To the many British people who have travelled there, New Zealand reminds them of the UK as it was in the long distant past. Morris Minors, empty roads, miles of deserted coastline, changeable weather and formidable seas. Think UK circa 1968.
Don’t think I’m doing New Zealand a disservice though – the place is as modern as any country in the world, including the US or Japan, it’s just that 4 million people in a landmass bigger than the UK equates to a lot of free space. To put it in perspective, the UK has 240 people per square kilometre whilst New Zealand has just 14 giving it a much more rugged and natural feel.
We’ve asked a few indigenous Kiwis to give us their low down on this phenomenal country. Here we go:
New Zealand comprises primarily of two islands – the North Island and the South Island.
The Nelson region, which is located at the topmost part of South Island, is a great summertime retreat and a superb spot for rest and relaxation. The laid-back lifestyle is especially evident in the summer months when Nelson’s beaches like the Tahunanui come alive. Art lovers can visit the area’s famous painters, glass blowers and sculptors. All you need to do is to rent a car and simply grab a map! Here's a link: http://www.nelsonnz.com/
Those addicted to adventure sports, however, must head down to Queenstown in New Zealand’s Otago region. While thousands of visitors come down during winter for skiing, Queenstown is no less alive in summer. As a matter of fact, if you happen to be a real adventure freak, then you’d love it more in summer. You can indulge in adventure sports such as whitewater rafting, sky diving, bungee jumping, and Segway racing. The night life is equally exciting and as the sun sets the town becomes a buzzing hub of bars offering world-famous cocktails amidst the famed New Zealand friendliness. Here's another link: http://www.queenstown-nz.co.nz/
For an unforgettable architectural tour of New Zealand, remember to visit Hawke’s Bay. The area has now become one of the world’s largest concentrations of magnificent Art Deco architecture. Being one of the sunniest regions, the area also boasts of a great collection of wineries. Another link! http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/
In fact if you are a wine lover, New Zealand boasts some of the world’s great new world wineries. We’ve all heard of Cloudy Bay Chardonnay but a little known wine maker in central Otago last year won the international red wine of the year in a blind tasting. The pinot noir wine is simply called Wild Earth and you can buy it in Whole Foods Market, Kensington, London. It’s Active You’s favourite wine, simple as that.
I nearly forgot about the amazing geothermal wonders of Rotorua. You simply cannot ignore the distinctive smell of sulphur wherever you go in Rotorua. It is an active thermal area with geysers, silica terraces, volcanoes, and boiling pools of mud all just a short drive away from the town! This also makes Rotorua a popular spa resort town which has something for everyone... from honeymooning couples to large families.
Interested in knowing more? Sign up here for a free brochure that will help you plan your dream holiday in the Land of the Kiwis. Happy holidays!
