The spectacular natural beauty of New Zealand makes it
a fantastic touring destination. Many prefer campervans,
facilities for self-tours are excellent and convenient,
and the laid-back locals very welcoming.
Auckland, city of sails, is sandwiched
between two great bays, and looks spectacular from One Tree
Hill and Mount Eden or the new Skytower. The Hauraki
Gulf is dotted with islands such as Rangitoto and
Great Barrier, best reached by yacht from the America’s
Cup yacht basin.
The Coromandel is a popular weekend getaway
for Aucklanders, covered in verdant forest and blessed with
fantastic private beaches. The Bay of Islands
(far north) is perfect for sailing daytrips, and includes
the historic settlements of Waitangi and Russell, further
north is the pristine Ninety Mile beach.
Rotorua, situated among several pretty
lakes, attracts the crowds. It combines bizarre geysers
and volcanic landscapes with intriguing Maori culture.
Wellington, the nation’s capital,
also enjoys a stunning location tucked away in Wellington
harbour. Cuba Street is the lively shopping and entertainment
centre, Oriental bay is lovely, the views from Mount Victoria
and Botanical gardens are excellent and the new Te Papa
museum is a must-see.
Napier, in the lovely wine-producing Hawkes
bay (east coast), is the world’s only purpose built
art deco city, due in part to a devastating earthquake on
the 1930s.
The South Island is an outdoor lovers` paradise. Across
the Cook Strait, the Marborough sound is
unbelievably beautiful, as is the nearby Abel Tasman
park and Golden bay. The stunning drive down the
remote west coast is a popular way to reach the Franz
Josef and Fox glaciers, nestled
below Mount Cook and the Southern
Alps.
Queenstown, the adventure capital of New
Zealand, enjoys an incredible location beneath mountains
and beside lake Wakitipu. Fiordland National Park,
a wilderness of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, beech
forests, and the gob smacking Milford Sound,
is an unforgettable day trip.
Christchurch is a remarkably ‘English’
city, reminiscent of Oxford or Cambridge, pleasant, green
and walkable. The odd former-French settlement of Akaroa,
nearby, is also worth the excursion. The lovely Caitlins
national park makes the drive south to the Otago Peninsula
worthwhile.
Auckland is the main transport hub, Christchurch can also
be reached from Australia. Car hire is popular, roads are
good, though distances deceiving, tourist bus networks are
well established. The Trans-Alpine route from Christchurch
to Greymouth is popular.
Tourism is big business here. Budget accommodation is plentiful,
alongside world class hotels. Although increasingly popular,
travelling in New Zealand is stress free, with room for
everyone. Many prefer the outdoor options.
