NATURAL WONDERS OF NEW ZEALAND

1. NATURAL WONDERS OF NEW ZEALAND

2. Waikoropupu Springs With pristine waters, Waikoropupu Springs, near Nelson at the top of the South Island, are reputedly the clearest fresh water springs in the world, with an outflow of approximately 2160 million litres of water every 24 hours.

3. FRYING PAN LAKE Frying Pan Lake at Waimangu is one of the world’s largest hot pools: 38,000 square metres in area, and fed by numerous acid springs. The lake fills part of a crater formed by the 1886 Tarawera eruption. It has a flat floor, mainly about 6 metres deep, although some vents are up to 20 metres deep. Lake temperature is generally between 45 and 55°C.

4. THE CATLINS The Catlins area sits at the bottom of the South Island on the east coast, running from Kaka Point in the north to Fortrose in the south. This area is part of the Southern Scenic Route which runs from Dunedin, down through the Catlins to Invercargill and north-west to Te Anau. The main service area of the Catlins is the tiny town of Owaka (population 450) which is located 115km south of Dunedin and 130 km north of Invercargill .

5. WEST COAST BEACHES Sand, surf, sea life. One of the most popular West Coast beaches in the Auckland area is Muriwai, a surf beach of around 60km. The Muriwai Regional Park is an area of protected native bush, sand dunes and walking tracks. It features unique formations of pillow lava in the cliffs behind Maori Bay in the south, revealing the violent geological history of the area.

6. KAIKOURA The seaside settlement of Kaikoura, situated midway between Christchurch and Picton on the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island, is overlooked by majestic mountains which are snow-capped for many months of the year.

7. MT COOK Aoraki/Mount Cook (70,696 hectares) is New Zealand's great alpine park. It contains the highest mountains and the largest glaciers. Aoraki/Mount Cook Village and visitors to the park are dwarfed by the immensity of the landscape that surrounds them.

8. 90 MILE BEACH Ninety Mile Beach is on the western coast of the North Auckland Peninsula. It is terminated by rocky volcanic headlands, Scott Point to the north and Reef Point to the south. Between the two points is a beautiful arching beach of white sand facing the Tasman Sea. The origin of the name is uncertain, for the beach measures only 55 miles.

9. Water Transport Interislander & Lynx The Interislander’s two passenger/ vehicle ships, Arahura and Aratere, offer a convenient and regular daily service across the 19 kilometre stretch of water separating the North and South islands. Cruising time is 3 hours. By comparison, the lynx – a high speed car/passenger catamaran, reduces this to 135 minutes.

10. Rivers

11. Tourist Destinations

12. National Parks

13. Mountains

14. Accommodation Laundry Service Room Service Restaurant/ bar service Bed & Breakfast Foreign Exchange service

15. Northland Northland is made up of farmland and some of New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Beaches. Much of New Zealand’s earliest history is in Northland so there are a Lot of attractions relating to the Treaty of Waitangi and early settlers Some of the world’s finest big game fishing can be enjoyed in Northland, and there are lots of safe swimming and surf beaches. In fact, hundreds of miles of coastline remain unspoilt.

16. Kaitaia is the main centre for Northland. From here you can take bus trips to Cape Reinga which is located at the very top of New Zealand where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. In stormy weather the waves can be 10m high. Further on is the famous Ninety Mile Beach. Kaitaia.

17. Cape Reinga/ Ninety Mile Beach - A number of operators offer daily tours from Kaitaia to the above. Tours generally include: Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach, Te Paki sand dunes (toboggans on coach), Ancient Kauri Kingdom, Aupouri forest, Wagener Park and some include a picnic lunch. • Private tours to Cape Reinga/ Ninety Mile Beach - You decide exactly where you want to go. Travel in luxury 4x4 vehicles. Gourmet lunches included. • Visit Cape Reinga from Paihia - If you do not mind a really long day you can also visit these two attractions as a day trip by bus from Paihia (Bay of Islands). • Wagener Park & Museum - This attraction is located north of Kaitaia and often included on day trips to Cape Reinga. It has museum, beach front café, golf course and camping ground.

18. Bay of Islands The Bay of Islands is located 240 Kilometres north of Auckland, and is part of the Northern region. It takes about 4 hours 15 minutes to get there by car from Auckland. You can fly from Auckland to the Bay of Islands on Air New Zealand. The main town centre for the Bay of Islands is Paihia, and many tourists will base themselves here and visit surrounding attractions.

19. Paihia Paihia is right on the waterfront and tourists can take many different trips on the water or they can catch a ferry across to the quaint township of Russell (NZ’s First Capital). They could travel ten minutes north to Waitangi, or 15 minutes to Kerikeri, where there are orchards, crafts and a famous landmark – the stone store. It is even possible to do a day trip from Paihia to Cape Reinga – the top of the North Island The Bay of Islands is known as a centre for big game fishing and many fishing charters leave from Paihia. You can have a boat to yourself or share the cost with others who also want to fish.

20. Waitangi Waitangi is a place of national heritage and is a 10 minute walk from Paihia. It was here that the treaty of Waitangi was signed on the 6th February 1840. You can visit the Treaty house, which is now a national museum and visitor centre. The treaty house is set in the park-like grounds and there is also a Maori meeting house and war canoe – the largest in the world. Come back in the evening for an excellent Maori cultural performance.

21. Kerikeri Located 15 minutes from Paihia and close to where the airport for the Bay of Islands, Kerikeri has some wonderful arts and crafts shops, with a particular Emphasis on pottery. There is an art and craft trail laid out so you can ensure you miss none of the main points of interest. Here are some of Kerikeri attractions: • Makana confections • If you love chocolate than you will love the Makana Confections. There is a visitor • viewing area where you can see hand dipped chocolates being made. • The Orange Centre • Enjoy a tour around the citrus and kiwifruit orchard on the orange mobile. The café • Has pure orange juice, an Art/Craft shop and playground. • The Stone Store • This building was first used by missionaries to store their supplies and then later leased • to shopkeepers until the Historical Places Trust took it over. It is the oldest stone building • in New Zealand (1832).

22. Russell Russell has a colourful history and was central in the Northern Wars in the early 19th century. Bullet holes from an early battle can still be seen in the local church. It was once known as “the hell hole of the Pacific”, as it was a shore leave destination for sailors, whalers and traders – hence the scene of many drunken brawls. After the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, Russell became the country’s first capital.

23. Whangarei Located three hours drive north of Auckland; Whangarei is situated on a harbour and is close to some of New Zealand’s most spectacular beaches. Waterfront well laid out area has lots of gift shops, art and craft galleries, cafes, restaurants and is where Clapham’s clock Museum is located. Beaches Most beautiful beaches can be found on the east coast of Whangarei.

24. AuCkLaNd Attractions Kelly Tarlton's Auckland is a major gateway to New Zealand and 75% of international visitors arrive into New Zealand through Auckland. It was the official capital of New Zealand from 1840-1865 and boasts nearly a third of New Zealand’s Population. Rainbows End

25. EvEnTs Pacifica Festival Ellerslie Flower show Starlight Symphony The largest, most innovative and exciting flower and garden. Held each year in February it attracts huge crowds. Bring your own picnic and wine. Heineken Open Around the Bays

26. Waikato Has a rich Agricultural base dominated by dairy farming, but also featuring sheep and beef, thoroughbred horse studs, deer farming and fruit

27. This City is now Bigger than Dunedin and is New Zealand’s third largest city. It has the Waikato River running through it with walkways along the river bank and a pretty lake in its centre- Hamilton Lake. HAMILTON

28. Popular Activities Waikato River Walking The paved walkways and wooden ramps make the walk one of the best river side walks in NZ. Cruising You can take a paddle steamer cruise along the Waikato river Facilities that support the activities on the river range from accommodation to shops and restaurants The Waikato river begins at port Waikato and finishes in lake Taupo

29. MATAMATA Located 20 minutes north of Hamilton en route to Auckland. The Huntly power station dominates the skyline and is situated on the banks of the Waikato River. Tours are available by appointment A small rural town about 50 minutes east of Hamilton. HUNTLY Cambridge Located 15 minutes south of Hamilton, Cambridge is well known for it’s beautiful tree-lined streets and horse breeding in its surrounding farmland.

30. Waitomo caves Otorohanga is an hours drive fromHamilton. It is the closest town to thetWaitomo caves and is home to the to the Kiwi House and Native Bird park. . hangais home Black Water Rafting OTOROHANGA

31. World famous in New Zealand…. for L&P. Located on the edge of the Hauraki plains and is a farming centre for the area PAEROA

32. TAUPO Attractions not to be missed Huka Jet- Jet boating Taupo Bungy De Brett’s Hot Pools Huka Falls Wairakei Resort – International Golf course A C Baths Prawn Farm River Rafting Safaris

33. "Travel and Tourism" North Island

34. The Bay of Plenty Rotorua Whakatane Tauranga Te Puke Mt Maunganui

35. "Bay of Plenty" To travel from Auckland to Tauranga it will take you 3 hours and 20 mins. To travel from Hamilton to Tauranga it will take you 1 hour and 55 mins. To travel from Gisborne to Tauranga it will take you 5 hours.

36. "Tauranga" This is one of the main centres of the Bay of Plenty region and is one of New Zealand's largest ports. It is known for its many historical attractions, great beaches and is also seen as the gateway to nearby Mount Maunganui which is a popular holiday spot.

37. "Mount Maunganui" Mt Maunganui township is located at the foot of Mt Maunganui. Which is 232 meters high and set on the end of a narrow peninsula. This is one of New Zealand's favourite summer holiday spots, with fantastic beaches and great conditions for a variety of water sports.

38. "Te Puke" The kiwifruit capital of the world!!!!! This is what Te Puke is most well known for… “kiwifruit”! But there are also some great bush walks, beautiful rivers and excellent beaches. Visitors come to Te Puke for these 3 things…… *Kiwifruit country *Te Puke vintage auto barn. *Longridge jets

39. Whakatane is located at the mouth of the Whakatane river and right by the sea, with excellent beaches nearby. Whakatane

40. An awesome active Volcano situated in the Bay of Plenty – approximately 50km from the shore. Accessible on scenic flights from Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga and Whakatane. This is New Zealand’s most active volcano and is always rumbling smoking or puffing out steam. ..White Island..

41. "Rotorua" This is North Island’s most famous destination for overseas visitors. Here the absolute power of nature’s forces will amaze you… These are some of the activities you can do in Rotorua… *Lakeland Queen cruises *Agrodome *Skyline Skyrides *Rotorua museum *Wai-o-tapu *Zorb *Polynesian spa.

42. ....EVenTz... Millennium Rotorua chamber music festival Located at Rotorua convention centre. Features a variety of eight concerts in seven days. Held in January. Rotorua to Matamata Fun Ride.. Held at lake Rotorua, in January. Boats from across N.Z will bring the shores of lake Rotorua to life with the thrill and speed that only powerboats can bring. The race headquarters will be at Hannah’s bay reserve, lake Rotorua.

43. “Gisborne” • Gisborne is the first city in New Zealand, and the world, to see the sun each day. • A lot of people come to Gisborne to celebrate the New Year as it is one of the first places in the world to see sun rise on the first day on January.

44. Wainui Beach Activities at Gisborne…… Te Poho-o-rawiri Marae. Morere hot springs.

45. *Fish/scuba/shark-dolphin Try trout fishing in the outlying rivers or excellent deep sea fishing charters available. Surfcasting, fishing and scuba dive at prolific offshore reefs in the area. Eyeball a shark in specially designed cages underneath water or get friendly with dolphins – view from vessel. All gear supplied as necessary. A semi-coastal native ,hilly ,forest area with great beaches, surfing, fishing, horse trekking, camping and bush tracks too. Mahia peninsula

46. Contains the largest area of virgin forest in the North Island and has steep ranges and deep gorges. One of the main features of the park is Lake Waikaremoana, and the walks through the park are popular. Hunting is on the popular activity list in the national park- but you must obtain a permit from the visitor centre first! AND…..only pigs and deer.. Urewera National Park..

47. ..Hawkes Bay.. The Hawkes Bay has two main cities, Napier and Hastings. If you were flying to Hawkes Bay you would be flying into Napier. Hawkes Bay has a Mediterranean climate, varied landscape and is one of three farmed winemaking regions in NZ. Napier and Hastings are often referred to as the twin cities and are less than 20 minutes apart.

48. ..Hastings.. This area is known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand and is the largest producer of apples, peaches and pears in New Zealand. Splash Planet… This is a 6.5 hectare leisure park that has a castle, pirate ship and 15 rides for children including bumper boats, dodgems, flying fox, and a train, etc… Frimley Rose Garden… This Rose garden has more than 5,500 roses and rare species of trees.

49. The Tongariro National Park has the volcano peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngaruruhoe. It is one of 100 sites in the world with dual world Heritage Status for its natural & cultural values. It also offers great hiking tracks for the adventurous. ..Activities.. Skiing Hiking Tramping ..Tongariro National Park..

50. Getting Your Bearings Let’s start our exciting tour of New Zealand’s South Island with some geography so you can find your way around. Did you know the South Island is one third bigger than the North Island – but has one third of the population.