New Zealand is a dream country. From the crystal clear waters of Abel Tasman, along the majestic expanse of Ninety-Mile Beach, the mountains overlooking Queenstown, all are the breathtaking scenery. Travelers can enjoy them by hiking or tramping (as said by New Zealanders), lazing on the beach, or enjoying the views of a vineyard while holding a glass of Pinot Noir in their hand. The trip to New Zealand requires a good plan to avoid the wasting of your time and money.
There are only 4.8 million New Zealanders spread over 268,021 km2, larger than the United Kingdom with a fourteenth of the population. Forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and sublime fjords. Here are the favorite destinations in New Zealand.
Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Stepping up to Abel Tasman seems like you’re getting to the beach in Thailand. A beautiful beach and its azure water are more tropical than New Zealand. The hike is superb with its giant ferns, tall trees and in the temperate climate. There are many hiking trails from one to three days and you can kayak to enjoy the park and its surroundings. This way you explore the coves and beaches that make Abel Tasman very special.
The glacier hike to Fox and Franz Josef
The steep and dramatic Fox and Franz Josef Glacier is accessible by hiking, ice climbing, helicopter flight which is landing on snow field above. It’s so hyped because the glaciers have receded and melted very fast. Today, the ice cave and its hike are closed so there is only one helicopter flight. It’s a little expensive but still worth the money.
The Tongariro passage walk
Considered the best day hike in New Zealand, tracks lead you to Mordor in a film The Lord of the Rings. The total of the track is 19.4 kilometers with different difficulty level but considered easy even for a beginner. The hike in this environment of volcanoes and sulfur, supernatural and red in color, was the highlight of your stay in New Zealand.
Relax in Christchurch
Heavily damaged by earthquakes in recent years, today Christchurch is a brand new city. Although there is still a lot of open space of demolished buildings, you will also find a large number of new constructions, a sense of hope and dynamism, funky bars, more markets, new restaurants, shops and exhibitions. The locals are really using this chance to improve Christchurch. If you’re there for a few days, be sure to visit the Canterbury and Quake City Museum, and be sure to take the gondola too!
Surfing in Raglan
One of the best and longest left breaks in the world, a reliable swell and a relaxed atmosphere make this surf destination in New Zealand a destination of choice.
Gary Holmes