New Zealand is one of the world’s most interesting countries because of its remoteness, culture and natural beauty.
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General introduction to New Zealand
New Zealand consists of two major islands (North and South Island) and numerous smaller islands in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean. Geographically, it’s the most isolated country in the world, being about 1500 km away from Australia.
Due to its long isolation, New Zealand has developed a unique biodiversity of flora and fauna, with many endemic species found only here. Among these, the most famous are the unique bird species. The country is geologically very active, located on fault lines where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common.
Polynesian immigrants first settled on the island around the 13th century, creating the unique Maori culture. In 1642, Abel Janszoon Tasman, a Dutch explorer, was the first European to sight the island.
After a long hiatus, in 1769, British explorer James Cook sailed here and mapped the main outlines of the islands. In 1840, the British and Maori signed the Treaty of Waitangi, making New Zealand a British colony.
Its official languages are English, Maori, and New Zealand Sign Language.
The capital is Wellington, located at the southern tip of the North Island.
New Zealand attractions – North Island
One of the two large islands forming New Zealand, separated from the South Island by the Cook Strait. Its southernmost point is home to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.
Here is the World Heritage Site Tongariro National Park and New Zealand’s largest and Oceania’s second-largest lake, Lake Taupo.
Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city, located on the North Island. It’s consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities.
Its most famous building is the Sky Tower, at 328 meters, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. The top of the tower houses two restaurants and a café, one of the restaurants operates as a revolving observatory at 190 meters, completing a 360-degree rotation every hour.
For those who love adrenaline-filled adventures, the Sky Jump is available, where you can jump from the tower in a bungee jumping-like experience.
The wide swath of Waitemata Harbour divides Auckland into two and is the city’s most important natural attraction. The Auckland Harbour Bridge spans this bay.
If you only want to visit one museum, make it the New Zealand Maritime Museum! The exhibits trace the country’s history from the arrival of the first Polynesians. Additionally, it displays Maori canoes and outrigger boats, whaling gear, as well as old tools and artifacts.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a massive neoclassical building built in memory of soldiers who fought in World War I. Its most interesting exhibits are the Maori galleries and the natural history collection.
The city’s symbol, One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie), is a volcanic cone. At its summit is a large obelisk above the grave of Sir John Logan Campbell. It offers a beautiful panorama of the city.
Another great viewpoint is Mount Eden (Maungawhau), also a volcanic cone, closer to the city center.
Waiheke Island
One of the most popular excursion destinations, easily accessible from Auckland.
About 8000 people live here year-round, and the island’s villages host art galleries and a thriving café culture, while numerous white sandy beaches line the coast.
Bay of Islands
Located in the north, the „Bay of Islands” is one of the country’s most popular fishing, sailing, and tourist destinations. It consists of nearly 150 islands, with many secluded, quiet bays and sandy beaches.
The sea is teeming with life; with luck, you can spot whales, dolphins, penguins, and sailfish or swordfish. Not surprisingly, it’s a popular destination for cruise-goers, sailors, and international sport fishermen.
Paihia is the main base town, the waterfront being the hub for dolphin and whale watching trips, as well as picturesque city tours. Just a few kilometers away is a popular tourist spot, the Haruru Falls.
Coromandel Peninsula
Heading southeast from Auckland, you reach the entrance to the peninsula, the town of Thames, an ideal starting point. The interior of the island is a wooded area with valleys, while golden sandy beaches are perfect for relaxation on the coast.
What makes the peninsula interesting is that, thanks to volcanic activity, some of the coastal areas have warm waters.
Rotorua
This is one of the world’s most active geothermal regions, making the city an important center for both international and domestic tourism. Lake Rotorua lies in the caldera of a volcano that erupted about 240,000 years ago.
Its most famous attractions include the nearby Lady Knox geyser, which erupts daily at the same time, shooting a water column about 20 meters high. Another is the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal lake, which steams in various colors.
Since a large portion of the population is Maori, there are several Maori villages, museums, and other cultural features.
Waitomo Caves
A cave near the city of Hamilton, famous for its glowing inhabitants.
Beneath the cave lies another, accessible by boats, known as the Glowworm Cave. However, the stunning blue glow is not caused by fireflies, but by another insect’s larvae. It’s like looking at a starry sky.
Hobbiton Village
I guess many of you have already figured out that we are talking about one of the main filming locations of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
The houses of the hobbits can be visited in the area near the town of Matamata, needless to say, it’s an extremely popular tourist attraction.
Tongariro National Park
One of the world’s oldest national parks, featuring high volcanic peaks, turquoise lakes, dry plateaus, alpine meadows, and hot springs.
The most popular tourist trail is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, from which two peaks (Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruhoe) can be climbed. Several scenes from The Lord of the Rings trilogy were filmed here.
Lake Taupo
New Zealand’s largest lake. It was formed in the caldera of the Taupo volcano following a supervolcanic eruption about 26,000 years ago. There are still volcanic hot springs under the surface of the lake and in the surrounding area.
The town of Taupo, on the lake’s northeastern shore, is an important tourist center.
Napier
This small city in Hawke’s Bay is famous for its art deco architecture. The city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 and rebuilt in art deco and Spanish mission styles.
Every February, Napier celebrates its heritage with the Art Deco Festival, a celebration of the 1930s style, including vintage cars, fashion, and music.
Wellington
New Zealand’s capital and its second-largest city after Auckland. It is the southernmost capital city in the world.
One of its most popular attractions is the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. The museum places a strong emphasis on the country’s dual – Maori and European – heritage and the multidisciplinary presentation of its collections.
For a great view of the cityscape, choose the Wellington Cable Car. The five-minute journey ends at the Kelburn lookout point, offering a stunning view.
The parliament building, „The Beehive” is also uniquely designed. This distinctively shaped building is one of the city’s most beautiful architectural elements.
The Wellington Botanic Garden, established in 1868, is a 25-hectare oasis filled with blooming floral displays and native wildlife. The Lady Norwood rose gardens in the botanical gardens are one of the most beautiful sights, covered with various types of roses in 110 beds.
New Zealand attractions – South Island
Bordered by Cook Strait to the north, the Tasman Sea to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the south and east.
The north-south-running Southern Alps divide the island into two parts. The highest point of the mountain range is the 3754-meter-high Aoraki/Mount Cook. The South Island has 18 mountain peaks exceeding 3000 meters above sea level.
The western part of the island is famous for its rocky coastlines, dense bushlands, and also home to the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier.
Milford Sound
New Zealand’s most famous fjord and popular tourist destination, located on the South Island in Fiordland National Park, within the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area.
The northernmost fjord of New Zealand’s fjord region was formed in the valley of a glacial system from the last ice age. It extends 15 kilometers from the Tasman Sea into the mainland. The fjord is flanked by steep cliffs and mountains on both sides, each around 1200 meters high. The highest peak, named Elephant for its shape, rises to 1517 meters.
The fjord’s side is home to two major permanent waterfalls, the Lady Bowen Falls and the Stirling Falls. After heavy rains, which are common in this area, hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascade down the steep cliffs.
A primary attraction of the fjord is the Mitre Peak, close to the end of the bay, making it visible even to those who stay on land.
Christchurch
The largest city on the South Island and New Zealand’s second-largest city. It’s officially the oldest established city in New Zealand. Often referred to as the most English city outside England.
The Canterbury Museum is among New Zealand’s premier heritage sites. Its permanent exhibitions of international renown include collections on Antarctica, the geology and natural history of the Canterbury region, the history of the local Maori and European settlers.
Another major attraction is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, one of the country’s oldest and largest botanical gardens, directly connected to the Canterbury Museum complex.
The International Antarctic Centre showcases Antarctic expeditions and wildlife with numerous artifacts and interactive presentations.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
The park covers more than 40% of glaciers and includes the country’s highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, and the longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. It is a primary destination for mountaineering.
Mount Cook Village is an excellent starting point for exploring the park. There are many trails in the park, with several smaller and larger lakes nestled in the shadows of the enormous mountains.
Franz Josef Glacier
Named by Julius von Haast, an Austrian geologist who organized expeditions here in the 1860s.
It used to reach the sea, but due to long-term climate warming, it now ends at an altitude of 300 meters above sea level. It was two kilometers longer a hundred years ago but stopped receding in 1965.
The glacier is most easily accessible from the Franz Josef Glacier tourist center, where you can walk up to the glacier’s end. There’s also an option to view it by helicopter and even land on the glacier.
Kaikoura
A favorite spot for bird and wildlife enthusiasts and seafood lovers.
It is the main starting point for sea excursions, where many whales, sperm whales, and dolphins can be seen during tours.
It’s worthwhile to explore the nearby Kaikoura Peninsula on foot along the Dr. James A Mills track. There are stunning views of the sea.
Abel Tasman National Park
One of the sunniest regions of the South Island, offering fantastic beaches to visitors.
There are excellent hiking opportunities in the park, where you can walk among giant granite rocks and see numerous animals, including rare species.
One of the most popular paths is the Abel Tasman Coast Track, which largely follows the coastline. It’s a well-developed trail, starting from Marahau village.
