| New Zealand is one of the most isolated and beautiful | | | | destination in the country. The city boasts the world's |
| countries in the world. Most people think of the country | | | | first commercial bungee jump site. It has also become |
| as being just off the coast of Australia and tend to | | | | a popular destination for skiing and winter sports. |
| lump the two together, in fact over 1200 miles of | | | | Queenstown is situated in some of the country's most |
| water separates the two countries. | | | | beautiful scenery, in a country that is not exactly short |
| On a visit to New Zealand, you can experience some | | | | on natural beauty. |
| of the most dramatic and unspoiled landscapes | | | | While New Zealand is undoubtedly a major destination |
| anywhere on earth. New Zealand boasts | | | | for outdoors enthusiasts, the country also boasts |
| snow-capped mountains, deep blue lakes, forests, | | | | sophisticated cities and a fascinating culture. New |
| geysers and boiling pools of mud. The South Island | | | | Zealand has also been recognized for its quality wines |
| contains most of the country's highest mountains, | | | | in recent years. The country has six major wine |
| including Mount Cook at 12,000 feet; while the North | | | | growing regions and it is possible to spend your entire |
| Island has more volcanic activity. | | | | time here simply touring vineyards. There are over 80 |
| New Zealanders do not take their beautiful country for | | | | in the Auckland area alone. |
| granted, many towns and cities have walking trails and | | | | Auckland, known as the City of Sails, is where most |
| around a third of the land is designated as National | | | | international visitors arrive. It is the largest and most |
| Park. Also, if some parts of New Zealand look vaguely | | | | cosmopolitan city in the country and offers a wide |
| familiar, the country's dramatic and unspoiled | | | | selection of shops, nightlife, galleries and restaurants. |
| landscapes are featured in the Lord of the Rings | | | | Many visitors are surprised at the quality of the dining in |
| movie trilogy. | | | | Auckland - particularly recommended are those |
| One thing that you will immediately notice about New | | | | restaurants specializing in Asian and Pacific Rim cuisine. |
| Zealand is that it is sparsely populated. Sheep | | | | The Maoris were the first inhabitants of New Zealand |
| outnumber people by about ten to one. The sea has | | | | and it is difficult to travel through the country without |
| always been important to the people of New Zealand | | | | coming across reminders of their culture and influence. |
| ever since the Maoris settled on the two islands | | | | The Auckland Museum is a great place to become |
| around 1000 years ago. No place in the country is | | | | familiar with Maori culture. For a more hands-on |
| more than about 80 miles from the sea. | | | | experience, visit the reconstructed and authentic Maori |
| Although the country is sparsely populated, it has | | | | village at Tamaki. One place not to be missed is the |
| become increasingly cosmopolitan, attracting | | | | East Cape, one of the last places where the Maori |
| immigrants from all over the world. Many New | | | | language is part of everyday life. |
| Zealanders are of British descent; there are also many | | | | For much of the 19th century, New Zealand was a |
| immigrants from China, Korea and Japan. Around 23% | | | | British colony and one of the most noticeable things to |
| of New Zealanders were born overseas, one of the | | | | any visitor is how much parts of the country feel like |
| highest such percentages in the world. Visitors as well | | | | Britain. The city of Christchurch, with its squares and |
| as residents enjoy a high standard of living in beautiful | | | | avenues and beautiful Victorian buildings, is perhaps the |
| New Zealand. | | | | most “English” of New Zealand's cities, it |
| New Zealand appeals to lovers of the great outdoors | | | | even has a River Avon running through the center. |
| and in recent years, the country has become one of | | | | The delightful town of Dunedin might have been |
| the main destinations for so-called adventure travel. | | | | transplanted from Scotland. Also, another aspect of |
| You can find it all in New Zealand, white water rafting, | | | | New Zealand life that is good to know, New |
| skiing, hiking, (tramping as it is called here) sky-diving, hot | | | | Zealanders drive on the left. |
| air ballooning, kayaking and swimming with sharks. Also, | | | | Most visitors leave New Zealand with a favorable |
| for the true thrill-seeker, the most extreme of extreme | | | | impression. It is a country that really does have it all, |
| sports, bungee jumping. | | | | wonderful scenery, vibrant cities, excellent food and |
| Queenstown has become the unofficial capital of | | | | wines and a fascinating culture. |
| adventure sports as well as the most visited | | | | |