Land of the Kiwis
Ever had the urge to jump on a plane and just see where it takes you, because every place looks just as appealing as the other? Or perhaps, sat in the office on a Monday morning and mentally planned out a 2 month trip around the world, only to depressingly realise that you only have 2 weeks annual leave left? Or maybe, you’re just the indecisive type…one day it’s the Swiss Alps, the next the arty feel of Melbourne, the next you want to immerse yourself in the local culture of India?
Well, say no more! The solution is right next door…literally!
It’s only 3 hours across the ditch from Sydney, but a world away from anything you have ever experiences. Picture Swiss style Mountains covered in snow, kilometres high only a few hours drive from a place where the indigenous culture so unique, so rich, you’ll only experience it once, not to mention the boiling mud that will make you look twice every time. Five hours south, and you’ll reach cosmopolitan heaven.
In case you haven’t caught on yet, yes, I’m talking about New Zealand. The land of the Kiwis, green energy and the All Blacks!
New Zealand – little place with so much to offer.
With a population less than that of Sydney, you won’t feel like you’re being rushed at any point of your holiday, which is lucky, because there is so much to see in this small country.The North Island in itself is every continent in one. The top of the Island offers tourists the Corromandel, a waterside tourist site that is as picturesque as any postcard. Think Price Caspian sailing into a secluded beach with epic rock features that take your breath away. Obviously the Producers of the Narnia movies thought the same thing, because it was this very location that they filmed that very film. Sunsets over untouched beaches or fish and chips by the water.
A few hours West and you reach the well known Auckland. It’s a Sydney feel city, with a twist. If you like the night life, Auckland’s your place, with a Casino, Piano bars and many a clubs. If Adventure sports is more your style, try Bungie Jumping off the Sky Tower. Or, if you like the idea of walking along a street of restaurants of every style while admiring the marine port, its only a Ferry trip to Devenport.
Explore the natural wonders.
They say that every place you visit in New Zealand is like visiting a new country, and it’s certainly true. Just over 2 hours from Auckland and you arrive of one of the wonders of nature. More than 30 million years old, the Waitomo Region is a must see New Zealand natural wonder.The Waitomo region is home to a collection of unforgettable sightseeing attractions, including Ruakuri Cave, Aranui Cave and the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves.If you are looking for a real kiwi adventure why not try The Legendary Black Water Rafting. Experience this mysterious underground world of ancient caves, rivers and waterfalls, limestone formations and glowworms!
Thats enough! I hear you say… but we’ve barely scraped the surface.
Just over an hour down from the caves is Rotorua, the cultural central of New Zealand. It’s here where you can experience the richness of the Maori culture amongst the traditional buildings and history. You may want to watch a traditional Maori show, or eat a traditional Maori meal, all is on offer in this small town.
Rotorua isn’t just a popular tourist destination because of its culture though. The boiling mud pools and steaming sideways scattered around the town attract much attention! Have a bath in the Polynesian Spas, or try out the all exciting Zorb down the hills, all is on offer in this tourist town.
Travel down South 5 hours further and you’re in a new world once again.
Cafe central, theatre performances, plenty of past time activities for those shopaholics, Te Papa Museum, Parliament house ( colloquially known as the Beehive) yes, you have arrived in Wellington. Its cosmopolitan central, hotels, cafes, street side boutique stores, theatres…what more could you want. You could be in Melbourne, Europe, even parts of the USA and feel the same waking down the streets of Wellington. Also home to the well renowned Peter Jackson, Wellington hosts the Weta Studios with its own Museum, Weta Cave which gives you exclusive insight into the creativity and imagination that goes into crafting the art of Weta. Weta is responsible for classic films such as King Kong, Narnia and Lord of the Rings. Needless to say, when you enter the mini-museum, you come face to face with some of the characters, props and displays from your favourite movies and read the stories of how they were brought to life and learn about the artists who created them. So, if you’re a bit of a Lord Of the Rings addict, Wellington is the perfect place to start your fantasy tour.
With the diversity of every continent right next door, where can you go wrong. There’s something for everyone, and we haven’t even explored the South Island yet!
The folk at Pure Travel have travelled to the North and South Island of New Zealand many many times and are more than happy to share their experiences with anybody.Contact us on http://www.puretravel.com.au/blog/contact-us
Tagged as: Black Water Rafting · boiling mud pool · Lord Of the Rings Wellington · Maori culture · New Zealand natural wonder · North Island New Zealand · South Island New Zealand
