Travel New Zealand
New Zealand is renowned for its scenic beauty. The country is divided into two islands by the 22 mile wide Cook Strait, and each island makes a distinctive contribution to the landscape and culture of the country. Apart from its beautiful scenery, New Zealand also offers a fascinating fusion of traditional Maori culture and western culture, giving rise to a diverse population that is renowned for its hospitality. Below we feature some of the top attractions that should be included in all New Zealand holidays and tours.
Auckland
The North Island city of Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and has a laid-back cosmopolitan feel. Clean and safe, Auckland is an ideal place to explore on a walking tour, with Viaduct Basin a particular popular destination with its waterfront cafes, restaurants and nightclubs. The city is also home to one of the world’s finest marine aquariums, Kelly Tarlton’s underwater world.
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is a scenic destination located close to Auckland on the east coast of the North Island. Not only is the bay noted for its beautiful scenery, but it is also one of New Zealand’s premier fishing destinations, and is a Mecca for game fishing. The area offers more than fishing, with dolphin watching and boat trips along the coast also amongst the activities enjoyed in the Bay of Islands.
Rotorua
Like many Pacific islands New Zealand has its fair share of volcanic and seismic activity, and Rotorua has built a vibrant tourist industry around its volcanic hot springs, which feed a number of spas. The bubbling mud pools of Rotorua with their spectacular geyser eruptions are also popular amongst tourists.
Taranaki
Taranaki is best known for the large, conical active volcano that gave the region its name. The region’s capital is the laid back town of New Plymouth, where you’ll find wide black-sand beaches, clusters of coastal islets, and some of the best surfing breaks on the island. A highlight of a visit to Taranaki is walking or hiking in the foothills of the volcano.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a jewel set amidst the spectacular, rugged terrain of New Zealand’s South Island. The town has an Alpine feel, and nestles between the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding lakes and mountains. The town is a Mecca for adventure tourism, with popular activities including skiing, river surfing, bungee jumping, mountain biking and jet boating on the lake.
Discover these highlights of New Zealand, along with many other exciting and interesting holiday destinations , on an escorted tour with a trusted tour operator.
