New Zealand is an adventurer’s paradise

Known as Aotearoa (au-tay-uh-row-uh) – or land of the long white cloud in Māori – New Zealand is a markedly underappreciated travel destination. With a dazzling wealth of breathtaking natural scenery, a friendly culture, scrumptious food and a range of adventurous activities in store, there really is something for everyone!

Many will be aware that it served as the filming location of Lord of the Rings, and it’s not hard to see why – with snow-capped mountains, endless rolling hills, ancient glaciers and picturesque beaches – the natural beauty simply cannot be understated.

A simple picture should suffice in cementing your decision to see this natural wonderland, but in case that’s not enough, here are the top reasons to pen a trip to New Zealand onto your calendar!

The Natural Beauty

   

New Zealand consists primarily of two islands – the North and the South – thus the respective climates differ to a degree that notably affects the environment. Not only does New Zealand have an abundant supply of natural splendour, the diversity of landscapes is second to none!

How many countries on the planet can boast snow-capped mountains and ancient glaciers on one side and volcanic sand beaches and tropical rainforests on the other? Alongside flat plains, lakes, fjords, volcanoes, hot springs and rolling green pastures – there exists an endless surfeit of unmissable sights.

The good news is that all of this spectacular nature is very well preserved. One-third of the landmass of New Zealand is protected conservation area, which means that the national parks are immaculate and unspoiled. Additionally, due to its small population relative to its size, the cities and urban life in New Zealand don’t encroach on the environment.

Not only is the environment being protected, but simultaneously the wildlife. Famed for its unique biodiversity – some species found here don’t exist anywhere else in the world. New Zealand split from the large landmass that once joined Australia and Antarctica about 85 million years ago, evolution ran its course and subsequently a diverse ecology was borne.

The forests are replete with interesting plant life, from the fronds of nikau palms to the looming kauri trees. You might even see a kiwi, the small, flightless bird that has become New Zealand’s national symbol, doubling as the nickname for locals themselves!

The Culture

   

The Māori were the original inhabitants of New Zealand, arriving from Polynesia between 1320 – 1350. Possessing an exceptionally friendly and inviting culture, they live by the concept of Manaakitanga – translating roughly as ‘hospitality’ – this describes a frequently upheld value maintaining the importance of welcoming visitors and helping them feel at home when they visit.

The Māori also have a concept called Kaitiakitanga which describes a deep kinship between humans and the natural world – they see themselves as protectors of the land they live on and believe that taking responsibility to preserve the environment is of utmost importance.

Few countries in the world maintain such a reverence for their indigenous culture; efforts in preserving its lifestyle and traditions are ever-present. Māori phrases feature prominently in street signs, TV programmes, and everyday interactions, including various attractions designed to bring visitors closer to the heritage and history of the Māori culture.

Not only does its indigenous culture emanate warmth, but Kiwis (the locals) themselves are known to be especially polite and friendly! It’s not uncommon for people to smile at passing strangers and say hello, so it should come as little surprise that New Zealand is the second safest country in the world!

And if you want a performative demonstration of this exuberance, there are myriad concerts, events and festivals throughout the year! Whether it’s the Jazz Festivals of Tauranga, the Winter events in Queenstown, varied festivities of Wellington’s Cuba Street or Auckland and Christchurch abounding with light at their Lantern Festivals dedicated to the Chinese New Year…

Endless Adventures

   

Not only is New Zealand particularly easy on the eyes, it’s also the adventure capital of the world! Whether you’re a thrillseeker, hiker or someone who simply loves to explore, you’ll be undoubtedly spoiled for choice.

To add to its adventurous accreditation, the bungee jump itself was invented and popularised here. Extreme sports thrive in New Zealand, it’s not uncommon for visitors to try skydiving, paragliding, ziplining, white-water rafting, snowboarding, heli-skiing, zorbing… the list goes on.

There are also a variety of pristine hiking locations – from Tongariro Crossing, a volcanic landscape that could appear almost Martian, the blissfully scenic Milford & Routeburn Tracks or the electrifying glow worm caves – shimmering with biological luminescence.

One does not simply… list New Zealand’s most rewarding attractions without mentioning Hobbiton! For those Lord of The Rings fans, a tour of the famous village is, as you’d expect, a ubiquitous tourist attraction. There are also several other experiential tours you can try, including a Second Breakfast or Banquet Tour (both of which involve hobbit-inspired meals and drinks).

As well as Hobbiton, there is a selection of places you can visit that are featured in the films. Even without the visual effects and fantastical creatures, the landscapes themselves are no less than exceptional sights. Far from the only movie to take advantage of this natural beauty, films such as The Chronicles of Narnia and Bridge to Terabithia also include notable destinations…

One area that New Zealand certainly doesn’t skimp on is its wine, famed for its quality. New Zealand’s temperate climate and soil diversity have helped it rise to the top rung of winemaking. You can make a day of visiting wineries and tasting their offerings at a number of places, particularly in Hawkes Bay and Marlborough, the two leading wine regions.

Autumn is considered the best time to visit New Zealand, which occurs between March and May. The warm yet still days are perfect for outdoor exploration and the scenery comes alive with colour. However, New Zealand has plenty to offer all year round!

Odyssey World offer a range of New Zealand itineraries that can be customised to your liking! Contact us via enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk or phone call to plan your tailor-made trip!