New Zealand

Overview

Glaciers, fjords, mountains, rainforests, pastoral countryside, New Zealand has it all. The population is unevenly distributed with more than 75% of the people living in the North Island which offers impressive volcanoes, golden beaches, ancient kauri forests, lakes, and thermal areas. South Island, while larger, is sparsely populated with only a million people. It is the place to go for rugged snowcapped mountain scenery, deep sheer sided fiords, permanent glaciers, lush native bush and sparkling lakes set in idyllic surroundings.

Most of New Zealand lies at least 200m above sea level, but the tallest peak, Mt Cook (3,754-m), rises among the magnificent Southern Alps, spine of the South Island. Many of the largest lakes of New Zealand are concentrated in the South Island and fed by glaciers and snowpacks of the Southern Alps. The mighty Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are only a few kilometers from the main route down the West Coast.

For active vacationers looking for a multi-adventure trip, the South Island has something to offer for everyone. Other than a superb range of magnificent scenery, there are also the choice of all sorts of never-to-be forgotten adventures such as sea kayak, mountain-biking, whitewater rafting, jet boating, canoeing, bungy jumping, river surfing, skydiving, canyoning ... and more. From deserted golden beaches, ancient rain forests and over advancing glaciers, there is something for everyone.