 Escape into the natural world: Rediscover your passion for life in this land of snow-capped peaks, golden beaches, jewel-like lakes and lush green forests.
Breath-taking scenery: Experience true wilderness - from rugged hinterlands shrouded in stately native podocarps, giant ferns and trailing vines to 18,000 kilometres of beautiful coastline.
This is nature as it was intended: pure, untouched, energising. Fly to the edges of steaming volcanoes, feel the primal legacy of giant kauri trees, walk on top of crystalline glaciers and venture into mystical and uninhabited fiords.
Just a step away: From sunrise over the Pacific Ocean to brilliant night skies glittering with southern-hemisphere stars - you'll find a wilderness experience every day.
Leave the crowds behind and discover a sense of freedom in one of the least populated countries in the world
Embark on a personal odyssey, venturing into high, distant and magical places. Enjoy the freedom of travelling independently
Find inspiration - take a peaceful walk, relax in a hide-away cottage, enjoy spectacular aerial views while drifting in a hot-air balloon
Enjoy adventure activities like alpine skiing, cross-country hiking, deep-sea diving or white-water rafting in pure environments
You won't find dangerous wild animals; but you may see flightless birds, prehistoric creatures and unique plants and flowers
More than a quarter of the country is protected in National Parks and reserves
Meeting the Real People: Spend time with the people of New Zealand and discover the heart of the country. You'll take some very special memories home with you.
The Kiwi way: Kiwis are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality. Don't be surprised if people you've just met invite you into their homes and gardens, and share all kinds of stories, opinions and activities with you.
Kiwis love to talk to travellers - you could find yourself swapping histories, debating sporting prowess or learning more about a totally new culture. Our unique perspective may even change your understanding of the world.
Real places: These encounters may happen in unlikely places, when you least expect them but our famed generosity and warmth is something you'll find again and again. It's one reason some visitors keep coming back.
Enjoy the hospitality of Kiwi hosts - from home and farmstays, motels, lodges and B&Bs, to a marae (Maori meeting place) and backpacking hostels
Sample home-cooked meals, as well as award-winning cuisine and wine
Experience a true Kiwi lifestyle in uncrowded rural areas
Put on gumboots and help with activities such as harvesting, lambing or milking cows
Discover the things that New Zealanders love, from beer and bands to favourite fishing spots and restaurants
New Zealand, together with Great Britain, Australia and a further 45 nations, is a member of the Commonwealth. The British queen (still) presides over the Commonwealth, and is represented by a governor general. This island state in the middle of the South Pacific is one of the few countries in the world without a written constitution. For this reason, New Zealand's neighboring country Australia has kept a space free in its constitution: 1f the people of New Zealand choose to do so, it could quite easily become Australia's seventh federal state. New Zealand, however, has long since chosen to remain independent. Only a tiny minority shows a degree of enthusiasm for the Australian idea, even though the ties concerning industrial and trade relations are very strong between the two countries. In comparison, New Zealand's trade links with the former mother country have weakened immensely since Britain became a full-fledged member of the European Community, which has its own economic interests and network. The close links with Britain were severed as a result. New Zealand was forced to partially reorient itself and look elsewhere for alternative markets. Agriculture, one of New Zealand's main sources of income for a great number of years, is gradually giving way to tourism.
With Great Britain's entry into the European Community, New Zealand lost one of its major export markets for agricultural goods. Together with the drastic drop in prices in the farming sector, the collapse of the stock market in 1987, and the high cost of the social services sector, this loss had a negative effect on New Zealand's economy and increased the unemployment rate drastically. The former welfare state was forced to abandon a large amount of its policies, leaving an increasing number of New Zealanders to fend for themselves in times of need. The Maori and Pakeha, the white New Zealanders, protested sometimes violently against the policies of the Labour Party, which ruled until the end of 1993. 1t had instituted a rigourous savings program. On November 6, 1993, the National Party took the reigns after a very close election. A month later, the government offered the Maori compensation amounting to 1 billion NZ$. They rejected the offer as outrageous and demanded some of their original land back instead. In February 1995, the Maori Queen and President Bolger signed a treaty granting the largest Maori tribe a 16 000-hectare parcel of government land. Since 1993, New Zealand has also experienced an economic upswing that has restored its stability.Take a break from it all
Discover the ultimate get-away in New Zealand's tranquil places and luxurious accommodation that combine to offer a laid-back relaxing break to refresh both body and mind.
Quality time out: What's your passion? Golf? Fishing? Lying on sun-drenched beaches and swimming in warm blue waters? Sampling great wine and food? Perhaps a little of each.
Reward yourself by doing the things you love - New Zealand style. While you're here, enjoy quality accommodation and shopping, professional service, relaxed sightseeing and the chance to rejuvenate your senses.
Rejuvenate and relax
Our beautiful landscape will restore your sense of wellbeing and surprise you with unexpected experiences. Spoil yourself a little, unwind and let time float by. You will discover a pace of life that is gentle and laid back - we love it!
Relax in the luxurious surroundings of top-value lodges, resorts and secret hideaways
Enjoy sumptuous cuisine and exquisite local wines
Test your skill on New Zealand's acclaimed golf courses
Spend your days in tranquil surroundings fishing for trout or salmon
Explore sun-drenched bays and hidden coves from a cruising yacht
Hike through deep secluded forests and rediscover the beauty of nature
Feel the exhilaration
Venture into the New Zealand wilderness and discover the ultimate outdoor adventure playground.
Adventures for all
Our natural environment is pure, fresh and invigorating - it's the perfect place to have some fun. From alpine mountains to sandy beaches, we have a range of adventures to suit everyone.
We might be renowned for bungy jumping and jet boating, but our local Kiwi adventurers can show you so much more. Take a step outside your comfort zone and test your individual sense of adventure.
Push yourself
Imagine the rewards: enjoying spectacular views from the summit of a hill, feeling both physically tired and emotionally inspired after hiking one of the great walks, sharing the thrill of doing something new and challenging.
Revitalise your senses and enjoy action in the great outdoors
Dare yourself to try something new or to explore a new environment
Experience the exhilaration and satisfaction that comes from reaching an individual goal
Test your personal limits while expert guides ensure your safety
Experience the thrill of exciting group activities like white water rafting, jetboating and 4-wheel drive tours
If you're feeling brave, take the ultimate plunge - New Zealand style - and leap from a bungy platform |
