Given to the state by a prominent Maori chief in 1887 in exchange for the land becoming protected, the formation of Tongariro National Park began. The establishment of this National Park was the first one in New Zealand and has the distinction of being the fourth world wide. So well known is this treasured park that it was used as one of the locations in Lord of the Flies.

This park is historically important to the Maori culture and also has great spiritual importance to them. One of only 25 locations in the world that are designated by UNESCO as mixed World Heritage sites, with the cultural significance of this land to the Maori and the importance of the volcanic activity being recognized.

The three volcanoes, Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, are not only geologically important but the summits are sacred to the indigenous people of New Zealand. Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu are among the world’s most active composite volcanoes with the most recent activity being the 1996 eruption of Ruapehu. These majestic volcanoes rise from the earth to tower over the land below creating an incredible view as you approach them.

This harsh environment is home to the only mammals native to New Zealand, the long and short tailed bats; as well as many types birds and insects. Among the birds that reside here are rare and vulnerable native species like New Zealand Kakas, North Island Brown Kiwis, and the Blue Duck. The soil is a poor quality and the volcanic activity has prevented many trees from establishing a firm foothold in the area. That said, there are gorgeous pockets of protected podocarp that have survived over the decades.

Tongariro National Park has excellent walking tracks, two of the largest ski fields in New Zealand, rock climbing, and all season mountaineering. The walking tracks take you across rugged volcanic terrain on trails that let you drink in the park’s stunning vistas. The trails take from one day to five or six days to complete. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing walk has been declared by National Geographic to be on of the best ten one-day walks in the world.

On the North Island, the Rotorua region is a fascinating place to explore. This area has so many activities to participate in, it is difficult to know what to do first.

The odor of sulphur lingering in the air is a constant reminder that the area is alive with thermal activity. Thermal springs, mud pools, geysers, and steam vents attract visitors in throngs. People recognized the therapeutic properties of the thermal springs as far back as the 1800. Spas abound and visitors should definitely avail themselves of the healing qualities while they are in town.

Everyone that comes to Rotorua must experience the thermal springs. One of the best places to see the activity is Kuirau Park. This park has walking trails leading to areas of activity. There are mud pools that are scalding hot, steam vents that open with no warning, and crater lakes that are too hot to swim in. Tendrils of steam often shroud the park giving it an ethereal quality.

Starting out as a trout sanctuary, Paradise Valley Springs is a privately owned park that has transformed into a great animal and bird park. Pools of brown and rainbow trout, a pride of lions, deer, ducks, sheep, and a variety of other animals make their presence known. In addition to the untouched native bush, animals, and birds; this little piece of paradise bottles and sells water from its onsite spring. The cold refreshing water is us pure enough to drink straight from the spring and is used in their coffee shop and trout ponds as well as the bottling plant.

While in Rotorau, you simply must explore the Maori culture with a visit to Te Puia. The story telling, Maori village, the Pohutu Geyser, and cultural shows will keep you spellbound. Your guides will enchant you with their warm personalities and their ability to draw you into their world. No trip to New Zealand is complete without some exposure to the native culture since it has such an extensive influence on every aspect of life on these islands.

Whakarewarewa Forest with its stand of magnificent California redwoods is a terrific place to pass the day quietly. Although it is ironic that Americans come here to see the redwoods, the first of these trees were planted in 1901 in an attempt to recreate the forests that existed before the 1886 eruption of Mt. Tarwawera destroyed the forests. Redwoods were deemed to be the most suitable to grow quickly enough in this area. The trees were later dedicated as a memorial to members of the Forest Service that were killed in WW1. Walkways throughout the park allow people to bike, ride horses, and walk through the forest enjoying the scenery and views.

This city has many interesting activities and you won’t regret your visit here. The diversity ensures that there is something for everyone in the family and your visit will be one to remember.

Partway down the west coast of North Island sits the little town of Raglan. With a year round population of about 4,000, this small, coastal town is an internationally known surfing spot. Its famous surf and relaxed lifestyle act as a magnet for serious surfers from around the globe. Here is a place that embraces surfing visitors and provides them with a great experience.

Surfers from all over flood into this picturesque area to experience the exhilaration of conquering the waves. Several surfing competitions are held in the area in recognition of the world-class surf that can be found in the vicinity of Raglan. With the influx of visitors, Raglan has had to respond by providing accommodations and activities that will keep all visitors interested in returning, not just the surfers.

Places to stay in the Raglan area range from simple campground to a five star lodge and everything in between. You can camp, rent a room, stay in a cozy B&B, or stay in a motel/hotel or apartment. There is a place to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

Some places to stay are:

Spending time camping in Raglan will thrill you. Raglan Holiday Park offers a mix of camping whether you are pitching a tent, wish to stay in an Oceanside cottage, or driving your home away from home, this park offers everything included a front row seat to the ocean view. Geared to create a self-contained virtual island, surrounded by water on three sides, this park offers a communal kitchen. Showers, recreational areas (including a skateboard park), a beach, laundry facilities, Internet access are all contained within the campground. Town is just a short walk away over a pretty footbridge.

Tucked away ten minutes from Raglan is the aptly named Hidden Valley Retreat. Indulgence combined with eco sensitivity has created a very memorable experience for their guests. Offering their guests three types of accommodations, privacy and views are evident in the seclusion. Activity packages for just about everyone are available whether you want to golf, surf, explore on horseback, unleash the kid in you, or just have a pampered getaway.

The Raglan Sunset Motel sits just 100m from the edge of the spectacular coastline offers all the amenities of motels in larger centers. No matter what your needs are, they can be met by their fully equipped conference center, spa pool, off street parking, a licenced bar, 18 motel rooms, 7 suites with kitchettes, two apartments and one small house.

If you are looking for a more intimate stay but still want the amenities of a hotel, the Harbor View Hotel might be just the accommodations for you. With its outdoors Garden bar, small Veranda Bar, Harbor View Hotel, 9 rooms, and upper deck with an incredible view; this small hotel is charming and affordable. In the town’s center, the hotel is within walking distance to the harbor.

When you are seeking the luxury of five star accommodations, look no further than Waoku Lodge at Whale Bay. Set on 14 acres, the lodge offers luxurious apartments with spectacular views. Pampering and romance is what Waoku Lodge is all about with its day spa, fresh fruit, garden fresh flowers, private meals served in your apartment, and all the amenities that the discerning visitor might want.

Although Raglan may be small, it offers a diverse range of place to choose from when you are booking your visit. Just make sure that you book early so that you are not disappointed.

We all know that traveling, especially with a family, is an expensive undertaking. Although most places have things to see that are inexpensive or free, we often find out about them once we are there and they don’t fit into our crammed schedule. New Zealand is no different.

One of the great things about New Zealand is the spectacular scenery. No matter where you go, you will encounter breathtaking views. Why not spend a few days taking in the sights without any cost of admission? Both South Island and North Island have panoramic vistas to drink in but, in my view, a drive along the Tutukaka Coast is one of the best.

Driving down the scenic Tutukaka Coast not only gives you amazing scenery but it will take you to places that will enthrall you.

Just a few kilometers from Whangarei, the magnificent Whangarei Falls are a bit off the beaten track but easily found. All you have to do is follow the signs and pack a picnic lunch. This 26-meter drop in the Hatea River is worth spending time at. Walk the bridge that overlooks the falls or walk down to the bottom, either choice will give you unparalleled views.

As you drive further toward the coast, near Glenbervie, you will see great examples of dry-stone walls on both sides of the road. These walls have stood the test of time and are constructed without mortar.

Continue further and you will reach Tutukaka. Although this activity is not free, you really should go and snorkel or dive at Poor Knights Island. As an alternative, you can wait to snorkel until you reach Matapouri Bay. The beautiful sand beach will beckon to you to warm your feet on it. If the tide is low while you are there, you can also experience the wonders of the Matapouri Pools.

Whale Bay is just a stone’s throw from Matapouri Bay and is a surfing mecca. The surfer in you will surely clamor to get out and play once you see the waves break and curl.

If you follow the road inland to Hikurangi, you will again be on SH1 heading back to Whangarei. I’m sure you’ll agree that the day was worth it as you linger over your dinner and head for your room.

Driving north from Christchurch for two and a half hours brings you to one of the best whale watching spots in the world. Kaikoura, one of the very few places in the world where sperm whales can be easily found, is located on the east coast of South Island. Set on the coastline, with a backdrop of towering mountains, the town looks out over the sea that is alive with marine activity.

Sperm whales populate the waters off Kaikoura all year making this area one of the most popular destinations in the world for visitors seeking the whale watching experience of a lifetime. A deep underwater canyon and an abundance of marine life provide a great habitat for these incredible mammals.

Although sperm whales are seen in the waters year round, other whales visit the waters here on their migratory route. The great Orca, or killer whale, can be spotted from December to March while the majestic humpback can be sighted during July and August. In addition, Pilot whales, Southern Right whales, and Blue whales often use these waters as a rest station during their travels. The waters are also home to the elusive Hector’s dolphin, the world’s most rare and smallest dolphin.

Tour operators in the area offer a wide range of viewing options with their accent on providing an awe inspiring experiences for their customers. A couple of companies provide viewing from an airplane or helicopter. This type of viewing gives you a real perspective on the size of these creatures. They are massive!

If viewing by sea is your pleasure, there are several companies that can accommodate you. Some like Whale Watch Kaikoura Ltd have boats built for the specific purpose of giving their passengers the ultimate whale watching adventure. During tours, knowledgeable guides tell you about the whales you encounter, including the names if they are resident whale. In addition, if you are fortunate enough to see the playful Dusky dolphin and the gravely threatened Hector’s dolphin, the guide will relate information on them.

For whale watching, there really is no other place like Kaikoura to have an incredible whale experience.

Nestled along the eastern coastline of New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is a fascinating and diverse city of some 348,000 people. First settled by the Maori around 1250, Christchurch was granted a Royal Charter in 1856 and became an established city.

Home to a number of incredibly beautiful gardens and 800 parks; Christchurch has rightfully earned the nickname of The Garden City. Forward-looking politicians planned for permanent green spaces long before other cities realized the need with the establishment of Hagley Park in 1855 and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in 1863.

Located in heart of the city, the 165-hectare Hagley Park is bordered by the magnificent 21-hectare Christchurch Botanic Gardens. This significant public park allows visitors to participate in many different activities such as walks through mature woodlands, a running circuit around the perimeter, netball courts, and cycling tracks. If you are looking for a quite area to retreat to read or meditate, you should have no difficulty finding just the right spot in this vast green oasis. Traditionally Hagley Park has been the venue of choice for large gatherings like Great Industrial Exposition of 1882 and is still the choice for major sporting and cultural events.

Established to commemorate the 1863 marriage of Prince Albert to Princess Alexandra of Denmark, Christchurch Botanic Gardens is mostly enclosed by a loop of the Avon River. Several plant collections have been established within the Gardens including rare and endangered plant species that are being conserved. Various garden attractions draw you to them by their staggering beauty. The Rock Garden and the Heather Garden have some plants in flower year round while the formal Central Rose Garden and the Heritage Rose Garden contain more than 1250 bush roses and about 30 standard roses. For those with impaired vision, the layout of the Fragrant Garden is designed to accommodate their needs with wider pathways, raised planters, and an abundance of aromatic plants that truly make the garden’s name appropriate.

With just 2% of the Christchurch area’s original wetlands surviving, the 116-hectare Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park is a relatively recent and very welcome addition to the city’s green spaces. This wetland is the last surviving freshwater wetland in Christchurch and is vital to the survival of some native flora and fauna. Home to the only stand of manuka, of any substantial size, this wetland provides a habitat to about 80% of pre-European indigenous wetland plant species. With so much destruction of other wetlands, the Travis Wetland is invaluable in the preservation of native plants and birds. Strictly a “No Dog” zone, this wetland is designed to allow the public access while preserving the treasures of the wetlands.

With these three parks being a tiny sampling of what awaits you as you explore the beauty and history of Christchurch, prepare to be awe struck by the parks and gardens of the city.

Auckland: A sea lovers paradise
On New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland, a thriving metropolis set in the midst of spectacular bays and inlets. Nicknamed The City of Sails, it is hardly surprising that Auckland’s most notable activities are water related such as dinner cruises around the harbor, swims with dolphins and dolphin spotting.

Transportation: get from here to there
Auckland is home to the major international airport in New Zealand. This means that Auckland is directly accessible from Europe, Asia, Australia and the US. There are also domestic routes to Auckland from South island.

The recommended modes of transportation with the city are bicycle or taxicab. Rail and bus services are available to other areas of the island.

Weather
Summer runs from November to April because New Zealand is located in the southern hemisphere. Temperatures in the summer average around 20°C and the winter temperatures are very mild, above freezing.

Accommodation: Budget to luxury accommodations
The best and most reliable source of information on accommodations is the Internet. Selection, cost, availability, location and amenities for accommodations can be obtained through the Accommodations link on the city of Auckland’s website.

Events and Attractions
All year there are events; like sports, music and festivals; being held in the city and there are a myriad of attractions to see. No matter when you visit, there is bound to be something happening in or around Auckland. Just check the city’s website.

Is it any wonder why the incredible beauty of New Zealand attracts hordes of tourists each year? From around the world, tourists flock to savor the diverse experiences available in New Zealand. Not all tourists want to continuously tour nature preserves or go to cultural and historic landmarks. Fun and relaxation are just as much a part of a vacation as seeing the sites is. The six casinos of New Zealand offer familiar games combined with the laidback lifestyle of New Zealand.

Queenstown provides the beautiful backdrop for New Zealand’s best casino, the Sky Alpine Queenstown Casino. Great dining can be enjoyed in Wild Thyme, the casino’s restaurant. After a delicious meal, visitors can go and have some fun at the slot machines and gaming tables. The lucky ones will win some money. Live entertainment and big jackpots at the Sky Alpine attract regular visitors.

For those that wish to have variety in their gaming experience, there are other casinos to visit in New Zealand. Dunedin, the second largest city on South Island, is home to the Dunedin Casino. This casino, in the refurbished 1883 building that housed the old Grand Hotel, has a façade that combines function and form and offers attractive accommodations in the attached hotel. The Dunedin Casino’s Grand Bar & Café offers a great new menu for your dining pleasure and then play poker, bingo, and baccarat at leisure. The SkyCity Hamilton Casino, with its 4 bars and restaurants, has 23 gaming tables and over 300 slot machines for its visitors to enjoy.

New Zealand’s group of boutique casinos offer some of the best entertainment and gaming in the South Pacific. Although you need to be 20 years old to gamble in the casinos, those that are old enough can participate in a unique gaming experience. The small casinos with their range of fine and casual dining, excellent entertainment and broad spectrum of games ensure that visitors will not be bored.

On the South Island, excitement is around every corner. Rivers race through rocky ravines and then meander across plains washed down from the Southern Alps. Alpine lakes provide endless diversions, and the various contents that sweep along the western and eastern coasts carry food and a huge variety of dramatic sea life.

Up in the north, the stretches of golden sand and numerous coves attract sea kayakers and canoeists to Abel Tasman National Park. Around the corner, in the Marlborough Sounds, deep waterways entice boaters and fishermen to its inlets and fiords.

The combination of cold and hot currents and the continental shelf drop offs attract sperm, humpback, southern right and minke whales; as well as dolphins, orcas and a plethora of other sea life, to the Kaikoura coast.

The shallow rivers of Canterbury have been well stocked with sea-run trout and well fed quinnat salmon. Within a two-hour drive from Gore, there are 27 rivers worth fishing. Gore boasts that it is The World ‘s Brown Trout Fishing Capital.

High speed jet boats take small groups of people on safe, but thrilling, tours along the rivers and incredible gorges. The Shotover and Kawarau rivers just outside Queenstown provide some of the most exhilarating rides. This resort area is renown as the Adventure Capital, where skillful drivers can judge the gaps with astounding accuracy and can thrill the passengers with seemingly impossible turns and spins.

Whitewater rafting appeals to those that want a marginally more laid back activity and the gleeful shouts and whoops are evidence of their thrills. The Southern Lakes are teeming with sailing dinghies and water-skiers on hot, lazy summer days.

The Southern Ocean’s cold currents thunder as they roll up onto the Otago coast. Thse waves create an awesome surfing experience for surfers. Formidable fiords of the Fiordland region hold many surprises. An event called “deep water emergence” allows you to view a unique marine environment, including rare black coral, about one meter below the surface.

Going to festivals and other events around communities in New Zealand is a terrific way for a backpacker to get the feel and flavor of the real New Zealand. Spend time in each place and soak in the local life. It will deepen your appreciation of the experience. A festival, called Wild Foods Festival, which you should not miss out on attending, is held in March of every year at Hokitika, on South Island’s West Coast.

The isolation of the West Coast means the residents, or West Coasters, pay scant attention to what goes on in the world so distant from them. The Wild Foods Festival showcases local delicacies and drinks. Some of the memorable fare available at the 2008 festival were live huhu grubs; Mountain Oysters (known as goat testicles); eel spine; semen sauce; marinated duck tongue; seagull turd; cow tit; possum pie and rotten fish eyes. How delicious! Oddly enough they sold out of huhu grubs because they were so popular. Talk about an epicurean adventure! People are everywhere egging others on to partake in some of the grossest offerings available.

They do offer some tamer foods that included homemade fudge, mussels, white bait fritters, Bambi (venison) burgers, wild pork, wasp larvae ice cream and a pickled native fern called punga. In addition, they offer local beverages like gorse flower wine and an array of live entertainment. Monteith’s beer, a local brew, flowed all day and night, along with a variety of New Zealand wines.

In 2006, the population of Hokitika was just over 3000. With a cap of 15,000 tickets, accommodations for festivalgoers can get very interesting. There are several campsites set up including a couple by the fire brigade on the beach. The setting is incredible with the coast at the doorstep. After a day out and an evening partying, sitting on the beach by a bonfire is the perfect ending to the day.

Upon waking in the morning, you can drink in the sunrise or take a leisurely walk. Those with no accommodations will set up house wherever they can find space, including among the porta-potties.

New Zealand has many festivals that, like Wild Foods, are well worth going to. Be sure to find out what events will be going on during your visit and plan your trip. A great way to see Aotearoa, which translated means Land of the Long White Cloud, is going pack sacking through the country.