new zealand n ew zealand continues to remain one of the world s most sought-after you are sure to have an experience with a sweet and lasting taste yet all of this aside what new zealand is most famous for is its sublime landscapes this is `god s own as the locals know it with the most dramatic and awe-inspiring vistas at every turn even the finest photographers struggle to capture such significant beauty seeing it with your own eyes is the only option so diverse is the landscape that you can expect to start a day dwarfed by rumbling volcanic peaks jouney through dense ancient forests traverse rich fertile plains and skirt shimmering lakes before ending it on a long strech on empty golden sand with polynesian culture and maori heritage weaving through the land you can expect an holistic travel experience innovation scenery culture food and people new zealand has it all destinations those prepared to travel half way around the world are rewarded with the most sumptuous platter travel c
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auckland auckland is known as the `city of sails and there are plenty of reasons to take to the water here not least to explore the twin harbours outlying islands and the clear waters of the pacific ocean the city itself spreads across a dynamic volcanic landscape best appreciated from prime vantage points such as historic one tree hill or the revolving restaurant atop the sky tower the city also features architectural pleasures exquisite colonial gingerbread houses and imposing government buildings set amongst glittering modern glass towers catching and refracting the light from the clear harbour waters the city appears to shimmer queen street auckland s golden mile is the major entertainment and shopping area complemented by parnell and ponsonby leafy inner suburbs with lovingly restored clapboard villas vibrant and `happening districts known for galleries boutiques and al fresco cafés auckland is likely to be your gateway to new zealand and is certainly worth a couple of days to e
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thermal explorer highway beginning in auckland this easily-driven and waymarked self-drive route follows the road south to the thermal plateau and the towns of rotorua and lake taupo ending in hawke s bay amongst some of new zealand s best wine country en route you explore a selection of the country s finest natural wonders day 1 depart from auckland and head to waitomo to visit the glow-worm caves continue on to rotorua a full day in rotorua to visit the thermal springs and geysers and to immerse yourself in some of the region s powerful maori culture drive on to taupo and then spend the afternoon on new zealand s largest lake enjoying a cruise to the giant maori rock carvings spend the morning on the shores of lake taupo exploring the beautiful countryside and then head to napier and hawke s bay in the afternoon a full day exploring the wineries of hawke s bay on an escorted tour giving you the benefit of a knowledgeable local guide day 2 huka lodge near taupo day 3 day 4 day 5 exten
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taranaki mid-way between wellington and auckland on the beautiful west coast is the taranaki region dominated by mount taranaki also known as mount egmont a `perfect symmetrical volcano with ice and snow permanently covering its conelike summit this region is both agricultural heartland and rural backwater offering superb day treks and wild windswept beaches the mountain is the source of over 50 rivers and streams feeding a host of unique plant species and is also the subject of many legends first settled by the maori people eight iwi tribes found their homes here and to this day remain firmly tied to the land the nice hotel new plymouth the nice hotel is located in the heart of new plymouth a short stroll from the waterfront and pukekura park with seven luxurious rooms and one suite the welcome is friendly and the service personal the rooms focus on comfort and style with contemporary artworks sumptuous furnishings and designer bathrooms with double spa baths or massage showers the
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view across the marlborough sounds to picton myths legends ecotours one of our favourite ways to tour the sounds is by cruising in the company of a local maori family your skipper and first mate husband and wife pete and takutai are passionate about this part of new zealand and their enthusiasm is infectious over the course of the trip you will learn about the local maori stories and the amazing biodiversity of the sounds whilst slowly sailing through the sheltered inland waterways their boat tutanekai is a beautiful old two-masted classic launch full of warmth and a somewhat eclectic character named after the hero of maori folklore s most famous love stories this is a charming way to experience one of new zealand s most beautiful areas picton picton comes to life during new zealand s summer months as many visitors pass through on their journey from the north island the hustle and bustle dies down during the winter although the interislander ferry still ships people across the cook st
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castle hill arthur s pass arthur s pass national park snow-capped peaks abound on the route from christchurch in the east to greymouth on the rugged west coast known for many years to the maori as a hunting route between the east and west the pass was first carved into the mountains in 1864 by surveyor arthur dudley dobson and was later joined by the spectacular tranzalpine railway on the western side of the alps where the rainfall is high the park is clad in a dense and varied rainforest and on the drier eastern slopes mountain beech forests and tussock-covered river flats predominate many of the peaks in the national park are over 2,000 metres with the highest being mount murchison at 2,400 metres and so the activities of the area tend to centre around walking climbing and skiing the settlement which has developed at arthur s pass provides a small selection of accommodation options but plenty of information for walkers with day walks that reward trampers with 360 degree mountain view
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south island explorer this extensive two week exploration of the splendours of the south island is ideal for those returning to new zealand for a second visit as it incorporates a few of the lesser-known highlights it also combines perfectly with a tour of the north island for those with the luxury of time day 1 arrive on the south island at picton head out into the marlborough sounds a full day either walking kayaking or relaxing in the marlborough sounds take the water taxi back to picton and drive to the wine country and blenheim a full day to explore the vineyards and wineries of blenheim drive to kaikoura to enjoy a whalewatching excursion then continue to the french township of akaroa on the banks peninsula a full day to explore akaroa and the banks peninsula drive up to arthur s pass spending the afternoon on walking trails in the high country continue to the west coast and explore the gold and jade factories of hokitika drive via the glaciers stopping for a walk or a scenic fli
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heaphy track south island abel tasman coastal track the vast native forests of the abel tasman national park are ringed by iconic golden-sand beaches and crystal clear seas and enjoy one of the sunniest warmest climates in new zealand this three to five-day 51 kilometre tramp takes you along the winding coastline often overlooking the glorious bays and with plenty of chances for swimming this is the easiest of our favourite tramps suitable for all levels of experience with a good network of local water taxis operating along the route it is very simple to choose sections as day walks returning to your accommodation each evening milford track this impressive five-day adventure tramp from te anau to milford sound is renowned for its glacially carved valleys waterfalls primeval forests and alpine flowers it is always wise to expect rain when in fiordland but you shouldn t be disappointed when it comes the result is spectacular small streams become raging torrents in a matter of minutes bef
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treehouse matangi island resort nukubati vanua levu dazzling nukubati is truly secluded sitting in a proposed world heritage area north of vanua levu just inside the great sea reef the resort reflects the simple gracious style of the colonial plantations and the seven spacious bures are simple and fijian in style each with a private sundeck to soak up the solitude even though this is one of the most isolated resorts in fiji the cuisine is superb using the natural stock of seafood available the fabulous coral reef and white-sand beach provide all the entertainment you need this is the perfect hideaway to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the undiscovered northern coast matangi island resort matangi island resort has been owned by the same family for many generations and the personal welcome guests receive is just one of many reasons to stay here set on a 100 hectare horse-shoe island this is minutes away from some of the world s best dive sites rare soft corals are abundant and the d
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outrigger canoe race tahiti the most well-known of the polynesian islands and famed as the `island of love tahiti is both the international gateway and the bustling heart of the country dominated by the peak of mount orohena the island has a rocky coastline intersected by beaches of black sand pounded from the island s basalt by the pacific surf more than 60 of the country s total population live on tahiti and most of these in the capital pape ete a vibrant and crowded city arriving here can be disillusioning and most visitors head straight for the outer islands but although no island paradise tahiti houses many of the country s most important ancient archaeological sites and interesting museums and boasts a wild and untouched interior well worth exploring sofitel maeva beach tahiti recently refurbished to a very high standard the sofitel is one of the best options for a stay in pape ete just minutes from the airport the hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens leading to a beautiful s
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