NEW ZEALAND OVERVIEW
New Zealand is the youngest country on earth ? the last major landmass to be discovered. It has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both Maori and European heritage.
New Zealand was first discovered about 1000 years ago by the great Polynesian navigator Kupe who sailed here from his homeland Hawaiki. He named the islands Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. Kupe returned to Hawaiki and left instruction on how to get here.
About 400 years later Maori arrived back in Aotearoa with seven great canoes and began to populate the North Island.
The Dutchman Abel Tasman landed in 1642, charted part of the coastline and named it Staten land, believing it was part of the Australian continent. When his mistake was discovered the country was renamed Nieuw Zeeland.
New Zealand's spectacularly beautiful landscape includes vast mountain chains, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, deeply indented fiords and lush rainforests.
Although it is roughly comparable in size to Japan, Great Britain or Colorado, New Zealand's population is only just over four million people, making it one of the world's least crowded countries. It is a haven for those seeking peace, rejuvenation and relaxation as well as a playground for thrill seekers and adventurers.
These are New Zealand's major sightseeing destination.
Auckland
Auckland's blend of harbour, island, Polynesian culture and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Auckland is also New Zealand's largest city.
Bay of Island (Northland)
This finger of land, 350km (220miles) in length, runs north from Auckland towards the equator. Its mild climate year round has earned it sobriquet "the winterless North".
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island (New Zealand's third largest city) and it's also known as " The Garden City".
Dunedin
Dunedin is the second largest city in the South Island of New Zealand. The Clutha district, gateway to the deep south, provides rural experiences, superb fishing and wildlife adventures along majestic sweeping beaches.
Glacier Region
The West Coast highlights of Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are unusual, since nowhere else in the world do glaciers descend this far into rain forest to within a mere 9km (12miles) from the sea.
Napier
Napier is bright, dynamic place with the pleasant vibe of a Mediterranean coastal town. The warming sun making it the wine producing capital of the North Island.
Mt Cook
The highest point of the region is the highest point of New Zealand. The spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook stands at 3754metres.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a great place to visit all year round and it's also known as " Adventure Capital of the World!" Here, you can Bungy Jump, Jet Boat, Paraglide, Rafting, Ski and Snowboard, Heliskiing etc,
Rotorua
With its unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture, natural hot springs and plenty of options for activity, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most popular destinations.
Waitomo
Among the best known attractions in New Zealand are the glow worm caves at Waitomo.
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. A special blend of heritage buildings, museums and galleries, fine cafe and food make this city a great place to visit in any season.
We hope you enjoy your travel!
Qualmark is New Zenaland tourism's official quality assuarance agency and JTB has been a member of Qualmark since 2008.
