Wildlife Holidays in New Zealand

New Zealand is a country surrounded by lush and beautiful scenery, the very reason why Peter Jackson chose it as the location for the famous Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. It has the distinction of being the last land mass on earth to be discovered, as well. Because of this, New Zealand has many amazing wildlife species, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Indeed, it is a great idea to spend wildlife holidays in New Zealand and enjoy many fun and unique ways of exploring and interacting with nature.

One of the most popular wildlife activities in New Zealand is bird watching. After all, before it was discovered, New Zealand was a land of birds, with only bats for mammal inhabitants. Today, it is still home to hundreds of species of birds, both flightless and capable of flight, as well as several migratory seabirds which are protected and can be viewed at various sanctuaries, zoos and bird parks.

Aside from bird watching, whale watching is also a popular part of wildlife holidays in New Zealand. Sperm whales, the largest of the toothed whales, can be seen all year round off the coast of Kaikoura while the smaller killer whales can be spotted from December to March and humpback whales can be seen in the months of June and July. According to experts, whales frequent the waters of New Zealand because of its deep underwater canyons and the right temperature of its currents.

There are opportunities for seal and penguin encounters, as well. Fur seal colonies are especially common on the rocky coastline of the South Island, or at Castlepoint and Cape Palliser on the North Island, although elephant seals and leopard seals have been known to come ashore, too. Little blue penguins or kororas, on the other hand, which are the world's smallest penguins, can be seen at Akaroa Harbour and Oamaru, while the rare yellow-eyed penguin or hoiho can be found on the Otago peninsula.

Swimming with dolphins is another popular wildlife activity, and is, in fact, one of the top-rated tourist activities in New Zealand, so make sure you try it during your wildlife holidays in New Zealand. Many consider this a privilege, as well, since dolphins are intelligent yet gentle creatures. There are many dolphin species in New Zealand, including the common dolphin, the bottle-nosed dolphin, the playful dusky dolphin and the Hector's dolphin, one of the rarest and smallest dolphin species in the world, which is exclusive to the waters of New Zealand.

Exploring the underwater wildlife in the network of marine reserves around New Zealand is recommended, too. These reserves consist of dive wrecks, kelp forests and sub-tropical reefs, all of which provide sanctuaries for hundreds of schools of fish. The most popular reserve is the Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve, which was also named by the legendary diver Jacques Costeau as one of the five best diving locations in the world.

There are also several places in New Zealand that offer an opportunity to go shark cage diving. After all, sharks frequent the New Zealand waters, too. The mako shark and the blue shark are the most common shark species in New Zealand, although the fearsome great white shark can also be found lingering in the Bay of Plenty, along with the giant stingray.

There are many excellent zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks to visit, too, such as the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, the Orana Wildlife Park, the Wellington Zoo and the Seahorse World Aquarium. Some of them even offer a chance to feed and pet the animals. After all, the purpose of these establishments is not just to persuade tourists to spend wildlife holidays in New Zealand, but more importantly, to help everyone understand and care for animals all over the world.

Isabella Olsen is a writer for various travel magazines who also writes about cheap car rental worldwide. To book your car rental in New Zealand, visit Zencarhire.com.

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Places to See on Your Holidays in New Zealand

New Zealand is known as the beautiful land of the Kiwis and Kangaroos. New Zealand is a beautiful country full of lush forests, stunning beaches and amazing mountain peaks. It also is full of wildlife and the pleasant climate makes it an ideal place to visit and unwind. It is growing in popularity with tourists and has some great holiday home accommodation to rent as holiday homes.

Due to the fabulous outdoor life style that New Zealand has to offer, you will find some of the most diverse range of holiday home accommodation to rent here. There are some luxurious holiday villas with swimming pools by the sea. In the more built up areas of New Zealand there are a good selection of self catering holiday apartments. Further inland you can rent a country holiday cottage and up in the mountains are some great ski chalets.

The history of New Zealand is a mix of European, Maori, Pacific and Asian cultures. The Maoris were the early settlers who are said to be Polynesians and have links with Hawaii culture. Later the European and Pacific settlers came to New Zealand. As a result New Zealand has a true cosmopolitan feel to it.

New Zealand is made up of the North and South Islands. The Southern Island is home to Christchurch, Mount Cook and Queenstown. You can rent self catering holiday apartments in these three cities in New Zealand and explore the local architecture.

Christchurch has some amazing scenery with its vast pasture lands and the huge expanse of sky between the silvery beaches and the peaks of the mountains behind. Aoraki Cook Mount which is the highest point in New Zealand is found here. The beaches are clean and many tourist visit here to see whales, seals and dolphins. The cities of Timaru and Christchurch have grand architecture of the colonial period and are very popular destinations with holiday makers.

Queenstown is on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu and was first discovered by the Maori Hunters. The town is known for its recreational activities with many outdoor activities and it has a reputation for also having a great night life. Many holiday makers split there holiday and rent a holiday home on the South Island and use it as a base to explore this beautiful country. They then move on to the North Island and stay in a holiday home there.

Fiordland National Park is called the eight wonder of the world by Rudyard Kipling. It is a mix of the waterfalls, rainforests, lakes and granite peaks. This combination makes one of the most scenic views that you will ever see in your life. Fiordland is also famous for the three great walks of Route burn, Milford and Kepler Tracks.

The Northern Island is a beautiful place with many things for tourists to do and see. It is home to the truly cosmopolitan cities of Auckland and Wellington and the astounding Rotorua. Many holiday makers stay in self catering holiday apartments in Auckland and use it as a base to explore this amazing city.
New Zealand really is an amazing country to visit on holiday and one of the best ways to stay here is by renting holiday home accommodation. By staying in a holiday home in New Zealand allows you to explore this beautiful country.

The Northern Island is a beautiful place with many things for tourists to do and see when staying in holiday rentals [http://www.compareaway.co.uk]. It is home to the truly cosmopolitan cities of Auckland and Wellington and the astounding Rotorua. Many holiday makers stay in self catering holiday apartments [http://www.compareaway.co.uk/holiday-apartments] in Auckland and use it as a base to explore this amazing city. New Zealand really is an amazing country to visit on holiday and one of the best ways to stay here is by renting holiday home accommodation. By staying in a holiday home in New Zealand allows you to explore this beautiful country.

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10 Awesome Places to Go Kayaking in New Zealand

I love kayaking. It can be both relaxing and thrilling, depending on where you are and how fast you paddle. It can provide a workout and slow down time. It can give you a whole new perspective on some of New Zealand's most beautiful locations. You can hire kayaks practically anywhere, and many places have guided tours, although I prefer going at my own pace and exploring. Listed below are ten places in New Zealand that I think are awesome for kayaking. You should check them out when you're over here.

1) The Marlborough Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds are located at the top of the South Island. They're famous for warm sunshine, balmy wines and turquoise waters. It's the perfect place to kayak because the sea is calm and sheltered and the scenery is stunning, all emerald bush and dolphins and seals and penguins. What I really want to do in the Marlborough Region is go kayaking on the Pelorus River - that's where they filmed the barrel bit in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. It's got fun little rapids as well as stretches of tranquil beauty, snaking between rock walls, waterfalls and picturesque forest. I've already been to lots of Lord of the Rings locations, but I can't wait to go back to the South Island for this one.

2) Lake McLaren
McLaren Falls Park is a fantastic place to kayak. Just outside Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, it's an absolute haven for picnickers (as long as you're wearing insect repellent,) boasting a lake festooned with trees, a spectacular waterfall, swimming holes and, when evening comes, glowworms. In fact, Waimarino Adventure Park and Kayak Tours does an evening kayak tour across Lake McLaren to see the glowworms in the dark. You paddle right under them! Even better, you can camp right next to the lake for only $5 per adult - kids are free - and you don't have to book.

3) Kaikoura
There are three reasons to go to Kaikoura: dolphins, whales and seals - and what better way to see them than by kayaking? Kaikoura is about two-and-a-half hours north of Christchurch. Not only is there an adbundance of marine wildlife that comes right up to your kayak, as you kayak there are snow-capped mountains in the background. Although it can get a bit cold kayaking in Kaikoura, the magical element of wildlife interaction definitely makes it worth your while.

4) Abel Tasman National Park
Just across Tasman Bay from the Marlborough Sounds, Abel Tasman National Park is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. With golden beaches and clear, blue sea, it would be a wonderful place to kayak even without the seal colony and the stunning Split Apple Rock. There are heaps of kayaking companies operating around the Abel Tasman, offering kayak rentals and tours ranging from a few hours to three days.

5) Cathedral Cove
I think Cathedral Cove is the best beach in New Zealand, but if you don't fancy taking an unexpectedly long and slightly arduous walk, the only way to get there is by sea. You can kayak there from Hahei Beach in the Coromandel, or join a tour group. Cathedral Cove is named for one of its magnificent rock formations, a grand, arching cave that, when you look up from inside, resembles a cathedral. It's spectacular scenery to paddle around, and it's a marine reserve as well, so you get a whole array of pretty fish and, if you're lucky, dolphins.

6) Mount Maunganui
The Bay of Plenty's Mount Maunganui is a great place for kayaking around. On one side of the Mount is a golden surf beach; on the other is a sheltered harbour. It's fun to paddle amongst the bigger boats in the harbour and around the base of the Mount, past some interesting rocks to your own private beach. Matakana Island looks superb in the background. New Zealand fur seals congregate around Mount Maunganui in the winter, and there are usually some stingrays drifting along below the surface. And you know what animals really like to eat stingrays? Killer whales. Imagine encountering a pod of orca while in a kayak!

7) The Avon River
One of the most pleasant kayaking experiences of my life was on the Avon River in Christchurch. Right in the heart of the city, the Avon River runs by the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, making for a beautifully peaceful paddle. You can hire kayaks from The Antigua Boat Sheds, which are over a hundred and thirty years old. It's a wonderfully old-fashioned experience and, despite its air of sophistication, you can still have a lot of fun. I remember racing my dad and sister and, of course, winning. If you want a nice, easy kayaking experience, this is for you.

8) Milford Sound
My family visited Milford Sound on our South Island campervan tour. It can get quite cold and rainy there, but the water is like a dark mirror, reflecting an area of outstanding beauty. Towering waterfalls cascade into the sound, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Bottlenose dolphins break the surface and mist rises from the luscious rainforest. Kayaking is the best way to explore the sound. Unless you're a really experienced kayaker, however, you should go as part of a tour group, as conditions on Milford Sound are very changeable.

9) The Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands immediately sounds like a picturesque place to kayak, and I'm here to tell you that it is. As well as islands to circumnavigate, there are caves and archways of rock to explore, along with mangroves, lagoons and waterfalls. It's probably the warmest place to go kayaking in New Zealand. There's an abundance of wildlife to encounter, including dolphins and gannets. On top of being a great place to kayak, the Bay of Islands has a somewhat fascinating history, as I found when I visited Kerikeri.

10) Lake Taupo
Taupo is New Zealand's largest lake, formed when a supervolcano went off thousands of years ago. You know that big, blue blotch in the middle of the map? That's it. You can have an easy, gentle kayak on the lake itself, or you can experience the rapids of the various rivers than enter it. It has these amazing Maori rock carvings you can kayak up to, plus the whole area is actively volcanic, so there are natural hot pools around. Trout fishing is popular in Taupo, and there are kayak fishing tours available - not that I'd fancy it. Whether or not you plan on kayaking, Taupo's just one of those places you've got to visit on your New Zealand holiday.

Want a perfect New Zealand holiday? See what Wendekreisen Travel has to offer. Want to read more about how awesome New Zealand is? Visit the author's blog, POMS AWAY!

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Backpacking Adventures in New Zealand

The great nature up-close personal experience
There is something about backpacking that brings out the best in those who do it. Maybe it's the freedom of choice you have and not being tied to any particular place. Or, it's seeing a country, the people and nature up-close and personal. Whichever way you look at it, backpacking in New Zealand is a personal adventure, with every scenario, an experience. There is always the sensation of wanting to see what is over that hill, or mountain in the distance.

When planning your backpacking adventure, you can book your ongoing accommodation in advance or look forward to some random, but always great Kiwi hospitality, wherever you stop.

Welcome to the Land of the Long White Cloud
New Zealand is a backpacker's destination that has well tried trails from across the globe. This is a country that is not only magnificent, but is extraordinary in being one of the most budget-backpacking-friendly countries to visit.

It is for many, observed as the land of kiwi fruit, sheep and the great All Blacks rugby team, which could possibly be attributed to the country being relatively free of media attention. However, its fame and appeal as an idyllic backpacking destination lie in its snow capped mountains, green forests and land, pure lakes and friendly population.

Your Kiwi nature adventure
You have probably seen pictures of the magnificent mountains and fjords that contribute to the huge and varied scenario that is New Zealand. It is recognized by a large number of experienced backpackers as the ultimate, natural destination. With over 25% of the country dedicated to national parks, specified reserves and more than 900 back-country huts for use by the public, there is a nature's paradise to be explored. To fully appreciate and enjoy the country, on foot backpacking is the answer, to becoming a part of it.

A backpackers dream
If you are looking for adventures between isolated nature and high adventure, then backpacking in New Zealand will provide it. There are very few places on the globe that offer so many options to experience in a short space of time.
Within the period of one week, you can snowboard and ski, swim with dolphins, horse trek on the beach, climb a volcano and take a hike through a rain forest and a lot more including bungee jumping! This is an outdoors dream come true and when you get hungry, you can get satisfaction from a lamb rack that has no comparison.

Getting to know New Zealand
Backpacking gives you the opportunity of seeing things and meeting local people, whom the average tourists usually miss. You have the chance to learn and get top know what actually is the makeup of a country. New Zealand is that type of place.

Wherever you go on your journey, or stop for rest, you are assured of a friendly, warm reception, value for your money and the opportunity of never being very far from the nature that the Kiwis love and cherish, so will you!

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