NEW ZEALAND TOURS

Most begin their trip on the north island, home to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, and its most populous city, Auckland. Each represents an excellent entry point, Auckland emerging as a metropolis amidst some impressive natural splendour, most notably the volcanic cones that sprout from both the sea and the land. Flanked by the vast harbour that perpetuates the popular New Zealand pastime of sailing, Auckland offers a strong first impression of the country.

Wellington, located on the southern tip of the north island, is far more compact and offers a fine blend of New Zealand’s richness culture in art, food, music and architecture. 

Further north will bring you to the Bay of Islands, renowned for its fishing and dolphin-watching, as well as the many secluded coves that pepper the pretty coastline, while the small, but popular town of Rotorua is blessed with temptingly relaxing thermal spas and dramatic geysers.

Though the north island, which homes around three-quarters of the country’s population, is certainly the most populous, many regard the south island to be the more spectacular.

Giving over much of its land to mountains, lakes, rivers and valleys, the fairly sparse south island’s key destinations are dictated by its natural landmarks.

The quintessentially English-influenced city of Christchurch on the eastern side of the island is often the first port of call, the colourful and quiet city centre offering a tempting starting point at the beginning, or recovery at the end, of your adventure. Punt along the River Avon and take a stroll through the many gardens to get the best from this refreshingly relaxed city.

Christchurch’s serene atmosphere is certainly at odds with the south island’s other notable tourist mecca Queenstown, which has established itself as the capital of adventure tourism in New Zealand. Flanked by the beautiful Z-shaped Lake Wakatipu and the distinctive ‘jagged tooth’ Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown offers shots of adrenaline with its plethora of exciting options.

Indeed, Queenstown is something of an adventure playground, with the chance to ski, snowboard, bungee jump, skydive, luge, parasail, mountain-climb, mountain bike and raft, among others, an attraction that has made it an imperative stop on any New Zealand tour, particularly amongst the fearless. Even for those less enamoured with the idea of high-octane thrills, the incredible views atop the gondola is worth the trip alone.

Natural grace is not in short supply in New Zealand, however, and most vantage points offer views that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. Many gravitate towards the extraordinary Fiordland National Park on the south-western peninsula to have their breath taken from them.

Made up of fiords carved from glaciers, Fiordland National Park is best viewed by water or by foot on one of the many walking trails. Though much of the park remains undiscovered in an attempt by the New Zealand government to keep human development and access to a reasonable limit, the sheer size means you will still be spoiled by the magnificence around you.

Milford Sound fiord, once regarded as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, is considered possibly New Zealand’s finest angle, with a view that can only be truly enjoyed once you’ve stopped peering at it through the camera lens. With waterfalls and cliffs, notably Mitre Peak, Milford Sound may be perched at the edge of New Zealand, but the reward is very much worth the effort.

Cities, landmarks and natural wonders aside, New Zealand’s appeal goes beyond its destinations, the inherent friendliness of the people and the intriguing culture endowing the country with a bevy of attractive attributes.
Isn’t it time you said ‘Kia Ora’ to New Zealand in 2013?