| There's simply no doubting the natural beauty of | | | | to snow sports. The ski season is usually from June |
| New Zealand's stunning landscapes. This famous part | | | | to October, but varies depending on the area. There |
| of the Southern Hemisphere offers everything from | | | | are ski areas in both islands but the majority are in |
| mountains and glaciers, active volcanoes and dense | | | | the South Island. This tranquil part of the world also |
| forests, to lakes and rocky and sandy coastlines. | | | | has 14 national parks, providing walkers, trampers and |
| Whilst New Zealand is not a large country, travel | | | | hikers with thousands of kilometres of tracks to |
| seekers find themselves surprised by how much | | | | choose from. There are 9 popular tracks, including |
| there is to do and see. As well as exploring the | | | | the Tongariro Northern Circuit in the North Island and |
| landscapes, there's a huge range of activities available | | | | the Abel Tasman Coast Track and Milford Track in |
| which you can experience as part of your New | | | | the South Island. |
| Zealand vacation, satisfying both the sedate and the | | | | Hunting and fishing is one of the most popular |
| adventurous. | | | | pastimes in New Zealand. It's actually legal to hunt a |
| New Zealand is often regarded as being the outdoor | | | | number of species, including deer, pigs and wild goats. |
| adventure capital of the world. Kiwis are very active | | | | However, people wanting to hunt on public |
| people who love getting outside and many take | | | | conservation land need to apply for hunting permits. |
| access to the natural world for granted. The | | | | Many of New Zealand's rivers are rich in salmon and |
| experience of 'going bush' is almost a spiritual role | | | | trout, of which the central North Island is most |
| that involves communing with nature whilst exploring | | | | famous. Salt water fishing is always a common |
| an unspoilt forest. | | | | activity during every New Zealand vacation. Some of |
| Another iconic tradition is that of the great Kiwi | | | | the most popular spots for big game fishing are in |
| beach holiday in a rustic bach. These small holiday | | | | the Bay of Islands, Whitianga, Tutukaka and Tuhua. |
| homes, often roughly built, hold an important place in | | | | Surf casting from many of the beaches around the |
| the hearts of 'Kiwi's'. They're regarded as somewhere | | | | country is also extremely popular. |
| where you can get away and unwind. | | | | One of the biggest draw cards of visiting or living in |
| For most people, every New Zealand vacation | | | | New Zealand is that it takes just a 3 - 4 hours drive |
| involves a huge range of outdoor pursuits - from | | | | from anywhere in the country to get to the |
| walking and fishing to jet boating, bungy jumping and | | | | coastline. This is just another reason to come 'down |
| canyon swinging. Visitors have the choice of doing | | | | under' and visit one of the most talked about parts |
| these independently or with the guidance of a tourist | | | | of the world. You'll quickly see why so many people |
| operator. | | | | return to live here once they've visited, or just don't |
| New Zealand is also spoilt for choice when it comes | | | | leave at all. |