Those who visit New Zealand often begin their holidays in Auckland, going around on the North Island. Here you will find a list of things to see on the North Island, as well as a few tips about what to visit on the South Island as well.
Auckland is a very diverse, attractive city: it has over 1 million inhabitants, and the large Polynesian and Maori population gives the city a South Pacific feel. There are many things to do here: you can have a trip across the harbor to the volcanic Rangitoto Island and take the “tractor train” to the top: here you can have some great scenery of the Hauraki Gulf.
The Bay of Islands can be found near the semi-tropical end of the North Island, with some of the best beaches New Zealand has. There is the amazing 90 Mile Beach and Cape Reinga with dezolate landscapes. You can go up into the Cape Reinga lighthouse, where you can see the open Pacific crashing below: it will be an unforgettable experience.
Lake Rotorua is the largest thermal area in New Zealand. There is actually steam rising from the ground all over the place, and there will always be a smell of sulphur in the air. You can relax in one of the thermal pools or mineral baths in the area, or you can take a cruise on Lake Roturua in a paddle steamer. In the evening, you can enjoy different Maori cultural shows.
Taupo has world class trout fishing opportunities. The countryside nearby is wonderful, and Huka Falls are nearby. Those who like adventure sports can do bungee jumping, tandem sky diving and canoeing/kayaking here.
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, resembling very much to San Francisco, with homes perched on the sides of picturesque hills overlooking the harbor. The café, eating and art scenes are catching on rapidly. You can have an excellent view of the city and the water from Kelburn, and from there you can walk down to the city thorough the Botanic Gardens.
On the South Island Fiordland National Park, the largest national park on the islands is a must see. The top of attractions is Mildford Sound, with spectacular sights on landscapes, cliffs, mountains and waterfalls. Tourists can see fur seals, dolphins and penguins here. The best known landmark here is the Mitre Peak, a mountain resembling a pyramid, with a height of 1,692 m. Lion Mountain, the Elephant and Copper Point should also be seen, as well as Bowen Falls and the Stirling Falls.
Related Attractions
on November 24th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
good as veiws- this is wear i wanna get married….. on the beach or on the mountain top!:)