The Land of the Long White Cloud- New Zealand

New Zealand is a hidden pearl, the home of adventure,tourism, the beautiful scenery, culture, friendly people and much more. One of the top holiday countries in the world! The variety of activities available in New Zealand are just mind blowing! The Land of the Long White Cloud- New Zealand

Why New Zealand? 

 (the food and wine are first class).

Queenstown–

“Adventure capital of the world”– is everything they say it is—and much, much more. This compact city is being overwhelmed by tourism. It’s surrounded by beautiful peaks, narrow streets filled with restaurants and shops, beautiful crystal like lake, trails and parks.

Fiordland–

“Home to numerous Lord of the Rings film locations”– located in the south western New Zealand, the region is considered one of the country’s most scenic and remote. Filled with swelling rivers, deep lakes mountains, untamed forests If you want to experience New Zealand’s nature come here.

The Homer Tunnel is just one of the many amazing features on the Milford Road one of the world’s finest drives, which takes you from Te Anau to New Zealand’s number one attraction Milford Sound.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. Breathtaking in any weather, the fiord’s cliffs rise vertically from the dark waters, from as high as 1000 meters. When it rains in those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect.

During the day or overnight boat cruise are an excellent way to experience the Sound. To learn more about the local marine life, visit the underwater observatory at Harrison Cove. 

Lake Tekapo

One of New Zealand’s iconic photo locations is on the shores of Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd. Close to the church is the well-known bronze statue of a New Zealand Collie sheepdog. The statue was commissioned by Mackenzie Country residents in 1968 recognition of the indispensable role of the sheepdog in their.

Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve

Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga offers the ultimate northern New Zealand experience. It is the most significant (spiritually) place in New Zealand. For Māori, history and legend it is here that after death, Maori spirits begin their final journey. The ‘Reinga‘ part of the name is the Māori language word meaning the underworld -Māori belief that the cape is the point where the spirits of the dead enter the underworld.

Cape Reinga offers the ultimate northern New Zealand experience. See two oceans collide and discover the place of leaping. At the Cape, the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in a spectacular swirl of currents.

Roys Peak

This is a very strenuous uphill hike.(The track is closed for lambing from the 1 October – 10 November each year.)In winter you will need to carry and be able to use alpine equipment .The top section of this track has challenging avalanche terrain. Take in breathtaking views over Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring / Tititea and surrounding peaks after a steep climb through alpine meadows and tussock grasslands to the summit.

Wharariki Beach

The northernmost point of the South Island of New Zealand. An easy walk along the most spectacular coastline in the region, passing through farmland and forest. The best time to visit is at low tide, when you can walk the length of the beach and take in spectacular coastlines, caverns, islands, and enormous sand dunes along the way. The beach is a typical wild west coast beach, with some awesome rock formations.

Brighton Pier

The beaches are popular for surfing and sunbathing. In the most “English city outside of England”, the town truly feels like an English seaside resort with its long stretching beach and its pier. But it’s New Zealand and wildlife is very close by and abundant. Standing over 7 m tall above the high tide line and stretching 300 m toward the horizon, the iconic New Brighton pier is one of the most impressive piers in New Zealand.

Abel Tasman National Park

The Abel Tasman National Park is an easily-accessible coastal paradise Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park – but it’s perfect for relaxation and adventure. Inviting sandy beaches fill the spaces between trees and tide line. Crystal clear streams, rush down valleys to join the ocean. The beautiful beaches and azure water, the hiking is beautiful, with giant ferns, huge, trees, and a temperate climate. If you really want to see this beautiful park, kayak around. This lets you explore the tiny beaches and coves that make the area so special.

The Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls

The Waireinga/Bridal Veil Falls it is an attractive easy walk through native forest following the Pakoka River to the top of the Waireinga/Bridal Veil Falls. The two viewing platforms at the top of the falls provide spectacular views of the falls and surrounding countryside.

The Huka Falls

The Huka Falls is located in the Wairakei Tiusrist Park. Normally up to 100 m wide,( 328’) This causes a huge volume of water to collide through the rocky gorge, forming the powerful falls and rapids. Huka Lodge is a world-class luxury lodge located on the banks of the Waikato River upstream from Huka Falls. Founded in the 1920s, Huka Lodge is an iconic New Zealand retreat. You can take a thrilling jet boat ride with Huka falls Jet or a cruise on board Huka Falls River Cruise.

Lake Wakatipu

Shaped like a lightning bolt, Lake Wakatipu is the third largest lake in New Zealand. Because of its unusual shape, Lake Wakatipu has a ‘tide’, which causes the water to rise and fall about 10 centimeters every 25 minutes or so. Maori legend links this phenomenon to the heartbeat of a huge monster named Matau, who is said to be slumbering at the bottom of the lake.

Larnach Castle

Discover New Zealand’s only Castle, built 1871 by William Larnach.

Larnach Castle is one of New Zealand’s premier visitor attractions, award winning gardens, luxury accommodation, event management and unique dining experiences. Larnach Castle has received numerous national and international accolades.(it’s open daily from 9 am – last entry to the Castle is at 5 pm during the summer months October 1^st to March 31st the Garden is open until 7 pm.)

Matauri Bay

From the hills surrounding Matauri Bay, there are panoramic views to the nearby Cavalli Islands. This panorama, seen when approaching Matauri Bay by road, has long been known as “the million dollar view”. Well worth the drive in itself, this view gives a hint of the treasures to be found on this sublime stretch of Far North coast.

Auckland Museum

The worlds most extensive Maori and Pacific Island Collection located within one of New Zealand’s most iconic and outstanding heritage buildings, where exciting stories of New Zealand people, the Pacific, flora, fauna and land forms of this beautiful and unique island.

The Pancake Rocks

The Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast. These ancient formations are a true wonder of nature-and they really do look like pancakes! Looking like giant pancakes the curious limestone formations are especially spectacular at high tide in a westerly sea.

Te Rewa Rewa Bridge

Te Rewa Rewa Bridge opened on June 5, 2010 as part of the extension of the Coastal Walkway, making possible a 12.7 kilometer off-road route for cycling, walking, running, skateboarding and rollerblading.

This trail leads from Ngamotu Beach in the west through to Bell Block beach in the east. The bridge has quickly become a proud piece of Taranaki with a couple of international awards already to its name

Wellington

Wellington is the capital city and second most populous urban area of New Zealand, with only 412,500 residents. It’s situated at the southern end of the North Island and it was recently named “the coolest little capital in the world” famous for a vibrant culture well culinary blessed, great wine, craft, coffee and awesome events.Wellington is a cosmopolitan city with an energetic personality.

Christchurch

is a must-visit destination when backpacking in New Zealand. Though severely damaged by earthquakes in the last few years, it’s becoming a brand-new city. There are plenty of fun and interesting ways to spend time here without spending too much. Learn about the real impact of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and see for yourself how the city is reviving. While there’s still a lot of open space from demolished buildings, you’ll also find a lot of new construction. Christchurch hosts markets across the city all year round.

Māori people,originated with settlers from eastern Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand between 1250 and 1300.Over several centuries the Polynesian settlers developed a unique culture, language, a very rich mythology,crafts and performing arts.

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This list only scratches the surface of what there is to see and do in breathtakingly beautiful New Zealand.

There’s also Raglan for surfing, Hammer Springs for hot springs, the Coromandel, the Bay of Islands, Wanaka and Mt. Cook for hiking…get the idea?

Everyone will definitely find something to enjoy in this beautiful country filled with adventure, the beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife – they are plenty of activities to see and do in the country.

Every season provides a different view of the awe-inspiring scenery.

Go visit. It awaits!

PHOTO CREDIT PIXABAY.COM  UNSPLASH.COM