On almost any trip to New Zealand you’ll cross the International Date Line, so remember to wind your watch back, say… about 20 years.
Sure it’s a joke but it’s also partially true. The combination of small cities, friendly people, lush farm land and natural beauty makes a trip to New Zealand akin to revisiting an idyllic childhood.
The North Island is more rugged of the two major islands and one of the biggest drawcards is the volcanic wonderland of Rotorua. Similar to Yellowstone National Park, the region is a maze of fumaroles, volcanic ponds and geysers. Instead of bears the natural fauna includes flightless native birds called kiwis. Steam rises from the town’s gardens and locals collect volcanic mud from the roadside to use as face packs. More adventurous travelers can swim in hot volcanically heated beaches or climb the active volcano, Mt Ruahpeu.
New Zealand also shares a kinship with islands like Tahiti in the South Pacific (even the indigenous languages are very similar). With a subtropical climate, the 150 island archipelago known as the Bay of Islands in the far north even begins to look the part. Further south, Auckland may be New Zealand’s largest city but Wellington is its creative center (the NZ Symphony Orchestra, Ballet, International Arts Festival and much respected Film industry all call Wellington home). Located at the southern end of the North Island the compact metropolis resembles a miniature San Francisco. There’s also a lively restaurant culture and vibrant music scene all packed into a two mile city center. Don’t miss the museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, which is recognized as a world leader of interactive and innovative museum experiences.
Wine lovers will want to visit Hawkes Bay (in the North Island) and Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island. They make up New Zealand’s world class wine growing regions specializing in cold climate varieties. (In fact a respected Rhode Island vintner confided that all of Rhode Island’s winemaking knowledge comes from New Zealand.) For something different try Johannesdorf Winery, Marlborough Sound - the aromatic German style wines are simply divine.
On the South Island a more rural landscape prevails. Christchurch and nearby North Canterbury are a picture of rural bliss. Among the rolling hills speckled with sheep and deer are some of the best trout fishing rivers in the world and a food scene that revolves around hearty meals of exotic local game and crisp fresh ales.
Nearby, Mount Cook is one of the major attractions of the South Island. Glaciers cover 40% of the national park and the 19 dramatic peaks tower over 10,000 feet. Located in their shadow is Queenstown, the equivalent of Vail to New Zealanders and Australian’s alike. The steep slopes and apré ski scene make this lakeside town a popular year round destination. In summer the steep ravines are full of bunjee jumpers and jet boats defying laws of nature to thrill and terrify willing participants. For a more serene adventure head south to Fiordlands National Park. Take a boat cruise through this, one of the world’s more remote wilderness areas and you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Norway. The verdant green cliffs are one of the last pieces of land before Antartica. Still waters run very deep indeed in Doubtful Sound: with this fiord measuring more than 1200 feet to the bottom.
On the western edge of New Zealand, just off the rugged Kaikoura coastline, a pod of resident sperm whales make whale-watching a year-round activity from land, sea or helicopter. Many of the same whales have been visiting the area for decades so if you vacation in New Zealand on a regular basis you may get to know them by name. One things for certain you’re sure to have a whale of a time.
For more information:
New Zealand excels at boutique hotel experiences. The best are members of Select Hotels group and offer affordable luxury experiences in all of New Zealands major regions including Rotorua, Fiordlands, Marlborough Sounds and urban retreats in major centers Christchurch, Auckland and Queenstown. For more information visit www.selecthotels.com
Air New Zealand fly daily from Boston and New York (code sharing with United Airlines).
Fares start at around $1500 during low season (July-September).
Flight duration is approximately 18 hours.
For more information call 1800 262 1234 or visit www.airnewzealand.com/usa
Words and images by Adam McCulloch. Originally published in AAA Horizons. The format has been altered to suit Tumblr.
