New Zealand is a unique country, widely known for its rich nature, glaciers and beaches, mountains and lakes, forests and caves. Environmental movement allows saving this splendor in almost pristine condition, even in the vicinity of large cities. New Zealand was chosen as the location of the world trilogy 'The Lord of the Rings' and many other popular movies. The slopes of New Zealand’s volcanoes, its hills and fiords in Queenstown and Lake Uanaka are the object of pilgrimage of numerous tourists.

Tourists pay special attention to such national parks as Mount Cook, Tongariro, Fiordland, Urevera, Egmont, and others, two marine parks and numerous reserves. The UNESCO World Heritage List includes the entire area of New Zealand’s three districts.

North Island is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The landscapes are represented by snow-capped mountain peaks in Tongariro National Park, ancient volcanoes with numerous geysers and mud pools in the vicinity of Rotorua, and endless green meadows.

The city of Oakland is located at the narrowest place in North Island, between the two bays that belong to different seas. This is a huge city, unique in its kind. Nearly the entire space here is built up with one-storey houses. Oakland is also the industrial, cultural and economic center of the country. The relatively young city is not rich in historical sites, but it is quite a picturesque place. Oakland is among the best ten cities for living. Fort Victoria and the whole fortification system, the beautiful Victorian-style mansions, Harbour Bridge, a monument to Michael Savage and the Amusement Park Rainbow's End in Manukau attract the attention of many visitors. The city has a huge number of cultural institutions, such as the National Maritime Museum, the New Zealand War Memorial Museum, the Museum of Transport, the Botanical Garden, the Long Bay Park and picturesque vineyards along Lincoln Road. One can simultaneously see both the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea due to many viewing platforms on extinct volcanoes.

One can make a boat trip to the picturesque fjords, or explore the nearby islands. Some of these islands in Hauraki Gulf have become nature reserves. It is highly recommended to visit the beautiful beaches that are centers of surfing, see the 60-meter-high waterfalls, mineral springs, and beautiful lakes.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is the second largest port in the country, its major commercial and transportation center. The city offers a magnificent view of Wellington Botanic Gardens with a unique collection of flora, the Parliament building, the building of the former Government Palace, the National museum, the Maritime Museum, Art Gallery, New Zealand Astronomy Centre, and Planetarium. In this area, there are hundreds of tourist complexes with mud baths and hot springs, volcanoes, geysers and spectacular volcanic landforms. Ask your tour operator in New Zealand to prepare a city tour for you.

The South Island is quite different. The west coast is famous for its abundance of natural attractions ranging from the countless fjords to glaciers, stormy rivers and impenetrable rainforests. The east coast is an industrial and commercial area with major cities that are home to most of the population of the island.

Christchurch is the third largest city in the country, the largest town in the South Island and the center of the eastern province of Canterbury. This is a beautiful English town, which is of great interest itself. Its main sights include Cathedral Square, the Catholic Church, Arts Center, Canterbury Museum, the Museum of Antarctic, the Zoo, the Aquarium, the ancient village on Paige Road, and a cable car on the top of Mount Cavendish, which offers a spectacular panorama of the city.

Contact a New Zealand travel agent to design and implement your tour in this country. You can get rebates for flights, local hotels, tour guides and other important elements of your trip.
New Zealand Mountain Lake