National Parks - Reserves
June 28, 2008
Fourteen spectacular national parks preserve New Zealand’s natural heritage.
Enshrining a huge variety of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife, our parks allow you to discover the heart and soul of a country that will never be totally tamed.
From the golden beaches of Abel Tasman to the alpine environment of Arthur’s Pass to the immense Whanganui River, New Zealand’s national parks contain some of our most treasured wilderness areas.
In a marine reserve, all marine life is protected. Nothing can be taken or disturbed.
From your point of view, this level of protection is great for two reasons - there’s more to see, and what you’re seeing isn’t afraid of you.
New Zealand’s first marine reserve was established in 1975 in an area north of Auckland known as Goat Island. It was one of the planet’s first no-take marine reserves. The fish in this reserve have had more than 30 years to get over their fear of humans. Today they play around you like puppies.
New Zealand is a country that prides itself on its 100 % Pure image. Its environmental record has consistently been rated as one of the top 10 countries in the world. Environmental protection is part of New Zealand’s heritage through the principle of Kaitiakitanga or guardianship, with one third of New Zealand’s land protected for conservation.
Every one of our marine reserves, and there are more than 25 of them, preserves an area that is valuable because it’s typical, unique or extremely beautiful. For example, Fiordland’s marine reserves protect the world’s largest black coral trees - some over 300 years old.
One of our most famous marine reserves is the Poor Knights, where subtropical currents, huge caves and archways support an extraordinary range of life. This reserve has been called one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.
Copyright: 1999-2008 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.
Photo: Above Mueller Glacier, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Mount Cook National Park is a top spot for spectacular alpine scenery. All but one of its 29 peaks is over 3000m, so the park has become New Zealand’s mountain climbing mecca. Non-climbers can enjoy a selection of challenging alpine walks – from the one hour Red Tarns stair-climb to the relatively flat hike to Kea Point. Region: Christchurch - Canterbury
Photographer: David Wall (www.davidWallPhoto.com)
Walks and Trails
June 28, 2008
The simple act of putting one foot in front of the other is the best way to appreciate New Zealand’s pristine outdoor environments. By spending time on tracks and trails, you can use all your senses to absorb the extraordinary beauty of national parks, conservation areas, coastal zones and forest reserves.
9 Great Walks of New Zealand
There are no walks on earth quite like the nine Great Walks of New Zealand. Find out which walk is best suited for you and see highlights of other visitor’s walking experiences.
Read more about the 9 great walks of New Zealand here
Often you’ll be faced with a number of choices. Do you want to walk for 30 minutes, three hours or three days?
Our national parks have vast networks of tracks that make it easy to find a walking experience that matches your fitness level and the time you have available.
Or maybe you’re coming to New Zealand with a particular walking adventure in mind - like the Milford Track in Fiordland or the volcanic Tongariro Crossing in the North Island.
Take your pick from a multitude of intrepid on-foot adventures that will entice you to journey far beyond the reach of civilisation.
Copyright : 1999-2008 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.
Photo: A walk in the park. Step out onto the land and discover the spectacular beauty of the Southern Lakes region. From short walks to overnight hikes, there are well-marked hiking trails to suit all levels of outdoor experience. Professionally guided walks provide insights into the area’s fascinating history, geology and plant life. Region: Lake Wanaka
Photographer: Lake Wanaka Tourism (www.lakewanaka.co.nz)
Scenic Views
June 28, 2008
Wherever you travel or study in New Zealand, there’s always an opportunity to put yourself in front of a fabulous view.
Fantastic urban panoramas can be found at the top of Mount Eden and One Tree Hill in Auckland, Mount Victoria in Wellington, the top of the Port Hills in Christchurch and Flagstaff Hill in Dunedin.
Other vistas around the country can be more difficult to access, but are definitely worth the effort. These include the views from the summits of Mount Iron in Wanaka and Mount Hikurangi on East Cape.
And there are many views that don’t require any climbing at all, such as the weird boulders at Moeraki on the Otago Coast and the outrageous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.
Art adds another dimension to the sights you’ll encounter in New Zealand. Paddle a kayak to the rock carvings at Mine Bay in Taupo or walk the streets of Katikati, where intricate murals record the town’s history.
Copyright: 1999-2008 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.
Photo: Rocky mountain high. A feeling of freedom goes without saying high amidst the pastures of the Southern Alps. If you don’t have the fitness to get here under your own steam, a helicopter can land you in the mountain meadow of your choice. The icy peaks of Mt Tutoko and Mt Madeline can be seen in the distance. Region: Queenstown
Photographer: Miles Holden (www.milesholden.com )
Natural Phenomena
June 28, 2008
Ice ages, fault lines, volcanic zones and tectonic plate movements have all made their mark on New Zealand. Ours is a dynamic environment, sandwiched between two oceans and perched on the Pacific Ring of Fire.
When extreme events happen below or above the earth’s surface, unusual scenery is often the result.
Take the south-western corner of the South Island as an example. Here a procession of ice ages wrought an impressive collection of fiords.
Further up the coast, there are two glaciers that refuse to believe the ice age is over - they’re still creeping down into the rainforest.
For absolute in-your-face phenomena, the North Island never fails to satisfy. Active volcanic regions, including a marine volcano that you can walk through, are outward expressions of internal turmoil.
Take a wander through the geothermal areas around Rotorua and Taupo - fumaroles, craters and geysers are endlessly fascinating. And what about boiling mud? It has to be the strangest thing you’ll ever find in a public park.
Copyright: 1999-2008 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.
Photographer: David Wall (www.davidWallPhoto.com)
Coastal highlights
June 28, 2008
On the east coast the Pacific Ocean plays along bays and beaches where white sand, surf and calm harbours provide enormous scope for fun.
On the west coast the Tasman Sea, notoriously wild, breaks against rugged cliffs, weathered rocks and long, soulful stretches of black sand.
If you’re an ocean-loving person, there are road journeys that will keep you in touch with the sea every step of the way.
Northland has the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, a touring route that includes both the east and west coasts. In the far south, the trip along the Catlins coast is famously photogenic.
Taranaki’s Surf Highway 45 is a west coast experience for people who want to find some of the best surf breaks in the country.
Pack your sandals, shorts and sunblock, and always be prepared for spontaneous picnics. Wherever you are in New Zealand, you’re never far from a day at the beach.
Copyright: 1999-2008 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.
Photographer: Ian Trafford (www.iantraffordphotos.com)
Lakes of New Zealand
June 28, 2008
A lake in New Zealand can be a destination in itself or a moment of tranquillity on the way to somewhere else.
Many of the North Island’s lakes are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions.
The biggest of these crater lakes is Taupo - it’s the size of small country and one of our top trout fishing destinations. You can also catch trout in many of Rotorua’s crater lakes.
Dune lakes are an interesting phenomenon. At Kai Iwi in Northland there are three beautiful dune lakes fringed with pure white sand.
Near Levin on the west coast of the North Island, the dune lake Papaitonga is edged with wetlands that are great for bird watching.
Most of the South Island’s lakes were born from the same kind of glacial action that created the fiords.
Lake Te Anau is the largest, covering an area of 344 square kilometres. Lake Manapouri is often regarded as the most beautiful - it has 34 islands and is 440 metres deep in places.
Copyright: 1999-2008 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.
Photographer: Gareth Eyres (www.exposure.co.nz)
Accommodation in NZ
June 28, 2008
Backpackers
Backpackers’ lodges and youth hostels add character and flavour to your New Zealand travelling experience. A comfortable bed is just the beginning.
If you’re travelling with a pack on your back, there are hundreds of places to rest your head and share stories with like-minded people.
New Zealand’s backpacker lodges and youth hostels have a reputation for being clean and comfortable. Very good value too!
Some lodges are individually owned and operated, others are part of a backpackers’ network. Room types vary from lodge to lodge. Some only offer dormitory rooms (single sex on request), others provide a choice of dormitory, double, twin and single rooms.
In most cases, bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared. Communal dining and living areas are great for meeting people and finding out about where to go next.
If you’re not travelling with a sleeping bag, you can hire bed linen. Laundry facilities are available so you can catch up on washing.
Exclusive
Do you feel like succumbing to serious indulgence? These are the properties in New Zealand which offer the most luxurious of times in the most beautiful surroundings.
See some of the most spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer through your window. Have your every need taken care of in the most individual kind of service.
Dine on the finest gourmet cuisine and enjoy the rarest, highest standard of facilities.
This Exclusive category brings together the very finest, most intimate, exclusive and highly unusual establishments New Zealand has to offer.
As escapes from the norm for the discerning these stunning properties together offer the pleasures of Balinese spa treatments, private golf, fishing, boating, clay pigeon shooting, wilderness adventures, individual eco-tours … almost whatever your heart desires. In a class of their own, these establishments are extremely accommodating and utterly luxurious.
Guest and hosted
Personalise your experience by choosing an interactive style of accommodation. Discover the world from farmstays to luxury lodges - the choice is yours.
It’s a customary challenge to New Zealanders to offer visitors the very best experience and welcome through the concept of manaakitanga.
This is especially obvious when you are the guest of locals at their farm, country inn, lodge or home. Your hosts local knowledge will add a whole other dimension to your holiday.
Often they’ll take you with them on adventures, or simply recommend good picnic spots or local entertainment.
You can expect a comfortable, attractive bedroom and your bathroom may be ensuite, private or shared. Lounge and dining areas are usually shared with other guests. In most cases breakfast is included with lunches and dinners optional extras.This is un-packaged, sociable-style accommodation that brings you into the fold of New Zealand’s people and culture.
Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast accommodation is a wonderfully eclectic mix of all types of hosts and houses, and this is part of its attraction.
By opening their homes and their hearts to travellers who need a comfortable bed a night or two, B&B hosts are like instant friends you meet along the way. You have your own room in the host’s house and you’re served breakfast in the morning.
Boutique Accommodation
A treat for the night or for your entire holiday, boutique accommodation represents a high standard of amenities and comfort combined with individuality and flair.
‘Boutique’ establishments are almost always historic or heritage buildings or landmarks with great character and probably also a story behind them. The food is wonderful and breakfast is often included in the tariff.
The locations are as diverse as the style of boutique property and yet always small, intimate and quintessentially New Zealand.
Farmstays
Wake to the smell of a hearty farmstead breakfast. Maybe help on the farm if you feel like it; feeding the calves, mending a fence, rounding up the sheep. This kind of accommodation lets you feel like part of the farming family.
Homestays
Become one of the family in a New Zealand home. Homestay accommodation is always comfortable and your hosts friendly and happy to introduce you to friends and other locals.
You share all domestic facilities with the family, including the bathroom/s, and you eat meals together too, often including dinner. Homestay hosts are naturally genial characters and your stay with them will be enjoyably social.
Lodges
Always set in beautiful surroundings, lodges are small, intimate, welcoming establishments with between 4 and 20 rooms offering bed, breakfast and dinner.
Holiday homes
Rent a New Zealand holiday home in an idyllic hideaway spot. Several agencies in NZ can assist with bookings. The tradition of a second home by the sea, river, forest or lake is strong in New Zealand. In the North Island the local word for holiday home is ‘bach’ (pronounced ‘batch’); in the South Island they say ‘crib’.
Renting a privately-owned holiday home is a great way to be self-sufficient and get into the Kiwi way of life. No two homes are the same, so you’re getting accommodation with character as well as comfort. And compared to a hotel or motel, you’ll probably have a lot more living space to enjoy.
Holiday homes range from simple cottages by the sea to luxurious lodges in the mountains. Some were probably built by their owners; others are architect-designed palaces.
From a vineyard cottage in Central Otago to a beachfront villa in the far north, our holiday home listings include some of New Zealand’s most idyllic locations. Browse carefully to get the location and level of comfort you want.
Holiday parks
Pitching a tent, parking a motorhome, or for a range of cost effective share or individual accommodation options, often located in New Zealand’s most popular holiday spots.
Holiday parks are equipped to please a wide range of people for a minimal cost. Within an attractive landscaped setting (often beside a beach or lake) they provide sites for tents, caravans and campervans.
Many parks also have simple cabins, self-contained motel units and backpackers’ lodges.
The casual living style helps to create a friendly atmosphere.
If you’re setting up camp or parking a motorhome, you can choose a powered or non-powered site. Easy access to a shared kitchen and bathroom facilities is always part of the deal. Often you’ll also have the use of a dining area and a comfortable TV lounge. Motel units and backpackers’ lodges generally have self-contained kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Families are attracted to holiday parks that have play areas, heated swimming pools, trampolines and barbecues. Bicycles, canoes and boats can sometimes be hired.
Department of Conservation camp sites
The Department of Conservation (DoC) provides campsites in many locations throughout New Zealand. The campsites are usually quite basic, offering ‘back to nature’ style accommodation and facilities. A full list of camp sites can be found on the DoC website.
Freedom camping
Each district in New Zealand has different rules around where freedom camping (and parking of campervans) is permitted and where it is not. We suggest that you contact the nearest i-SITE Visitor Centre to find out about camping in a particular location. The impact of freedom camping on the environment, as well as safety concerns, mean that Tourism New Zealand does not recommend freedom camping in New Zealand. Please see our comprehensive Holiday Parks listings for ideas on where to camp. On board toilets can only be legally emptied from motorhomes into Dump Stations, which are normally found in holiday parks.
Hotels
From international chains to local originality, in New Zealand it’s easy to find the style of hotel that makes you feel at home. Hotels in New Zealand come in all shapes, sizes and personalities.
You can expect to find top international hotel chains, such as Sheraton, Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, Rydges and InterContinental.
You’ll also discover smaller hotels that are memorable for their individuality and in convenient locations on all the main travelling routes.
Large international chains are mostly found in the major cities - Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. They’re also located in key holiday destinations, such as Rotorua and Queenstown.
Character and boutique hotels, which range from heritage buildings to purpose built facilities in stunning regional locations, vary in price according to their level of luxury. Hosts are welcoming and provide insight into the local culture and attractions.
Medium-price chains provide a consistent level of quality and a high standard of facilities, including swimming pools and spas. Look for names like, Mainstay, Kingsgate, Flag Inns, Golden Chain and Pacifica.
Self contained and serviced
If you want to do your own thing and have the option of looking after your own cooking and laundry needs, then check out New Zealand’s motels, serviced apartments and serviced holiday cottages.
If you like independence and privacy, consider self-contained or serviced accommodation. Staying in motels, motor inns or serviced apartments gives you a complete sense of freedom since what you do is up to you.
If you’re taking a touring attitude to your holiday, motels are the key to having easy, restful sleeps along your journey. And should you decide to stay in one place for a week or so, serviced apartments offer convenient stop-over rest spots where you can do your own cooking and laundry.
Motels
Motels, motor inns and motor lodges congregate on main driving routes so they’re generally easy to find with usually a choice of studio, one or two bedroom units. Tea, coffee and sometimes cooking facilities are provided and most units have a television. Larger motels are more similar to hotels often with swimming pool, spa, sauna, in-house video, laundry, and restaurant.
Serviced Apartments
Serviced apartments are a great option when you’re staying in a major city or resort town. You can cook your own meals, do your own laundry and enjoy the feeling of having your own space while on holiday. Many are similar in price to a high quality hotel suite with daily or regular servicing.
More information about New Zealand accommodation providers can be found here at the Tourism New Zealand website
Copyright: 1999-2008 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.
Photographer: Julian Apse (www.julianapse.co.nz)
Photographer: Graham Charles (imagematters@clear.net.nz)
Photographer: Tim Whittaker (www.tim.co.nz)
Photographer: Kieran Scott (www.canvass.co.nz)
Photographer: Chris McLennan (www.cmphoto.co.nz)
Tours and Sightseeing in New Zealand
June 28, 2008
Independent Tours
On an independent tour, you’re in the driver’s seat. The tour company assembles a detailed travel agenda that’s exactly to your tastes, and then lets you enjoy the freedom of a self-guided holiday.
Bird Watching , Cycling/Mountain Biking , Golf , Motorcycling , Paragliding , Theme/Leisure Park , Urban and Scenic Attractions. More information
Group Tours
Multi-day group tours can be excellent value for money, and lots of fun too. Whether you want to see the entire country, or just one region, group tour companies utilise a variety of popular itineraries.
Boat Cruises , Cultural Attractions , Cycling/Mountain Biking , Fishing – Salt Water , Golf , Heritage Attractions , Kayaking – Salt Water , Miscellaneous Madness , Motorcycling , Off Road Driving Adventure , Other Wildlife , Skiing , Urban and Scenic Attractions , Volcanic/Geothermal , Walking/Trekking , Wineries. More information
Guided Tours
There are real benefits to having a knowledgeable local show you around.
Guided tours usually involve a small group following a customised, multi-day itinerary. Your guide does the driving, so you can relax.
Arts & Crafts , Bird Watching , Boat Cruises , Caving , Cultural Attractions , Cycling/Mountain Biking , Diving , Farms , Fishing – Fresh Water , Fishing – Salt Water , Gardens , Golf , Heliskiing , Heritage Attractions , Horse Treks , Hunting , Jet Boating , Kayaking – Salt Water , Miscellaneous Madness , Motorcycling , Museums , Off Road Driving Adventure , Other Wildlife , Penguins , Rafting , Sailing , Skiing , Snowboarding , Study/Education , Surfing , Urban and Scenic Attractions , Volcanic/Geothermal , Walking/Trekking , Whale Watching , Wineries . More information
Sightseeing
One day sightseeing tours are a great way to maximise your travel time.
As well as seeing key sights and attractions, you’ll have the advantage of an informative commentary to expand your knowledge of New Zealand.
Arts & Crafts , Bird Watching , Boat Cruises , Caving , Climbing , Cultural Attractions , Diving , Dolphins , Farms , Fishing – Fresh Water , Gardens , Heritage Attractions , Horse Treks , Jet Boating , Kayaking – Fresh Water , Kayaking – Salt Water , Off Road Driving Adventure , Other Wildlife , Scenic Flights , Seals , Spas/Health Resorts and Thermal Bathing Pools , Urban and Scenic Attractions , Volcanic/Geothermal , Walking/Trekking , Weddings , Wineries. More information
Copyright: 1999-2008 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.
Photographer: Legend Photography (www.andybelcher.com)
Photographer: Chris McLennan (www.cmphoto.co.nz)
Travel in New Zealand
June 28, 2008
A visit to New Zealand is an opportunity to discover a spectacular range of landscapes, so deciding how you will travel around our country can be as important as choosing where you want to go.
A little research will help you to match your mode of transport to the style of holiday you have in mind. There’s plenty of choice available, from luxury custom transportation to economical backpacker options.
When you’re considering transport options, remember that New Zealand is 1600 kilometres long and has a larger land mass than the United Kingdom. Whether you choose car, train, boat or plane depends on how quickly you need to get where you’re going. Calculate New Zealand’s road, air and sea travel times and distances.
Booking & Information Services
When you’re ready to book activities, accommodation and transport, you can use the time-saving services of a booking and information specialist. Local knowledge can help you to make good decisions.
Road - self drive
Cycling, biking and driving are popular ways to explore New Zealand. Having the flexibility to spontaneously follow your desires, or the advice of someone you met along the way, sits well with our relaxed pace of life.
The scenery changes at almost every turn, as our well-formed roads follow the contours of the landscapes.
Outside of the cities, most highways have just one lane in each direction, occasionally expanding to two lanes to enable safe overtaking. Driving times are often longer than you’d expect. Allow plenty of time so you can relax and enjoy the journey.
For the highest level of freedom, try a motorhome holiday. For longer stays and backpackers, purchasing a second-hand car is often an affordable and practical option. Check out our helpful information and safety tips for driving in New Zealand.
If you’d rather leave the driving to an experienced local, there are plenty of options available to move you around the country comfortably and efficiently. From scheduled intercity bus services and luxury coaches to custom tours and taxis, our friendly professional drivers understand there’s more to a journey than simply getting from A to B. From the comfort of a passenger seat, you can give your full attention to the scenery and the driver’s informative commentary.
Rail
Rather than an all-encompassing network of passenger services, New Zealand offers a collection of scenic rail journeys. They’re a great way to experience magnificent remote areas that are not accessible by road.
The Overlander runs through the centre of the North Island, connecting Auckland and Wellington. In the South Island, the TranzCoastal follows the coastline between the inter-island ferry terminal at Picton and the city of Christchurch. From Christchurch, the TranzAlpine crosses the Southern Alps to Greymouth. Further south, the popular Taieri Gorge Railway and the Kingston Flyer promise memorable journeys. Commuter train services to outlying suburbs operate in the cities of Auckland and Wellington.
It’s easy to connect rail journeys with other forms of transport, so your modes of travel can deliver as much variety as our stunning landscapes. More information about Rail transport options.
Water
Touring New Zealand usually includes the option of a ferry trip at some point and some places, like Marlborough Sounds or smaller islands, are only accessible by water.
The North and South Islands are connected by modern ocean-going ferries that carry passengers and vehicles. In Northland, vehicular ferries operate on the Hokianga Harbour and to historic Russell in the Bay of Islands.
The ferries to Stewart Island carry passengers and light freight only; however secure vehicle storage is available at the departure port of Bluff.
Passenger services and scenic tours are offered throughout New Zealand, in boats that range from historic steamers to fast water taxis. Wherever there’s an offshore island, a harbour, lake or river, there’s a good chance you’ll find a safe and convenient form of water transport nearby. More information about Ferries/Water Taxis
Air
If you’re short on time, or being there is more important than getting there, then air travel is a good option. Jet aircraft operate between the main centres; modern light aircraft service the smaller cities and larger towns. Around 40 destinations are linked by scheduled internal air services.
Scenic flights offer unique views of our most spectacular geography. By air, large areas of wilderness scenery can be enjoyed in a relatively short time. Remote islands, volcanic cones and snow-covered mountains have a magic of their own when viewed from the air. More information about New Zealand Airports, Air and Airport Shuttle transport options.
Copyright: 1999-2008 Tourism New Zealand, the official website of the New Zealand Tourism Board.
Photographer: Legend Photography (www.andybelcher.com)
Photographer: Rob Suisted (www.naturespic.com)
Flying to New Zealand
June 28, 2008
These are the airlines that fly to New Zealand. Please contact the airlines directly for detailed information about flights.
www.airnewzealand.com
www.qantas.com
www.emirates.com
www.singaporeair.com
www.cathaypacific.com
www.malaysiaairlines.com
www.thaiairways.com
www.koreanair.com
www.evaair.com
www.bruneiair.com
www.aerolineas.com
www.lan.com
www.flypacificblue.com
www.freedomair.com
www.jetstar.com
www.garuda-indonesia.com
www.airpacific.com
www.aircalin.com
www.airtahitinui.com
www.britishairways.com
www.lufthansa.com
www.jal.com
www.mexicana.com
www.aircanada.com
www.united.com
www.aa.com
www.flyasiana.com
www.klm.com
Study in New Zealand
