New zealand

Do you want a holiday that gives you the opportunity to sample different cultures, discover amazing landscapes, meet unusual creatures and tackle new challenges that is close to home. Look no further than New Zealand.

Ask a New Zealander and they will tell you its God's own country and the "Paradise of the Pacific". But we must concede, in so many ways New Zealand deserves this description. However, the most common mistake for travellers it not allowing sufficient time to travel throughout New Zealand. If you want a holiday that is affordable, relaxing but also involves some adventure, then you should discover or rediscover New Zealand.

Some of the highlights are:

Remember those school camps where you would huddle up in basic cabins, tell ghost stories and get acquainted with a long drop? Relive those memories with your family and friends at a DOC hut, located along the Department of Conservation’s tramping tracks. Get back to basics and enjoy the peace and quiet without the TV or mobile phones.

New Zealand wine is definitely something they are proud of, and their Pacific Rim-style cuisine is pretty impressive, too. Enjoy both at a winery restaurant, where an expert sommelier will recommend an exquisite wine to complement every dish, and you can dine alfresco among the vines – a treat well worth a weekend escape to one of New Zealand’s fabulous wine regions.

Although New Zealand wine often hogs the limelight, when it comes to tourism, their locally brewed beer are just as honorable. Breweries are scattered around the country from quiet rural brewpubs to busy inner-city boutique breweries, and each has its own unique style: organic Pilsners, Belgian beer, decadent chocolate beer and dark lagers with strong hops are just some of the brews on offer.

In the Maori language, the word Maori means “normal” or “ordinary”. But the Maori culture is far from ordinary – it is special and unique to New Zealand.. There are many Maori experiences throughout the country where you can learn about their intriguing culture, experience their warm hospitality and be inspired by the traditions that have been passed on through generations.

We all know that New Zealand consists of two main islands, but did you know that over 60 small islands make up the country as well? Stewart Island and Waiheke Island are great places to kick back on a beach, but if you want to get off the beaten track, then check out the Poor Knights Islands (Tutukaka), Kapiti Island (Paraparaumu) and White Island, an active marine volcano just off the coast of Whakatane.

Literally thousands of tracks and trails are entwined through both the North and South Islands – deciding on what track to tackle first is the hard part! That’s why DOC has compiled a list of Great Walks featuring New Zealand’s premier walking tracks, all of which will test your endurance and blow your mind.

For more information on any of the areas featured in this blog, contact World Travel Professionals to speak with one of our consultants. We encourage and welcome all user comments and aim to use our blog to interact with our interested readers!