Taniwha, orca whales and traditional Maori waka began dancing
through Auckland Airport yesterday as part of a giant audio-visual
structure unveiled in the international terminal’s departures
area.

News and Media Releases

- Tourism New Zealand

New Zealand’s biggest city will again be the focus for the
biggest event in the New Zealand tourism industry’s calendar.

News and Media Releases

- Tourism New Zealand

Address to Tourism Auckland by Prime Minister and Minister
of Tourism John Key.

News and Media Releases

- Tourism New Zealand

Auckland Airport and Queenstown Airport have today announced a
new strategic alliance aimed at boosting tourism to the Queenstown
Lakes District.

News and Media Releases

- Tourism New Zealand

About 170km southeast of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is a gorgeous volcanic peninsula called Coromandel Peninsula. This wonderful spot is just a few hours away from the hustle & bustle of the city and transports you to a world of serenity and unparalleled beauty. The terrific climate only serves to enhances the surroundings.

Coromandel Peninsula is the site remnants of the exploitation of kauri gum, gold and timber; of a fortified Maori village; thermal activity; and points of interest identifying Captain Cook’s exploration of the area. These are all powerful draws to visitors.

Located between Whitianga and Tairua, Hot Water Beach should be experienced at least once in every person’s lifetime. With the colorful Pohutukawa trees lining the cliffs act as bookends to the beach, this pristine white sand beach sits over an underground river of hot water that rises from the bowels of the earth to empty into the Pacific Ocean.

The beach becomes very busy for a few hours before and after low tide as visitors flock to find the perfect spot to dig out their personal thermal pool in the sand. Hot water burbles up through the sand as it rises to meet the ocean. Beach goers dig out a pool so that they can sit in the earth warmed water and let the steam embrace them.

Cathedral Cove is contained in the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve and is another wondrous place to see. Designed by nature, this spectacular cove can only be accessed by water or foot. Several picturesque walking tracks lead to this amazing piece of paradise. Pack a lunch and head out for the afternoon to enjoy this marvel of nature.

The breathtaking beauty along the walk is reason enough to take the trek however the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is the first incredible sight of cove. The magnificent rock arch that has been carved out by water over the centuries provides a perfect backdrop to the stunning ocean beauty. The arch serves to separate the beaches at the cove but there was a rockfall in late 2009 and access is now restricted.

The gold rush of 1875 brought Karangahake Gorge to prominence. Rich in New Zealand’s gold mining history, the gorge has been established as a tourist destination. The rugged scenery is breathtaking and walking trails have been established so that visitors can wander through the terrain. If you are a fishing aficionado, you can cast a line in the incredible waters…provided that you have purchased a licence. Visit the winery, ride the scenic railway from Waikino and Waihi, walk the four-hour (round trip) Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway, or relax and sip coffee in the Waikino Station Café. There is no lack of fascinating activities and sights in this stunning gorge.

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.

Although in the shadow of its neighbor, Australia, New Zealand is a world apart from anything you may experience elsewhere. A former British colony, with indigenous influences permeating the culture because of its proximity to the Polynesian islands and its Maori heritage, New Zealand offers some of the most diverse tourist experiences in the world. Year after year, the green rolling meadows; easily accessible geysers; guided glacier walks; and unending stretches of incredible beaches tempt many tourists to travel across oceans to soak up New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Discovered around 800AD by Kupe, the landmass known as New Zealand was one of the last to be settled. A steady influx of migration from the time of Captain James Cook has seen this island nation grow. The indigenous Maori are a minority but have had a tremendous enriching influence on life in New Zealand.

New Zealand is divided into two main islands, North Island and South Island. The season and destination will dictate what wonders you are exposed to. Both islands offer all manner of extreme sports, including the New Zealand invention – bungee jumping.

South Island is renowned for the relics from the last Ice Age; the Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers that rise to just below majestic Mount Cook, the tallest peak in the Southern Alps. These valley glaciers are unique in that, when the world’s glaciers are retreating, these continue to flow. Moving steadily toward sea level, these spectacular glaciers flow at a rate that is about ten times faster than other valley glaciers. Winter in the Southern Alps provides an excellent opportunity to participate in skiing, filmmaking and mountaineering. Some scenes filmed for The Chronicles of Narnia were shot here. South Island’s Otago Peninsula lets you experience cozy accommodations in the midst of seal, sea lion, penguin and sea elephant habitat.

North Island has a milder climate and a warmer summer than South Island. A trip to the legendary Lake Taupo, a 660 square meter lake formed by a volcanic explosion, will fill you with awe. Black water rafting, or cave rafting, as it is sometimes known as, is popular on the west coast. A black water rafting experience, especially a tour through the Ruakuri Cave, will give you an adrenaline rush that you will always remember. If you are not seeking that much of an adventure, make your way to Ninety Mile Beach located at the far north end of North Island. The origin of its name is not known but the beach takes in 55 breathtaking miles of coastline, including the stunning northern dunes. To the east, Great Barrier Island offers a unique and wondrous underwater world for scuba divers to explore. It also gives you the opportunity to bask in the Kaitoke hot springs, commune with nature in the Glenfern Sanctuary, or just take in the sensational sight of Mount Hobson rising majestically above this barrier island.

A four-season destination, New Zealand is filled with enough activities and city life to whet your appetite for more. Wellington, Queenstown and Auckland all appeal to the spirited, youthful and adventurous tourists. The culture and spirit of New Zealand surrounds you even in the urban areas. Is New Zealand worth visiting? The only answer is a resounding YES!