Introducing New Zealand
You already know how ludicrously photogenic New Zealand is. The otherworldly peaks and valleys of Middle Earth brought this not-so-hidden secret to the world with good reason. But these views are no Hollywood-crafted mirage- they are the real deal, and certain to take your breath away.
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On top of their looks, the islands’ rich Maori culture, passion for rugby, sheep outnumbering people, and exquisite sauvignon blanc create a country that defies even the most imaginative adventurers’ expectations.
But it’s not all look and don’t touch. In New Zealand, adventure sports rule. This is, after all, a nation so dedicated to doing odd things with bits of rubber and plastic that it invented bungee jumping, black-water rafting and zorbing. Whether you’re climbing the Fox glacier or skydiving over a stunning patchwork of mountains and fields, New Zealand is certain to get adrenaline coursing through your veins.
And there’s another aspect of Aotearoa – as New Zealand is known to Maori people - that keeps people coming back for more. The average Kiwi wants you to have a really, really good time. It is in the interactions with exuberant, everyday Kiwis that lasting memories will be made. As a Maori proverb suggests: He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! (What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people!).
Kiwis love sharing their spectacular country with visitors and in turn seeing it anew through foreign eyes. They never tire of being reminded of the rugged beauty of their beaches, mountains, fiords, glaciers, native forests and thermal regions. And once you experience these natural highlights, you won’t tire of reminding them.
Last updated: May 24, 2012
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: South or North Island September
by neverwinter 28 May 2012
the 'attraction' in NZ is the scenery and that never closes. Some of the roads do and that is always a lottery. suggest a search on this…
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South or North Island September
by turin74 28 May 2012
I was considering New Zealand for mid September. I would only have 12 ish days and undecided over south or north island. Is the south…
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RE: Single mom wanting to move to Europe, possibly teach English to non-English
by Fudgy_the_Whale 28 May 2012
I was traveling in NZ with a couple of gentlemen farmers from Fife, a woman from Michigan, and a guy from Manchester. The farmers would…
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New Zealand
Things to do
- All things to do (3,165)
- Activities (1,076)
- Entertainment (405)
- Restaurants (739)
- Shopping (249)
- Sights (656)
- Tours (40)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For New Zealand
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1 Abel Tasman National Park
Parade past golden-sand beaches, rocky outcrops and turquoise inlets, by foot or by kayak
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2 Auckland
Alternate volcano- and island-hopping with culture and culinary stops in NZ's biggest city
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3 Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
On the ground or in the air, discover the icy grandeur of these centuries-old ice floes
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4 Kaikoura
Whales, dolphins and crayfish – postcard-perfect Kaikoura is intertwined with the sea
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5 Raglan
Ease into the chilled vibe of this laid-back surf town
Related trips
Fast Facts about New Zealand
- Unemployment
3.5%
- Number of NZ glaciers over 100m long
3100
- Area
268, 680 sq km (similar to Colorado, bigger than the UK)
- Inflation
3.2%
- Population
4.2 million humans, 40 million sheep
- Number of international visitors
2.2 million in 2007
- Width of Cook Strait
23km (14 miles)
- Life expectancy
100 for tuatara (lizards); up to 2000 for kauri trees
- GDP growth
2.6%
- Number of microbreweries
45 in 2007
Our favourite New Zealand Blogs (beta)
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Visiting Australia vs New Zealand
Blog: Pommie Travels - 15 May 2012
If you’re looking at Australia v New Zealand and wondering which country is better, the answer is they are both [...]
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My Five Favorite Adventure Travel Experiences in New Zealand
Blog: Landlopers - 14 May 2012
If the gods of adventure travel had their own Mt. Olympus, it would be found somewhere in New Zealand. The Kiwis have long taken pride in their ability to outdo the rest of the world when it comes to flinging themselves from various heights and...Copyright LandLopers All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
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Auckland, New Zealand from the Air
Blog: Everything Everywhere - 21 April 2012
Originally posted on the Everything Everywhere Travel Blog. How many countries have you been to?.
