11 reasons why New Zealand should be on the top of your dream holiday list!
New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating countries in the world, with so much to discover for its visitors. The country offers countless opportunities to explore its picturesque landscape. In this article, we’ve put together 11 fantastic destinations for those who want to explore New Zealand through culture and the locals, with sustainability in mind.
written by: CONTINENTSURFER
1. Luxury under the stars
The Lindis – Ahuriri Valley, Southern Alps
Melt into nature in luxury cabins nestled in the New Zealand Alps.
These cabins, bordered by huge glass windows, not only offer stunning mountain views but also reveal the pristine night sky in all its glory.
The cabins, each 20 square metres, offer luxurious conditions sustainably. And the terrace, the outdoor hot tub, breathtaking views and total tranquillity, rare these days, are just the tip of the iceberg.
Similarly, sustainability is at the heart of most of the new or soon-to-open accommodation in New Zealand. These include Camp Glanorchy, the Park Hyatt in Auckland, the Falcon Brea villa near Abel Tasman National Park, and Sherwood Queenstown in Queenstown. Most of these hotels not only offer accommodation and a variety of exciting culinary experiences, but also a range of packages and packages depending on how long and how many people you plan to stay. Examples include Camp Glenorchy’s short packages specifically for couples, or Sherwood Queenstown’s massage and yoga options.
The price for star and Mountain View cabins is NZD 2345 per night per person.
2. Party at the Spolre Festival!
Date: 21-22 February
Location: Tāpapakanga Park
The three-day beachside festival, 72 kilometres from Auckland, features everything from arts to spiritual programs and workshops to concerts. Intentionally multi-generational, the festival offers activities for all members of the family, from young children to adults.
For families, the festival offers free separate camping and a special children’s zone. The programs are also themed around the environment and sustainability and, of course, the essential festival atmosphere.
3. Mingle with the locals!
Location: Otago, Marlborough, Canterbury, Heartland Southland
Ahika Journeys travel agency offers a special, luxury experience for those who want to discover New Zealand through the eyes of local farmers and producers.
Ahika Journeys aims to showcase the people who have worked in local agriculture for generations. The company aims to promote this tradition and way of life. Travellers can participate in tastings with farmers and producers, among others, and immerse themselves in the local natural beauty.
For those looking for more of an authentic New Zealand experience and to explore more remote places, the Off the Beaten Track accommodation search website offers similar experiences and connects travellers with local landowners.
4. Give something back to nature: The Blue Penguin Reserve
Location: Otago Peninsula
Otago Penguin Penguin Reserve. Also known as the pygmy penguin, the blue penguin is a species native to New Zealand. Programs run by the Blue Penguins Pukekura Reserve give you a first-hand experience of the penguins and learn about their care. Not only do participants get to spend a fantastic day with the animals, but their work can also help save this endangered species.
5. Sail back into the past and culture of the indigenous Maori
Location: Gisborne
The Maori are New Zealand’s indigenous people of Polynesian descent, renowned for their amazing sea voyages, boats and navigation skills. Waka Adventures Thairawhiti gives you an insight into this culture. Travellers can learn about sailing on a boat modelled on ancient Maori sailing ships and listen to exciting stories on board from the ship’s Maori guide. Sailing out of Gisborne harbour on the 22-metre sailing boat can take you from a couple of hours to a whole day.
6. Eco-friendly wellness for body and soul – The Te Arai Lodge
Location: Te Arai
An hour and a half north of Auckland, this family-run business focuses on sustainability, home-grown organic fruit and vegetables, healthy eating and hospitality, in addition to luxury relaxation. All this is complemented by a yoga studio, pool, gym, sauna, and trainers and instructors on hand to assist the guests.
7. Let’s go hiking!
Location: Blackball
The Great Tracks hiking trails take you through some of the most beautiful, breathtaking scenery in the country. One of these is the newly opened Paparoa Great Walk. The 55-kilometre hike, which can take several days, takes hikers through mountains and along beaches. Starting in the tiny town of Blackball, it runs east to west, passing the famous Punakaika cliffs and ending on the west coast of the South Island.
The hike is of medium difficulty, and for those who can spare 3–4 days, there are a number of tourist accommodation along the way for a night’s rest.
8. Sustainable eating: follow the Realness Trail!
Location: Auckland
New Zealand is famous far and wide for its extensive agriculture. In addition to farmers’ markets in almost every corner of the country, an innovative website called The Realness uses a map app to connect tourists looking for healthy eats with local producers. The site’s stated aim is to offer local, independent, producer-owned restaurants as opposed to big chain stores and restaurants. Those who choose this option not only support local producers, but also fresh, healthy and ethical food.
For those who choose Christchurch over Auckland, consider the recently opened farmers’ market, open seven days a week. The Riverside Market in the city centre also offers local produce and stylish restaurants promoting sustainable eating.
9. A special culinary culture
Location: Auckland
The Park Hyatt Hotel, pays homage to the heritage of ancient Māori culture in both its décor and the quality of its hospitality. The hotel and its restaurant are one of the city’s hottest spots, with five-star dishes from the hands of celebrity chef Brent Martin. Luxury, culture and culinary adventure in Auckland’s harbour.
10. Rest and relaxation for the whole family
Location: Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
Popular in New Zealand, Hanmer Springs offers carefree relaxation from thrilling slides to a variety of natural thermal pools and luxurious spa treatments, 90 kilometres from Christchurch. The spa is available with single-day, multiple-entry or two-day tickets. Children under the age of five are admitted free of charge.
11. Camping in Eden
Location: Eden Park Stadium
WeI’ll end this list with a truly unique experience in the rugby capital of New Zealand. The so-called Stadium Glamping is a luxury tent with beds and sofas overlooking the stadium. And if you just want the Stadium atmosphere but have no interest in rugby, you can take the tent on a weekday without a match.
Even this grand sporting experience has a cultural dimension.
The tent also offers a stunning view of the ‘Haka on the Park’ performances in Eden Park, a frenetic show based on Maori cultural traditions and arts.
Full-service tour operator for New Zealand
Is New Zealand the island paradise of your dreams? Do you want to enjoy every single wonderful minute in New Zealand in complete safety? Kinga is your man! She will organize your trip completely!
Air ticket to New Zealand? Insurance? Car rental, apartment, house rental in New Zealand? Kinga has years of experience in organizing the perfect trip to New Zealand! If New Zealand then Kinga should be your “guide” and you can be sure that there will be no unpleasant surprises!
Have all your plans already set?
You have all your travel plans already set and all that’s missing is the electronic entry document? Need the travel paperwork dealt with quickly?
Did you know?
New Zealand is a true ‘penguin kingdom’. The country has the most diverse penguin population in the world and offers a wealth of activities for those who want to meet them.
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Source(s):
Original article: 11 ok, amiért Új-Zélandnak az álomnyaralási listád élén kéne lennie Translated by: BOGI – CONTINENT SURFER
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