When it comes to views on New Zealand, the world can pretty much be divided in two. There are those that hardly think about it at all, but vaguely remember something about Hobbits and, maybe, a slew of spring and summer festivals. Then, there are those who have actually been there.

This latter group will, inevitably, talk breathlessly of unforgettable landscapes, yearround sunshine and a friendly and welcoming local culture. Admittedly, they will probably also mention Hobbits too. Most tellingly of all, though, at one point in the conversation, they will go all dreamyeyed and tell you how much they long to live there one day. It’s that kind of place.

Set deep in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand is at its coldest in March through August, while from September to February it is beautifully warm and sunny, making January one of the most popular times to visit. Perhaps not entirely coincidentally, this month is also marked by a substantial number of distinctly tourist-friendly special events and festivals.

For the uninitiated, New Zealand is made up of two main islands, arguably unimaginatively knowns as the North Island and the South Island. Stretching, as you might expect, from north to south, they were separated only by the 22-kilometre-wide Cook Strait. Blessed with a famously varied landscape, the North Island also has a surprisingly wide range of climates, from the warm north to the snowbound mountains of the Central Plateau and the gusty winds of the south. Although best known for its geothermal wonders, most notably the Rotorua and the Volcanic Plateau, the North Island is also replete with lush dairy pastures, highly productive orchards and rolling sheep country. The country’s largest city, Auckland, and its capital, Wellington, are also both located on the North Island.

The Bay of Islands is one of the most beautiful and historic areas of the North Island. Set on the east coast of its Far North District in the North Island, it encompasses more than 140 subtropical islands. Its warm, sparkling, aquamarine waters, year-round sunshine, sandy beaches and quiet coves make the area ideal for deep-sea fishing, underwater diving, swimming and sailing. It’s also worth checking out its undeveloped beaches, big-game fishing opportunities and Māori cultural artifacts.

Particularly recommended are the Waitomo Caves, one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. This amazing labyrinth of subterranean limestone passages is lined with stalagmites, stalactites, and a galaxy of glowworms solely native to the region. The caves can be explored easily on a guided walk or by boat tour, but for the more adventurous there is also the option of swimming and floating through the caves in the dark via a rubber tube or zipline.

Any trip, however, would be incomplete without visiting Rotorua, a town set by its namesake lake, which is renowned both for its geothermal activity and its deep ties to traditional Māori culture. As well as exploring geothermal valleys and summiting Mount Tarawera, you can also explore Velocity valley, an adventure park jam-packed with such thrilling activities as riding a BMX bike into a huge airbag and reverse bungee jumping.

Rotorua’s Māori heritage, meanwhile, is most vividly depicted at the nearby Tamaki Māori Village. Set inside a 200-year-old forest, it’s a setting deeply steeped in ancient Māori culture, including dance, music, weaving, wood-crafting, facial tattooing and more. There are also opportunities to participate in traditional combat sessions and taste authentic Māori food, including Hangi, a vegetable and meat dish slowcooked in an underground oven.

Among the local delicacies well worth checking out are Kina and Crayfish. Loved by Kiwis (as the locals are known), Kina is a type of sea urchin endemic to New Zealand, and crayfish, along with lobster, are the country’s most popular seafood option. Then there is Kiwi Burger. A somewhat singular dish, this sees a traditional burger served sandwiched between a fried egg and beetroot sandwiched in a typical burger. And to follow, it just has to be Hokey Pokey, a local concoction that sees ice cream blended with honeycombed toffee.

The South Island is similarly magical, but in many subtly (and not so subtly) different ways. From its huge mountain peaks to its deep fjords, there’s much to see and do. Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, Milford Sound is the country’s most famous fjord. Its steep cliffs and unique marine life make it one of the most unmissable stops on the South Island. Many of the most amazing views of Milford Sound are accessible via Te Anau, the South Island town known as the gateway to the Fjord National Park. This is the ideal starting point for a truly epic road trip, one that takes in the Mirror Lakes, the Lake Marian hiking track, Pop’s View Lookout and The Chasm.

Then there is the Mount Cook National Park, named after the country’s tallest mountain, the park’s centrepiece. Extending across a truly vast space, it is surrounded by many of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural assets, including mountains, alpine lakes, glaciers, and hiking trails. It is a paradise for any outdoor lover and a wonderful place to go hiking or stargazing.

One of the most memorable hikes is an ascent to the Mueller Hut, located high above the valley and looking out over Mount Cook, Hooker Lake, Mueller Lake and the Mueller Glacier. Another that comes highly recommended is a circuit around Lake Tekapo, an enchantingly blue lake fed by the park’s glaciers.

If you’re a lover of marine life, then you should also definitely include Kaikoura on your South Island itinerary. This small coastal town is a marine life mecca, enjoying regular visits from large pods of dolphin whales, while also being home to a seal colony. Much of this marine life is attracted to Kaikoura thanks to the continental shelf that runs some 500 meters from its shoreline.

Another of New Zealand’s unique attractions is the Moeraki Boulders, accessible via Moeraki Beach, just north of Dunedin. These perfectly round sandembedded rocks were formed by natural ocean erosion, with some seeming to have cracked open like eggs, while others appear wholly intact.

Overall, although often overlooked, New Zealand is a place that will easily convince any visitors of its singular charm and natural beauty. While you may arrive cynical and world-weary, you will leave more than just an ambassador of sort, one who will always hanker to return again and again.

(Text: Zaira Abbas)

Set in the Pacific, just south of the equator and at the heart of the Gulf of Tomini, is one of Indonesia’s best kept secrets – the Togean islands. A collection of about 60 islands and 37 villages located adjacent to the larger island of Sulawesi, the Togeans are home to a rich diversity of marine and land-bound life.

In many ways, they are the perfect destination for those who crave the solitude of secluded beaches far away from the bustle of any city. Although not the easiest resort to access, its panoramic vistas alone justify that little extra effort – especially for those looking out over its gloriously white sandy beaches and its dense tropical foliage, pristine coral reefs and crystal clear waters.

Only accessible by boat, you first have to travel to Ampana, which takes you to the south, or Gorontalo, from where you can arrive at a more northern point. Essentially, the islands are divided into eight larger formations: Batudaka (the largest), Togean, Kadidiri, Talatakoh, Malenge, Walea Kodi, Waleabahi and Unauna.

Overall, the northwest of the island is the most heavily populated and is home to some seven different indigenous groups – the most well-known of which is the Bajo, whose nomadic lifestyle has seen them come to be known as the ‘sea gypsies’.
As with its human inhabitants, the islands’ flora and fauna are again incredibly diverse. In fact, a number of endangered species, including hawksbills, dugongs and green sea turtles can all be found locally as well as the only known colony of the extremely rare coconut crab.

The reefs around the islands are said to host more than 314 species of coral, 541 different types of molluscs and 819 varieties of tropical fish. In addition, the Tonkean Macaque is endemic to the island’s forests, while the Togian Hawk-owl and the Togian White-eye are just two of the incredibly rare bird species, tourists can expect to encounter.

Beyond birdwatching, there are also plenty of other activities on offer, with diving and snorkelling (courtesy of the many highly professional localscuba schools) among the most popular. The varied marine life and exquisite coral formations make diving and snorkelling particularly compelling, especially as there are just so many opportunities to see, such wonders as rays, reef sharks, barracudas and jackfish, as well as frogfish,seahorses, scorpion fishes and a variety of nudibranchs.

To make the experience even more memorable, try experiencing the waters alongside the native Bajo people, who, despite not using scuba gear, can dive to a depth of 15-20 meters or more. You can also swim down to the wreck of a World War II B24 bomber, which crashed near the island of Kadidiri. Moving further to the south, around the coast of the island of Taupan, there is also the chance to explore three different kinds of reef – fringing, atoll and barrier.

Each island is also home to several resorts dedicated to ecotourism, as well as a number of family-run guesthouses offering full board packages, which ensure both a comfortable stay and a bountiful supply of delicious local food. In most cases, freshly caught seafood is in plentiful supply, while many local dishes tend to have sago as their signature ingredient, which can come toasted, boiled, rolled into balls or used in soups. It even puts in an appearance at dessert time when it is fetchingly paired with coconut flakes.

Among the most popular resorts with many tourists are, understandably, those with the nicest beaches, best sea views and most comfortable rooms. Ticking all three of these boxes are both the Black Marlin Dive Resort and the Kadidiri Paradise over on Kadidiri island.

For its part, Unauna island boasts the Pristine Paradise Dive Resort and Sanctum Dive Resort, both of which are close to the popular Jack Point and Menara dive sites. Topping the must-visit list over on Togean Island, meanwhile, are the Fadhila Cottages and Bolilanga Resort, with this particular location also rightly famous for its pristine blue jellyfish lake and the stunning reefs ringing the Carina beach.

Interestingly, the island’s lake is all but unique in giving swimmers the chance to safely paddle past blooms of jellyfish. This is because, unlike most other species, the local variant has never been known to sting, largely as it has no predators to contend with and has evolved out of the need to defend itself. As a result, it is safe to take a swim while these radiant little creatures dance around you in groups.

Another of the most beautiful of these beguiling outcroppings is Unauna, a volcanic island with striking black beaches and emerald waters. It is a great option for hikers, who will undoubtedly find the jungle trail to the volcano peak simply exhilarating.

The service of a local guide is recommended, should you wish to take the five-six hour trek to the top, where those feeling particularly bold can swim in the crater, while carefully listening out for any hint of resumed volcanic activity. Although having a population of less than 300, the island’s three villages – Kololio, Tanjun Pude and Unauna – still offer enough hospitality options to suit the needs and wallets of most visitors.For those more enamoured by picturesque beaches than dormant lava promontories, the Togean Islands, again, don’t disappoint, with Sunset Beach, Ale Beach, Sera Beach and Lea Beach all coming particularly recommended.

All offer tempting hammocks, lively daytime activities, nightly bonfires and artful musical performances. You’d be hard pushed to find finer locales when it comes to stargazing, carousing or simply losing yourself in the transcendent beauty of it all in the company of that someone special in your life.

The Togeans are just about ideal for those looking to retreat, digitally detox and reconnect with the natural world. While their tropical climate ensures there really is no bad time to visit, a trip from March to December pretty much guarantees the optimum experience and widest range of diving opportunities. Take the chance soon; this enchanting island chain won’t stay unspoiled forever.

Text: Zaira Abbas