Overview

Situated in the South Western Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is a country of tremendous scenic beauty. Blessed with the natural magnificence of steaming volcanoes, miles of beautiful beaches, lush and tranquil rainforests, and a diverse range of fauna and flora, New Zealand is a paradise for thrill-seekers as well as a fantastic place to relax and unwind. New Zealanders are known for their friendliness and honesty, and have a diverse multicultural history, which dates back over a 1,000 years.

Since it was the last major landmass that was discovered, New Zealand is one of the youngest countries in the world. Comparable in size to Great Britain or Colorado, New Zealand is comprised of two main landmasses: the North Island and the South Island. There are several smaller islands as well, such as, Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. The country is situated about 2,000 kilometers southeast of Australia, across the Tasman Sea. With a population of just four million, New Zealand is one of the world's least populated countries.

The first people to arrive in New Zealand were the Maori over 1,000 years ago, who traveled from their homeland of Hawaiki on "Waka Hourua" (voyaging canoes). They settled throughout the land, as farmers and hunters. Some 800 years later, in 1642, the first Dutch settlers arrived. The Dutch were followed by the British explorer James Cook who came in 1769. Initially, there were very few European settlers in New Zealand, but after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many more arrived and today they form the majority of the country's population.

Activities & Attractions

New Zealand has an incredible range of attractions. Besides natural allure, the island also offers outdoor activities in abundance, ranging from hiking in the mountains to beach activities such as swimming, surfing, and sailing. For hiking, some of New Zealand's best vistas are on the summits of mountains such as Mount Iron in Wanaka and Mount Hikurangi in East Cape. For those who love the ocean, the Twin Coast Discovery Highway provides access to the spectacular East and West Coasts, while the Taranaki's Surf Highway 45 is perfect for those in search of the country's best surfing breaks. New Zealand has 14 National Parks in addition to the numerous forest parks, scenic reserves, conservation areas, and wildlife sanctuaries.

Lodging

The accommodation facilities in New Zealand are as varied as its landscape. For those on a budget, New Zealand's hostels for backpackers are recommended. They are clean, comfortable, and excellent value for money. Additionally, some accommodations also offer laundry facilities at an extra price. For those who prefer a little more luxury, New Zealand has hundreds of bed and breakfasts, holiday homes, hotels, and exclusive resorts as well.

Transportation

Getting to New Zealand is very straightforward. Most flights from the U.S. depart from Los Angeles, and there are many airlines to serve this route every day, such as Air New Zealand and Quantas. Prices vary from season to season but start from around $1000 round trip.

Distances between regions in New Zealand are short and the transport facility is quite good as well. In addition to domestic airlines, every town and city in New Zealand is linked to a network of coach and rail services. Apart from that you can rent a cycle, motor bike, or car to get around in the country.