New Zealand – incredible scenery not to be missed

The team from Experience Holidays in Hailsham highlight a holiday of a lifetime – a trip to New Zealand…

New Zealand is as popular as ever with record numbers of British visitors flocking there to explore this diverse and beautiful country.

With so much to see and do, the trick is to plan your time well, however long you plan to spend there. We generally suggest spending at least four weeks in the country but if you’re limited on time, then choose one or two regions (or one island) and explore it thoroughly.

On the North Island, Auckland is the main gateway city. From here, collect a hire car and explore the rolling farmland, vineyards, sandy beaches and geothermal landscapes and volcanoes. Throw into the mix the vibrant city of Auckland, the capital city of Wellington and Art Deco architecture of Napier, and you have a great combination of sights to explore. The North Island is the heart of Maori culture, from the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands to the traditional villages in the Rotorua and Taupo areas – don’t miss a chance to learn about this fascinating culture and enjoy a Hangi (a traditional meal cooked in the ground).

The South Island offers the more dramatic scenery with the Southern Alps, the glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef, the fjords of Milford, Doubtful and Dusky, and a plethora of beautiful lakes providing a stunning backdrop for the many attractions here. Kayak in the Abel Tasman National Park with its crescent shaped beaches backed by lush greenery. Put on your hiking boots and take one of New Zealand’s Great Walks – five of which are located within the South Island. Take to one of the many cycle trails, or simply enjoy the scenery from the road as you drive this stunning island. A cruise in Fjordland is a ‘must’, and for bird watchers a trip will not be complete without a visit to Stewart Island – one of the few places where the kiwi can be found in the wild. The Catlins and Otago Peninsula are great for little blue penguins, rare yellow eyed penguins, royal albatross as well as seals and sea lions. On the east coast spot hector’s dolphins, dusky dolphins, southern right, blue, and humpback whales.

New Zealand is rightly famous for its warm welcome and generous hospitality, and this side of the Kiwi nature shines through virtually everywhere you’ll visit.

Call us on 01323 446550 or email info@experienceholidays.co.uk. for fuller details.