Visit New Zealand

To travel in New Zealand is to explore a new world. Indeed, this is a set of Islands that is rich in landscape diversity, cultural mix, as well as active vacations choices. Traditional Polynesian houses to huge skyscrapers, New Zealand has everything you could wish for an unforgettable adventure. Iconic monuments put an explanation point on a land of vast beauty and uncommonly friendly people.

In addition, a host of activities is available for every taste. Museums, art galleries, and architecture sit right alongside indoor and outdoor sporting and other pursuits, making these Islands all the more attractive for locals and visitors. Fine food, roughing it outback, and everything in between, that’s what you get in New Zealand.

Discovering New Zealand

Located about 2000 km from Australia, New Zealand is a slightly isolated country. Moreover, it consists mainly of two islands, one of which, the South, is more vast and mountainous while the other, the North, is more volcanic. The country's history is marked largely by the existence of the Maori, the original inhabitants of these islands, but also by British occupation. The integration of these and other culturally diverse inhabitants, has made these Island truly, one of a kind.

New Zealand is rich in biodiversity too There are numerous animals that distinguish New Zealand from other countries, one such, the kiwi, is a nocturnal bird that is the emblem of the country. There is also the Kea Nestor, the only parrot that lives in the mountains. New Zealand is also famous for its sheep (and superb wool), whales, seals, and even sea lions, among the many other species.

The vegetation is just as exciting, with the famous fern, which is commonly one of the emblems of New Zealand, as well as the giant trees such as the Pohutukawa or the Kauri. The country abounds, of course, with the kiwi fruit, one of the most popular and widespread varieties of fruit. It is also one of the most exported products by New Zealand because it is recognized for its quality. As you can tell, a good deal of New Zealand’s mystique and history revolved around the landscape.

Don't Miss in New Zealand

The main reason for choosing New Zealand as your next destination, besides it being one of the most beautiful places on Earth, is the chance to have a wide choice of places to visit and activities to experience. In the north, you have the city of Auckland, also known as the City of Sails. Activities there include mostly sightseeing, but also water sports like diving, kayaking and canoeing, and of course setting sail.

Start your visit with a brief tour through the Westhaven Boat, the largest marina in the world. At the same time, you can relax at the seaside resort of Takapuna with your family. Art lovers can visit the City Art Gallery, not to mention the Auckland Museum which houses the remains of the fascinating history of the Maori. A passage on the Sky Tower, the tallest building in the South Pacific at 328 m and the Waitomo underground grottoes in and around Hamilton are not to be missed.

The south is characterized by the Southern Alps, which are favorable for winter sports such as skiing and for discovering its highest mountain: Mount Cook. One of its major cities is Christchurch, a picturesque town with old buildings and small Victorian houses. It is an agricultural town, which focuses largely on grain production. As for the other city, Dunedin, its main attraction is Dunedin Public Art Gallery with its New Zealand paintings and masterpieces. Meanwhile, the Otago Museum traces the history of the Maori through typical objects of their civilization.

Adopt the Kiwis

You should also expect your nights to be eventful. The nightlife here is as lively as the geography can be challenging, with a wide variety of options such as bars and clubs. You have Fu Bar or Ink in Auckland or the San Francisco Bath House in Porirua to dance to electro. Film buffs can visit the Rialto Dunedin or Cinema Paradiso in Queenston too. Cultural buffs won’t be disappointed either, New Zealand can be a great place for ballet, opera, concerts, and all the arts. But, it’s sport and the great outdoors that characterize the Kiwis. New Zealand is, another of those “once in a lifetime” destinations.

Budget for one week: An average of 1,750 Euros

Taxes and tipping: Tipping is not common but there should be a tax of 12-13%.

Currency: New Zealand Dollar

Spoken language and/or official language: English, Maori

Major cities: Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch ...

Visa: Passport and return ticket for nationals of the European Union as well as of Canada and Switzerland.

Sanitary requirements: Administratively, no vaccination required. Tap water is potable.

Main images courtesy: Trey Ratcliff; Wikipedia; Phillip Capper

General: New Zealand

• Hotels in Otago
• Hotels in Canterbury
• Hotels in Waikato
• Hotels in Gisborne
• Hotels in Wellington Region
• Hotels in Auckland

New Zealand WEATHER

Now

21° C

Tomorrow

20° C