 |
 |
Covered in thick forest or spotted with holiday
residences and farms, the islands of New Zealand
have a extraordinary charm that greets you the first
time you set foot on shore.
Not including the South and North Islands, the
largest island of New Zealand is Rakiura or what is
popularly known as Stewart Island.
This paradise of the south is residence to the
country’s latest national park. The place is great
for bird watching, hiking, and star gazing. |
More islands dedicated to the preservation of wildlife are
the Hauraki Gulf’s Tiritiri Matangi and Wellington’s Kapiti.
From the city of Auckland, you can take ferries to inhabited
islands such as Great Barrier and Waiheke. Great Barrier is
known for its rugged, unaffected beauty which appeals to
explorers while Waiheke is popular for its charming blend of
forest, farmland, beaches, olive groves, and vineyards.
|
|
The Bay of Islands is located in
the north. It consists of a big area of offshore
islands squashed between the Purerua Peninsula and
Cape Brett. Hire a boat, rent a kayak, or ride a
cruise to savor this striking maritime vacation
spot.
Fault lines, ice ages, tectonic plate activities and
volcanic zones have all left their scar on New
Zealand. The country’s environment is dynamic,
bordered by two large oceans and suspended on the
dramatic Ring of Fire of the Pacific. When
tremendous events occur above or below the surface
of the earth, remarkable scenery is usually the
effect. A good example is the South Island’s
south-western corner. It was on this spot that a
parade of ice ages formed an imposing assortment of
fjords. On the upper the coast there exist two
glaciers which reject the end of the ice age and
continue to creep its way into the rainforest. |
For a complete satisfactory experience, you couldn’t
do worse than the North Island. Here in lie active
volcanic areas, together with a nautical volcano
which allow you to walk through it, are just a few
outward signs of internal tumult.
|
Wander into the geothermal regions surrounding Taupo
and Rotorua where craters, fumaroles, and geysers
are provide endless fascination. And what’s more,
this is where you can find boiling mud in the middle
of a public park.
With over fifteen thousand kilometers of coastline,
New Zealand is more than familiar with all the
humors of the ocean. The Pacific Ocean is located on
the east coast where it plays alongside white
beaches and bays.
The Tasman Sea is found on the west coast with its
infamously untamed breaks alongside weathered rocks,
rugged cliffs, and long stretches of dark, volcanic
sand. |
 |
For sea lovers, there are journeys by highway that will keep
you close to the ocean all the way. The Twin Coast Discovery
Highway is in the Northland and is a touring path which
includes both the west and east coasts. A photo opportunity
is provided by a trip down the Catlins coast while surfers
will be really happy with the west coast haven that can be
accessed via Taranaki’s Surf Highway 45.
|
|
