About New Zealand
Click here to see a map of New Zealand.New Zealand’s awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. While New Zealand is a relatively young country, it has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both the Maori and European heritage. Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga (treasures), some dating back almost a thousand years, are a contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings. A walk around any New Zealand city today shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating country it has become. Auckland’s amazing geography and warm, humid climate has inspired a lifestyle that’s regularly ranked in the world’s top ten. In just half an hour you can be almost anywhere - sailing to an island, trekking through the rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or wandering a wild, black sand surf beach. Auckland’s layout makes it easy to jump quickly from one theme to another. The Bay of Plenty lies east of the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and south of the Coromandel peninsula. It’s a place of beautiful harbours, long white surf beaches and an easy going lifestyle. Everything you need for a perfect holiday is here - sun, sand, sea and a myriad of great places to eat and shop. The Capital of New Zealand, Wellington is also a cultural centre - home to Te Papa, the ground-breaking interactive Museum of New Zealand, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and national treasures such as the original Treaty of Waitangi and Katherine Mansfield’s Birthplace. The West Coast of the South Island is memorable for its mountain peaks, massive glaciers, bizarre limestone landscapes, mysterious lakes and raging rivers, lush rainforest and a magnificent, wild coastline. It’s also memorable for its people - interesting, humorous, outdoorsy types who can tell you an interesting story or two if you have time to listen. Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions. Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere's premiere four season alpine and lake resort. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the majestic Remarkables Range, Queenstown is the perfect destination all year round.
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