Welcome to New Zealand ... Clean and Green

New Zealand comprises of 268,000 square km of land, North Island 115,000 sq km and South Island 150,000 sq km. New Zealand is populated by only 3.5 million people in a country that is 24,000 sq km larger than the UK. Travelling distance from top to bottom is 1600 km.

For a relatively small country New Zealand is very diverse. The North Island has been formed predominantly by volcano activity, some of which are still active. The mountainous South Island has been formed by the smashing together of two tectonic plates causing the rise of land mass into the Southern Alps. Experiencing both Islands is like experiencing two different countries. Click on map for more information on locations.

The editorial contained within on the North and South Island is written with you in mind. Travelling around NZ follows a distinct route so don't be surprised if you see the same friendly travellers en-route. The editorial is brief, however if followed will take you to all the great locations that you will otherwise discover following much more detailed guides. Additional editorial can also be found for all the discounted travel products accessed by your Nomads Adventure Card.

There are as many hostels in NZ as in Australia. The big difference is that once you get out of the gateways they are relatively small yet very friendly. While travelling you will find that the gateway hostels are the best source of information for your next hostel experience. Many hostels in NZ belong to multiple hostel chains however most reciprocate on hostel memberships. From the gateway hostels you can book your next hostel in Australia or Fiji.

AUCKLAND

New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, is known as the "City of Sails". Home of the Americas' Cup, it is also the largest Polynesian City in the world. Auckland is your gateway to the North Island and the rest of New Zealand.

From Auckland you can explore the beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke, Rangitoto, Kawau, Great Barrier, and many more with a wide range of full day and half day trips departing from the port located in Auckland's Downtown area. Sailing, fishing, cruises and maritime activities abound in this beautiful city, placed between two harbours, the sparkling Waitemata on the Pacific Ocean, the Manukau on the Tasman Sea. The Wild West coast of Auckland offers spectacular surf beaches, with wonderful nature tours in the surrounding native forest areas.

Visit Auckland's amazing array of attractions from the sharks of Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, to Auckland's Museum with it's fantastic display of Maori Artifacts and Culture, Hobson Wharf Maritime Museum, Rainbows End Amusement Park. Auckland Zoo and rainforest are well worth a visit. Adrenaline junkies can get their fix in Auckland by rap jumping, tandem skydiving, bungy jumping, hot air ballooning all available within this large metropolis.

A city of diverse cultures the traveller is offered an abundance of cafes, restaurants, nightlife to cater to your budget. The hottest place in Auckland for the new millennium is the stunning waterfront development "The Americas Cup Village". This superb area is lined with cafes, restaurants and bars and was developed to showcase Auckland's beautiful waterfront and help New Zealand to successfully defend the 2000 Americas

Cup Yacht Racing Regatta. Home to over 40 superyachts owned by the rich and famous from all over the world throughout the duration of the Americas Cup, this area is a superb facility and truly does justice to the "City of Sails". The Americas Cup will be contested again in the waters of the Hauraki Gulf off Auckland in the summer of 2002/3.

Right in the middle of the city is Fat Camel Hostel & Bar. Situated in Fort Street, it is only 50 paces from the main shopping area and the harbour. Purchase all your travel requirements here, sleep soundly in the brand new apartment style rooms or kick back in the Fat Camel Bar.

When travelling on from Auckland we recommend the Magic Travellers Network. Various bus passes can be purchased and offer flexible itineraries. If you like a place then stay a while. Bookings can be made through your Nomads Hostel. If you simply wish to get your bearings take the Bush and Beach day tour into the surrounding hinterland of Auckland and experience cliff tops, waterfalls, 1000 year old Kauri Trees, Muriwai Beach, Vineyards and more. Call 0800 423 224 for bookings.

NORTHLAND - BIRTHPLACE OF A NATION

Travelling North from Auckland via Highway One, you reach the beautiful Bay of Islands within 3.5 hours comfortable drive. You may choose to base yourself in Paihia, your gateway to the Bay of Islands and Northland. Or you may decide to explore Northland at your own pace discovering the best kept secrets of this sub-tropical paradise.

The magical essence of Northland's colourful past is preserved in historic buildings and places waiting for you to explore. Most of Northland's hundreds of kilometres of twin coast remain unspoilt, an aquatic paradise, a truly amazing playground.

After exploring the Far North take the Twin Coast Route via the Hokianga and Kauri Coast back to Auckland. Take time to explore the Waipoua Kauri Forest, home of majestic "Tane Mahuta" (King of the Forest), the crystal clear waters of the Kai Iwi Lakes, the historic township of Dargaville, stopping off at the award winning Matakohe Kauri Museum on the way.

BAY OF ISLANDS

Steeped in romantic history, the Bay of Islands is an aquatic playground. It's waters are dotted with 144 islands, it's shores lined with memories of our colourful history like the Treaty House at Waitangi, New Zealand's oldest stone store, and many more historic buildings at both Russell and Paihia.

Swim with the dolphins, sail or cruise the sparkling waters, take a ferry from the lively buzz of Paihia's cafes to Romantic Russell. Dive the Rainbow Warrior, snorkel, kayak around the islands, parasail, tramp to Cape Brett, bush-walk, sky dive, go horse trekking, fishing, visit Cape Reinga and the world-famous 90-mile beach, or just simply relax and enjoy the gentle breeze, warm sun and lapping of waves on the sea shore.

NORTHLAND - COROMANDEL PENINSULA

The Coromandel Peninsula is located on the East Coast of the North Island only a short two hours' drive from Auckland. The region has many fascinating contrasts with bush clad mountains, ideal for trekking in natural untouched forest, to white sandy sub tropical beaches lined with New Zealand's famous Pohutukawa trees, to bustling towns and extremely laid back communities.

Whitianga is the largest town on the Coromandel Peninsula. Situated on the Eastern side on Mercury Bay, offers you a wonderful palate of maritime activities, as well as great shopping, banks and a number of excellent cafes and restaurants. From Whitianga you can enjoy the swimming, sailing, kayaking, fishing, dolphin swimming tours, bone carving and scenic flights.

Nearby to Whitianga is Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, world famous for the thousands of tourists both local and international, who come to dig in the sand for their own personal spa pool from the hot spring water underneath the sand.

The historic towns of Thames, Waihi and Coromandel give insights into the gold mining days still evident in this region, together with galleries, pottery studios, and art and craft outlets found all around the Peninsula.

Whilst the clean green "Beach and Bush" nature of the Coromandel Peninsula has captivated locals and tourists alike, the lifestyle which can be found in this rustic region causes many to dream of idyllic lifestyles.

ROTORUA

One of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations, Rotorua is located 3 hours' drive south of Auckland. This region is the heart of the volcanic and geothermal activity, with bubbling mud pools, geysers, steam rising from the ground, and hot springs evident all around the city of Rotorua.

Mt Tarawera, 12 km away from Rotorua, erupted in 1886, covering large areas including a Maori settlement on the edge of beautiful Lake Tarawera killing 150 people.

The surrounding area consists of many colourful volcanic lakes and surrounding Thermal attractions. Rotorua has the largest Maori population in New Zealand where visitors can experience the best range of cultural activities in the country. Sample Maori food, view artifacts, and historical buildings. Rotorua also has many action and adrenaline activities to provide visitors with memorable experiences and thrills.

LAKE TAUPO

Taupo is the main resort town located on the edge of Lake Taupo, New Zealands' largest lake. The Waikato River, the longest in New Zealand, begins its journey here crashing over the spectacular Huka Falls on its way through the upper North Island where it joins the Tasman Sea just south of Auckland.

A mecca for trout fishing enthusiasts, Taupo is also home to a myriad of other activities. Bungy Jumping and tandem skydiving are two of Taupo's major adrenaline attractions, together with jet boating the upper Waikato River, sailing on New Zealand's largest lake, exploring Taupo's thermal parks, horse trekking, kayaking and walks are just some of the options.

Taupo affords spectacular scenic views across the lake to the snow-capped peaks of the mountains of Tongariro National Park.

WELLINGTON

Situated on a beautiful harbour at the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington has been the capital city of New Zealand since relocating from Auckland in 1865. Originally situated on very little flat land, reclamation of significant areas of the harbour has seen the city area develop in the last 150 years.

Lambton Quay, one of the main streets of Wellington City was the original waterfront. Wellington is a very compact city, with an outstanding selection of cafˇs, restaurants and nightlife.

The Nomads in Wellington is Trekkers Hotel. This award winning hostel has excellent facilities and is an ideal base for exploring New Zealand's capital.

Wellington is also a cultural centre for the arts, with many museums and galleries to satisfy the most discerning.

Te Papa (The Museum of New Zealand), a stunning building located on Cable Street, opened in 1998. It is a showcase of all things about New Zealand - past, present and future, including an impressive Maori collection with it's own marae. Interactive high-tech exhibits are presented boldly and imaginatively. Home to the New Zealand Government, both the Beehive and Old Government buildings can be viewed free of charge.

In central Wellington a cable car connects Lambton Quay to the residential area of Kelburn and affords fantastic views over the city and harbour. The botanic gardens can be accessed from the top, with a pleasant walk back down to the city through the gardens.

HEADING SOUTH

As mentioned earlier the North and South Islands are like different countries. From Wellington terminal the Top Cat Ferry will get you there in 100 minutes call (04) 499 5535. It departs several times daily to Picton, being the main sea-transport link between the North and South Islands.

The ferry crosses Cook Strait and into the myriad of waterways, bays and inlets that make up Marlborough Sound and onto an Island where the people and the landscape is remarkably different. But don't get me wrong, the people are as always very friendly.

SOUTH ISLAND

Welcome to the 'New Country'. The South Island has a total population of about the same as Auckland with a large number living in Christchurch, New Zealands second largest city. The unspoilt beauty of this part of New Zealand must be experienced and plenty of time should be set aside to enjoy all that is to offer.

Touring the South Island is easy, either, down the east coast and up the west coast or vice versa. With the odd little de-tour enroute. This editorial is taking the clockwise route heading down the east coast and up the west. So if you decide to be different then read this back to front. Remember you have left the hustle and bustle of the North Island so slow down and enjoy.

PICTON AND MALBOROUGH

Check out the harbour views and prepare to explore this fantastic part of the world. Picton is more than a gateway to paradise. It's a major part of the paradise that is the Marlborough Sounds and province with a host of delights all of its own. Picton's small population swells to more than 22,000 in the summer months as a favourite Top of the South tourist destination.

The Queen Charlotte Track that won the New Zealand Tourism award is a favourite excursion into the raw beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, accessible only by local water taxi the track extends for more than sixty kilometres through some of the most beautiful bush and forested areas you could imagine. The views are so spectacular that cameras do not do it justice. For those that can not afford the 3-4 days it takes to walk the complete track, day walks are also available.

Sea Kayaking is another popular way to see the sounds in their natural splendor. Day paddles are very popular but for the more adventurous a three day outer sounds experience takes you to places that will blow your mind.

Picton town has all the attractions of boating, cycling, sound shell, mini golf course, kayaks, paddle boats, children's play ground, walking tracks, and jumping off points for tours to areas of interest around Sounds.
There are numerous eating places, ranging from the traditional, if humble fish and chips to the exotic where the bounty of the province is served in delightful value for money prices.

Wine trails are a popular excursion into one of New Zealand's biggest wine growing areas, and you don't even have to enjoy wine to have a enjoyable day or half day tour. White water rafting, horse trekking, mini bikes, scuba diving and fishing are available from a number of operators.

NELSON

Nelson area is reputed to have the best beaches in New Zealand, with golden sand and crystal blue water and together with the reputation of having more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in New Zealand, makes it is a very popular tourist destination.

Nelson is 2 hours drive from Picton and is well serviced by local bus operators, who only charge $17.00 for the trip. Nelson is the largest town in the area with a population of over 40,000 and the number of shops reflects this.

The Abel Tasman and the Nelson Lakes National parks are two of the reasons people flock to the area in the summer, they are in opposite directions from Nelson which makes it an ideal base for visiting either.
Sea kayaking around the Abel Tasman National Park is an ideal way to enjoy the numerous sandy beaches and calm waters of the park. There are a number of tracks through the park and you can chose one day through to four to explore the area.

Marahau at the southern end of the park is a popular starting point or water operators can transport you to any starting point up the coast. Pupu Springs has the clearest water in the world, as it takes years for the water to filter through the lime stone from one of the glaciers further south. But if you are thinking of swimming or diving in the lake to experience the unlimited visibility, be warned, the water temperature is only 11 degrees centigrade.

There are a large number of tourist operators in the Nelson Area, and every taste is catered for, paragliding, 4x4 motorbike tours, wine trials, craft tours, white-water rafting, wind surfing, parachuting and parapenting are all available.

For the less active or for those wanting a rest from all their excursions, there are a number of interesting museums and lovely gardens to be visited. The number of craft, antiques and other novelty shops is amazing.

CHRISTCHURCH

The second largest city in New Zealand with a population of over 300,000, (one third of the South Island population lives there) it is often described as the most English of New Zealand cities. The International Airport in Christchurch means that you may begin your NZ experience here.

In keeping with the English feel, the Nomads New Excelsior Hotel offers great facilities in the heart of Christchurch. The building is 120 years old however due to a recent makeover it has the comforts of a 1990s hostel. The Excelsior pub is separate however is well worth a visit or two or three.

One of the striking things about Christchurch, in addition to its feeling of genteel comfort, is its abundance of lovely old Gothic buildings, left over from the Victorian Era. The most amazing is the Anglican Cathedral that began its life in 1860.

The city is flat so getting around is quite easy, and bikes can be hired from a number of outlets. Cathedral Square is definitely the centre of town and information centres can be found there.

There are a number of museums and art galleries including the Airforce museum and Ferrymead historic park, also the Yaldhurst Transport museum and the Rugby and Cricket museum. Trams were first introduced to Christchurch back in 1905 and still run on the 2.5 kilometre inner city loop.

If Queenstown doesn't take all your money the Christchurch Casino will, with all the usual ways to lose it. But you will still have a great time doing it. An interesting place to visit is the International Antarctic Centre, with a lot of hands-on exhibits and video presentations.

Christchurch also has a gondola which takes you to the top of Mount Cavendish. Once up there you can paraglide back down again. There are two wild life reserves, Orana Park and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, with lots of strange and exotic animals and birds. Queen Elizabeth Park is a must for the young at heart, this huge sports complex has four indoor pools, two water slides and seven squash courts, plus a fun park. All sorts of other activities are available, like swimming, surfing, walks and skiing less than two hours drive away.

As you would expect there is an abundance of restaurants and nightspots to tempt you. A couple of day tours out of Christchurch include a trip to Hanmer Springs. This backroad tour takes you up to the main thermal area on the South Island. It is a great spot for backpackers with loads of out door activities, including horseriding, forest walks and if your game to Bungy Jump then that to.

You can also head off to the scenic harbour town of Akaroa, originally a French settlement, the flavour still is prominent with street signs, quaint cottages and excellent folk music. Aside from the charm or Akaroa, another main attraction is the swimming with the dolphins. A fantastic experience which can be arranged on the way to Akaroa. Travel Pioneer have excellent 'off the beaten track' tours that go to Hanmer Springs and Akaroa, for bookings call 0800 808 070

DUNEDIN

With a Scottish heritage you will find city based whiskey distillers and Haggis ceremonies. However I am sure you didn't come all this way to eat Haggis. Dunedin is a grand Victorian city.

The city has 17,000 students that also has given rise to some great pubs, cafes and restaurants. Where there are students there is also an arts scene. After checking out the distillers and breweries experience the Taieri Gorge Railway and enjoy some mountain air. This four-hour journey is one of the great rail trips that you can experience in the Southern Hemisphere.

From here you can check out a myriad of transport mechanism to head further into the mountains.

SOUTHLAND

Moving south from Dunedin via the coast, the Catlins Forest Park is a place of hidden waterfalls and river valleys, where native forest meets the water's edge. Rocky bays, inlets and estuaries make up some of the region's most magnificent coastal scenery.

Following in Dunedin's heritage, the Scots also settle Invercargill - the largest urban centre in Southland and home to 49,000 people. Invercargill offers a mixture of elegant Victorian and Edwardian architecture, gardens and beautifully landscaped parks. The rich green pastoral lands offer a strong contrast to the neighbouring Central Otago in the north.

Southland is New Zealand's southern-most region, and includes New Zealand's third island, Stewart Island. Unspoilt in its location, Stewart Island across Foveaux Strait is the third largest island making up New Zealand. For anyone seeking peace and tranquility, Stewart Island is the ultimate spot. There are superb bush walks and great launch cruises around some of New Zealand's most beautiful coastlines. Stewart Island can be accessed either by sea, across Foveaux Straight, or a short flight from Invercargill. Invercargill has an excellent art gallery and museum with high-tech audio/visual displays based on the flora and fauna of New Zealand's sub-Antartctic islands. It also has a unique live display of the tuatara, a lizard-like reptile related to the dinosaur, that is native to New Zealand.

QUEENSTOWN

There are some New Zealanders who refuse to go anywhere near Queenstown, it being, they say, too bloody frantic. And by Kiwi standards, it just might be. But compared to the flashy-toothed, beautiful-people-laden ski spas around North America, Queenstown is pretty mild.

It sits nestled beneath the saw toothed ridges called 'The Remarkables' on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is the fun capital of the South Island, close to skiing, close to fishing, close to mountain hiking, close to Milford Sound. It is the Bungy-jumping capital of the world and world famous for it's white water rafting and jet boat tours on the Shotover River.

A gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak (1500 ft) is a good place to start, from there you can get your bearings. A leisurely boat ride on the T.S.S Earnslaw that dates back to 1912 is well worth a try, then there is Bungy jumping with lots of operators to chose from, and even try heli jumping, were you are lifted to 300 metres and then you jump (there are no refunds if you chicken out).

The other very popular adrenaline rush is jetboating. The two most popular rivers for this are the Shotover and the Kawarau; the rivers around Queenstown are also very good for whitewater rafting grade 3-5+ on the Shotover and grade 4 on the Kawarau. White-water sledging and river surfing (if you don't know what they are, find out when you get there) are probably the most exciting of all the activities.

Then there is parapenting and parachuting, mountain-biking, skiing, motorcycling, walks (about the only thing that's free) they range from a quiet walk through the park to ascending Ben Lomond (1746 metres). Then after lunch you can go fishing, water-skiing, windsurfing, charter a yacht, hire a catamaran or a horse, try a space shuttle simulator, ride a water bike, visit an amusement park or underwater observatory, hire a moped or collapse in a babbling heap. In the evening you could try the numerous nightspots, and plan what you are going to do on your second day.

FOX GLACIER

Fox Glacier is in the Westland National Park and should be included in any itinerary. The Fox Glacier like the Franz Joseph has been advancing since 1985, and in the last 10 years has advanced almost a kilometre. Due to the Glacier being so steep and its proximity to the sea make it unique and a wonder to behold. There are numerous walks and one of the most popular (also the shortest) is the walk from the glow worm grotto. The walk around Lake Matheson rewards you with the best view you will ever see of the mountains reflected in the mirror flat lake, the best time is in the morning when the lake is very flat.

Another famous view is off Glacier View road, as the name suggests it's a spectacular view of the Glacier, it means a short climb up Cone Rock but the view is worth it. Although the Glacier is the focal point of the area, there are numerous other walks through native rain forests. The short Minnehaha walk or the river walk, the coastal walk to Gillespies Beach takes you to the Seal colony where over a thousand seals can be seen on a good day. To get there you pass an old miner's cemetery and further on the remains of old gold dredges, wear good footwear, as it can be hazardous in places.

Guided tours can take you onto the ice of the glacier but you are discouraged from going it alone as it can be dangerous. For people that do not fancy walking, scenic flights are available that fly over the Glacier. Helicopter flights are available with a short stop at the top of the Glacier, they are expensive but well worth the money.

WEST COAST

As you make your way up the West Coast of the South Island you encounter a region sparsely populated where breathtakinly dramatic scenery abounds. Much of this area remains in its natural state, and has been preserved as a World Heritage Area for generations to come.

After leaving the glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef, travelling North you enter the world of "Coasters", and will experience the legendary hospitality offered by the people living in this remote part of New Zealand. This magnificent coastline, lush rainforest and surging rivers stretches for an impressive 600 km.

The West Coast region offers a variety of short scenic walks and hiking opportunities. Near Whataroa on the shores of Okarito lagoon, is New Zealand's only nesting colony of the white heron (kotuku). Boat trips on this primeval swamp reveal these elegant birds in their natural glory.

GREYMOUTH

Is the largest town on the West Coast, with a population of over 7,000. In years gone by it was the gold mining centre for the West Coast, even today gold is still mined in the area, relics of that boom time are evident everywhere. You can try panning for gold, and if you strike the mother load, keep quiet.

Jet boat rides on the Grey River to the Brunner mine are popular. As are the rides out to sea, to the seal colony and the Hectors dolphins.

Between Greymouth and Westport is a wild, ruggedly beautiful coastline that features the unique Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki. These spectacular rock formations are well worth a stop, and if you strike it lucky you may see the blowholes puting on one of their famous performances.

Surrounded by National Parks and Native Forest, Greymouth is the west coasts main town, transport hub and tourist activity centre. Known by the Maori as Mawhere, Greymouth has always been the main population centre of the west coast, even prior to European settlement. It was here on May 21st 1860 that the young scottish explorer James Mackay negotiated the purchase of over fourteen million acres of West Coast land from Poutini Ngai Tahu, on behalf of the British Government for a mere three hundred pounds.

Within ten years the purchased land was to yield over twelve million pounds in gold, and to this day gold panning and mining is still a popular and occasionally lucrative activity. Since those heady days of the 1860's, Greymouth and the West Coast have continued to be a mecca for those seeking adventure and good fortune. In 1860 it took James Mackay 4 months to walk from Mawhera from Nelson. He had little choice. Today travel is considerably easier. Greymouth is the daily terminus for the world renowned Trans-Alpine scenic train to and from Christchurch. It is also served by the Intercity Bus line, the Atomic Bus (from Nelson and Queenstown) the Coast to Coast (from Christchurch), Sounds to Coast (from Picton) Alpine Coach (Christchurch) and of course the Magic Bus.

When you arrive, the choice of activities is just as varied. The area is a walkers paradise with over 50 walks from one hour, to twelve days, suiting all abilities. The extensive river systems of the area provide for world class water rafting and kayaking opportunities (grades 1-5) and also some of New Zealands best fresh water fishing.

Other activities available from Greymouth include Cave rafting, Dolphin watching, Quad bike tours through Native Forest and Bush, 4 wheel drive tours, scenic flights over the Southern Alps and many others. Returning to Greymouth at the end of an adventure filled day, the range of cafes, restaurants and bars available will satisfy all appetities, thirsts and budgets!