Nifty New Zealand Tours
The lush green island of New Zealand often ranks among the top-rated tourist destinations in the world.
With a coastline that stretches forever, stunning natural beauty, magnificent culture and history, and locals that welcome visitors with open arms, a New Zealand tour is sure to be an ideal vacation for travelers of just about any age.
Part of "the land down under," along with neighboring Australia, New Zealand has long been touted the more beautiful of the two, collecting awards for everything from its incredible scenery to its hospitality to its responsible commitment to eco-tourism.
New Zealand is made up of two islands, one dubbed the North Island and the other, the South. Each island has its own unique characteristics and towns, making a tour of both an absolute necessity.
The North Island
The northernmost city of Auckland is the largest urban area in New Zealand and once served as the capital. It's indeed a bustling, modern metropolis and is also said to be the largest Polynesian city in the world, with much of its culture reflecting the influence of the Polynesian people.
You'll find everything here, from rugged volcanic hills to stunning beaches, but the harbor is probably the top attraction in Auckland. Here, one can enjoy a myriad of watersports including the favorite home sport, sailing.
Traveling south on your New Zealand tour, you'll find the city of Rotorua, known for its amazing geothermal wonders. You'll see hot pools, geysers, boiling mud, and some of the most incredible natural sites in the country. It's also the center for Maori arts and culture.
The town of Hastings is quite diverse. Visitors here will want to include a trip to one of the local wineries for a lesson on New Zealand wine history and a bit of wine tasting. If you prefer something more active, the golf courses here are internationally renowned.
Wellington, the southernmost large city on the North Island, is sure to be included on all New Zealand tours. Now the capital city, it's considered to be the cultural and political center of the country as well.
The original settlement for Europeans arriving in New Zealand, Wellington is home to lots of historic buildings and streets. This is also an ideal destination city for gourmands, with nearly 400 restaurants serving a variety of cuisine.
The South Island
When you reach the South Island, the first stop on your New Zealand tour might be the city of Christchurch. Often dubbed the most attractive city in New Zealand, it's strewn with stunning private gardens and expansive public parks as well as pristine English homes and buildings. Standing in the center of the town is the towering neo-gothic Anglican Cathedral, a must-see for any visitor.
Travel further south to Queenstown and Fiordland, and you'll see a totally different New Zealand. At 3 million acres, Fiordland is the largest national park in the world and is home to waterfalls, caverns, majestic peaks, and some of the country's most amazing flora and fauna.
For a wee taste of Scotland, travel to Dunedin, originally founded by the Scottish Free Church. While this is a university town, there's still plenty to see and do and its fun to savor the Scottish flavor of the area. Listen for the bagpipes!
Visiting New Zealand
Remember, winter in New Zealand occurs during the months of June to August. If you're visiting then, bring warm clothes and raingear. Autumn and Spring can be a bit rainy too, depending on what region you're visiting, but the temperatures are quite pleasant and airfare may be less costly.
Most visitors, however, schedule their New Zealand tours during the summer months (December through February) when the temperatures are warm but not hot or humid.