New Zealand Travel: Explore the Long White Cloud
New Zealand’s landscape is characterized by a broad diversity of features and intense natural beauty. Alpine mountains, fjords, sandy beaches, coastal plains, hot springs, rain forests, volcanoes and crystal clear waters, all packed into a country with a total land area comparable to that of Colorado, make New Zealand a unique and popular destination. But this ultimate wilderness playground also hosts cosmopolitan cities and a delightful population. Capitalize on New Zealand’s diversity by using this guide as your planning aid.
Expand All Guide SectionsNew Zealand Tourism Information
Talk to a handful of people who’ve been to New Zealand and you’re likely to hear each one offer a different reason you should see the country. Some go for the extreme sports of Queenstown and Lake Taupo; for others it’s the sublimity and isolation of the Southern Alps; many are drawn to the deserted beaches of the East Cape; still others crave the cultural experiences of Auckland and Wellington. In this section we’ll point you to the best sources of information on what to do in NZ, and where to do it.
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- Official national tourism Web sites are often overflowing with fluffy propaganda and succeed only in helping visitors plan “on the beaten path” vacations. However, Tourism New Zealand is different. With a wealth of information and some great ideas, this site is worth any prospective traveler’s time.
- New Zealand’s 14 national parks make up roughly 10% of the country’s total land area. Through these parks snake miles upon miles of trails that draw hikers from around the globe. One of the best ways to see New Zealand is by immersing yourself in its untainted, pristine wilderness, and hiking (or “tramping,” as the Kiwis call it) is an inexpensive, effective way to do this. There are hiking tracks suitable for walkers of all experience and fitness levels, from the Abel Tasman (a fairly short and benign coastal track offering stunning ocean views) to the Dusky Track (an 84-kilometer, 8-day hike through a remote part of Fjordland National Park).
- An extensive series of backcountry huts (cabins placed strategically along hiking tracks that usually have running water, beds and the occasional stove) make hiking through the wilds of New Zealand much more convenient, as it becomes unnecessary to lug a tent and sleeping bag. Pay per night or buy a yearly pass for unlimited access; you’ll find more information on New Zealand’s backcountry huts at the Department of Conservation’s Web site.
- Several years later, people are still traveling to New Zealand to experience firsthand the sites they saw on the big screen in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. At Tourism New Zealand use an interactive map to locate your favorite sites from the movie. For a more in-depth look that includes GPS coordinates, look into picking up a copy of Ian Brodie’s “The Lord of the Rings Location Guidebook.”
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For tourism information …
Tourism New Zealand
is the official tourism site of New Zealand. Visit the “About New Zealand” section for essential overviews of the nation’s history, culture, climate and geography. See the “Destinations & Maps” section for a break down of the different regions of the country, including differences in geography, culture and vibe; key locations and activities are also highlighted. The “Sights & Activities” section really gets you itching to go. It’s filled with stunning photography and reviews some of the top events, tours and sights around the country.
For hiking and activity overviews …
New Zealand Tramper
has overviews of more than 250 tracks around the country that include map pinpoints showing the route, difficulty, altitude, estimated length, and the start and finish points. Get ideas from the close to 1,000 photographs of vistas, huts, foliage and fauna from hikes around the country. There are a handful of really useful route guides that take you step-by-step through the hikes (such as this one to the Caples Track). Don’t miss New Zealand Tramper’s “Useful Links” section for weather forecasts, avalanche advisories, official Department of Conservation information and more.
Department of Conservation
is responsible for facilitating all of the backcountry hiking that happens in New Zealand. It has designated nine of the best hikes across both islands as being “Great Walks.” Read about these nine hiking excursions and discover some of the most unbelievable vistas and backcountry experiences that New Zealand has to offer.
TripAdvisor
has user reviews of “Things to Do” in cities and national parks around New Zealand. This site is great for exploring the breadth of your travel opportunities in New Zealand. You’ll find descriptions of activities, contact information, links to external Web sites, and most importantly, user reviews, which can help you evaluate your options.
For cities …
Tourism Auckland
is the official tourism site of Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. Find a comprehensive database of articles on all things related to Auckland, including where to stay and what to do. If you want to explore one of the city’s many volcanoes, or learn about the city’s history, this site can show you how.
Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism
is the official tourism site for Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Learn what’s on in the city and find interesting day trips to the nearby Southern Alps. Stop by the “What to Do” section for a list of activities to keep you entertained during your stay in the Canterbury region.
Positively Wellington Tourism
is the official Web site of Wellington, the cultural and political capital of New Zealand. Its stunning harbor, interesting architecture and vibrant nightlife make it a must-see city. Browse the “Sights & Activities” section to learn what Wellington can offer a traveler with your tastes.
For a directory of things to do …
New Zealand Tourism Online
has information on accommodations, attractions, tours, transportation and more. So if you have a bit of time, browse through the sites you find listed; you’re certain to locate something exciting (like whale watching in Kaikura and cruises around Milford Sound.
Entry Requirements, Safety Information, and Facts for New Zealand
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Getting to New Zealand
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Travel Within New Zealand
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New Zealand Travel Blogs
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