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)