New Zealand's wild, elemental beauty made it the ideal locale for filming Lord of the Rings. For this is a raw land of sheer mountains, icy glaciers, swift flowing rivers and geysers that spout from the hot earth.
Auckland:city of sails
New Zealand's largest city, Auckland sprawls scenically around an array of inlets and bays. Lapped by the waters of the Pacific, Auckland has a different seafaring air to it.
transport:getting there and acquiring around
Auckland is New Zealand's centre for international flights. You'll be able to take direct flights from here to all Australian airports, the US west coast, several Asian destinations, and London and Frankfurt. You can locate also a wide range of domestic flights.
Regular bus services connect Auckland with major towns and tourist attractions. And you'll find morning and overnight trains to Wellington daily.
Auckland is a sprawling city so walking is not easy. Auto hire or cycling are possibly the most easy ways to get around.
climaternAuckland's coastal location keep temperature ranges less than the inside the hinterlands. Temperatures hover in the mid-20°s in summer and it seldom freezes in winter.
accommodation: from low-cost stays to luxury resorts
Check on the internet for the range, location and price of Auckland Hotels
Occasions
Summer is the time when Auckland comes to life though there is something happening all the time.
*In January you will see the Open Tennis Championships.
*Also in January is the Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta, commemorating the appearance of Captain Hobson in New Zealand.
*Pasifika Festival in March celebrates Polynesian culture through music and performances at Western Springs.
*Ellerslie Flower Show at the Botanic Gardens in November showcases the city's bloomsrn*The Auckland Cup is held at Ellerslie Race Course December.
Wellington
As New Zealand's capital, Wellington is property to the imposing administrative buildings of government. It's an attractive city having a splendid harbour and terraced hills.
transport:getting there and obtaining around
Air New Zealand supply direct domestic flights between Wellington airport and most main centres, including Auckland, Christchurch
Normal ferry services connect Wellington with Picton on the South Island.
Wellington is an essential junction for bus travel, with buses north to Auckland and all key towns in between. Wellington has a train station, a cost effective local bus system, several car-hire companies, and taxi services.
climate:rnWellington's coastal location gives it the reputation for being windy.
Accommodation:from affordable stays to luxury resortsrnCheck on the net for the range, location and cost of Wellington hotels
occasionsrnAs the nation's capital, Wellington is the centre for a host of cultural and sporting events
* Wellington Cup Week in January features racing, live music, fashion within the field, famous person judges.
*February New Zealand International Arts Festivalrn*New Zealand Festival (Biennial)
October is genuinely a busy month with Wellington Fashion Festival and Wellington International Jazz Festival.
Christchurch:springboard into nature
The South Island's largest city, Christchurch is traditionally a springboard for forays into the nearby mountains, plains, beaches and water sources. Even so, Christchurch has several attractions of its own to offer.
transport:getting there and acquiring around
Christchurch is the primary international gateway to the South Island. Flights connect with Australia and a few different countries. The airport is about seven miles from the city centre. You can find also trains along with a cheap and efficient bus service.
accommodation: from low priced stays to luxury resorts
Check on the web for the range, location and price of Christchurch hotels
occasions:
*February Christchurch Festival of Flowers - an international floral celebration within the garden city.
*August Christchurch International Jazz Festival - a celebration of jazz, wine and food featuring international and local talent.