What Are The Highlights Of New Zealand Travel

By Kerri Turner


A magical country at the edge of the world, New Zealand travel is actually very accessible, despite the nation's apparent remoteness. The 'Shaky isles', as the two main islands which make up the country are sometimes nicknamed, offer visitors and residents a massive amount of activities to enjoy and fascinating sights to see. Aotearoa, as the native Maori call it, is well worth a visit, however far away from it you are.

The country is especially well known for the natural attractions it can provide, its wildlife, landscape and coastline. The views are quite spectacular in New Zealand, as anyone who saw the film series based on the 'Lord of the Rings' will testify. Volcanic plateaux, native forests, glaciers, rich farmland and towering fjords can all be seen by the traveller in these islands.

Aotearoa's east coast regions have beaches with white sand, idyllic and peaceful, as well as spectacular in size and aspect. The west coast of the country, in contrast, has beaches which often have black sand. There is great climatic variation in New Zealand too, with the Bay of Islands in the north of the country offering sub-tropical conditions, a contrast with the cool weather in the south.

This rich range of natural habitats make the country very popular with people who enjoy outdoor activities, as well as extreme sports. Aotearoa offers superb routes for hiking and cycling, while camping out in the wilderness is thrilling. Fisherman and water sports enthusiasts like sailors can also find plenty of challenges to keep them busy in the waters around the country.

There are also some modern and vibrant cities to visit, complementing the range of rural attractions on offer. Auckland is an industrial city on the North Island, with its most famous building the Sky Tower, the Southern Hemisphere's tallest building currently. The Maori heritage in this city is strong too, and there are a number of Maori 'pas' or forts which can be visited in close proximity to the city.

Bay of Plenty also has much to offer to visitors as a region. The McLaren Falls Park offers some really breathtaking views, while in Te Puke is a theme park with a difference, celebrating the kiwi fruit. Bird lovers will love to spend time at Ohiwa Harbour, where many thousands of migratory birds congregate at different times of year.

The area surrounding Canterbury and Christchurch is one of the South Island's major attractions. Visitors of a scientific bent may well enjoy a trip to the International Antarctic Centre here, while others will want to explore the wine country around Waipara Valley. If you are feeling romantic, a hot air balloon ride across the Canterbury Plains is likely to thrill you.

A small country which feels like a huge one, New Zealand travel offers a stunning range of experiences for the curious traveller. Whether you travel to the North Island or the South Island, the options available mean that you will never feel at a loose end. If adventure is what you seek, then Aotearoa has it in bucketloads.




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