New Zealand Scenery

Magnificent, and Awe Inspiring - it has it all!

EMERALD LAKES - MT TONGARIRO.......... The area of MT DOOM in LORD of the RINGS

There is no doubt that the Lord of the Rings introduced New Zealand scenery to those who did not know much about this little piece of paradise. Now we really are “on the map!”

Auckland and Christchurch are the two gateways to New Zealand. Many opt to arrive at one and leave from the other. This gives you the opportunity to travel between, covering most of what you will want to see.

Experiencing New Zealand Scenery and Culture

Travel times are longer than many people expect. We are a small country, but being long and narrow, the distances are considerable, and the roads often windy and steep. You also need to allow plenty of time to walk, swim, sightsee, and experience some of the multitude of activities on offer.

As I have a website totally devoted to absolutely everything you need to know for your holiday or vacation in this beautiful country, I suggest you have a good browse around at Holidays in New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND SCENERY-YOU TUBE

You will have to compromise, no doubt about it, but there are some parts of New Zealand that are absolute ”musts.”

More than just New Zealand Scenery!

Queenstown has been voted one of the Top Ten destinations for 2008.The area around this gorgeous town has a wonderful mixture of awe inspiring scenery, adrenaline rushing adventure activity, and many outdoor pursuits. Wineries, arts and craft trails, golf, following the Lord of the Rings..........it is all here.

QUEENSTOWN WINERY

Auckland – locally known as the “City of Sails” is worth spending a few days in, exploring the city and beyond. You can take side trips up to the Bay of Islands, and if you plan on flying to the South Island I would definitely suggest at least a day or two in Rotorua, which is only a three hour drive from Auckland.

The South Island has just so much it is difficult to know where to start. You would arrive at Christchurch airport so that is a good spot! Very English, Christchurch has a lot see and do before you move on. The Nelson and Blenheim areas has lovely beaches, some of the best wine in the world, tramping, kayaking and outdoor activities in the Abel Tasman National Park. The West Coast is gorgeous and another great outdoor location with several well known hiking ( or tramping as we call it) tracks.

PUNAKAIKI WEST COAST OF SOUTH ISLAND

Beaches, Mountains, Bush..............!

With over twenty four ski fields, New Zealand skiing is sought after by those from the Northern Hemisphere wanting to pursue their sport in their summer. Wanaka probably has the best skiing, at Treble Cone or Cardrona, with Queenstown, Canterbury and the central North Island ,Mt Ruapehu all having very good ski fields.

Beautiful Bush

Here the many native birds sing, and somewhere.............. hidden away because they are very shy and nocturnal, are the kiwis. They can be heard if you know what to listen for, usually at night.

Many people come to tramp or hike the many tracks that traverse our mountains, and back country. The thick, lush native evergreen bush is unique to New Zealand.

Interlaced with the bush are rushing streams, rivers, and waterfalls. The opportunity for a bush adventure can range from one day to several, many opting to do the Milford Track, or the Heaphy, or Greenstone, or Routeburn....... or, mmmmmmmmm – there are far to many to list here.

Outdoor Adventure Activities!

Beaches, lakes and caves all offer their own adventure activities. Deep sea fishing, deep sea diving, parasailing, wakeboarding, jet boating, white water rafting, and blackwater rafting, are but a few.

New Zealand, being long and narrow is bounded by the sea, and beautiful beaches .The West Coast is rather wild, the East Coast more placid. Although it can still get rough when the weather is being the boss!

The Adrenaline Rush Awaits

ADRENALINE ACTIVITIES IN QUEENSTOWN

Due to the pioneering spirit brought with our early settlers, New Zealand scenery and isolation inspires innovation and an adventurous streak, which shines through. New Zealand has introduced some unusual activities and inventions to the world!

Take bungy jumping! New Zealand was where bungy jumping all began, inspired by a traditional manhood ritual in Vanuatu. New Zealander AJ Hackett, developed the first bungee which you can still try, in Queenstown. Home to some of New Zealand scenery that will leave you in awe.........I won't say breathless.........you'll need your breath for all the adrenaline rush activities in the area.

There are now a range of adrenaline pumping activities if you like to jump off bridges, buildings and leave your stomach behind! We have over 10 different bungy experiences. Or can you imagine the thrill of walking the perimeter of the Auckland Sky Tower – the highest tower in the Southern Hemisphere? If you who need a more restful experience enjoying the peace and restorative aspects of New Zealand scenery, to let the blood pressure settle, you can have a more benign adventure, swimming with dolphins or whale watching.

There is a plethora of more sedate activities for those of you less keen on the extreme activity. Wine is a very big part of New Zealand culture and touring New Zealand Wineries will bring you to plenty of interesting parts of the country.

Museums , Art, Culture of New Zealand

AUCKLAND WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM

There is a wonderful network of museums throughout the country. Te Papa in Wellington( it means “Our Place”) is our recognised National Museum, but Auckland Museum is another wonderful museum- quite different to the more interactive model in Wellington.

There are many small local museums, that people find fascinating as they show the area history to real advantage. The Matakohe Kauri Museum in Northland is very popular stop, while the Army Museum in Waiouru is a quite different history to tell. The South Island also has many really interesting stories to tell. Arts and Craft Trails are found throughout the country and many of the more rural areas, have people who have escaped the rat race to indulge in their art and craft work in peace and solitude our stunning New Zealand scenery provides.

Maori Culture is fascinating for people from other countries. While they are Polynesian, their songs, dances and rituals are quite unique. Rotorua is probably the single most important city for you to experience Maori culture first hand.You will find a whole section on Maori Culture on my website as I felt it was good for people to know what the traditions and rituals are before they visit. If you know what to expect and what is expected you will enjoy the experience more. Interestingly , the Maori section has proved to be some of my most popular pages along with the New Zealand Scenery videos.

About New Zealand