| Some of the most novel vacation experiences in the | | | | the plentiful thermal resorts. You can take a cruise on |
| world may be found in New Zealand. All things are | | | | Lake Taupo or go to the Waitomo Caves for |
| possible in this country so well-endowed by Nature. | | | | dark-water rafting. There is also the Tongariro |
| The only limitation may be your time. New Zealand can | | | | Crossing to negotiate, if you are fit enough for a full |
| easily fill up vacations that last for several months and | | | | day walk. The major cities in the North Island are |
| you will not even find yourself doing the same thing | | | | Wellington, and the capital, Auckland. On the South |
| twice during that period. But for those on limited time, | | | | Island, take a trip out to the Marlborough Sounds for |
| you will have to give serious thought in planning your | | | | more dolphin-watching or kayaking. There are several |
| holiday to get the most out of your trip. A vacation in | | | | vineyards you can visit. At Nelson, you can make your |
| New Zealand means traveling to the other end of the | | | | way to the Abel Tasman National Park or the Nelson |
| earth so you should make the most of it. New Zealand | | | | Lakes National Park, near Franz Josef on the west |
| is everything you have heard about, and many things | | | | coast. In Franz Josef, you can try the glacier walk or |
| more besides. New Zealand means unspoiled nature | | | | take a look at scenic Mount Cook. If you proceed to |
| from volcanoes to glaciers, stunning scenery, with just | | | | Wanaka, you can go exploring canyons or do some |
| the right touch of interesting history. Special Treats A | | | | breath-taking skydiving. At Queenstown, you may |
| unique New Zealand tourist treat is cave tubing in the | | | | consider the Shotover Jet or take a plunge on the |
| dark Ruakuri Caves. It starts innocuously enough, with | | | | bungee. You should spend a day in Christchurch, the |
| a rubber tire's inflated inner tube to serve as your | | | | biggest city on the South Island, before you head back |
| flotation device. Everything changes afterwards as | | | | to Auckland for your flight out. Best time to go The |
| you ride through roaring rapids, slip through tight | | | | warm months in New Zealand are between |
| crevices, and plummet down waterfalls while the | | | | November and April, and this is the best time for |
| limestone walls are bathed in the eerie light produced | | | | outdoor trips. If you want to avoid crowds - not only |
| by innumerable glowworms. The thrilling ride is also | | | | other tourists but also local folks- try not to visit key |
| known as black-water rafting and (so far) can be | | | | sites from mid-December to early February. However, |
| enjoyed only in New Zealand. For those who have | | | | these months are also filled with wine festivals, |
| secretly longed to be a race-car driver, here is a way | | | | concerts, and sports events, so you could miss out on |
| to indulge that dream. You can join New Zealand's | | | | some beautiful cultural sights. The slightly cooler |
| Kiwi Car Rally, one of the most popular sports events. | | | | transition months of October/November and April/May |
| You will compete against professional drivers. Not | | | | may be the best times to visit. Winter is June to |
| immediately, though, because you undergo one week's | | | | August, so if you prefer winter activities, take these |
| training guided by a coach. After training, you don | | | | months for skiing. Planning your trip Three weeks is the |
| safety gear, seated in a real race car, and assigned a | | | | usual "quick trip" people spend in New Zealand. The |
| team manager. Then, you start racing in a one- or | | | | official websites of major towns and cities give you |
| two-day endurance even over flat and hilly roads | | | | plenty of information to make good plans, but don't try |
| covered with snow, mud and gravel. What else to do | | | | to fit too many places and things into a short time. For |
| New Zealand has two main islands, North Island and | | | | clothes, you can pack as little as possible; in this |
| South Island. It is difficult to explore the best of both | | | | country, anything casual is fine. You'll need some warm |
| islands if you spend less than a month in the country. | | | | clothes if you go hiking, and be sure to have a |
| You would be better off focusing on one island (the | | | | waterproof jacket or raincoat as the weather can |
| South offers more variety) or a particular region, if you | | | | change very quickly. If you plan to spend some time |
| have limited time. The best regions to see are Rotorua, | | | | camping, a three-season sleeping bag should do fine. |
| Taupo and Ruapehu in the North Island, and Otago, | | | | Make sure your camping gear is clean when you |
| Fiordland and Nelson/Marlborough in the South Island. | | | | arrive at Auckland international airport. There may be |
| On the North Island, you can visit the Bay of Islands for | | | | inspections and disinfections by the agriculture ministry |
| dolphin-watching. Visit Rotorua for two days to take in | | | | on your gear - the country is a big producer of cattle |
| volcanic scenery or varied marine life in the Bay of | | | | and sheep, and these need protection from pestilence. |
| Plenty, then head on to Taupo, making sure to drop by | | | | Alex J Smith writes for It's a website where travelers |
| the Wai-o-tapu Thermal Reserve along the road. You | | | | can host their own travel blogs, upload photos and find |
| should not miss Huka Falls and a dip in the hot pool of | | | | unbiased travel information. |