's biggest Polynesian city with Maori and
Pacific Island people adding to the city's vibrant culture.
Auckland is home to many fine galleries and museums, including
the Auckland Museum, the Auckland City Art Gallery and the
Hobson Wharf Maritime Museum.
There’s plenty to see and do. Take a
harbour cruise or relax at the beach. Get up close and
personal with penguins and sharks at Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic
Encounter and Underwater World. Enjoy theatre, great shopping
including local markets, and a remarkable array of
restaurants. And get a great look around from the Sky Tower –
at 328 meters, it’s one of the world’s tallest structures.
Rotorua
No visit to New Zealand is complete without taking in the
sights of Rotorua in the central North Island. Rotorua is a
geothermal wonderland. It’s a world of bubbling mud pools,
spouting geysers and steaming hot pools. The area is steeped
in Maori history and is a wonderful place to visit to learn
about and enjoy aspects of Maori culture. (We recommend you
visit Tamaki Maori Village (four times winner of the national
heritage and cultural tourism awards) and Whakarewarewa
Thermal Village). Another popular attraction is Rainbow
Springs where you can see New Zealand wildlife in a natural
bush setting, including kiwis and tuatara (New Zealand’s
‘living’ dinosaur). The region is also home to lakes and
rivers ideal for water sports and some of the country’s best
trout fishing.
Wellington
Wellington is built on largely on hills surrounding a
beautiful harbour at the southern tip of the North Island. As
well as being the nation’s political capital, Wellington is
known as New Zealand’s arts capital. It is home to the New
Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Royal New Zealand Ballet,
opera companies, theatre, art galleries, and Te Papa - our
award-winning national museum. Other attractions include the
Cable Car, Botanic Gardens and the Carter Observatory as well
as great shopping, cafes and restaurants.
Nelson
The Nelson region is next to Marlborough at the top of the
South Island. It is known for its great climate, boutique
wineries and wonderful array of seafood. The region includes
the Abel Tasman National Park and the Nelson Lakes National
Park and is perhaps best know for its spectacular bush and
coastal walks. Many of New Zealand’s finest craftspeople live
and work in the Nelson region. If you’re arts inclined, you
will also enjoy visiting one of our finest regional art
galleries, the Suter Art Gallery.
Queenstown
The alpine resort of Queenstown in Central Otago is one of New
Zealand’s most popular holiday destinations. There you’ll find
some of New Zealand’s most striking scenery with snow-capped
mountains rising dramatically from lakes and the valley floor.
Attractions include skiing, white water rafting, bungy
jumping, jet boating, helicopter sightseeing adventures,
paraponting, mountain biking, horse riding and parachuting.
More gentle pastimes include golf, lake cruises on the
historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, the Skyline Gondola ride, and
visits to Walter Peak Station (a high country farm) and the
historic goldmining village of Arrowtown. Central Otago also
has a growing reputation as a wine-producing region. |
