New Zealand combines the best of the world's un-spoilt beauty in one country. You'll find the glacial mountains of Switzerland; fast-flowing rivers and deep lakes of Scotland and Ireland; the abundant native forests of Canada and the American Northwest, and fjords, geysers and boiling mud of Scandinavia, all rolled into one. You would struggle, however, to find much of its flora anywhere else in the world. And while the word 'Maori' means 'ordinary', the friendliness shown by New Zealand's oldest natives is better described as 'exceptional'.
South Island, the larger of New Zealand's two main landmasses, is home to The Southern Alps, including New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Cook. On its coast, you will find it's largest city, Christchurch, known both as 'the Cambridge of the southern hemisphere' and the "Garden City". In the south-west, there is the 'adventure capital of the world', Queenstown, where skiing, jet boating, bungee-jumping, mountain biking and 'tramping' (hiking) can be enjoyed. North Island is less mountainous and best known for its geothermal wonders. It's also home to New Zealand's largest city and sailing port, Auckland, as well as the capital, Wellington.
New Zealand's varied landscape, award-winning climate (voted number one by Condé Nast readers in 2006) and friendly people, have made it a popular location not just for tourists but also for TV and film productions, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Top accommodation
- 01. Kauri Cliffs
- 02. Huka Lodge
- 03. The Lodge at Paratiho Farms
- 04. Blanket Bay Lodge
- 05. Eichardt's Private Hotel
