Milford Sound I South Island I New Zealand
Destination: New Zealand
Land of the Long White Cloud
Our friends across the ditch (and all their sheep). We’ve spent months road-tripping around New Zealand, a country that almost feels like home to us. In many ways, New Zealand is similar to Australia, and yet at the same time, it is so different. For one, there are a LOT of sheep!
Travel Guide: New Zealand
Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand, means Land of the Long White Cloud, and when you witness the clouds constantly perched atop the mountains that form a backdrop to almost all of New Zealand, it’s easy to see why the Maori gave it this name.
New Zealand is subject to immense natural forces that have shaped the land and the culture. The scenery is one of dramatic landscapes, wrought by volcanic activity, earthquakes and glaciers. Perhaps best known as the thrillseeking capital of the world (think jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain climbing, snow skiing, and so on), both North and South Islands offer something for everybody.
For those that aren’t quite ready to jump off a bridge with only a rope, why not experience the serenity of an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound, take in Auckland from the top of Sky Tower, wander through a geothermal wonderland like Wai-o-Tapu, dip your feet in at Hot Water Beach, visit the renowned Marlborough wine region, or explore Hobbiton, the set of The Shire from Lord of the Rings. Don’t forget the famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves either!
What will you do in the Land of the Long White Cloud?
North Island
HIGHLIGHTS
Marokopa Falls
Waitomo Caves
Hobbiton
Rotorua
Napier
Huka Falls
South Island
HIGHLIGHTS
Queen Charlotte Sound
Lake Tekapo
Mt Cook
Dunedin
Fox Glacier
Inspiration:
Cruising
New Zealand’s many deepwater ports and bays make cruising the perfect way to see key sights, including Fiordland’s otherwise inaccessible Dusky Sound.
North & South Island
Golden Princess I Princess
8 Nights
AUCKLAND - TAURANGA - AKAROA - DUNEDIN - FIORDLAND - SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
NORTH & SOUTH ISLAND
Radiance of the Seas I Royal Caribbean
10 Nights
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND - TAURANGA - NAPIER - PICTON - SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Inspiration:
Roadtripping
New Zealand is arguably one of the most popular camper van destinations in the world. It isn’t big, but motorhome friendly destinations have made it a haven for those looking to immerse themselves in awe-inspiring landscapes, even on a tight budget. It’s just as easy to explore by car with accommodation options for all budgets.
ROAD TO Milford Sound I South Island I New Zealand
Inspiration:
Wildlife Encounters
New Zealand is a land without natural predators, so the native birds are abundant. However, the most well-known is also one of the most elusive, the kiwi.
The coastlines of New Zealand are home to a variety of marine life including many different kinds of penguins, fur seals, sea lions, and the native Hector’s dolphins.
And then of course, there is the humble sheep.
“New Zealand is a country of thirty thousand million sheep, three million of whom think they are human.”
– Barry Humphries
Inspiration:
Thrillseeking
Inspiration:
Back to Nature
