New Zealand is a country of islands, comprising two main islands and numerous smaller islands which make up some of the remotest islands in the world. One of the top things to do in New Zealand is to visit the popular Bay of Islands, encompassing 144 undeveloped islands.
Turquoise waters lap at the shores of these islands which was where the European colonization of New Zealand began. It was on these islands that 43 Maori chiefs first signed the historic Treaty of Waitangi paving the way for a takeover of their lands. Today Bay of Islands is a big summertime destination, attracting water adventure enthusiasts to enjoy all that its waters have to offer.
Straddling the Pacific and Indo-Australian Plates, New Zealand is a land of surprisingly varied topography. The Southern Alps form the backbone of the South Island running about 500km down its length with its highest point Aoraki/Mount Cook rising to 3,742 meters. The area around this region known as Fiordland is characterized by stunning fiords popularly called ‘sounds.’ The most famous of these is the Milford Sound with the famed Mitre Peak (Rahotu) rising above its deep blue waters.
Some of the must-see places in New Zealand are in its National Parks. If the fiords of New Zealand’s largest national park are awe-inspiring, the smoldering volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park and the surrounding landscape will leave you mesmerized. Three volcanoes rise prominently in New Zealand’s first national park, drawing sighs of wonder from all those who visit. The indigenous Māori have a deep attachment to the area. They believe that the mountains were once strong warriors who fought among themselves to create the surrounding landscape.
New Zealand is big on adventure activities and where better to experience these adrenaline-pumping thrills than at Queenstown, the birthplace of bungy jumping. There’s a lot more to this playground than hair-raising thrills though. Urban New Zealand is as clean as its pristine surroundings with cities like Auckland and Wellington making it to the top of the lists of most liveable and cleanest cities in the world.
In New Zealand, the journey is as important as the destination, and whether it’s the scenic walking trails or the long drives there’s a lot to keep you mesmerized.
Our visit to Auckland was a learning experience from beginning to end. Tamaki Makaurau as Maori people call it, is a city with singular culture, huge range of outdoor activities, very warm and affectionate people. Most people do not know that Auckland was the capital of New Zealand for 25 years from 1842 until 1865 which led it to become…
New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington is located on the southern end of the North Island between beautiful steep hills and the ocean. Because of its diverse ecosystem, visitors can be climbing up a mountain, going to coffee tastings, touring boutique vineyards, and sailing near the coast all in one afternoon. [booking_product_helper shortname=”wellington”] Wellington Cable…
Queenstown, a sophisticated holiday resort set in the magnificent landscapes of the Southern Alps of New Zealand, is probably one of the prettiest places in the world. Lush mountains rising from turquoise waters may seem too good to be true, but you will just have to trust your eyes! Queenstown is the party capital of New…
One of the largest cities in New Zealand, Christchurch is known for its breathtakingly beautiful parks, gardens, and old historical buildings. However, in recent years the city has been the unfortunate target of a natural disaster. Two massive earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 resulted in the demolishment of almost 80% of its buildings in the…
New Zealand was Oceania’s first country to legalize gay marriage, thus transforming it into a hub for the LGBTQ population of the region. Hence, its cities are extremely open-minded in general, and Auckland’s no exception. So, as LGBTQ travelers looking for gay accommodation in Auckland, we found no shortage of options. We loved the wide…
Despite popular belief, San Francisco doesn’t have the steepest road in the world (or even in the U.S. for that matter). Of course, what’s defined as “steepest” is certainly up for debate. But, Baldwin Street, located just a few minutes northeast of downtown Dunedin, New Zealand is reputed to be the world’s steepest residential street, according…
We’ll go as far as saying that Queenstown is probably South Island, New Zealand’s (NZ) crown jewel. It’s a veritable snow chaser’s paradise and one of the country’s top skiing destinations. That’s not surprising, given that there are not one but three excellent skiing regions less than an hour’s drive from the town center! If that…
There are times where the best thing to do when you’re on a vacation is to stay close to the airport, especially if it’s within easy reach to many family-friendly attractions. That way, you can be entirely sure that you won’t miss your flight and have an unforgettable trip at the same time. Christchurch Airport…
If there’s one place that’ll never fail to amaze you, it’s Auckland. The Metropolitan is packed with tons of diverse attractions. From thrilling activities for adrenaline junkies, natural astonishing sites to magnificent galleries for culture vultures, New Zealand’s most populous city has it all. And if you’re planning on visiting The City of Sails in…
As capital cities go, Wellington in New Zealand might not be as large when compared to those of other countries. But despite its compactness, it is jam-packed with history, culture, and natural beauty. From sandy beaches and engaging museums to leafy parks and delicious cuisine, this North Island city has it all. And when it…
Queenstown is often described as ‘the adventure capital of the world’ for its year-round adventures and bungy jumping. The birthplace of bungy jumping has a smorgasbord of activities to offer adrenaline junkies and the not so adventurous. However, this is not all that defines this resort town on New Zealand’s South Island. Built around an…
Christchurch, with its old-world charm and breathtaking scenic beauty is a popular tourist destination. Acclaimed for its art scene and verdant spaces, New Zealand’s oldest and most populous city sits tucked in the picturesque Canterbury region of South Island. The serene Avon River flowing through the center of this Garden City with a spectacular park along…
Located near the harbor, Auckland is a special city in New Zealand. Nicknamed the ‘City of Sails’, it’s the only metropolis’ and vibrant economy in the country. Apart from outdoor attractions, you’ll also find tons of monuments, museums, and art galleries here. In fact, some of them are the finest in the entire country. In…
Auckland is often the arrival destination for travelers who wish to visit New Zealand. However, this city is more than just a stopover! As one of the biggest cities in the South Pacific, the City of Sails is full of nightlife, bars, restaurants, shopping, and other entertainment. Auckland is an excellent place, and if you’re…
Not only does New Zealand offer some breath-taking views, but by traveling by car, you can benefit from roads that are easy to drive; the traffic is usually at low volumes, which all helps to add to the perfect road trip. If you are planning a holiday to New Zealand, consider one of the following…