Is one of the most unique destinations on Earth, where scenes of sweeping, verdant landscapes and pristine wilderness abound. In addition to its endless natural attractions, New Zealand is also known for its rich culture, friendly locals, and excellent food and wine. New Zealand has climate zones ranging from subtropical to subantarctic. The climate is heavily influenced by New Zealand's location in a latitudinal zone with prevailing westerly winds and by the surrounding ocean. It is also influenced by mountain chains that modify the weather systems as they sweep eastward.
The country has a strong economy, a great education system, a relatively low cost of living, great healthcare, low crime rates, and beautiful scenery, including national parks and hiking trails. This puts New Zealand at the top of the list of safe countries to raise children in. New Zealand (NZ) is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean situated about 2000 km (1,300 mi) east of Australia. New Zealand consists of two main islands and some smaller islands. There is no state religion in New Zealand, but the principal religion is Christianity, with 38% of the population identifying themselves as Christians. New Zealand's stunning landscapes and friendly locals help make the Land of the Long White Cloud unique. This is a place where something new will await you every day. Few destinations boast so many staggering natural wonders packed into such a small area. Some popular places in New Zealand are :
AUCKLAND: Is one of New Zealand's oldest and most historic cities apart from it being the largest and most populous, making it one of the country's most important tourist hubs. Situated by two large harbours, Auckland combines natural beauty and cityscapes, drawing in visitors for leisure and business alike all year round. Auckland has a plethora of activities and attractions on offer for every kind of traveller, giving visitors the luxury of choice in terms of experiences. It is world-renowned for being home to several volcanoes, islands and mountains.
To add to its beauty, the city is dotted with beautiful green parks, gardens and lakes. You can head to one of the numerous viewpoints around the city for a beautiful view of the natural landscapes with the gorgeous modern skyscrapers, making Auckland’s cityscape a treat to the eye. With New Zealand’s reputation for adrenaline activities, Auckland is a hub for adventure sports. Due to the proximity to the water and the massive harbours, the city is known worldwide for its love affair with boats and the ocean, so much so it is called the 'City of Sails' and has dominated America's Cup in recent years. This is well captured in the Maritime Museum of Auckland, which is just one of the several museums in the city dedicated to the fields of art, national and natural history, and even plant and animal history.
ROTORUA: Considered to be an epitome of the flourishing Maori culture, this charming town is set with the backdrops of volcanic landscapes and enveloped in stunning mountain peaks, meandering streams, dense woods, mesmerizing waterfalls and several freshwater lakes. Popular as a ‘geothermal wonderland’, it is home to several bubbling mud pools and hot water springs. These natural hot springs are perfect for taking a dip and relaxing and are a highlight here at Rotorua.
Known as the "Nature's Spa of the South Pacific", Rotorua is lately being called the international resort in the country for its surreal landscape. It is located towards the end of Lake Rotorua on one side and Lake Taupo on the other. The city is synonymous with the scent of sulphur because of the mineral hot pools, mud springs and other geothermal activities.
QUEENSTOWN: This is a beautiful town on the Southern Island that is famous for being an adventurer's paradise! A plethora of activities for thrill seekers, coupled with some marvellous and picturesque attractions make Queenstown a memorable visit. It is home to some of the most popular ski resorts in New Zealand and hosts thousands of visitors every year for the same. Queenstown is a stunning destination. Queenstown might not be the most commercial and industrial city in New Zealand, but the activities here attract people worldwide. Apart from that, it is the place for the highest bungy jump in the country, the largest rope swing in the world, and other exhilarating activities such as sky diving, ziplining and numerous trekking trails through the nearby hills. Not just adventure, Queenstown will also bring you a one-on-one experience with one of the most beautiful places on Earth, the Milford Sound.
CHRISTCHURCH: This is New Zealand's third and South Island's third largest city. It is a hub for English culture and heritage in New Zealand, combined with some of the best gardens in the world, earning it international acclaim as the 'Garden City'. The modern buildings blend with the remnants of the Gothic architecture from the Victorian-era heritage of Christchurch and the Canterbury region. Before the English influence over New Zealand, Christchurch was historically called Otautahi, the Maori word signifying the place of Tautahi. While a series of earthquakes in the 21st century seriously damaged the city's historic structures, the authorities have worked tirelessly to restore these edifices to their former glory.
Christchurch is home to many trendy cafes, bars and restaurants. The magnificent Avon River snakes through the city, adding to the natural beauty, famous for its world-class Botanical Gardens. The other popular green space in the town is Hagley Park. This massive expanse is also the site of a golf course, multiple cycling and walking paths, an international cricket stadium, horse races and other recreational facilities for residents.
TAURANGA: Situated in the northwestern corner of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is the most populous city in the region and the fifth-largest urban area in New Zealand. Circumscribed by Auckland, Rotorua and Hamilton, Tauranga is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches, the majestic Mount Maunganui and the gorgeous views it offers and of course the most picturesque landscape that it has got. Thronged by hundreds of tourists every year, the coastal town also boasts a waterfront area that is peppered with cafes, restaurants, nightclubs and bars. Besides, there are several adventure sports and fun game options that you can undertake here.
BASTION POINT: This is a scenic destination located in Orakei, Auckland, New Zealand. It is a vast expanse of coastal land that overlooks the Waitemata Harbour. Its charming surroundings draw a considerable number of visitors each year. Several tour buses often make a pitstop at the harbour for it provides a great view of the river. There are gardens, lawns, meadows and several other beautiful features that make Bastion Point an Aucklander's favourite haunt. It is also popular for its tranquil, clean and pollution-free atmosphere.
Apart from its beautiful surroundings, it is also popular because of its history, especially the 19th-century Maori Protest that continued for almost two years. Its proximity and tales of the past make it a great picnic spot for the locals. People can pack a picnic and head to this serene location for a day-long outing with friends and family and also explore other attractions nearby. Tourists often visit via hop-on and hop-off buses. City tours also cover this location along with a tour through Auckland City, but it might not be the best way to experience Bastion Point.
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