New Zealand’s North Island – A Unique Holiday Experience

Author: Marc Weiss

Source: articledashboard.com



Travelers to New Zealand’s North Island can expect unique scenery and adventures beckoning around every corner.

The North and the South Island of New Zealand are very diverse regarding scenery and geographical makeup. The North Island is warm and with a scenery scope from sandy beaches, through rolling farmland to active volcanic peaks. It is home of about 73 percent of the nation's population and is maybe best recognized for the unique volcanic plateau at its centre. The North Island (115000sq km) is home to Auckland, the nation's largest city, and Rotorua, the current centre for the Maori culture.

Let’s have a look at two very famous areas of the North Island the Coromandel Peninsula and Rotorua.

The Coromandel Region of New Zealand is truly a special place, a short drive outside Auckland city. Coromandel is located east of Auckland, on the east coast of the North Island. This region is one of New Zealand's leading coastal holiday destinations due to the wonderful white sandy beaches and sunny weather of the area. It is portrayed as rustic, relaxed, magnificent and unspoiled. On the arrival of the Europeans in New Zealand Coromandel Peninsula was covered in kauri forest, and many huge trees grew there. Coromandel is the name of a town and harbour on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. The town of Coromandel is lovely and old. Coromandel stands for New Zealand's intact beauty displaying natural world as it was meant to be.

Rotorua is located near the centre of New Zealand's North Island. It sits on the shores of Lake Rotorua and several other lakes are nearby. You will find a great variety in Rotorua attractions, activities and culture which makes this place a very famous New Zealand tourist destination. Beside the geothermal wonders, there are also the more common water activities such as fishing and boating. Tourism is a key industry in Rotorua. Therefore the tourism services are well developed. This region is the centre of Maori Culture and thermal activity for New Zealand. We recommend exploring the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Enjoy the natural spas, geysers, hot pools and bubbling mud pools Rotorua has to offer. It has the most energetic thermal activity in the country. Afterwards it might be interesting to take in a Maori hangi (a method of cooking in an outdoor pit oven) and concert.

Why Take a Camper Van Hire Holiday in New Zealand?

Author: Merav Benaia

Source: ezinearticles.com



Booking a holiday to New Zealand can be a very exciting time. Once you have booked your flights, you'll lie awake at night wondering how on earth you are going to fit in all of the adventures, attractions and sights that you have heard about and researched, into your trip. Perhaps you have considered booking a tour guide or coach tour? Great idea, but if you really want to explore in your own time and only with the people you are travelling with, why not consider camper van hire?

If you are travelling from overseas, you are more than likely to fly into either Auckland or Christchurch, which are two of the main cities in New Zealand, from here the roads you choose to travel are up to you! Imagine yourself at the steering wheel, your friends or family with you all admiring the spectacular native bush as you drive around the Northland region or the golden beaches & blue seas of the Abel Tasman area, for instance. If you see something which you want to stop and take a look at, you can! If you change your mind along the way and decide that there is a location which is more your kind of place to stay than another, then book yourself into a holiday park, park your camper van and relax!

Of course, there's nothing wrong with staying in a motel / hotel accommodation and staying put for the time you are in this beautiful country, but getting out and about in a camper van lets you truly experience what is on offer. A lot of people choose to stay in the larger more well known cities of New Zealand but in doing so miss out on a lot of New Zealand's scenery and experiences. Often when you pick up your camper van hire the rental company can assist you with planning your travels to ensure that you don't miss out on the things that really interest you.

Search for camper vans for hire in New Zealand and you won't be disappointed at the options on offer. Just make sure that you book a camper van or two that allow enough sleeping room for the number of travellers in your group and you will find that you will have a holiday of a lifetime!

AllWays Rental - a family owned and operated camper van hire and car rental company located near both Christchurch & Auckland Airport's in New Zealand (NZ).

The variety of hire car options on offer are ideal for reliable runabout or business travel, for those looking for a luxury full size option or for those planning their dream self catering holiday or a week of skiing.
Merav and her partner are your friendly and professional team in Christchurch who will do whatever it takes to ensure their customers get the best transportation option for their travel needs and much more.

If you are looking to rent a car, van, 4wd, campervan or motorhome (RV) visit our website today AllWays Rental and don't forget to check out our one way car rental specials too!

Luxury Accommodation in New Zealand - Staying in Style

Author: Ian Bateman

Source: ezinearticles.com



New Zealand is a beautiful country that many people travel to simply to see the beauty that it holds. Fortunately, there are many different types of accommodation in the country to support all of these travellers. One of the most popular options, when it comes to lodging, is finding a luxury accommodation where people can kick back, relax, and let someone else worry about everything. There are plenty of luxury hotels and accommodations to choose from in New Zealand, and your specific choice will depend on where you are going and what you are looking for.

Keep in mind that if you're gunning for the best luxury accommodation in New Zealand, you will want to book early and you should expect to pay more. These rooms fill up fast, as travellers love to visit the country and enjoy themselves in luxurious rooms with stunning views. You will want to check out all of the facilities that are available and see which ones suit you best.

Here are some places that you can consider:

- Hotels are a great choice if you want luxury and don't need anything special. You can find many hotels and motels that offer top-rate accommodations in the country no matter where you are visiting.

- If you want something quainter or more private, consider a self contained unit rental, which will be essentially like renting a flat. You will be able to come and go as you please and enjoy the privacy that you're used to without having to worry about other guests so much.

- Probably the most popular luxury accommodation in New Zealand is the bed and breakfast option. There are literally hundreds of these destinations around the country, and finding the one that suits your specific needs is not a challenge. If you want something that is more cosy, romantic and personal, consider a b and b instead of a hotel.

It's all about choosing the luxury accommodation that suits YOU. After all, it is your holiday, and you're the one travelling hundreds (if not thousands) of kilometres to get to the beautiful country of New Zealand. Take the time to check out your options and choose the luxury accommodation in New Zealand that best suits your needs, desires, travel time, and budget. Speaking of budget, don't worry about spending a lot. In many cases, you can actually find luxury accommodations for bottom dollar prices.

The Ridge Luxury Accommodation in Puhoi North Auckland New Zealand offers three luxury suites all with their own private decks & stunning views out onto hundreds of acres of native bush and the sea in the distance.

Ian and his wife, are informal and very relaxed hosts with their hosted dinners a key part of the experience, they also provide the opportunity to mix with other guest from all over the world in a relaxed and informal manner.

Due to its close proximity to Auckland The Ridge is popular with travellers from all over the world and for domestic guests for weekend breaks, special occasions or that romantic getaway. Close to Auckland but a world away. http://www.theridge.co.nz/

Plan a New Zealand Wine Trail Holiday

Author: Gail Gillespie

Source: ezinearticles.com



Wine growing in New Zealand is still evolving and new areas are planting vines and producing an ever broadening selection of wine varieties with often excellent results. Wine is now one of the New Zealand's main exports.

Plan your New Zealand Wine Trail Holiday allowing time to spend a few days in several wine regions. Many wineries have their own restaurants and the gourmet food is usually excellent, as the menus are planned to compliment their wines. Some wineries have diversified growing olives and/or other gourmet food specialties. Each has their own architectural style and beautiful scenic surrounds.

Many wineries are in areas featuring beaches, bush or mountains, arts and crafts, historic townships and other attractions for you to enjoy.

If you are not keen to drink and drive - join an organised Wine Trail Day Tour in each location, for a comprehensive wine experience. Or drive yourself on mini tours... tasting the wines and gourmet foods many regions produce.

Vary it with a Winery Cycle Tour in Hawkes Bay or the Kayaking Wine Tour to Omata Estate in the Bay of Islands - and you have the makings of a wonderfully varied and exciting holiday.

I have found that many wine makers love to chat and share their vast knowledge of the wines they lovingly craft...for it is a craft. New Zealander's are generally innovative and prepared to try new ideas. This shines through in some areas of their wine making too.

The areas listed could all be visited as part of a tour throughout New Zealand. Alternatively you could choose to just tour either the North Island or South Island sections. I have selected the main wine growing areas.......and a suggested route that takes you systematically through the country.

Kerikeri - Northland is not a major wine area but there are a few good wineries. Marsden Estate and Cottle Hill are two wineries well worth visiting in Kerikeri. Both also have good restaurants.

Auckland - Matakana - Waiheke Island -West Auckland- Clevedon - There are many areas around Auckland where wine growing is a feature. Matakana is an hour north of the city and there are several good wineries here. Take a day or two and tour the area. With beautiful beaches, potteries, and Matakana township which has an excellent Farmers Market on a Saturday, there is plenty to fill your time in between wine tastings. Waiheke Island has many excellent wineries with some acclaimed labels. Either do a Day Wine Tour or spend a few days on the island with a car. Some of the wineries are a little off the beaten track......with glorious views. You can pick up rental cars from the wharf or take your car across on the Sealink ferry. West Auckland - is one of Auckland's oldest wine growing regions with many well established vineyards planted by the many Croatian families that emigrated to the area. Transport is essential. Kumeu, Henderson and Oratia are home to some of New Zealand's most well known labels. Artisan's Winery - Oratia has a great restaurant and their wines are supurb. South Auckland does not have such a wide choice of wineries but there are a handful around Clevedon. - I recommend Vin Alto as an interesting winery. You can have a wine tasting or enjoy a degustation meal with wine to match, which is a fabulous experience with much of the produce...... even the venison grown on the property. Their limoncello liquor is delicious!

Hawkes Bay - is one of New Zealand's top wine growing regions with Chardonnay and Bordeaux style red wines their most widely produced. This area has wine, food, art trails and Art Deco Napier to keep any tourist happy for days! You will need transport to reach the many wineries which are spread out. For something different you can do a Bike Winery Tour. You will want to include some visits to the many gourmet food producers as you tour the region.

Gisborne - Known as the Chardonnay capital of New Zealand Gisborne has some excellent wines and wineries with the first grape vines planted as long ago as 1836.This is also an area producing internationally acclaimed gewertztraminer at Vinoptima.

Wairarapa - Martinborough - Best known for their excellent Pinot Noir, you could plan to stay a night or two and enjoy the gourmet food and wines in the region. Martinborough is a popular destination for a weekend break and wine tours being near to Wellington.

South Island

Marlborough - Nelson - Sauvignon Blanc is the trademark wine for this region and is considered by many internationally to be the best in the world - although their Pinot Noir is also becoming a flagship wine for the area. This region has much to keep you here for several days if you have time - with arts and crafts, hiking and kayaking the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, and beautiful beaches.

Canterbury - The oldest South Island wine area, Reisling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are some of the best wines in this region. Take a Wine Tour or drive yourself to Banks Peninsula or Waipara Valley. French Farm is a lovely winery for tasting and lunch.

Otago - This may be a relatively new wine growing area, and those who were the first to plant grapes here were told they were "mad"! However, they have had the last laugh as the wines in the region have won international acclaim. Pinot Noir and aromatic whites grow very well on the rocky hillsides. A wine tour will take you to several fascinating wineries from Waitiri Creek Winery based in an old Church to Gibbston Valley with it's wine cave.

With Queenstown and Wanaka central to the area, you will enjoy stunning scenery and find a plethora of exciting activities and attractions when you tire of wine tasting. Enjoy your New Zealand Wine Trail Holiday!

My name is Gail Gillespie...... a New Zealander who with my husband, travels frequently both internationally and throughout New Zealand and loves to include visits to a few wineries as part of my itinerary. With so many wonderful wineries and wines it has become a major interest. HERE I share my wine tasting experiences and recommendations and am continually adding new personal reviews on the different wine pages as yet another winery has been carefully accessed! Share my wealth of New Zealand travel experience as you plan your New Zealand Holiday.

For Active Activity Holidays in New Zealand - Go For Wicked Water Sport Excursions!

Author: David John Smith

Source: ezinearticles.com



If you love water sports you are sure to enjoy the following pursuits.

Kayaking & Canoeing You can't beat sea kayaking in the Abel Tasman and Marlborough Sounds when it comes to pristine water, amazing scenery and wildlife encounters with seals, dolphins and penguins. A few local providers include: Abel Tasman Kayaks and Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company. Perhaps you are new to kayaking; why not learn from professionally trained guides before enjoying a paddling trip - New Zealand Kayak School provides a range of courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced boaters alike.

Surfing If surfing is your passion you will enjoy the benefit of uncrowded waves, beautiful landscapes and a fantastic choice of beach breaks, river bars, point breaks, and reef breaks. Popular surf locations include Raglan, Taranaki, Christchurch and Dunedin. Never surfed before? Never fear, there are plenty of surf schools and instructors located around New Zealand's surf regions. New Zealand Surf Tours based in Auckland offer 1 - 12 day tours and lessons with Surfing New Zealand Endorsed Coaches.

White Water Rafting Enjoy the thrills and spills of white water river rafting. It is adventure at its best, an amazing holiday activity for adrenaline seekers. Rafting providers offer a wide range of tours varying in intensity and duration. A great family or small group option that is sure to get your blood pumping. Much-loved companies include Wet 'n' Wild Rafting in Rotorua & Queenstown Rafting in the South Island of New Zealand.

Fishing - Freshwater salmon & trout fly fishing are world renowned in New Zealand. Local providers cater to both novice and pro fisherman with a range of touring options. Well liked fly fishing operators include Fishing in New Zealand and Baywest Fishing Charters in Taupo, located in the central North Island. Further South, Back Country Trout offers fly fishing trips amongst mystically alpine settings, located in Fairlie, in the Central South Island of NZ.

- Saltwater & big game fishing are popular coastal sports in NZ, with surf casting, rock fishing and chartered fishing boat trips all readily available options. Exceptional locations for sport fishing anglers include the East Coast of the North Island - such as the Bay of islands, Whakatane & Tutukaka. A range of catch depending on your location includes snapper, kingfish, tuna, marlin and swordfish. Blue Sea Charters is a local provider in the Bay of islands.

Active travellers to New Zealand can expect to find an unlimited array of water related outdoor adventure, attractions and activities as they explore our magnificent country.

Kiwi Holiday Parks - Camping in New Zealand.

Our goal is provide travelers in New Zealand with a unique and enjoyable experience in our nationwide range of quality holiday parks. With more than 50 strategically placed holiday parks around the country, we guarantee you a warm KIWI welcome on arrival and pledge that when you leave, it will be as a satisfied customer. David and his team hope that guests will continue to use their holiday park providers for every visit they make, and that you recommend us to your friends and family. http://www.kiwiholidayparks.com

New Zealand Nature Tour - A Journey Back in Time

Author: David Francis

Source: ezinearticles.com



New Zealand deservedly has a reputation as a tour destination that offers a unique natural history experience. The following article briefly explores some of the fundamental reasons why the nature of New Zealand is a journey back in time.

"New Zealand is as close as we will get to studying life on another planet" - Jared Diamond, US Ecologist.

As an island situated at the bottom of the world, New Zealand is isolated, and has been isolated for a very long time. The current scientific understanding is that the land mass of this country was originally joined to Australia, New Caledonia, and New Guinea about 80 million years ago. But then, due to the natural process of continental drift, New Zealand broke away from these other land masses, thereby sending it down a unique evolutionary path. Tellingly, this great separation occurred before many of the modern land mammals had evolved, resulting in a land mass unpopulated by any modern land mammals, apart from a bat species.

The timing of this separation has had a profound effect on the nature of New Zealand. Where mammals dominated the fauna of other land masses, birds dominated here, filling every niche from fierce predator, to forest floor scavenger. The lack of competition led many of our birds to evolve into flightless species. The best known of these, and the one to lend its name to many of our iconic features is of course the Kiwi.

The long isolation has also given rise to an inordinate number of endemic plants. Plant life has evolved in the absence of browsing mammals, further enhancing a unique evolutionary path. 93% of our alpine plants are endemic, over 80 % of the flowering plants occur nowhere else in the world, and our mighty podocarp forests have a lineage that stretches back 200 million years.

Orientated on a north south axis, New Zealand is very compact yet spans a wide range of climactic conditions. A tour that runs in this direction can, in a very short period of time, experience all of these conditions, and the unique features of nature that they have promoted.

The unique natural history of this country is well known and valued by New Zealand Government. The Department of Conservation runs cutting edge programs to conserve the remaining unique inhabitants of these islands. The also closely monitor and control tour operators through their Concession process in the hope of further enhancing the nature experience for all visitors.

Black Sheep Touring Company Limited. Formed in 1994, Black Sheep touring offers tours to New Zealand that offer a unique blend of luxury, adventure, cultural understanding, and interaction with our environment. With one of the lowest guest-to-guide ratios in the industry, the Black Sheep travel experience is very rich and personalized. A travel group size of 12 or less allows us unparalleled flexibility and the ability to offer each and every one of our guests a unique experience that is enriching for years after.

New Zealand's Top Five Festivals

Author: Tony Maniscalco

Source: ezinearticles.com



New Zealand walking holidays up are suitable for all seasons, every month throwing different scenery into the mix. But it's not just New Zealand's scenery that changes on a seasonal basis; the country also has some vibrant and off-beat festivals that change with the seasons. Here are our top five:

Wildfoods Festival

Have you got an uncontrollable urge to snack on writhing witchetty grubs, or eat a blackened sheep's tail? If so you should arrange your New Zealand walking holiday for the month of March, when the Wildfoods Festival is in full swing in Hokitika. During the day you can dine on worm sushi and crunch on deep-fried grasshopper before joining the locals in a wild dance in the evening at Cass Square. All the unique food comes fresh from New Zealand's West Coast and all the produce is local. However, if you're of a sensitive disposition you might want to stick to the national dish of hangi-cooked roast lamb and vegetables.

Shepherd's Shemozzle

When walking New Zealand you can't fail to notice the sheer number of sheep. The country has around 9 sheep to every 1 human; but, in a country full of sheep, where are all the shepherds? Come October, they're all in Hunterville taking part in the annual Shepherd's Shemozzle. The Shepherd's Shemozzle is a race run by locals, but until the day of the event the locals don't know what's expected of them. Last year's event saw locals competing to eat dried weetabix and bull's testicles; could we be sensing a theme to New Zealand's festivals?

Englefield Bathtub Derby

Taking to the streets whilst lying in your bathtub might be your biggest nightmare, but in New Zealand it's just another of their bizarre festivals. In November, on Takapuna Bay, a fleet of unusually decorated bath-tubs takes to the water in a whole host of different shapes and designs. There are three separate races that entrants can compete in; a motorised boat race, a sail boat race or a pedal and paddle boat race. In the evening, there's a barbecue on the beach and a series of games like beach volleyball that will appeal to the whole family.

Matariki Festival

When you're walking New Zealand in June you'll probably come across the Maori New Year celebrations. The Matariki Festival in Auckland is a month of celebrations based on Maori culture and heritage. Events that guests might come across include traditional dance, exhibitions and tree-planting ceremonies.

Matariki occurs when the seven sisters are spotted and the first new moon is sighted, so the dates can change on an annual basis. However, the usual dates are from mid-June to the beginning of July.

Queenstown Winter Festival

When walking New Zealand's Queenstown, you'll notice a hubbub of culture, sophistication and the arts; that is unless you visit the city during the annual Winter Festival in July. At this time of the year the locals celebrate with a host of wacky events from frisbee tournaments to the dog derby, where farmers and their dogs are required to slide down the snow on their bottoms. Lake swimming in freezing waters is a test of strength for the locals and the festival culminates in some serious partying. If you've also always wanted to take a hot-air balloon flight then the festival is the place to experience this.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Travel to New Zealand, The Land of the Long White Cloud

Author: John Kerr

Source: ezinearticles.com



New Zealand is a mystic land that the local Indigenous Maori people believed was fished up by Tane a great god.He used the jaw bone of his grandmother to bring up this great Fish and when you look at the Two islands from space you can see the shape of a fish. This mystic beginnings makes your visit to New Zealand all that more special being so far away from the rest of the world travel time is that much further.The Pristine clean environment when you arrive makes all those hours in a plane worthwhile when you enter Gods zone.

Welcome is the call from the local Maori women as you come on to their land watch as the warm friendly embrace you with a traditional Hongi (Rub noses). Speeches will be performed and songs will be sung food will be prepared to thank the gods of your safe arrival. Let us play host and let you see through the Eyes of Maori their wonderful Country. Visit the wonderful Bay of Islands in the North of North Island where you will be greeted with the most wonderful scenery and one of the best fishing spots in the world.You must visit Waitangi as a place of great historical significance as this was where our founding document was signed and New Zealand became a nation. Catch a Kingfish around these parts is a must as the area is well known for it.

Come to Auckland where most of the papoulation of New Zealand live (4 Million) and see the biggest city of New Zealand (1.4millon). We have the Famous Auckland Museum and The Sky City casino and many other attractions let us be your host.From Auckland travel down country to Waitomo caves and look at the glow worms that make up this big amptitheatre and experience this natural wonder. From Waitomo travel to the cultural capital of New Zealand Rotorua but dont forget to stop off at Matamata the land of the hobits from The Lord of the Rings. In Rotorua be awed with the geothermal activity and the local Maori Hangi shows that happen around town.

From here go on to Taupo and did some one say Trout Fishing the best in the world you have to catch a trout before you move on. Travel on down the island going through places like tauranga, gisborne, Taranaki (where Sumarai Warrior with Tom Cruise was filmed). Wellington the capital of New Zealand with Te Papa our national museum and our parliament is our next biggest and last city before you cross over to the South Island. If you thought the North island was spectacular the South Island is the jewel in the crown this pristine enviroment has not been touched for centuries and your travel down the west coast will be in awe.Stop off at the world famous kaikoura Whale watch operation and be amazed about how beautiful these creatures can be. Then onto the adventure capital of New Zealand Queenstown that every adventure seeking junkie needs to visit. The scnery in Queenstown is an awesome site as well and will cater for everybodies needs. So Haere mai come to New Zealand and let play host to you.

http://walkbackintime.com

Traveling to New Zealand

Author: Nadia Vella

Source: ezinearticles.com



Do you want to escape to a real paradise? Then, NEW ZEALAND is the ideal holiday destination for you!

New Zealand is situated in the South West of the Pacific Ocean. This country is situated very near to Australia.

New Zealand is a great destination due to its tourists' attractions that one may choose from. You may find various attractions in this country including boat cruising. Tourists' attractions include:

- Marine parks - Exploration of volcanic areas - Forests - Unique fauna that includes tropical birds.

This country is also knows as an adventurous spot for all tourists to enjoy. One can do bungee jumping, kite surfing and other adventurous sports.

There is always an amount of time spent shopping for souvenirs in all holiday destinations! In New Zealand, one finds various markets available including: the "Queenstown" that is situated near the lake front and is open on Saturdays. One also finds "Nelson" that is open in the morning up till 1 pm in Montgomery Square Carpark.

A great way to explore this holiday destination is by cruising. Expedition boats tend to explore New Zealand's sub Antarctic island. There are various options to choose from in cruising New Zealand.

On the other hand, one may opt to visit this marvelous country and staying at a hotel or at a "bach". A bach is a holiday accommodation house. Usually it is located near a river or lake. One will find various bachs available for rent and they are situated in quiet areas.

If you love water and love relaxing near or at a beach, in New Zealand one will find various beaches including:

- Browns Bay - Castor Bay - Cheltenham Beach - Little Shoal Bay - Mairangi Bay - Narrow Neck Beach - Rothesay Bay - Takapuna Beach - Waiake Beach - Waipiro Bay

If you love to enjoy your holiday on foot or by bike, then the Otago Central Rail Trail is the ideal destination for you. This is a do it yourself destination where one will not find any cars or buses by will travel by bike or on foot.

New Zealand is the perfect country with various ways of visiting it since it is a relaxing, quiet and also an adventurous spot. It will cater to all people with various holiday ideas since New Zealand has lots of options to choose from of how to spend your holiday there!

http://www.BestHotelDirectory.com

Tramping New Zealand's National Parks

Author: Tony Maniscalco

Source: ezinearticles.com



On the island nation of New Zealand, tramping isn't just a word but rather it is a national pastime enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The word 'tramping' may be unknown to most people outside of the country, but the recreational activity is simply known elsewhere as hiking or bushwalking. To be more precise, tramping usually involves walking New Zealand's rugged terrain, carrying all the equipment needed for your trip. A night stay is usually a part of tramping and this can take the form of an overnight campout in one of New Zealand's National Parks. With fourteen national parks in total there are so many beautiful areas for you to explore on a New Zealand walking holiday. Here are our pick of the islands' best:

Mount Aspiring National Park

This national park located close to the city of Wanaka is named after the towering Mount Aspiring; one of the country's highest points. The park is one of the best places in New Zealand for walking and is a serene dreamland of glaciers, mountains and alpine lakes. The park has a number of tramping trails, some of which are more challenging than others. The three day Routeburn track is stunning, but visitors with less time on their hands should try the Aspiring Hut walk, a one and a half hour trek which takes you around the perimeter of Mount Aspiring. The park also has something for the more adventurous, and you could finish your tour with a jetboat ride along the River Dart or even a heli-skiing adventure in the Northern Buchanan region.

Fjordland

This area of New Zealand is almost Norwegian in appearance, with its U-shaped glaciers and towering snow-capped mountains. Spectacular waterfalls cascade down through the valley and these can be explored via sea kayak. On your kayaking trip you may be lucky enough to spot some of the park's local residents, dolphins, penguins and fur seals. This national park is the best in New Zealand for walking and of the country's ten 'Great Walks' three can be found in this very park. The most famous being the Milford Track, a five day trail which begins at the head of Lake Te Anau and ends at Milford Sound, from where it is possible to book a fjord cruise taking in the rest of the region.

Tongariro

Parts of the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy were shot on location at the Tongariro National Park. Therefore, visitors to this region can not only enjoy walking amongst vaguely familiar landscape but in doing so can hope to learn more about the volcanic past of New Zealand. Walking the Alpine Crossing in this national park attracts 70,000 visitors each summer and visitors to this region are awarded with breathtaking views of the three snow-covered volcanoes, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. The largest of these volcanoes Ruapehu played Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings and although all three volcanoes are still active, this doesn't stop thrill-seekers from skiing down their slopes or hiking up to their craters. The park is ideal for walking in and, as well as the Alpine Crossing, guests can also take part in the six day round the mountain walk, where guests can spot all kinds of native flora and fauna from long and short-tailed bats to the native birds that make their home in the national park.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. On walking holidays in New Zealand with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.