James Allison
New Zealand is very accessible with modern and efficient transport, quiet roads, plenty of flights and some of the world's most beautiful scenic rail journeys. The scenery is stunning with craggy coastlines, sweeping golden beaches, verdant forests, snow-capped alpine mountains, gurgling volcanic pools, fish-filled rivers and glacier-fed lakes, all beneath a brilliant blue sky.
A tapestry of thriving cities North Island is a tapestry of thriving cities and rich natural scenery from the Bay of Islands to the beaches and rainforest of the Coromandel Peninsula, the pasturelands of Waikato and the thermal springs of Rotorua. Enjoy the National Parks of Tongariro and Egmont and their spectacular landscapes, including the caves of Waitomo, Lake Taupo and the snow-capped Mount Taranaki. On its southern tip lies New Zealand's beautiful capital Wellington.
A truly natural experience The plant and animal life are unmatched, giving opportunities for close-up experiences with birdlife (including kiwis), seals, dolphins and whales. For the energetic there is bungee jumping, caving or whitewater rafting: you can ski or snowboard on world-class slopes, scuba dive in unique marine reserves, sail on exciting waters or play golf on tournament-class courses. Not to forget the cities of Auckland and the capital Wellington: both different in character, but both offering culture in the museums and galleries, world-class restaurants and hotels, and a clean safe environment.
Fiordland national park
New Zealand is famous for it’s national parks and there are heaps to explore. We recommend the Fiordland National Park. A nominated World Heritage area on the south west corner of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s New Zealand’s largest National Park as well as the largest National Park in the world. The scenery is breathtaking you wont believe until you see for yourself. You will witness steep mountains, waterfalls and exotic rainforests. Within the Fiordland National Park you will experience New Zealand’s most beautiful landscape – Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound which attracts thousand of visitors every day. Other attractions include the Routeburn and Milford tracks, two of New Zealand’s Great Walks which pass through 32 kilometres of Fiordland National Parks. There is also the 580 meter high Sutherland Falls to see on the Milford Track, one of thousands of waterfalls in the park.
Zion wildlife gardens
Zion Wildlife Gardens is a private animal sanctuary in Whangarei, New Zealand, dedicated to the preservation of big cats. The park houses many endangered big cats, mainly lions and tigers, and also houses a black leopard, two cheetahs, two servals and a baboon. It was established in 2002 by Craig Busch, who no longer works or lives there but remains a shareholder. While a few of the cats kept are semi-wild, the majority of the cats have been hand reared by the park. The park is the location of the successful documentary series The Lion Man, which documents events at the park and elsewhere.
Auckland
Auckland known as the 'City of Sails', there are more boats per person here than in any other city in the world. Despite Auckland's urban sprawl, the proximity of vast stretches of coastline means that deserted coves and surfing beaches are never more than a short drive (or sail) away; with the added bonus of an agreeable climate, many people feel that the Auckland lifestyle is one to be envied. The city can justifiably claim to be the most sophisticated and cosmopolitan in the country, with a wide range of cultural activities, world-class museums, busy boutiques and shops, and scores of excellent restaurants and bars.
One of the most noticeable features of Auckland is the volcanic cones which randomly dot the city. At one time there were more than 50 volcanoes here. Eventually, 49 of these volcanic cones were used for landfill; the most prominent of those that remain, including Mount Eden and One Tree Hill, provide spectacular viewpoints over the city. If you are visiting on a weekend, the panorama will reveal a flotilla of yachts cruising the harbour waters.
As the main international gateway for New Zealand, Auckland is the initial entry point for many visitors, and a major export centre. As New Zealand builds on historic links and ties itself to other far-flung islands in the South Seas, Auckland has cast itself in the role of 'hub of the Pacific'. With 29 per cent of the country's population (1.2 million people) living within a 40km (25 mile) radius of the heart of the city, you might think it would seem crowded, but Aucklanders have always preferred low-density housing, and even the humblest home has its own garden - hence the sprawling suburbs. For the visitor, this has its drawbacks as, with the exception of the downtown area, it is not an easy city to get around without transport. Unless you have hired a car, the best options are the Auckland Explorer Bus, a hop-on-hop-off tour visiting 14 of Auckland's attractions, with full commentary.
Christchurch
Christchurch is the South Island's largest city and is also one of the liveliest and most attractive in the country. It has long enjoyed the epithet of the 'Garden City', with numerous leafy parks and gardens providing a relaxing backdrop to the well laid-out city centre. An added bonus is the delightful Avon River meandering between the city's Gothic stone buildings. Streetside cafés and trendy wine bars have mushroomed in recent years, adding to the vitality of streetlife, and complementing a vibrant arts scene with numerous festivals, drama and music performances.
