When people talk about New Zealand travel, their audience's first response is often something to do with hoe far away the 'Land of the Long White Cloud' is from anywhere else. New Zealand is more accessible than many people think though, and there is plenty to see and do there. Anyone heading to the 'Shaky Isles' as the country is often nicknamed, should ready themselves for the trip of a lifetime.
One of the major attractions of Aotearoa, to give New Zealand its native Maori name, is its natural beauty. The landscape, ocean views and wildlife that the country offers is hard to beat anywhere in the world. A few trips among its mountains and fields will make it immediately apparent why the films based on the 'Lord of the Rings' were filmed here.
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.
Travellers to New Zealand will also find much that appeals in the Bay of Plenty region. McLaren Falls Park enjoys a reputation as a destination for courting couples, with its breathtakingly romantic views, while there is also a theme park in the area which is based around the kiwi fruit, the region's most famous export. Ohiwa Harbour offers more peaceful spectacles, as it is a haven for thousands of birds, both migratory and resident.
Visitors to the South Island will want to head to the region around Canterbury and Christchurch. The International Antarctic Centre is situated here, although some people may prefer to take a hot air balloon trip over the Canterbury Plains. After all that, a glass of wine from the famous vineyards of the Waipara Valley is probably in order.
Aotearoa is a small country, but it has the landscape and feel of a much bigger nation. Suitable for curious voyagers of all types, New Zealand travel can open up a whole new chapter of adventures in your life. Whatever kind of experiences you are seeking, Aotearoa can find many things which will keep you busy.
One of the major attractions of Aotearoa, to give New Zealand its native Maori name, is its natural beauty. The landscape, ocean views and wildlife that the country offers is hard to beat anywhere in the world. A few trips among its mountains and fields will make it immediately apparent why the films based on the 'Lord of the Rings' were filmed here.
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.
Travellers to New Zealand will also find much that appeals in the Bay of Plenty region. McLaren Falls Park enjoys a reputation as a destination for courting couples, with its breathtakingly romantic views, while there is also a theme park in the area which is based around the kiwi fruit, the region's most famous export. Ohiwa Harbour offers more peaceful spectacles, as it is a haven for thousands of birds, both migratory and resident.
Visitors to the South Island will want to head to the region around Canterbury and Christchurch. The International Antarctic Centre is situated here, although some people may prefer to take a hot air balloon trip over the Canterbury Plains. After all that, a glass of wine from the famous vineyards of the Waipara Valley is probably in order.
Aotearoa is a small country, but it has the landscape and feel of a much bigger nation. Suitable for curious voyagers of all types, New Zealand travel can open up a whole new chapter of adventures in your life. Whatever kind of experiences you are seeking, Aotearoa can find many things which will keep you busy.
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