NEW ZEALAND

     

 

 

Kia Ora!
From mountain peaks to deep fiords to rolling plains, New Zealand’s landscapes offer incomparable beauty and adventure and excitement for you.  It’s an unspoiled nation of remarkable vistas, with more than half the country protected as national park or reserve land.

Just to get an idea of how large New Zealand is...it is almost the same size as the state of California.  The country is made up of three islands: the North Island, South Island, and Stewart Island. Each area is known for its own special treasures.  Why don't you go EXPERIENCE it for yourself!!!

 

New Zealand Regions

The North Island, Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua The North Island is home to the international gateway, Auckland – a city located between two harbors and devoted to sailing culture. Auckland is a cosmopolitan city, with a population of over one million. It boasts a thriving cultural scene, with museums and galleries. The Auckland Museum houses the world’s largest collection of Maori artifacts. In the far north, the Bay of Islands is home to uncrowded beaches, ancient kauri forests, and fruit-growing areas. It’s a great place for golf, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and dolphin watching. The region is also home to much of New Zealand’s colonial history, including the Waitangi Treaty House, location of the treaty between the British and the Maori — the country’s first settlers, Polynesians who arrived about a thousand years ago.       Rotorua, toward the center of the North Island, is an area steeped in Maori culture. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre, or take part in an evening "Hangi" (feast) with a traditional song and dance show. You can even visit a replica Maori village, to learn what life was like in New Zealand before the arrival of European settlers. The region’s active geothermal features include boiling mud pools, spouting geysers, and natural spa pools. Between Rotorua and Auckland are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, featuring yawning caverns filled with stalagtites and stalagmites, and an underground river lit only by the eerie glow of tiny creatures high above. At the southern end of the North Island lies Wellington the capital of New Zealand. Here, you can visit the Parliament buildings, botanic gardens, or the acclaimed Te Papa Museum of New Zealand. With over 350 restaurants, bars, and cafés, Wellington has more dining choices than New York City, why wait?

The South Island, Christchurch and Queenstown

The South Island is home to some of New Zealand’s most striking landscapes… perfect for outdoor adventures.

Christchurch, the “Garden City,” is also called the “most English city outside England.” The largest city on the South Island, it is filled with beautiful parks and gardens, through which the Avon River runs. Whale-watching, visiting the International Antarctic Centre, punting on the Avon, hot air ballooning, and wine tasting are some highlights of a visit to Christchurch.

Gayle Zielke, president of First Choice Travel and Cruise said the Antarctic Centre was a great stop to visit and one of best places to find souvenirs for the whole family.   

 

Toward the center of the South Island, Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand. Activities include jetboat rides, garden tours, lake cruises, helicopter flights, bungy jumping, golf, skiing, gondola rides, guided walks, fishing, skydiving, wine tasting, and much more. If there’s any outdoor activity you crave, chances are you can find it in Queenstown! By far the most popular activity is the trip to Milford Sound, including a launch cruise on this stunning fiord.

 

Dunedin, New Zealand’s oldest city, is located on the southern coast. It is home to Edwardian heritage buildings, museums, galleries, and New Zealand’s first university. The nearby Otago Peninsula is a haven for wildlife, including seals, dolphins, albatross, and penguins. 

 

Discovering Queenstown, New Zealand's Adventure Capital!

Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, boasts practically every outdoor and adventure activity imaginable - bungy jumping, fishing, golf, hang-gliding, hiking, horseback riding, jet boating, rafting, skiing, skydiving and more! For relaxation, rejuvenate with a spa treatment, shop for arts and crafts in nearby Arrowtown, or explore the surrounding Central Otago area, New Zealand’s fastestgrowing wine region. Queenstown is a delightful year-round adventure town situated on stunning Lake Wakatipu with a backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range.
 

Milford Sound Red Boat Cruises

Nestled in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is described as the “Eighth Natural Wonder of the World”. The only way to truly appreciate the splendour of this area is to enjoy a spectacular Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise. A cruise is the perfect way to discover the beautiful scenery of this famous fiord, including the incredible Mitre Peak and stunning waterfalls that crash down into the serene waters. Wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins are often seen in their natural environment. The Milford Sound Red Boats cruise along the southern side of Milford Sound out to the Tasman Sea and return up the northern side, stopping at all points of interest including Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls and Seal Point.   

 

Great Sights Milford Sound Day Tour

Travel to Milford Sound with Great Sights and enjoy a Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise. The Great Sights trip from Queenstown and Te Anau operates daily.. 365 days of the year.

 

Encounter Cruise

The Encounter Nature Cruise doesn't travel a set path like other cruises. They go where the wildlife is, and stop when there is something to see.  Adapt to the conditions to make sure you get to see the most interesting aspects of this unique environment.

They are also the only nature cruise to go into Deepwater Basin to view the end of the Arthur River and the end of the famous Milford Track.

 

NEW ZEALAND KIWI TIPS

Kiwi's are the nickname for people from New Zealand. The name comes from the flightless bird which is native to New Zealand and also the national symbol.

Language
English is the common language of New Zealanders. The Maori people have their own tongue, which is the country's only indigenous language.

Entry Formalities
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months following your departure from New Zealand. A visa is not required for US citizens for stays under 90 days.

Time Zones
Pacific Standard Time + 19 hours (+18 hours during Pacific Daylight Time).

Shopping
Monday through Thursday, 9am-5:30pm. Fridays, 9am-9pm. Exceptions: In some areas, late night shopping is Thursday, and in most cities shops are open Saturday mornings. Some shopping malls are open Sunday. New Zealand is perhaps best-known for its sheepskin products, but you will also find paua shell (abalone) and greenstone (jade) jewelry, woodcarvings, and many other handicrafts.

Tipping
Tipping is not the custom, nor are service charges added. In restaurants, for special service, 10% is an appropriate amount. For taxi drivers or porters, NZ$1 will suffice for normal service.

Climate
Temperate climate - subtropical in the north,and colder in the alpine regions of the south.

Food
The traditional Maori feast is the hangi - food cooked in baskets, in the ground, over hot stones, similar to a luau. There's no shortage of good meat and fresh vegetables. Fish and shellfish are always available, although if you are a trout lover, you must catch your own. The Bluff oyster is seasonal (April to July), but cultivated rock oysters are available fresh almost year 'round. A traditional dessert is the pavlova - meringue covered in loads of whipped cream, topped off with fresh fruit. The major cities have a wide range of excellent restaurants serving cuisine of many different nationalities.