About New Zealand
Mapua, South Island
New Zealand is a country small in size and abundant in beauty. Spectacular mountains and coastal scenery, lush forests, wide braided rivers, blue lakes and a clean atmosphere are just a few of the defining features. Local food is plentiful with fresh seafood, indigenous fruits, venison and award-winning wines and beers.
Add the warmth and friendliness of the locals and you'll never want to go home.
Similar in size to the state of California, the land of New Zealand is amazingly diverse. The North Island is known for its active volcanic mountains, hot springs and rolling green hills. The South Island is covered by the massive Southern Alps, larger than all of the Alps in Europe. Only in New Zealand can you explore the world's steepest glaciers, rainforest-clad mountains and untouched fiords.
Lake Matheson
West Coast, South Island
With a population of only four million people, New Zealand is one of the world's least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace and relaxation, and also a capital of adventure. Tranquil travelers will enjoy nature walks, wildlife viewing, wine tours, whale watching, art galleries and much more. Those looking for a more exhilarating vacation can enjoy hiking, skiing, biking, surfing, swimming with dolphins, rafting and kayaking.
With a temperate climate and relatively small seasonal variation New Zealand is an ideal year-round holiday destination. The summer months of December through February are the busiest, making booking ahead imperative. As winter takes over in June through August, ski resort towns fill up. A great time to travel is in the shoulder season months of November and March, where you might feel as if you have the country to yourself.
Because of its size, travel by car, bus, bike or plane is easy and affordable. It is possible to see the whole country in a short time if you plan it right. With New Zealand Travel Designers mapping out your perfect holiday, you'll experience the very best that New Zealand has to offer. Come and see it all for yourself!
General New Zealand Links
www.purenz.com - The official site for destination New Zealand
www.tourism.net.nz - The gateway to New Zealand tourism
www.immigration.govt.nz – for all information on living and working in NZ
www.doc.govt.nz - Department of Conservation management of our parks
www.metservice.co.nz – New Zealand weather
Airlines
www.airnz.com – New Zealand’s favourite airline
www.qantas.com – for international flights
Activities
www.aquataxis.co.nz - Abel Tasman National Park water taxi transport and day trips
www.skydivenz.com - Freefalling above the most extreme scenery in the world
www.advsouth.co.nz - Guided cycling tours & hiking vacations
www.tepapa.govt.nz - Museum of New Zealand
www.iceberg.co.nz - The worlds best Antarctic attraction
www.flightcorp.co.nz – local scenic and service flights
www.mapuaadventures.co.nz - Eco tours & bird watching, Jet boating & family kayaking
www.seakayaking.co.nz - Sea Kayaking - Abel Tasman National Park
www.backcountry.co.nz - All aspects of outdoor pursuits
www.escapeadv.com - Mountain biking in Africa and New Zealand
Accommodation
www.evertonbandb.co.nz - Friendly B & B at Kaiteriteri beach
www.nelsoncoastalbarnstay.co.nz - Stylish, eco friendly, self contained coastal cottages
www.kamahi.co.nz - A small luxury farm-stay cottage near Waitomo
www.accommodationabeltasman.co.nz Accommodation in Abel Tasman National Park
New Zealand Tree Fern
Other
www.weddingsnewzealand.com - New Zealand's Personal Wedding Planner.
www.travel-file.com - World Travel Guide
www.stirlingimages.co.nz - Photography with imagination
www.nzweddingplanner.co.nz - New Zealand Wedding services
West Coast rafting
- Photo: River Play
