Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand (NZ) is without doubt one of the most remote yet beautiful, civilised islands in the world. The country is split into two islands, the North and the South; with close to 270,000 sq km (103,735 sq miles), NZ’s geography is a serene yet scintillating mix of landscapes. Within a day’s drive it is possible to see everything from sky scraper office buildings to snow-capped mountain ranges, from golden sandy beaches and lush rainforests to glaciers and fiords in their original and unspoiled state. Protection and conservations of these beautiful landscapes is a foremost issue for every New Zealander and therefore the majority of these areas are listed as protected parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
North Island
The north Island of NZ is the smaller of the two yet is called home to the largest proportion of New Zealander’s.
The most northern area of NZ, called Northland is also one of the most beautiful, yet remote. The largest city, Whangarei, covers the entire eastern coastline and is the cultural and business hub of the area. Northland is blessed with a sub-tropical climate, where temperatures are warm year round and a rainy season can be expected during the summer months (Dec-Feb). With over 100 golden sandy beaches in their backyard the people of Whangarei are ‘people of the land’, where a self-nominated tag of ‘productive yet laidback’ is the best description around. A small yet thriving business community is based around the horticulture and manufacturing industries, yet opportunities continue to develop with the countries newest deepwater port and only oil refinery present in the area.
The largest city in the country, Auckland, most notably the ‘city of sails’, is idyllically situated teetering between the Waitemata and Manukau harbours. Being home to over 1.5 million kiwis and with hundreds more people pouring in by the week – Auckland is also country’s main international port of call – Auckland's heart beats to a Polynesian rhythm, its people a melting pot of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity brings with it an abundance of unique dining and shopping experiences. Home to an extensive range of activities to suit both the most adventurous and the shy at heart, Auckland boasts the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sky Tower, and also enjoys some of the most lavish and trendy cafes and bars in the world. No matter what time of year you visit Auckland, there is plenty on. Whether it be sports, culture, music or arts there is an event on to suit all tastes, it’s up to you to discover what’s in store for you.
Hamilton, the 4th largest city in the country and just a short drive inland and over the hills from Auckland, is the central hub for most of the country’s road traffic. A progressive city, created through urban sprawl, has a strong cultural flavour to draw from; the moo-loo men and women (a name depicted through their provincial rugby team) are proud to live a stone’s throw from more natural beauty than most will experience in a lifetime. Hamilton is at the centre of one of the richest agricultural and pastoral areas in the world and is the major service centre for the entire Waikato region, boasting 20% exports in the country. The dairy industry, NZ’s most profitable industry, is centred on the Hamilton region and is accompanied by a world-class centre of agricultural research and the national Agricultural field days – the largest agricultural trade show in the Southern Hemisphere.
The golden Bay of Plenty is the premier holiday destination for kiwi’s and tourists alike. Whether it’s lazing around on the beach, a spot of extreme adventure or wee bit of extravagance that takes your fancy, the Bay of Plenty has got it all. Boasting the most picturesque drive in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway, the Bay of Plenty offers a vast range of activities annually. The region's main centre is Tauranga, and the coastal suburbs of Mount Maunganui and Papamoa have long been popular with visitors. The region is also home to the heart of the kiwifruit industry in Te Puke, the art-loving town of Katikati, and quiet coastal village of Waihi Beach, historic Maketu and the tourist activity centre of Paengaroa. Just in case this doesn’t satisfy your desires, the Central North Island is also home to the snow capped mountains (www.visitruapehu.com) of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro and for a range of summer and winter activities, while the largest fresh water lake in Australasia (Lake Taupo – commonly referred to as the Trout Fishing Capital of the world) is easily accessible and a huge attraction.
Wellington, the country’s capital city, is the second largest and most culturally alive city in the country. Sitting magnificently on the edge of a stunning harbour and surrounded by rolling hills, the saying ‘you can’t beat Wellington on a good day’ really rings true. With a bustling city centre split into four, the Courtney Quarter (arguably the best nightlife district in the country), the Cuba Quarter (home to the trendy cafes and upcoming fashion designers), the Lambton Quarter (the central shopping district) and the Willis Quarter (the central mix of arts, culture and lifestyle stores) this city is remarkable for suiting any agenda, taste and budget.
South Island
The South Island is the larger of the two islands yet is populated by only a third of the country’s population. However, the south Island is home to a the most picturesque sights – the Southern Alps, a natural mountain range stretching the length of the South Island (500km) with summits towering over 3000m.
If its space you crave, Nelson is the place to get it. With the most sunshine hours in the country and the beaches a plenty, the top of the South Island is an outdoor enthusiasts place to be. Plentiful unique land formations and some of the best vineyards in the word, with a mix of urban centres, national parks and alpine lakes, nelson is home to the world renowned Able Tasman Park. The Nelson economy is based on the ‘big four’ industries; seafood, horticulture, tourism and forestry. Port Nelson is the biggest fishing port in Australasia. There are also a range of growth industries, including art and craft, aviation, engineering technology, and information technology.
The Canterbury region is renowned for being varied and plentiful. With a fresh, diverse climate the Canterbury plateau is regarded as a playground for all. Within Canterbury, Christchurch is the major city, claiming the spot of 3rd largest city in the country and largest in the south island. Whether it’s indoor or outdoor activities that take your fancy, the Canterbury regions’ got it all; from whale watching and dolphin spotting to spring skiing and vineyard touring. Internationally referred to as ‘The Garden City’, Christchurch’s well-established parks and gardens are some of most beautiful in the world – with the central Hagley Park winning the award for Best International Garden City, 1996.
Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, is NZ’s most exciting tourist destination for extreme sports enthusiasts, thrill seekers and those simply after a little piece of tranquillity. Surrounded by some of the most stunning geographical beauty in the world, Queenstown is renowned for its positioning, nestled into the base of the massive peaks of the Southern Alps and alongside the crystal clear shores of Lake Wakatipu. With the inability to escape the striking beauty surrounding you, you are drawn into the desire to get amongst it all. Whether it’s an extreme adventure, like bungy jumping or zorbing, you’re after or something a little less physically demanding, like walking, sailing or a game of golf, then Queenstown’s got it all.
As a small nation New Zealand is known for its innovative pioneers and ‘can do’ approach, it has a multicultural society with a mix of European, Maori, Polynesian and Asian cultures being the most predominant.