Travel To New Zealand – Land Of The Long White Cloud
October 24, 2009 by Dorcas Chras
Print It
While it is located at the bottom of the world, New Zealand is one of the world’s top travel destinations. Known as the land of the long white cloud, New Zealand is filled with great travel experiences including extreme sports, rich Maori culture and divine food and wine. Planning a trip to this beautiful country? Here are the top picks of places to go and things to do when you travel to New Zealand.
Tourists who travel to New Zealand typically arrive via Auckland’s international airport. While in Auckland take the opportunity to visit one of the most biologically rich marine parks in the world. On a cruise of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf you will get the chance to see whales and dolphins and other local marine life. Taking a climbing tour of the Auckland Harbor Bridge is a great way to catch a bird’s eye view of the city and an exhilarating experience for those brave enough to try it.
Think of the bridge climb as an appetizer for the adrenaline rush that is Queenstown. If you are an adventure lover, then this is your Mecca. Queenstown is in the business of serious fun. Here you can try bungee jumping, skiing, snowboarding, jet boating and many other activities not for the weak of stomach.
Just outside of Queenstown are some of the country’s most famous wineries and there are several tours that will take you to sample the best that the vineyards have to offer. This is the perfect way to unwind after the rush of Queenstown or to gather your energies for another round of fun.
From Queenstown you can travel through the beautiful scenery of Otago to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt. Cook. Taking a helicopter ride over the mountains is a once in a lifetime experience and a chance to appreciate the magnificent beauty of New Zealand.
Despite being claimed by Britain as a colony, the indigenous people of New Zealand have retained their vibrant, rich and soulful culture. Even today Maori culture and traditions inflect many aspects of life in New Zealand. There are many places throughout the country that offer the chance to get to know Maori culture when you travel to New Zealand. No trip to Aotearoa, as the Maori call it, should slide by without experiencing their interesting heritage.
One of the best places to experience Maori culture is at Willowbank Nature Reserve outside of Christchurch. Within the reserve Ko Tane is a living Maori village. At Ko Tane you can see traditional Maori welcoming ceremonies amongst others and see how life was lived by the Maori before Captain Cook claimed the country for the British.
On the northern island, Rotorua is the place to go to see some fierce geothermic activity in action. At the Wai Ora natural hot springs in Rotorua you can soak in the mineral mud baths and enjoy the healing powers of the spa that have been used by Maori people for around one thousand years.
New Zealand is a breathtakingly beautiful country blessed with a rich past and a prosperous present. Being geographically small it is easy to travel to New Zealand and around it; it has lots to see and do and remains an affordable holiday destination.
Looking to find the best deal on New Zealand holidays, then visit www.yoursite.com to find the best advice when you travel to New Zealand.
categories: New Zealand holidays, New Zealand travel, vacation, family holiday, honeymoon, destination, travel, family,accommodation, hotels, leisure
No related posts.
