New Zealand: Updates & Travel

Travel in New Zealand?
Updates New Zealand

Travel in New Zealand?

It sounds a bit cliché, of course, but imagine Lord of the Rings. This movie was shot in New Zealand. So imagine challenging hikes over mountain peaks and through valleys. Glaciers, volcanic areas, as well as islands with beautiful beaches. For the active traveler, the range is vast: for many, New Zealand is the favorite place for bungee jumping, skydiving, ice climbing and multi-day treks (tramping) through the mountains. Exotic animals, such as strange birds that don't fly (the kiwis), roam the forest. Most people live on the North Island, especially in the large multicultural cities: the capital Auckland and Wellington. The South Island has fewer inhabitants, and nature is more intense. Here you will find those glaciers and vast empty beaches.
Queenstown is the base for extreme sports: bungee jumping seems like it was invented in New Zealand. Jump off the Kawarau River Bridge, where you can go headfirst into the river, or do the Nevis, the Pipeline, or Ledge (all near Queenstown).
Tramping: trek for several days (or even weeks!) through the mountains, through breathtaking scenery. You'll also encounter wildlife this way, or a stray mountain goat.
Sailing, surfing, whitewater rafting, it's all possible, and good too.
In the winter season, it's good skiing and snowboarding, or even heliskiing.
Make sure you know what world-famous New Zealand wine tastes like: taste different wines at a tasting.
Auckland is the capital city, where many different cultures live together. Take the boat to explore different islands and bays around the city.
Christchurch is also well known for its beautiful parks, which you can wander through for hours. Unfortunately, the city center was damaged by the massive earthquake of February 2011. The good news is that there is still plenty to see and do. Visit stately churches and bustling cafes.
Rotorua. If you like rotten eggs, this is the place to be. This volcanic area bubbles and smokes on all sides. It's definitely worth a visit, but to say it smells good.... no.
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. Go ice climbing, or go crazy and go skydiving. The views are phenomenal and you've never flown so close over a glacier.
Be prepared that around December and January are the children's school vacations in New Zealand, so it can be very busy.
The south can be a bit cold, especially in the New Zealand winter months.