New Zealand: A Brief Tour

Kia-ora, welcome!

New Zealand, also known as the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ is known for its geographic isolation, natural splendour and the highly distinctive flora and fauna. Located in the Pacific Ocean in the Southern Hemisphere (with Australia to the north-west), New Zealand consists of the main bodies the North Island and the South Island and a group of smaller islands including the Chatham Islands and the Stewart Island or Rakiura Island.

New Zealand is a democracy and constitutional monarchy, with a parliament led by an elected Prime Minister. Wellington, located in the southern end of the Northern Island, is the governing centre and capital city of the country. The nation boasts a rather cosmopolitan population make-up of the indigenous Polynesian (primarily Maori), American, British, Australian, European and Asian influences. The economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and fishing, with much of the fresh Pacific Ocean ‘crop’ exported to a seafood-hungry Asian market. The manufacturing sector also features prominently, and in particular technology.

Tourism, as might be expected, is a vital source of income for the country, with some two million visitors per year. And no wonder: as popularised in the Lord of the Rings movies New Zealand is a land of magnificent bio-diverse natural assets, from sweeping greenery to rivers and snow capped mountains. Many forests, for instance, are home to native rare birds like the kiwi, kea parrot and kaka.  

Standing testament to the liveability of New Zealand is Northland, whose combination of history, culture, and lifestyle (which includes world-class accommodation facilities and dining options) consistently entice tourists the world over. Some of its key attractions include the 90 Mile Beach, Cape Reinga, Ahipara, Karikari Peninsula and Doubtless Bay. Northland is ideal for fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving – its west coast even tells of shipwrecks and treasures.

Similarly, the southern most regions in New Zealand which make up Southland offer even the most casual visitor an intriguing variety of locations to explore, from scenic rainforests to waterways, and wildlife galore. In the south you will find the popular city of Invercargill, home to evocative Victorian & Edwardian buildings, parks, and gardens.

Stewart Island, an ecological spot in the Southland region is another tourist attraction famed for its unique birdlife, like the rare, popular Kiwi. A daily ferry (or plane option if you prefer) will take you there and back. Other noteworthy attractions of Southland include Catlins coast, Queens Park, and Rakiura National Park.

Then there is Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city, which offers visitors endless opportunities to indulge in pleasures like fine dining and wine, shopping and nightlife, as well as outdoor activities like hiking, swimming and sailing.

Getting around New Zealand is made simpler by the various transport options available including bus, train, air charters and car hire. Motor home and campervan hire are also popular ways to independently explore the New Zealand landscape (horse riding is a popular activity too!). For those seeking a culinary adventure, New Zealand stages many regular local harvested food and wine celebrations, alongside arts and crafts fairs and market days.

For those with a specific educational or career pursuit in mind, New Zealand has a complete range of education institutions and training schools catering to both local and overseas students across all disciplines, with outstanding academic support and student services. There’s also top-notch sporting facilities and sporting academy centres specialising in rugby training, rugby league training, cricket and netball training.

Almost any goal you can think of achieving can be realised here: R and R, sightseeing, outdoor activities, education, work, family and more. New Zealand is a unique and worthy destination on the global map and is sure to make a lasting impression on all visitors.