Mute New Zealand with its amazing natural sites is the fulfillment of outdoor man’s dreams. Read the Beach Ball Destination Guide and plan your own vacation.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of a distant land
According to countryaah, New Zealand is located in the southern hemisphere practically as far away from Finland as possible. Isolated in isolation from the rest of the world, nature has become uniquely beautiful and for this reason New Zealand is especially popular with active holidaymakers and nature lovers. In one day, it is possible to see snow-capped mountains, flowing waterways, hot springs, white sandy beaches and dense rainforest. The country consists of two main islands: the North Island and the South Island.
New Zealand’s most famous landscapes have been transmitted through films to even those who haven’t gotten to the scene yet. The lush evergreen forest, familiar from the Lord of the Rings saga, can be admired on the North Island. On the South Island, forests also consist of temperate deciduous trees, which, however, do not necessarily fall off their leaves. The vegetation of New Zealand is very diverse: more than a hundred different tree species can be found in one forest area.
The dense forest is counterbalanced by spacious mountain views. In addition to the glaciers and snow-capped mountains of the South Island, the still active volcanoes on the North Island with their hot springs are spectacular natural formations. While vacationing on the white sandy beaches of the North Island, you can even enjoy dolphin bonga with good luck.
Much of New Zealand’s unique nature is located in protected national parks, where the diverse landscape can be admired in many ways. You can see a lot in cars in a short time, while at a calmer pace you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, for example by hiking, cycling or boating.
The Kiwi bird is a New Zealand specialty: a unique flightless bird that has become a symbol of the whole country.
Auckland and Wellington are the largest population centers
More than two-thirds of New Zealanders live on the North Island. It is also home to the country’s most important cities, Auckland and Wellington.
Of these two, Auckland is larger. The city’s metropolitan area is home to nearly a third of the island’s population. The city of Auckland is surrounded by rainforest-filled hills and further afield on the horizon are many chair mountain peaks – clear water and picturesque islands looming in the other direction. In addition to nature, Auckland’s most urban attractions are lavish. The tallest building in the southern hemisphere, the Sky Tower, dominates the skyline and the city’s shopping opportunities meet international criteria.
The capital, Wellington, is located on the shores of the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands. The city can rightly be considered the entertainment and cultural center of the island state. Surrounded by mountains, Wellington is worth spending time exploring the city and shopping. The quality restaurants offer delicious food and the atmospheric bars last longer. When the evening comes, it’s worth the pain of Mount Victoria, which offers stunning views of the city center.
The Maori, the indigenous people of the island nation
The British influence in New Zealand is undeniable and Queen Elizabeth II continues to be the official ruler of the state . However, it is good to remember that Europeans did not land in New Zealand until the late 18th century. Until then, the island state belonged to the Maori.
Maori culture can be admired in many museums. Worth a visit include the Te Papa Tongrewa Museum in New Zealand in Wellington and the Auckland War Museum, which features Maori treasures, among others. Maori history is strong in New Zealand and is clearly still present in sports culture, for example.
Activities for athletes and dizzy people
New Zealand’s diverse nature is on the minds of not only photographers but also active movers. You can go hiking and cycling either on your own or with a guide. The sharp-tipped mountains in particular provide the ideal environment for these activities.
It is worth exploring the water bodies below the surface. The Poor Knights archipelago, where crystal clear water combines with rich flora and fauna, is an absolute diving destination. Of course, you can also stay on the surface. There are several rivers suitable for rafting and surfing the Pacific waves is possible in many places.
Wildheads should try bungee jumping. New Zealand has one of the most spectacular jumping spots from Auckland Harbor Bridge to Mokai Gravity Canyon.
Seasons upside down
Travelers to New Zealand should remember the country’s location south of the Equator, on the exact opposite side of the world from Finland. The seasons in New Zealand are the opposite of the domestic ones. Cold weather is lived in New Zealand when it is warm and bright in Finland. Christmas, on the other hand, hits New Zealanders in the middle of summer.
Overall, the country’s climate is quite mild, with average temperatures ranging between +10 and +16 degrees. The warmest time of the year is January-February, while the coldest is mainly in July. Local variations in weather and temperatures in New Zealand are large. The reasons for this are the differences in the altitude of the island state and the maritime location at the point of collision between the two thermal zones.
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT IN NEW ZEALAND
To see the nature of New Zealand, it is worth traveling even from the other side of the globe.
A journey to the other side of the globe
From a Finnish point of view, there is a lot of travel to New Zealand. The flight takes no more than a day without exception.
Due to the length of the trip, you cannot reach your destination by direct flight. There are one or two exchanges, depending on the routing. The most common exchange locations include London , Hong Kong , Tokyo and Shanghai . The price for a round trip is usually more than a thousand euros. New Zealand’s summer is the tourist season, when prices are slightly higher than during the winter season.
Hotels and hostels
Short for NZ by abbreviationfinder, New Zealand’s largest cities offer plenty of hotels owned by international chains as well as more local options. You can get a mid-range hotel room for around 40-50 euros, while of course you have to pay a little more for a higher standard of living.
For the budget traveler, hostel accommodation are a good option. At its cheapest, a shared dorm only sleeps a good ten per night. When traveling in New Zealand, motels also offer affordable accommodation options.
Getting around in New Zealand
If you want to see as much as possible in New Zealand, you should rent a car. The roads are quite in good condition and driving is easy. It may take a moment to get used to the traffic on the left, but after the initial stiffness, it will hardly cause any problems. The distances can be long and on the other hand the conditions on the mountain roads vary considerably, so make plenty of time for car trips.
If you plan to visit both the North and South Islands during your trip, folding between the islands by plane may be a better option than a car. Examine the map carefully in advance and choose the most suitable option for your route.
NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
In New Zealand, you can visit the filming locations of The Lord of the Rings movies.
Auckland is a photographic metropolis
Nearly a third of New Zealand’s population lives in the Auckland metropolitan area . The nature surrounding the largest city in the country is beautiful and there is plenty to do in the center for both those interested in culture and shoppers. In Auckland, nature vacation and city life can be combined in an exceptionally functional way.
Auckland’s most famous attraction is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere, the Sky Tower. The views from the tower, which rises over 300 meters, are spectacular. The nearly one-kilometer-long Harbor Bridge is another element that dominates the cityscape. From the bridge you can admire Auckland and its harbor – or alternatively jump on a bungee rope tied to your feet. Auckland’s offerings are also on the minds of shoppers. In the city center you will find shops for both international and New Zealand fashion designers. In addition, the offer includes numerous department stores, which in turn are located in the suburbs.
The city is surrounded by hills dominated by rainforests and further afield on the horizon you can see the high peaks of the chair mountains. The coast, on the other hand, offers excellent outdoor activities by the sea.
Entertainment in Wellington
Wellington is the capital and administrative center of New Zealand, charming with its cultural offerings and vibrant restaurant culture. For example, there are museums in Wellington for every taste. The list of must-see attractions includes the Te Papa Tongrewa Museum, where you can learn about the country’s multi-generational history. This is a particularly good place to dive into the Maori world.
Wellington is also the food capital of New Zealand. The culinary offer is wide: the tourist can dine in real fine dining restaurants or sit in one of the city’s cozy cafés. There are also nightclubs from atmospheric lounge-style bars to nightclubs.
For a nature trip to Rotorua
The Rotorua area is New Zealand’s most famous natural destination, where many tourists spend time exploring the volcanic landscapes. The Rotorua area on the North Island uniquely combines hot pools, lava fields and geysers with Maori culture and countless activity opportunities. Depending on your taste, you can book hiking boots, a snare drum or a mountain bike for the Rotoruan trip. Mandatory equipment includes at least a camera.
Near Rotorua, in a place called Matamata, is also Hobbito, or Kontun, known from the films The Lord of the Rings. Here you can explore a hobbit village built with stunning piety and the homes of popular movie characters.
THE BEST OF NEW ZEALAND
Cape Reinga Lighthouse, New Zealand
Top travel destinations
- Auckland
- Wellington
- Rotorua
- Queenstown
- Christchurch
The fastest activities
- Bungee jump
- Surfing
- Mountain biking
- Diving
- Hiking