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.

How To Select A Good Car Hire For Travel Around New Zealand

Author: timothy

Source: articledashboard.com



Touring around naturally beautiful New Zealand by car is an exciting experience. You can hire your car from Auckland when you are in North Island. When you are in South Island, Christchurch is the place to hire your car rental. Travelling around New Zealand by car needs a few important things to be borne in mind before you plan one. We have highlighted a few important points pertaining to New Zealand car hire.

Is your car hire reliable?
Make sure your car hire is reliable by checking to see if the car rental company includes 24 hour AA (Automobile Association) roadside assistance. AA is a not-for-profit organisation which takes care of vehicle breakdowns giving you complete peace of mind when you travel around New Zealand. Does your car rental meet your needs?
Ensure that the car rental you intend to book meets your needs. When you contact the supplier, be specific about the model of the car you are looking for and your budget. Your supplier will have a wide range of cars to hire at different budgets, luxury levels and number of travellers the car is suited for.

Are you under the age of 21?
If you are below 21 years of age, it is VITAL to ensure that the car rental company you are using will permit you to drive the car. Most car hire companies in New Zealand prescribe 21 years as the minimum age to hire a car. So, ensure that your car rental company allows you to rent a car and check if there are any associated surcharges.

What is included in the car rate that you pay per day?
You must carefully check what is included with the daily rate you pay for your car rental. Make sure you contact your car hire company to find out the inclusions and the exclusions in the daily rate.

Do you need special requirements like baby seat etc?
If you are travelling with your baby, ensure that a baby seat can be fitted in the car that you are hiring. In addition, most car rental companies hire out baby seats.

Do you know the size of the car you need?
Be very careful in choosing the size of the car you are looking to rent. Be very specific on what type of car you are looking to hire.

Do you need a ferry service to transport your car?
If your tour of New Zealand covers both the North Island and South Island, you must make sure of your car hire company's policy on the ferry crossing between the islands. Some car rental companies have depots on either island (Wellington on North Island and Picton on South Island). Some companies do not and this means you have to take your car on the ferry. From travel experience, it is easier to take your vehicle on the ferry to the other side instead of giving up your vehicle on one side, travel to the other side, transfer your luggage to the new vehicle and do up new contracts.
At Ezy, we ensure that you, our valued customer, comes first and gets the best out of our car hire service to have the most memorable trip around New zealand. The highlights of our car rental service are:

• Ezy is a registered member of AA. In addition, Ezy offers a 24 hour replacement vehicle policy. If the vehicle cannot be repaired within 24 hours, Ezy will deliver a new vehicle within 24 hours.

• Ezy are a prominent 2nd tier company in New Zealand car rental industry and their great rates reflect this. They also offer a range of car hire ranging from cheap car rentals to luxury cars and 1st tier cars to suit special needs of clients.

• Ezy Rentals hires cars to 18 years+. In this case, the hire rates remain unchanged. It is the insurance excess that is slightly higher.

• Ezy car hire rates are inclusive of standard insurance, Goods and Sevices tax or GST and free 24 hour roadside assistance from AA.

• Ezy rentals offer a wide range of vehicles with baby bolts fitted so that baby
seats can be attached securely and safely. Ezy also hires out 3 different sized
baby seats and boosters to ensure that your child fits into it perfectly.

• Ezy Rentals has a wide variety of cars on offer from small hatchbacks to large sedans, station wagons and people movers

• Ezy Rentals does not have offices on either side. Hence it is best to take the car on the ferry. This makes it easy for the client. Ezy offers discounted ferry rates for its clients.

Ezy Rentals is a market leader in the 2nd tier segment of the New Zealand car hire industry with branches in Auckland and Christchurch. We have earned our reputation as a clean and honest car hire company in the New Zealand tourism industry. We are sure that you will not be disappointed with our high level of service and our car hire prices.

Courtesy: Tim Alpe
CEO
Ezy Rentals
http://www.ezy.co.nz
Email: tim@ezy.co.nz
We make your New Zealand trip by car EZY

30 Commonly Used Kiwi Slangs in New Zealand - Come in Handy for Your Daily Chats

Author: Doris Chow

Source: ezinearticles.com



Every country has their commonly used slang, and New Zealand is no exception. The first time I heard 'Sweet as' was on my first day in New Zealand, I was amused and wondered what it meant. Another time, I read the term 'backyard barbie' in the newspaper, and guess what, the image of a life-sized barbie doll in a garden appeared in my head. There are heaps more, but I listed only 30 common ones which can be handy for your daily chats, at least in the first few days.

Arvo - Short form for afternoon. E.g. meet you tomorrow arvo at 4(pm).

Ay/Eh - Used at the end of the sentence or a substitute of 'pardon' or 'what'. E.g. we should go Auckland this weekend ay.

Bach (pronounce as batch) - Holiday home. E.g. we stay at the bach at Whangaparaoa Peninsula during summer.

Barbie - Short form for barbeque. E.g. I am having a barbie at my backyard tomorrow, do you want to join us?

Brekkie - Short form for breakfast. E.g. shall we go for brekkie now?

Cheers/Cheerio - Thanks and/or goodbye. E.g. A: The train departure time is at 1pm. B: Cheers

Chips - Refer more commonly to French fries. E.g. Please help me to get some chips from the takeaway on your way back.

Dairy - 'Corner' store selling convenient food 7 days a week, a little like neighbourhood 7-11. E.g. I am going to the dairy to get some snacks, do you want anything?

Do - Sometimes refer to party or gathering. E.g. we are having our Christmas do on 20 December.

Dodgy - Describe something bad, unreliable, spoiled, strange, etc. E.g. that guy standing at the corner is dodgy. The food smells dodgy.

Dunny - Refer to the toilet, bathroom, lavatory. E.g. we have an outdoor dunny in our farm house.

Flash/Flashy - Describe something that looks very good and/or expensive. E.g. Flash car you've got there ay.

Gimme a yell - Means 'let me know', not yelling literally. E.g. If you have any questions about your assignment, just gimme a yell.

Gummies - Refer to gumboots, rubber boots, wellingtons, wellies. E.g. You need to wear your gummies if you are going to the paddock.

Jandals - Flip-flops or thongs. E.g. let me grab my jandals and we can go.

Jersey/Jumper - More frequently refer to sweater. E.g. let me get my jumper/jersey and we can head out now.

Lolly - Candy, sweets. E.g. I bought some lollies just now, want some?

Mate - Can mean buddy, friend or stanger. E.g. I am meeting my mates to go for dinner soon. Hey mate, where are you going?

Nana and Nandy - Grandmother and Grandfather. E.g. I am spending the weekend at my nana's place.

Paddock - Frequently refer to farmlands and fields. E.g. the cows are grazing at the paddock behind the hill.

Rellies - Family and relatives. E.g. My rellies are going to the bach for the weekend.

Scull - Drink beer rapidly. E.g. he is sculling down the beer.

Smoko - Break time, rest period. E.g. our afternoon smoko is at 3pm daily.

Sunnies - Short form for sunglasses. E.g. I can't drive properly without my sunnies.

Sweet as - Can mean cool or awesome. E.g. A: Shall we go to town tonight? B: Sure thing, mate. A: Sweet as. See you later.

Ta - Informal term for thanks. E.g. A: Here's the book. B: Ta. A: Sweet as.

Tea - Usually refer to evening meal or dinner. E.g. shall we meet at 7pm for tea at Nandos?

Toastie - Toasted sandwich or bread. E.g. I am making egg toastie for lunch, do you want one?

Togs - Swimsuit, bathing suit. E.g. remember to bring your togs and jandals for the weekend at the beach.

Wonky - Faulty, twisted, misaligned. E.g. That chair is wonky, you better get another one.

Copyright 2010 Doris Chow

About the Author: Doris Chow is an blogger on http://www.FunNewZealandTravel.com. The blog shares about Doris' experiences and lessons learnt in her 3-year stay in New Zealand.

Queenstown New Zealand - A Great Resort During Every Season

Author: Paul J Easton

Source: ezinearticles.com



Imagine a place which you can enjoy equally all year round. You probably find this hard to do, but not if you have been to Queenstown, New Zealand. It is one of the country's most renowned mountain resorts. Is situated on the shores of the gorgeous Lake Wanaka and is surrounded by high mountain peaks. Its natural characteristics make Queenstown the perfect vacation place during the winter, spring, summer and autumn.

Queenstown is one of the most popular ski and snowboarding destinations in New Zealand. The temperature during the winter season, from June to September, rarely rises above 46 degrees F (8 degrees C). This guarantees that you can enjoy the most amazing skiing experience on the mile long ski slopes all day long during the entire winter season. Queenstown is not only a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. If you are up to an even more exciting adventure, you can readily try ice-climbing or riding a snowmobile. Those who are not fans of the snow and ice can readily enjoy a day soaking in a hot spa pool and getting the most relaxing treatments.

In spring, which lasts from September to December, you can enjoy the vibrant colors of the natural landscape in the Queenstown area. You can go mountain biking or hiking to get a taste of the true beauty of this mountain and lake region. A boat ride on the lake is an excellent way to spend a relaxing day. You can go canoeing, kayaking or fishing or play golf. If you are more into adventure, you should not hesitate to go bungy jumping, whitewater rafting or enjoy an exclusive jet boating trip.

You can enjoy great sunbaths in Queenstown during the summer, from December to March. The temperatures are warm enough, but you will never get to suffer from a great heat. You can readily enjoy a relaxing day on the beach and take a swim in the crystal clear waters of the lake. The summer is a great time to do all the outdoor sports activities and explore the great natural surrounding Queenstown has to offer. It is definitely a good idea to go hiking and to camp in the mountains.

The relatively warm autumn, between March and June, is full of color in Queenstown. This is a great time to enjoy mountain biking and to take walks near the lake and in the mountain. If the weather outside is chilly, you can readily enjoy a day at the spa or send time wine tasting.

Short Rates.com provide Last Minute Cheap Auckland Hotels and Wellington Hotels Accommodation across New Zealand everywhere from the Bay of Islands, to Rotorua, Queenstown and the Deep South.

New Zealand Walking - Seeing Things As They Are

Author: Tony Maniscalco

Source: ezinearticles.com



Few would dispute that New Zealand offers a unique and beautiful countryside coupled with a fascinating history and culture. One of the ways to best see it is through a New Zealand walking holiday.

What's there to see?

New Zealand is often described in terms of its two main islands. Many areas of the North Island have a distinctive 'Pacific Island' feel with beautiful beaches, luscious flora and a volcanic appearance to much of the countryside. It is home to the bulk of New Zealand's population and is proud of its multi-cultural status, and has a strong Maori legacy and presence. Auckland and Wellington are two major cities well worth exploring, as is Napier. Rotorua is world-famous for its geysers, hot steam vents and bubbling mud pools. The Bay of Islands contains marvellous opportunities for exploring the multitude of islets and sandy coves. Not to be missed also is the Tongariro National Park which contains stunning scenery.

The South Island is different! Much more sparsely populated, the island contains a vast range of natural spectacles including mountains, glaciers and fjords. It is home to the Southern Alps and some of the world's most breathtaking views of mountains, lakes and coastlines. The largest town is Christchurch and other major attractions include Mount Cook with its alpine scenery; Te Anau with its fjords; Queenstown with its scenery and adventure leisure opportunities; and the Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers. It's also an ideal opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife; including exotic birds such as the Albatross; and around the coastal areas, whales, dolphins and seals.

Both the North and South Islands received rave reviews for their stunning scenery when it was seen around the globe as the backdrop to the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. All these attractions are just a tiny sample of what a New Zealand walking holiday may be able to help you explore.

Why take a New Zealand walking holiday?

New Zealand is a beautiful country that has worked hard to keep its natural grandeur intact.

There are vast areas of nature that are relatively undeveloped and unspoilt by large-scale human encroachment. In some cases the only way to reach these magnificent sights is on foot. In other instances, you'll be more likely to appreciate the locations 'in context' if you've walked to them. New Zealand walking holidays in general are also becoming more popular for environmental reasons; and if you need yet more convincing, they may also be better for your general health!

How does the holiday work?

A New Zealand walking holiday is fully guided by a tour leader that is an expert in the route and the attractions as well as the local history and culture. They are constructed for those with only a moderate degree of fitness and walking ability. It is a carefully and expertly crafted holiday experience and not a forced route march - so no need to worry if you don't come into the 'superfit' category! Each guided walk is carefully planned to ensure that it is not overly demanding and that it concludes each day with the opportunity to relax and unwind in excellent accommodation. You can sample the excellent local cuisines while you reflect upon the sights you've seen during the day.

The holidays offer a variety of choices. So you may wish to be based in a single centre or to vary between different locations. You can decide to explore only one of the major islands or spend time or both. That is one of the major attractions of a New Zealand walking holiday - you can select an option that suits your interests and then with the help of your tour guide, follow it. It really can be a different and more satisfying sort of holiday.

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.