traveling New Zealand

Information from ferry in New Zealand about Thorfinn Charter

2011-04-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

With Thorfinn Charter you can get guide bird and wildlife viewing/photography. Find many species of native land and sea bids plus seals and dolphins. Go and visit spectacular scenic as well as historical areas. Get informative commentaries about fishing trips, nature walks. Arrange a small group to go together. Thorfinn Charter can be private charters too. Lunches are available. Personal service. Launch trip. Accommodation package. 2 self contained houses. comfortable home stay. Open 7 days. Bruce Story, PO Box 43, Stewart Island, ph/fax: 0-3-219-1210

Air New Zealand: helps people to go to their traveling destinations in New Zealand

2011-03-27T00:12:00.000-07:00

This is exactly the reason why many people are attracted to New Zealand and its major attractions. With the growth in its Tourism industry, cheap flights to New Zealand are now being availed by most vacationers and business travelers.

For those who wish to visit New Zealand, you can check out different airfare packages online. Browse through the net for airline companies and travel agencies that offer discounts and promos. If you plan to visit New Zealand's North Territory, it offers a tropical setting and wonderful attractions. In this area, many online airline websites can offer a three-night stay in a hotel packaged with cheap flights to New Zealand.

Most of the time, even airport hotel shuttle services are included in the package. If you want to avail of the tours offered by the hotels, you can always work this out with your travel agent.

Air New Zealand available for vacationers and business travelers

2011-03-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

New Zealand is one most visited country for travelers as well as business travelers. Some says that New Zealand is the most interesting place to visit among other major attractions around the world.

Any vacationers and business travelers which intend to visit New Zealand can take Air New Zealand. And you can also use Air New Zealand to go around the country, visiting many tourism destinations. National park, beaches, camping ground, diving sites, surfing spot are some good choices for you.

The air New Zealand is also the place you can ask for some information about what to do while in New Zealand. The air New Zealand will show you interesting package about some gorgeous holiday places that offers a lot of surfing and skiing venues.
New Zealand can also be seen as the biggest island in the world. Therefore you need fast transportation to take you from one tourism object to another. Air New Zealand is the one you can consider to save your time.

Paparoa National Park: for adventure, honeymoon or just take beautiful photo

2011-03-10T18:27:00.000-08:00

New Zealand Paparoa National Park

If you are looking for a place to visit in New Zealand. You visit Paparoa National Park which is located on the west coast. You can find Air New Zealand and check for the schedule to take you to west coast. Paparoa National Park is very beautiful. It has hills and beaches. So you can camp on the hills or camp at the beach. You can swim in the blue water or just take a good picture of the Paparoa National Park.

It is not too hard to get there, just go to Air New Zealand and ask for information there. The Air New Zealand will guide with the best way to get to Paparoa National Park. Paparoa National Park is the place for those who loves adventures, who those who are on honeymoon or for family on their family vacation.

Visit New Zealand with Air New Zealand

Devastating earthquake at Christchurch New Zealand

2011-02-26T23:50:00.000-08:00

On the last week of February, Christchurch New Zealand is experiencing a devastating earthquake. Many have died and lost their home.

Earthquake in Christchurch New Zealand

2011-02-24T16:51:00.000-08:00

Earthquake in Christchurch New Zealand on Tuesday has destroyed the city and recorded as the biggest earthquake in New Zealand. The devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake has killed 103 people up to now (25 Feb 2011), as the government said. Until now, the rescue teams still tried to evacuate people being trapped under stone and concrete.

Beautiful place to see in New Zealand: Fiordland National Park

2011-02-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

One of many beautiful places in New Zealand to see is Fiordland National Park.

What to do and what to see at Abel Tasman

2011-02-17T05:22:00.000-08:00

At Able Tasman National Park there is a split rock which looks like apple.

Abel Tasman beach kayaking
One thing that you can do at Abel Tasman is beach kayaking.

Stewart Island, 32km south of Bluff, what to see and do on the Island

2011-02-16T15:03:00.000-08:00

Across Foveaux strait from Bluff, Stewart Island is one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets. This virtually undiscovered paradise is easily accessible by a 62 passenger ferry on a one hour trip across the strait, or by nine-passenger planes – a 20 minuet flight from Invercargill Airport. The only township is Oban on the shores of Halfmoon Bay. The 20km of road can be explored by hired motor scooter, mountain bike or rental car at a leisurely pace.

For visitors looking to enjoy more than the peace, tranquility and spectacular sunrises and sunsets, the island has local tracks to explore independent or with a guide. Tramping tracks spread out from Halfmoon Bay, with huts strategically placed throughout northern and westerns areas. Bush walks from 30 minuets to hal a day lead to various point of historic and scenic interest around the township. Weather condition are very changeable. Launch trips and water taxis are available for sightseer, hunters, divers, trampers, and those waiting to catch their own fish, and visits can be arranged to see salmon farms, Ulva Island and Paterson Inlet. These trips are a great opportunity to view yellow-eyed and blue penguins, mollymawks, seals and dolphins, with naturalist guides available on some boat trips. Advance bookings are essential for the evening kiwi-spotting cruise.

Other water activities include yachting, driving, snorkeling, rock fishing, and kayaking in Paterson Inlet. Visitors can also experience hunting for whitetail deer, enjoy a game of bowls, golf on the 6-hole course or see local arts and crafts.

The island’s interesting history including whaling, sealing, tin mining, timber milling and fishing industries can be revisited at the Rakiura Museum. A full range of accommodation is available and the general store is fully-equipped at mainland prices. Main Road, Halfmoon Bay.

New Zealand National Park: There are beautiful mountains to go

2011-02-09T03:48:00.000-08:00

New Zealand National Park Mount Ruapeho Tongariro

New Zealand National Park Mount Cook Aoraki

New Zealand National Park Mountain

Milford Sound of Fiordland National Park in south New Zealand

2011-02-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

Milford Sound at Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park south New Zealand

Fiordland National Park Milford Sound

Milford Sound of Fiordland National Park in south New Zealand is one of the world's wonders.

The New Zealand Beach

2011-02-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

The Beach in New Zealand is mostly pure and natural. But if you like to be alone in the nature, this kind of place is a must to see, just like this bikini girl in the picture.

Boiling Mud Rotorua

2011-02-03T17:11:00.000-08:00

There are many tourism objects in New Zealand. One of that unique NZ tourism object is Boiling Mud Rotorua. According to locals, Rotorua is sometimes also called as 'Sulfur City.' This area has a huge thermal activity energizing below the country soil. You will find boiling mud pools, hot springs, geisers, and the smells are so bad that you will ask whoever is walking with you "You just fart, right?"

Where to go in New Zealand? Te Whaiti Nui A Toi

2011-02-02T01:04:00.000-08:00

Where to go in New Zealand? This is a good option: Te Whaiti Nui A Toi is an open door to Whirinaki Forest Park. Located on highway 38, not far from Rotorua.

Trout Fishing in New Zealand

2008-08-07T02:34:00.000-07:00

The centre of trout fishing is Lake Taupo but many lakes and rivers in both island are stocked with introduced brown, rainbow and brook trout.

Lake Rotorua is another favored trout fishing spot, as are the lakes of Canterbury and South and Central Otago and the rivers of the Waikato. Fishing is available all year in Rotorua, Taupo and the Central Otago lakes, and is restricted to October to April in most other districts. The best dry fly waters in the world are said to be in New Zealand, and its fishing guides are of high international standing.

At Rotorua, steelhead fishing in April/May and September/October requires heavy gear while summertime fly fishing between October and April uses lighter lines.

Happy Trout Fishing in New Zealand!!

Windsurfing or Yachting

2008-05-03T22:15:00.001-07:00

On many lakes and beaches in New Zealand colorful sails may be seen on any day with light winds as board riders catch the breezes. A wet suit and a buoyancy vest are advisable when windsurfing; any good swimmer who can lift the sail should then be safe windsurfing, although beginners should practice in a onshore breeze, as getting back is then easier than getting out.

The Hauraki Gulf at Auckland, Port Nicholson at Wellington, Lyttelton Harbour at Christchurch and Otago Harbour at Dunedin are all poplar yacht basins, at their best in summer. Charter boats of all descriptions are available around the country, on the larger lakes as well as on the coast. Classic sailing areas include the Bay of Islands, the Waitemata Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf at Auckland, the Coromandel and the Marlborough Sounds.

There are several options; some operators run regular cruises to a set schedule; others offer skippered charters, where you have some control and participation but professionals do the actual work; and for those with some experience, “bare boating” provides a suitable vessel and advice and leaves you to your own devices. Yachting is a thriving sport for all ages.

The joy of rafting in New Zealand

2008-05-01T07:15:00.001-07:00

High mountains in New Zealand make fast rivers and these kinds of river are ideal for rafting. There are three varieties of rafting in New Zealand; blue water on calm stretches of river for sightseeing purposes; “black water” through underground caves in Waitomo, Nelson, Marlborough or the West Coast of the South Island; and the main form, “white water” down the rapids of New Zealand’s many rivers.

A number of commercial operators provide anything from a brief adrenalin pumping descent of a couple of rapids to rafting and camping expeditions lasting several days and taking in a large part of the length of some of the longer rivers. Spring and summer are the most popular times, though the sport is available year round. South island rafting rivers are centered on around Queenstown.

If your operator is a member of the New Zealand River Guides Association, this indicates that they comply with the high standards set by this voluntary association.

Riding on a jet boat in New Zealand

2008-04-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Jet boats are invented to operate on the often shallow and difficult rivers of the South Island, and have been a resounding success. The Shotover, Kawarau dan Dart rivers in the South Island are the most famous jet boating localities with the Whanganui and Whkatane reives in the North.

Jet boating on the Shotover River Queenstown can be very attractive because the landscape is really uncommon. Solid rocks are standing firmly at both side of river. The water is blue and at some part of the river you will be covered by the shadow of the rock. The experience of jet boating in this river is really amazing. The landscape is incredible. You certainly should try this experience while you go to New Zealand.

New Zealand and sport activities

2008-04-27T17:39:00.001-07:00

Sport and fitness are important elements to New Zealanders as their country’s outdoors is clean and inviting. The climate is also mild and the landscape is so wonderful.

More than 35% of grown up people in New Zealand joined sporting clubs. The Hillary Commission of Fitness, Sport and Leisure for examples, are promoting sport on recreational basis, as well as providing fund for competitive sportspeople.

For golfer from around the world, New Zealand is an ideal destination because there are more golf courses per head of population than any other country. Usually the main season for golf is between March and October because the winter is relatively mild and in summer many New Zealanders prefer to choose water sports.

The most popular team sport is rugby football. The national team is called All Blacks, which members are better known than politicians. Therefore this team is the dream of many of schoolboys.

The main women’s winter sport, and the sport with the second highest player numbers is netball. The national team, the Silver Ferns, has won the world championship several times.

Summer sport faces stiff competition form the recreational possibilities of the beaches, lakes and forests.

Any kind of sport you choose, New Zealand offers you a new climate and atmosphere that you’ll never find in another place.

Dive New Zealand this year

2008-04-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

Scuba diving, skin diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed around much of the New Zealand coast, by people adequately trained in the use of their equipment and in safety procedures.

The clear waters are ideal and are close to accommodation. The warmer seas in the north are especially suited to divers. There are many places to choose in New Zealand for diving; The Three Kings islands north of North Cape, the spectacular Poor Knights Marine Reserve off Whangarei, the Bay Islands Maritime and Historic Park are all particularly popular to divers from around the world. Some of those places are protected but in many locations spear fishing is permitted.

Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf with many interesting wrecks at Great Barrier and the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty offer many fine diving on the East Auckland Current. The Sugarloaf islands Marine Park, The Wellington coast, the Marlborough Sounds, Banks Peninsula, the Otago Fiordland, with their protected black coral, each have unique attractions.

Two major wrecks easily visited by divers are the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in the Cavalli Islands. You can access this diving site from the Bay of Island. The other wreck is the world largest easily accessible wreck, the Russian cruise ship Mikhail Lemontov in the Marlborough Sounds.

Choose your site and dive New Zealand this year. It’s going to be fun!

Surfing in New Zealand

2008-04-26T02:27:00.000-07:00

Any beach exposed to the open sea will offer surf-able waves in the right weather conditions, though the North Island’s west coast, especially around Auckland, is the best known surfing area. Piha, Raglan, New Plymouth and Wellington can all be surfed year round. Northland has surfing on both coasts.

Many east coast beaches have un-crowded surf. A number of locations in Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty, especially the famous Mount Maunganui, are also popular surf beaches.

There is hardly a beach in Eastland north of Gisborne which cannot be surfed.

Surfing in the South Islan is mainlah a summer sport; Kaikoura, Christchurch ad Dunedin are the eash coast localities, and although some locals surf on the West Coast the rough weather renders conditions unpredictable.

Fitness, the ability to swim well, and the common sense not surf alone are the main safety factors.

New Zealand: the world biggest farm

2008-04-24T01:07:00.001-07:00

New Zealand is sometimes called the world biggest farm as their economy strongly based on agriculture and horticulture.

Agricultural research is advance, and selective breeding has been developed to a high degree. Farms offer a wonderful opportunity to gain an insight into one of the world’s most agriculturally advanced nations.

Thousands of dairy herds, totaling millions of cattle, are farmed in New Zealand. Most are operated by its owner. Only some employ worker who provide labor in exchange for a share in the profits.

Herds are large with more than one hundred and forties milking cows. Mechanical milking was actually pioneered in New Zealand to cope with this; some automated sheds can milk more than 350 cows in an hour. Milk is then cooled and pumped to vats from which road tankers collect it once or twice daily.

The dairy sector in New Zealand is also distinctive in that it is pasture based rather than using barn feeding, and is focused almost entirely on producing milk for manufacturing rather than for fluid milk.

The warm, moist climate of the country means that year round pasture grazing without expensive feed supplements is possible and this contributes to low production costs and high efficiency. Mainly flat land with mild temperatures and adequate rain to ensure grass growth is favored for dairying.

Canoeing and Kayaking in New Zealand

2008-02-18T04:11:00.000-08:00

Canoeing and kayaking are very popular in New Zealand and are practiced on rivers, lakes or in sheltered ocean waters.

Several commercial operators offer tours with all necessities provided. Mastering basic skills of paddling and safe exiting from a canoe and wearing a life jacket at all times will make canoeing a safe and enjoyable sport.

The most popular canoeing river is the Whanganui.

Whanganui River is located in Whanganui National Park one of New Zealand’s newest national parks. This river is the longest navigable river in New Zealand and second longest river in the North Island. The 329 kilometers river holds a special attraction for canoeists because its 239 listed rapids offer a wide variety of challenges.

Most canoeists start out at Taumarunui and make their way south to Pipiriki, 79 km from Wanganui.

There are jet boat and motor launch tours as well as river boat cruises in the lower reaches.

Let’s go tramping in New Zealand

2008-02-12T18:21:00.001-08:00

Tramping is also known as hiking. The other words for this are trekking and bushwalking. This is one of the most popular and the cheapest outdoor activities in New Zealand.

You can choose an easy brief walk or several days in the bush type of tramping. The landscape is rugged and at least hilly, if not mountainous, over most of the country and tramping often involves hill climbs.

Parks and protected areas in New Zealand are open all year round and can be visited without a permit. So there is no charge to go into the parks or to use basic facilities such as visitor centers, tracks, toilets or picnic places.

A charge is made for some park information brochures and to stay overnight in most back country huts.

For you who are planning to stay, there are more than 1,000 backcountry huts provided by tramping clubs. They are usually equipped with basic bunks and may contain cooking facilities.

If you are happen to be there and have a plan to go for tramping just find several doc offices in the tourist information centers.

Let’s go shopping in New Zealand

2008-02-10T07:12:00.000-08:00

Specialty hand knit stores have sprung up around the country, the result of a pioneering tradition of knitting one’s own garments. Vibrant patterned garments, often using homespun wool and other fibers, created by home knitters are particularly popular with visitors from all over the world, being useful, light and easy to pack.

Wool is also sought after by outdoor sportspeople, as pure wool, unlike synthetics, keeps the body warm even when wet, absorbs sweat and is shower proof.

New Zealand is making a name for itself in the pottery field. With high grade clay usable straight from the ground, pottery is competitive in price.

On the west coast, craftspeople are creating beautiful work from another natural resource, green stone. The Maori have a long tradition of making body ornaments from it, and many of the traditional patterns are still used today. You can visit a west coast factory to see crafts people at work and buy a unique gift from New Zealand.

Forest Parks in New Zealands

2008-02-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

There are several forest parks in New Zealands and Victoria Forest Park is probably the biggest one. With are over 209,000 hectares, this large forest park contains some of New Zealands’s finest beach forest and mining and gold fields. In here you can walk along old mining tracks, tramping, climbing, hunting, fishing, camping, four wheel drive and horse riding.

Mt Richmond Forest Park is situated in an area of 177,109 hectares. Mt Richmond is only minutes away from Nelson Lakes National Park. Over 250 kilometers of walks and tracks available for you to enjoy and you can also follow some historic trails. In here you can go for hunting, fishing, river side camping and picnicking.

If you love to swim in thermal pool, you should perhaps visit Hanmer Forest Park because in this park you will find Hanmer Springs. Activity options there include easy walks through stands of native and exotic trees, tramping, rafting, jet boating and horse trekking.

Lake Sumner Forest Park is an area of 73,968 hectares. You can access this area from Christchurch or The Lewis Pass Highway. This area is containing mountains, rivers, lakes, hot springs and beech forest. Prepare your journey here for a hunting, fishing or just bird watching.

Craigleburn Forest Park is an area of 44,000 hectares. With a small mountainous park this place is best known for its winter ski areas.

The last park I will mention here in my posting is Catlins Forest Park with 58,131 hectares wide. This luxuriant coastal forest can be found in 100 kilometers from Invercargill and 130 kilometers from Dunedin. A variety of walks and tracks lead through the forest and along a rugged coastline of cliffs, bays and sea caves where penguins, seals and dolphins are often seen.

Several well known parks in New Zealand

2008-02-06T16:38:00.000-08:00

If you love to walk in the park, New Zealand is the right place for you to go. There are several well-know parks in New Zealand.

Abel Tasman National Park is an area of 22,350 hectares. This park is a small costal park with un-spoilt golden beaches and their forested interiors are delightful at any time of the year. This park is a park for people of all ages, with coastal walking and camping, fishing, sailing, kayaking and inland tracks and caves. The coastal track is very popular in summer.

Talking about summer in New Zealand, there is another park that I should mention in here. Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park is one of New Zealand’s most popular summer holiday places, featuring drowned river valleys, island, sheltered inlets and sea. There are a lot of options to do in this park like fishing, boating, scenic cruises, sea kayaking, coastal camping, scenic and historic walks and tramping.

If you like to go to a large wilderness park with mountains, rivers and lakes then you should go to Kahurangi National Park in an area of 376.000 hectares.

There are many more parks in

New Zealand

but I will discuss it later in the next post.

Flora and Fauna in New Zealand

2008-01-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

Originally, 80%of New Zealand’s land area was covered in forest. About 23% remains, much of it in national parks, forest parks and reserves. One of the country’s major attractions is this large amount of wilderness, with its many unique and rare species of plants, birds and insects.

Native trees are mostly evergreens, and include giant conifers such as the kauri, rimu and totara and several species of beach. About three-quarters of the native flowering plants are unique; subalpine species in particular are of interest to botanists. On the coast, large native flax, teoteo and pampas grass, and mangroves in the north are common roadside sights, asare the large costal pohutukawa trees. These are known as the “New Zealand Christmas tree” because their red flowers appear abundantly in December.

The only native land mammals are two species of bat, and many unique flightless birds fill the ecological niches elsewhere occupied by mammals. The kiwi, New Zealand’s national bird, named for its call, is nocturnal; it is the size of a small hen, with vestigial wings strong legs, and nostrils on the end of its long beak, which it uses to detect the earthworms which form its diet. It may be seen at several zoos and aviaries throughout New Zealand, in special enclosures where the kiwi is deluded into thinking day is night.

There is also the small native owl, known as the morepork because of its cry; the colorful paradise duck; the vivid greenish-blue kingfisher; and numerous sea birds which, by their nature, are also found on other shores. But most common native birds are quite different from their overseas relatives; the pert fantail, which often accompanies trampers for the insect they disturb; the large and colorful native pigeon; the small and appealing wax eye; the tui, a singer and mimic with an unusual white wattle at its throat; and the shy bellbird, rarely seen but often heard singing beautifully.

New Zealand has range of small reptiles, including the tuatara, the only known species of a separate order of reptiles and a close living relative of the dinosaur. No snakes, native or introduced, live in New Zealand and none of the reptiles are poisonous or harmful. All are unique to New Zealand, as are virtually all of the native insects, spiders and snails and all the earthworms. The world’s heaviest insect is the weta, a large cricket-like creature of fierce appearance, but harmless unless annoyed. Giant snails and unique frogs survive in isolated environments on mountains and islands. Many fish species are unique to New Zealand waters.

Agricultural crops and livestock are vital to the economy. Introduced pine trees, grown commercially for pulp and lumber, help to preserve the native forests, since they grow faster and more readily than any native species, and the can be seen in extensive forest.

Some introduced animals have adapted so well that they are classified as noxious animals for their effect on native plant and bird life; opossums Australia have multiplied to the extent that there are an estimated 50 million of them New Zealand. Several introduced plants are also treated as noxious, including gorse, broom and old man’s beard (Clematis vitalba).

Over 150 native plants, or 10% of the species, and many native birds are considered endangered. The Department of conservation and non-governmental conservation organizations work together top reserve them and to educate New Zealanders and visitors on conservation issues.

Emergencies in New Zealand

2008-01-11T16:38:00.000-08:00

Just in case you face an emergency situation in New Zealand, you can dial 111 to summon police, fire or ambulance services. Or if you need a non-emergency call, you will find full instructions appear in front of telephone directories and beside public telephones. That would be that easy.

Here are some more important numbers that you will want to know:

Emergency service 111

- no charge

- Local operator 010

- International operator 0170

- New Zealand directory assistance 018

- International directory assistance 0172

- National direct dialing

Health service

In New Zealand, public and private health facilities have a high standard of treatment and care. Larger hotels and motels will often have arrangements with a local doctor who they contact in case of illness; otherwise, doctors and other medical services are listed in the front of the telephone directory. So you don’t need to worry that no one can’t help you in a matter of illness.

Accident Compensation and Personal Insurance

Visitors are covered by New Zealand’s government-run accident compensation and rehabilitation insurance scheme for personal injury by accident, and are entitled to make a claim to the accident compensation and rehabilitation insurance corporation (ACC) irrespective of fault. Benefits include some medical and hospital expenses and physical disability compensation, but not loss of earnings outside New Zealand. Actions for damages may not be brought in New Zealand courts, partly because of the ACC scheme, and personal travel insurance should therefore cover accident are not free, and ACC does not cover any medical treatment that relates to illness.

Bites and Stings

There is no dangerous wildlife in New Zealand; no snakes, and only one very rare poisonous spider, the katipo, the bite from which is serious but rarely fatal. Sand flies and mosquitoes, known locally as “mossies” can be annoying in some areas but insect repellent will take care of them. No serious deceases are carried by these insects, though travelers from overseas may come out in itchy lumps in reaction to being bitten by them until they adapt. Wasps can be a nuisance in some areas; if allergic to their stings, medication should be carried.

Pharmaceuticals and medicines

A “chemist” is the New Zealand term for a pharmacist or druggist; their shops will be open during normal shopping hours and most cities have urgent dispensaries open outside these hours, listed in the front of the telephone book under hospitals. Visitors planning to bring quantities of pharmaceuticals into New Zealand should have a certificate to avoid difficulties with customs. Many drugs sold over the counter in other countries are often available in New Zealand without a prescription. Chemists also sell cosmetics and insect and sun protection.

So, happy holiday in New Zealand and put those worries away of your head.

My brother from New Zealand has visited me recently

2008-01-10T19:50:00.001-08:00

I have a brother in law who lives in New Zealand. We used to love to ride on our bike together in many small villages and remote areas. Those areas has now changed into real estate and there's no way that I can go for a ride in those areas.

On the other side, New Zealand in the eyes of my brother still have plenty of places to go for someone who loves to ride a bike like me.

Hearing on his story while living in New Zealand, I find myself so interested to go there and take my children. I even have a dream that someday I might send my children there to study.

I love quiet places like those my brother has described me in New Zealand.

National Forrest & Maritime Park

2007-11-26T16:48:00.001-08:00

The government has tried to make everything easier in New Zealand for every visitor so that they may feel like home. For example; parks and protected areas in New Zealand are open all year round and you can visit those areas without a permit.

There is also no charge for you to go into the parks or tourist basic facilities such as visitor centers, tracking area, picnic places and even toilets.

The only charge to make is for some park’s information brochures and to stay overnight in some country huts. For information about hut tickets or passes you can find it in Department of Conservation Office.

In those parts you can enjoy yourself with commercial sightseeing, adventure trip or education tours if you like. Transport and accommodation are optional in many parks.

You will only need some permits or licenses if you are planning to go hunting or fishing. You will also have to get permit for your dog because in many national parks this animal is not allowed to enter.

Even though New Zealand has a nice mild climate but you should be aware that the weather in New Zealand can change very quickly at any time of year. You should be careful because heavy rain, snow and even ice can hit you from above even in the summer. This means that trips into the outdoors are always potentially hazardous.

So before you hide yourself in the wilderness and make your own plan with someone in the bush make sure that you have read the information guide carefully. Ask for guidance and advice from a park staff before you go is a must.

The New Zealand’s Department of Conservation: useful help for visitors

2007-11-25T17:55:00.000-08:00

In 1887 the paramount chief of the Ngati Tuwharetoa, that is Te Huehue Tukino IV gave Tongariro to the people of New Zealand. Tongariro is now well-known as New Zealand’s first national park.

In New Zealand, there are now at least 13 national parks throughout the country, enriched by 19 forest parks with a lesser protected status, several maritime parks, and nearly 4000 regional parks reserves of various sizes. These all are making New Zealand a huge wonderful park for you to track.

The New Zealand’s Department of Conservation has done many things to guarantee you can enjoy your visit to New Zealand. That department has provided visitor center with display and information about each park you are planning to see. They have made several huts for walking tracks or camp sites or when you planned to see some beautiful picnic spots. In this department you may also ask some advice for planning the route, asking about weather condition or even asking their advice about equipment and safety tool needed for your journey. It is very complete and helpful for tourist just like you and me. Last but not least you can also find some maps, handbooks and ever souvenirs at the store located in that department.

Information for tourist through FM radio in New Zealand

2007-11-21T04:03:00.000-08:00

Every tourist in New Zealand will find easy information from FM radio available at three frequencies; 88,2 (in English), 100,4 (in German) and 100,8 (in Japanese)

In those radios you will find exciting, informative and authentic information about anything that a tourist would need like travel agencies, weather, restaurants, events, hotels and many more.

I think this is a really unique service from New Zealand country that we don’t find in many countries. This service has shown how serious New Zealand in working on its tourism. With this radio service, any visitors in New Zealand can hear the latest information for 24 hours per day 365 days per year.

Some choices for you to fly in New Zealand

2007-11-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

In New Zealand there are many airlines company available for you from both domestic and international airlines company. So don’t worry to travel from one place to another in New Zealand.

Domestic Airlines and their telephone numbers are as follows:

Mount Cook Line (0-9-3095395)

Air New Zealand Link (0-9-2757717)

Ansett New Zealand (0-9-3022146)

Air New Zealand (0-9-3573000)

International Airlines and their telephone number are as follows:

Aerolinas Argentinas (0-9-3793675)

Cathay Pacific (0-9-3790861)

Continental Airlines (0-9-3795680)

Garuda Indonesia (0-9-3661862)

Japan Airlines (0-9-3799906)

Polynesian Airlines (0-9-3095396)

Qantas (0-9-3578900)

Singapore Airlines (0-9-3032129)

Thai Airlines (0-9-3773886)

United Airlines (0-9-3793800)

You will able to travel to any place in New Zealand with a lot of choice of airlines like I listed above. You can visit the King and Gentoo Penguins in their own world of snow and

Daily activities in New Zealand

2007-11-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

If you are planning to travel to New Zealand you should aware of its time for daily activities. I think some information below may be useful for you.

Usually, New Zealand offices and businesses operate from Monday to Friday, starting from about 8.30 am to 5 pm. However you will find that some tourist agencies and airlines have longer hours. This is a good thing for travelers who might need such services from those agencies.

For you car supply; some gas stations open for 24 hours and usually there you will also find some places for food or if you might need a newspaper or magazine.

For those who love shopping; stores and shops usually open from 9 am to 5.30 pm from Monday to Friday. For those who like to go for shopping in the night there are also late shopping open until 8.30 or 9 pm on one or two nights each week usually on Thursday or Friday.

Shopping on Saturday may vary as many shops shut at 12.30 or 1 pm while others will stay open longer.

Many supermarkets and grocery stores, some large retail chains, most shopping malls and weekend markets are also open on Sundays.

Local convenience stores which also called dairies are usually open from 7 am to 10 pm seven days a week. So if you need something immediately you still can find it at those stores.

Usually daily life in New Zealand is not so rush like the one you will see in Japan or some other busy places in the world. What surprise me most is the custom of the trader in New Zealand. I once stop near a fruit store; it was only a small store which provides fresh fruit by the side of the road. At first I don’t understand why the store keeper is not around for his stock; until my cousin explained to me that I just have to put some money and take the fruit that I want. I did the thing I was telling to and leave the store without seeing the store keeper. This is a strange experience for me. How come this store keeper trusts the buyer so much? What if I took the fruit without giving some money? Well, inside my heart I admired this custom.

Visit New Zealand and find a happy traveling with your family or the one you love. Once you get there you will come over and over again.

New Zealand: vegetables and restaurants

2007-11-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

Fruits and vegetables are plenty in New Zealand. Avocados, asparagus, kiwifruit, apricots, cherries, boysenberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries are among those many tasty options. A distinctively New Zealand vegetable, brought by Maori settlers from their Pacific Island homeland, is the kumara, a form of sweet potato. New Zealand honey includes some delicious varieties from native flowers. There are many special foods

Maori delicacies include seafood such as shellfish, kina (prickly sea urchin), mutton bird (tasting like fish) and freshwater eels, often accompanied by native thistle and watercress.

There are two main kinds of restaurants: the licensed, which sell wine, and the “BYO,” which stands for Bring Your Own.

Most of the BYOs are located near bottle shops where restaurant customers can buy their wine, beer or spirits for dinner.

Late night and 24 hours cafes and bar or restaurants are gaining popularity; some are fun by the major hotels. They will often have live entertainment. Local papers, especially on Thursday and Friday, print details of what is on at the different nightlife venues.

Meat pies, fish or steak and chips are traditional food from the British background of many New Zealanders. In homes, visitors may still encounter traditional roast dinners.

Several international fast food operators have franchises throughout the country and there are many independent fish and chip shops or burger bars offering tasty food which you can either dine in or take away.

You should know this before you travel to New Zealand

2007-11-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

Hi friends, maybe this information will help you arrange your travel to New Zealand. The average rainfall varies widely from less than 400 mm in Central Otago to over 12.000 mm in the Southern Alps. For most of the North Island and the northern South Island the driest season is summer. However for the West Coast of the South Island and much of inland Canterbury, Otago and Southland, winter is the driest season.

Well friends, which one interest you most? Dry place or wet one? You can chose anywhere in the New Zealand and still have fun.

Traveling New Zealand: the search for food and beverages

2007-11-05T16:18:00.001-08:00

If you love to have some fresh food while you are traveling then you should go to New Zealand because this country is well known as the producer of some of the world’s tastiest fresh food. Many restaurants offering variety tasty dishes coming from a wide variety of countries in Europe and Asia like France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Greece, China, Thailand, India and Vietnam as well as growing numbers of Middle Eastern and Latin American restaurants.

If you love native’s food better then you can also meet a Pacific-style New Zealand cuisine using the abundant fresh meats, fish, vegetables and fruit in a creative manner. It is so delicious and interesting in style that you absolutely have to try.

The demands of an increasingly tourist industry and wider international travel by New Zealanders have led to many international chefs coming to the country to practice their art. This condition enriches New Zealand as one of the most interesting traveling place for food.

The raw ingredients of New Zealand meals could hardly be bettered. Animals are pasture fed, rather than grain-fed, in the lush grasslands and mild climate, giving beef and lamb more flavored. Venison and lean pork are also farmed. Dairy produce is famous, and the butter, cheese, fresh milk, yoghurt and cream are produced to the strictest standards of quality and hygiene. Fish, rock lobsters (also known as crayfish), oysters, scallops, mussels and squid from New Zealand waters add an important seafood element to any menu, with fresh fruit and vegetables to complement them to perfection.

New Zealand: a beautiful country at Southern Hemisphere

2007-11-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

New Zealand is located in the Southern Ocean Pacific about 1600 km from Australia, east direction.

New Zealand is a beautiful country which comprises of many islands. The two biggest islands situated at north and south with many smaller islands around them resulting a total area of more than 250.000 sq km.

New Zealand landscape is dominated by mountains and hills. One of the most outstanding physical features is the Southern Alps. These, along with fiords, glaciers and lakes, and the coastal plains of Canterbury and Southland, add to the variety of the South Island scenery.

In the north island, the volcanic interior contains New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, and most of the country’s active volcanoes. The other objects like Ruapehu, Gnauruhoe and Tongariro are considered quiet.

Hot springs, geysers and mud pools also form part of the volcanic system centered on around Rotorua.

If you like traveling to a country with many panoramic areas, New Zealand is the best place for you to visit. New Zealand provides you with many opportunities to fill your holidays with many adventure traveling vacations.

Visit New Zealand; you will love it and will never forget the experience of traveling there.