New Zealand
New Zealand is an adventurers paradise and though it’s geographically small, the sweeping landscapes seem immense with their mountain peaks, remote valleys, sparkling beaches, scenic fjords, age-old Maori culture and forward-looking cities.
Discovered over 1000 years ago, New Zealand is the youngest country on earth. In fact it was the last landmass to be discovered. Maybe it is the country’s relative youth that gives it the sense of freshness, vitality, enthusiasm and engagement. New Zealand captures all with its passion, the friendliness of its people, its fascinating culture; obsession with sport and stunning natural beauty. Consisting of two islands; North and South, you will be simply spoilt for choice with what to do and how to do it.
To capture the incredible scenic diversity of the North Island, take a road trip. Head up to the Bay of Islands for fabulous sailing and world class deep sea fishing. Keep heading north and discover the bays of Takou, Whangaroa, Doubtless and Great Exhibition. For the drive of a lifetime, come back down the west side from Cape Reinga, the most northern point of New Zealand, and travel along 90 Mile Beach. South of Auckland, head to the Coromandel peninsula and then hit the tourist hot spot of Rotorua; all boiling mud and sulphur jets. If you fancy more fire and brimstone, take a helicopter ride to White Island which is New Zealand’s most active volcano.
From the city of Wellington, an inter-island ferry will transport you across the Cook Strait and up the Charlotte Sound to arrive at picturesque Picton. North of Picton is the arty town of Nelson which borders the Abel Tasman National park – a myriad of colours with golden sandy beaches and emerald green hills. If you head south from Picton, you will find yourself amongst the wonderful vineyards of the Marlborough Wine Country, home to the renowned Cloudy Bay. In contrast to the regal splendour of the vineyards, gaze at the majesty of the whales in Kaikora. Majesty of a natural kind can also be found at the famous Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
South Island’s Queenstown sits in the most stunning location surrounded by the Remarkables (Mountain Range) and framed by the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is New Zealand’s adrenaline city – you name it, you can do it; bungee jumping, jet boating, white water rafting, gliding, skydiving, tramping, climbing, horse riding and fishing. Enjoy the beautiful scenery before heading to the must see destination of the Milford Sound. A boat trip will lead you out past vertiginous sides of glacial valleys, with abundant bird and sea life on view.
Head to Stewart Island to see the world famous Kiwi and enjoy world class crayfish and abalone. You may even be privileged enough to capture the aurora australis (Southern Lights).
Though the island nation is geographically small, the sweeping landscapes seem immense with their jagged mountain peaks.
