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New Zealand is a great country to visit. Given their British background, New Zealanders drive on the left and use 240V/50Hz power. Yet, your 110V electric shaver will be accommodated in most hotels.
The country is particularly interesting because of the indigenous Maori culture which preceded the arrival of white settlers. Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand, is increasingly employed in general usage.
Performing arts thrive in New Zealand. The New Zealand Opera presents productions in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra appears in many cities throughout the country. There are numerous venues for cultural events in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.
The country comprises two major islands plus a host of smaller ones. The North and South Islands consist of a number of regions which are described below.
North Island:
Northland:
Whangarei, the only city of the region, is the ideal starting point for a trip to the Bay of islands, the playground of dolphins, whales and penguins.
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are New Zealand's premier historic site.
Auckland:
The region's capital, Auckland, a city of 1.5 million, is New Zealand's largest. It's in the middle of a volcanic area with more than 50 volcanic cones surrounding the city.
Maungakiekie is a popular playground for hiking, picnics and exploring Maori historic sites.
Bay of Plenty:
Geysers of boiling water, the result of high geothermal activity around Rotorua, attract many tourists to the area.
Hawke's Bay:
Here starts the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. There are many other attractions, including much evidence of Maori culture.
Waikato:
Hamilton, a city of close to 150,000, is the capital of the region. The magnificent Hamilton Gardens and the Zoo are the major tourist attractions.
The Waitomo Caves, formed by underground streams and featuring black water and blue glowworms, are spectacular wonders of nature.
Lake Taupo, a large fresh water lake created by volcanic eruptions, is a popular center for water sports. Nearby are the magnificent Huka Falls.
The Coromandel Peninsula is a highly popular holiday destination, featuring dazzling white sand beaches, kayaks, sky-diving, arts and crafts including pottery offerings.
Manawatu/Wanganui
The Tongariro National Park is home of the famous Alpine Crossing and Mount Ruapehu with the two ski fields of Whakapapa and Turoa.
Wellington:
This region includes Wellington, a city of 400,000 is New Zealand's capital. It has been included in the top tourist destinations of the world. Te Papa is New Zealand's exciting national museum.
Wellington is the second wine-growing region of New Zealand.
Taranaki:
The region is dominated by Mount Taranaki, a look alike of Mount Fouji and part of Egmont National Park. The area offers numerous attractions
South Island:
West Coast:
A region of rainforests, glaciers and natural wonders: the blowholes of Punakaiki and the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
Marlborough:
The third and end region of the Wine Trail.
Attractions include the Awatere Valley along the coast ad the seaport of Havelock.
Canterbury:
Christchurch, the region's capital is New Zealand's second City. There are numerous local attractions.
The Mount Cook National Park includes New Zealand's highest peak. Arthur's Pass is in the heart of the Southern Alps between Canterbury and the West Coast.
Nelson:
The tiny Nelson Region consists primarily of the town of Nelson, known for its arts and crafts and Arts Festival. The city, founded in 1841, is the oldest town on the South Island.
Otago:
Dunedin, the region's largest city of 120,000, is a center of culture and higher education.
Queenstown is a resort featuring skiing, boating, sky diving, fly fishing and more.
Tasman:
A small region with three national parks: Kahurangi, Abel Tasman and Nelson Lakes
Southland:
Invercargill Is the major population center. Its Queens Park is a beautiful garden complex.
Southern Fiordland has breathtaking scenery.
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