Travelogues  
New Zealand on My Mind
My Favorite KIWI Destinations – 2
by Neha Girotra

Napier

Napier is renowned for its superb 1930s Art Deco architecture and each year the town celebrates its heritage with the Brebner Print Art Deco Weekend. ‘The City by the Sea’ boasts Norfolk pine walkways, wineries, fresh local produce and national tourist attractions. Napier has a vibrant cafe culture amongst the splendor of Art Deco buildings. Around 30 cafes are within walking distance of the central city area, while Ahuriri, just over Bluff Hill, is home to a further cluster of up-market establishments.

Coromandel Peninsula

Rustic, relaxed and unspoilt, The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the best-loved New Zealand travel destinations. The attractions are plentiful, with spectacular coastline, beautiful beaches and rugged volcanic hills cloaked in native rainforest – not to mention a vibrant arts community, fine dining and a rich cultural pioneering heritage. Swim with the dolphins at their invitation, explore an old goldmine, marvel at the mighty Kauri or just enjoy life’s simple pleasures in stunning surroundings.
The South Island of New Zealand comes with a reputation as a unique land packed with magnificent, raw scenery: craggy coastlines, primeval forests, snow-capped alpine mountains, fast flowing rivers and glacier-fed lakes, all beneath a brilliant blue sky.

Christchurch

Christchurch is the perfect base from which to launch your Canterbury and South Island experience. There’s everything from hot-air ballooning, skiing and whale watching on offer. True to its English heritage punting boats drift up and down the tree-lined Avon River, which weaves its way through the city centre. Trams make daily trips across ironwork bridges and passed heritage buildings. Celebrated as the ‘Garden City’, for its many floral displays and parkways, Christchurch also features award-winning restaurants, a thriving bar and entertainment scene. This cosmopolitan town hosts many events and festivals throughout the year.

Hanmer Springs

One of three alpine villages nestled in the region of Canterbury, Hanmer Springs is best known for its Thermal Reserve. This natural area of hot springs, which has been developed into a relaxing recreational area, is perfect after a day of adventure activities. A small, secluded village, which is big on cafes and restaurants, Hanmer Springs is both a fun yet relaxed holiday retreat.

Stewart Island

Of New Zealand's three main islands, Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest (about 75 km/47 miles long and up to 45 km/28 miles wide). A wilderness character pervades much of this island. For anyone seeking peace and tranquility, Stewart Island is the ultimate spot. There are superb bush walks and great launch cruises around some of New Zealand's most beautiful coastline. The Island's amazingly clear waters make it a snorkeling and diving paradise. Human settlement is confirmed to a small area on the north-eats coast centered on Half-moon Bay and the township of Oban.

Nelson

Famous for having the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, Nelson is a harmonious blend of art and nature. Its beaches, bush and mountains have inspired a vibrant arts and craft scene. Visitors can also enjoy cafés, succulent seafood, wine and naturally brewed beer. Nelson has three national parks at its doorstep. Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal wonderland with captivating golden beaches. Nelson Lakes National Park offers lakeside tracks and tramping and skiing.

Queenstown

From a gold-mining camp in the 1860s, Queenstown has transformed into New Zealand’s premier alpine resort. If you’re seeking action adventure sports, Queenstown offers bungee jumping, jet boating, tramping, mountain biking, snow sports – even a simulated rocket launch. For more leisurely pursuits there are wine trails, golf, cruises, fishing, fine dining - or simply people watching along the banks of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu. The town’s compact central hub, with over 140 bars and restaurants, keeps the nightlife humming.

Mount Cook

The Mackenzie region offers a host of spectacular sights, including Aoraki (Mount Cook), New Zealand’s highest mountain standing at 3,754m. The Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is a World Heritage park covering 70,111-hectares and is preserved in its natural state for the benefit and enjoyment of all people. The turquoise colored lakes of Pukaki and Tekapo are also unique to the Mackenzie.

At Mt Cook Village you can experience high country life at its best. Within the village and the surrounding areas, there is plenty to do! From glacier skiing in the winter to hiking and fishing in the summer. 

January 15, 2006

All Images: Neha Girotra 

Previous Page 

 
Analysis | Architecture | Astrology | Ayurveda | Book Reviews | Buddhism | Cartoons | Cinema | Computing | Culture | Dances
Environment | Fables | Family Matters | Festivals | Hinduism | Health | History | Home Remedies | Humor | Individuality | Jagoji
Literary Shelf | Memoirs | Musings | Opinion | Parenting | Perspective | Photo Essays | Places | Ramblings
Random Thoughts | Recipes | Sikhism | Society | Spirituality | Stories | Teens | Travelogues | Vastu | Vithika | Women

Home | Bolography | BoloKids | Columns | Hindi | Kabir | Poetry | Quotes | Workshop | Writers | Contribute | Search | Contact

Boloji.com includes IndiaNest.com and PoeticNest.com
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
No part of this Internet site may be reproduced without prior written permission of the copyright holder.