All The World Wants To Travel To New Zealand

Is it any wonder? Since Hollywood launched Newyour days exploring the glaciers.
Zealand big time onto the world's cinema screens withMilford Sound. Your eighth wonder of the world?
epic block busters such as Lord of The Rings, KingLegendary writer Rudyard Kipling was a well traveled
Kong and The Chronicles of Narnia, everyone wantsman. He called Milford Sound the "eighth wonder of the
to visit.world."
In fact, New Zealand is one of the most popular travelStill down South, Milford Sound lies at the heart of
search destinations, with almost two million onlineFiordland National Park, a World Heritage area. Cruising
searches for information each year, even beating outthe clear, still waters of the Fiord you'll encounter
firm favorites such as Hong Kong and London.magnificent sights, such as the awe-inspiring Mitre
New Zealand consists of two main islands, North andPeak and Stirling Falls.
South about the size of Colorado. With a population ofWith the highest rainfall in New Zealand (think feet not
around 4 million and English as the main language, youinches!) so expect rain when you visit. However, when
can expect a warm welcome and a fantastic vacationit pours, the water falls that appear all around are
experience. There is also strong, vibrant Maori culturesimply amazing.
reflected in the easy going attitude of the people andKeep a lookout for wildlife such as dolphins, penguins
pride in their heritage.and seals often seen in their natural habitat. Go on a
From the West Coast of the United States, a directscenic cruise and gasp at the moody majesty of the
flight to New Zealand is a bearable 12 hours. Close toFiord in your Milford Sound Red Boat. Another
the Australian continent, New Zealand shares theworthwhile attraction is the Milford Deep Underwater
Australian love for sport and having a good time.Observatory Option. Descend 30 feet below the
Think Hawaii meets Switzerland.surface and marvel at spectacular marine life, with
Where else can you find so many different types ofanemones, sponges, fish and rare red and black coral
scenery and breathtaking landscapes in one country!in their natural habitat.
From towering mountain peaks and glaciers toDiscover Middle Earth.
volcanoes and bubbling mud springs. And then there'sAccording to Oscar winner Peter Jackson, New
the surprise. It's so very English too. The lush greenZealand was the only landscape on the planet that
fields and rolling hills reminiscent of the Englishcould have provided the sensational locations for
countryside and village life never seem that far away.Tolkien's Middle Earth. You can set off on your
Major highlights and attractions.voyage of discovery and visit the key areas featured
The Bay of Islands on the North Island.in the films such as The Southern Alps and
An absolute must-see on your trip. A magnificentQueenstown. Make sure you stop at Matamata, near
natural treasure for anyone who enjoys getting out onHamilton (a couple of hours drive south of Auckland)
the water. Catch a ferry or charter boat and immerseand marvel at how the landscape was transformed
yourself in the unique atmosphere. Paddle a sea kayakinto the peaceful hobbit village of Hobbiton.
in and out of island nooks and inlets. If you haveAuckland. The largest city.
always wanted to swim with dolphins, do it here. ManyWellington is actually the capital, but Auckland is where
operators in the region offer excellent trips tomany visitors first set foot in New Zealand.
spectacular Cape Brett and the 'Hole in the Rock' onImagine an urban environment where everyone lives
Piercy Island.within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and
The townships of this historical bay are alive witha dozen enchanting holiday islands, that's Auckland.
memories of the area's colorful past. Take time out toIt's located on the North Island and called the City of
see the well-preserved relics both Maori and European,Sails. Know why? It has more boats per capita than
in romantic Russell, Paihia, Waitangi or Kerikeri.any other city in the world. Almost entirely surrounded
Rotorua. What's bubbling you?by water and covered with volcanic hills, the city
Known for its amazing geothermal earth forces, thisboasts a superb harbor and a population of 1.3 million
fascinating region offers you more than natural beauty,people. Add a background rhythm of Polynesian
it's also a very spiritual place. "Manaakitanga" is aculture, a passion for outstanding food, wine and
deep-rooted concept in Maori culture. It's a localshopping - and you'll want to stay.
challenge to offer visitors the best experience possible.Auckland has a pleasant subtropical climate with mild
Voted New Zealand's Most Beautiful City three times,winters (June, July and August) and warm, humid
Rotorua's gardens, cobbled streets and diverse mix ofsummers (December, January and February).
Maori and English Tudor architecture, give the city aRemember the seasons down here are reversed, so
significant point of difference. Beyond the urban centre,plan your vacation accordingly.
a backdrop of geothermal steam, volcanic mountainsAccommodation to suit every taste.
and huge crater lakes remind you that this region restsFor visitors, Auckland has all types of accommodation.
immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire.Web sites such as offer a range from backpacker to
Incidentally, Rotarua's Hell's Gate Reserve was wherebudget to luxury international hotels. As the North Island
the "Black Gate of Morodor" was filmed for The Lordattracts more visitors than the South, it pays to check
of The Rings Trilogy.what's out there as you plan your trip.
Let off some steam. Steam escapes from crevices inAction. Adrenalin. Anticipation.
the ground, gardens bloom alongside bubbling cratersAuckland is a top choice if you're interested in wide
and geysers shoot for the sky.open spaces and physical activities. Above the ground
Spa therapy. A good wrap. 160 years after the firstyou can go bungee jumping, parachuting and skydiving.
Europeans arrived to 'spa' in Rotorua, today's visitorsOn the ground you can go hiking, mountain bike riding,
are still enjoying the therapeutic properties of theskiing, horse riding, rock climbing, and 'zorbing'.
geothermal resources. Mineral pools, mud wraps andUnderground you can go surface caving, cave rafting
massage will leave you feeling rejuvenated and readyand hydro sliding; and on the water you can go
for more.jet-boarding, white-water sledging, rafting, boogey
The thrill of chilling out in Glacier Country.boarding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing and scuba diving. If
Nowhere in the world's temperate zones are glaciersthere is a difficult and challenging way to get from one
so accessible. On the West Coast of The Southpoint to another you can do it in New Zealand.
Island, remnants of the ice age cascade from the vastIf you're looking for some less exhilarating activities,
snowfields of the Southern Alps to valley floors,such as retail therapy, many Auckland stores are open
almost 1,000 feet above sea level.seven days a week. Bars, restaurants and nightclubs
You can enjoy guided excursions exploring stunning icewelcome patrons well into the night.
formations. Or take off on a scenic flight and landWhether you are stopping for a week, or planning to
amidst New Zealand's highest peaks overlooking thespend a month exploring everything in The Land of
glaciers. The two most famous villages are FranzThe Long White Cloud, New Zealand will make you
Josef and Fox Glacier, good bases from which to planfeel right at home.