Experience Two Sides to an Amazing Country
Two main islands, two peoples, two very different climates, one sport, one nation, two names. Aotearoa. New Zealand.
Made up in reality of more than 700 hundred islands, and before European colonization home exclusively to the Maori, New Zealand is the land that gives us a green conscience, bungee jumping, the flightless Kiwi and of course the All Blacks.
An Energetic Capital
The North Island is warmer in climate than the South, and is a land of volcanoes, hot springs, never ending beaches and two of the principal cities, Auckland and the capital Wellington. Auckland is a modern city based around a spectacular bay, very much in the Sydney, Seattle, and San Francisco mold. What it lacks in charm it makes up for in energy. Conversely the capital has a more personal, cozy, old world feeling, and what it lacks in energy it more than makes up for in charm. Travel between the two is easily achieved, over night perhaps if you’re in a hurry, in your rental car.
A Combination of Extraodinary Architecture and Magnificent Micracles of Nature
Somewhere in between you can find the volcanic energy of Taupo and its enormous volcanically formed lake. The area is dotted with geysers, hot springs and fantastic trekking opportunities in amongst the volcanoes themselves. Or you could stop off in the tranquility of Hamilton, perhaps to watch the Waikato Chiefs Super 14 rugby team, or even head a bit further across to the beautiful art deco architecture of Napier.
A Scottish Influence
The South Island has two distinct personalities, a combination alpine fjord land in the middle and something approaching an eerily exact Scotland copy from the rugged countryside to the granite looking cities and their very Scots sounding names. Explore the district in your hired car.
Live Life: You Only Live Once
The largest urban area on the South Island is Christchurch, and is an excellent base from which to explore. Before long you’ll be whale watching, or shark diving for the braver, at Kaikoura, partaking in any outdoor sport of your desire in the World’s bungee capital Queenstown, or even trekking some of the World’s best tracks, such as the four day Milford track.
All of this to see and we haven’t even mentioned the unbelievably welcoming people, or the spot the Lord of the Rings scenery tourist trails. Enjoy.
