Posts Tagged ‘New Zealand holidays’

The land down under and to the left a bit is the stunningly beautiful archipelago of New Zealand. The native Maori call it Aotearoa, or the land of the long white cloud: we know it as New Zealand. This small and sparsely populated nation packs quite a punch in the travel stakes: from adventure sports to culture and cuisine. If you are planning to travel to New Zealand, you need to know the must sees and must dos.

Most visitors who travel to New Zealand start their journey in Auckland. The waters around Auckland are considered one of the most biologically diverse marine areas is the world. One of the best ways to get up close and personal with some New Zealand natives is by taking a whale and dolphin cruise in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. For a bird’s eye view of the city sign up for the Auckland Harbor Bridge Climb – guaranteed exhilaration and Auckland from an entirely different perspective.

From Auckland head directly to Queenstown. Queenstown is New Zealand’s capital of action. For adrenaline junkies this is your paradise: you can choose between jet boating, bungee jumping, skiing, snowboarding and other rush inducing activities.

Just outside of Queenstown are some of the country’s most famous wineries and there are several tours that will take you to sample the best that the vineyards have to offer. This is the perfect way to unwind after the rush of Queenstown or to gather your energies for another round of fun.

From Queenstown you can travel through the beautiful scenery of Otago to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt. Cook. Taking a helicopter ride over the mountains is a once in a lifetime experience and a chance to appreciate the magnificent beauty of New Zealand.

Despite being claimed by Britain as a colony, the indigenous people of New Zealand have retained their vibrant, rich and soulful culture. Even today Maori culture and traditions inflect many aspects of life in New Zealand. There are many places throughout the country that offer the chance to get to know Maori culture when you travel to New Zealand. No trip to Aotearoa, as the Maori call it, should slide by without experiencing their interesting heritage.

In Christchurch you can have a very special Maori experience at Ko Tane. Located inside the Willowbank Nature Reserve, Ko Tane is a living Maori village set up just the way life was before the Europeans arrived. At Ko Tane you will receive a traditional Maori greeting ceremony and learn all about the rich and fascinating Maori culture.

On the northern island, Rotorua is the place to go to see some fierce geothermic activity in action. At the Wai Ora natural hot springs in Rotorua you can soak in the mineral mud baths and enjoy the healing powers of the spa that have been used by Maori people for around one thousand years.

New Zealand is a breathtakingly beautiful country blessed with a rich past and a prosperous present. Being geographically small it is easy to travel to New Zealand and around it; it has lots to see and do and remains an affordable holiday destination.

Planning to travel to New Zealand, then visit Dorcas Chras’s site on how to choose the best New Zealand holidays and vacation ideas.