AOTEAROA – The land of the long white cloud

Sheep, sheep and more sheep - in fact 40 million of those woolly, cute, tasty things. 10 sheep for every person living here. A country little larger than the United Kingdom and about two thirds the size of California, there is plenty of space for these animals to graze. Some view this country as a strange, backward place, which considering their national symbol, the Kiwi, a bird that does not fly, isn’t too surprising. However, this place needs to be seen to be believed.

If you are a lover of the outdoors, welcome to ‘Mecca’. Boasting the unofficial title of ‘Adventure Sports Capital of the World’ is Queenstown. What a spot this is! Set overlooking Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s second largest lake, after Lake Taupo, and with the Remarkables Mountain range as a backdrop, this town is awesome. This is the place where AJ Hacket started the gnarly and crazy sport of bungee jumping. But, do not be put off if dangling from a 100-metre bridge, with an elastic band strapped to your ankles, is not for you. There is plenty of other great stuff to do. This Queen of towns is special, but so is the whole of the South Island - in fact so is New Zealand. On the east coast of the South Island lays the small town of Kaikoura, 669 kms from Queenstown and 180 kms north of Christchurch. Stop here to see the Orca whales (Dec-March) or check out Sperm whales (Oct-Aug). Take a swim with the dolphins and seals (year-round), dive with the sharks (Nov-Apr) or just chill out with a latte outside one of the local cafes.

Southwest of Queenstown is the Fjordland region. This area is stunning, and you could easily think you were in Norway. It comprises of mountain-fringed lakes including New Zealand’s two deepest, huge cascading waterfalls, rare birds, seals and dolphins. Millford Sound is a cracking daytrip which gives you a taste of this region. Do not expect to stay dry though as this is New Zealand’s wettest part experiencing up to 7 metres of rainfall a year.

There are so many other wonderful places within the South Island. The conservative, quaint, tranquil city of Christchurch and the rugged uncompromising west coast which includes the Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers. North of these glaciers is Hokitika, the home of the mineral Greenstone. Southeast from here is Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain peak, the laidback atmosphere of Nelson to the north and the Abel Tasmin national park - a place of immense beauty. Not a bad spot for a holiday!

Wellington, the country’s capital and home to the National Museum, Te Papa, is the gateway to the north island. This city reminds you why filmmakers have taken advantage of the stunning scenery. At the airport there is a sign reading “Welcome to Middle Earth” and from this city the government appointed a special minister for the Lord of the Rings project.

From here you could visit Mount Ruapehu, a huge volcano within the Tongariro National Park. An impressive structure that stands 2672 metres high and is still active, last erupting as recently as 1996. Directly north is Taupo, the North island’s rival to Queenstown in the extreme sports stakes. 80 kms north from here is Rotorua. This is one of the world most concentrated and accessible geothermal areas. Boiling mud pools, hot thermal springs and magnificent geysers sprouting water 20 meters high. It is a tourist hotspot, teaming with Maori culture, although it will take you a few hours to get used to the rotten egg smell (hydrogen sulphide). Further north of here is Auckland, a bustling city, home to a quarter of the population. Even here the adrenalin junkies can play. Why not climb the bridge, jump from New Zealand’s tallest building (328 metres) on the skyjump, or swim with more dolphins? As the venue for 1999 and 2002 America’s Cup this city has had some serious cash thrown at it, which some say has led to a loss of personality, however others compare it to Sydney.

The jewel of the north is the Bay of Islands, 240 kms from Auckland. New Zealand’s most famous legal document, the ‘Treaty of Waitangi’ was unveiled here in 1840. Highlights here include 90-mile beach, Maori customs and culture, cruises around the islands, as well as yet more dolphins (year-round) and whales (Orcas: May-Aug, Minke and Bryde’s: Aug-Jan).

New Zealand has everything. It should be on everyone’s must visit list, and soon. For the size of this place it is surely one of the most diverse countries in the world. From volcanoes to hot springs, mountains to pristine beaches, it is inspiring, cultural and friendly. If you are an extreme sports enthusiast there is nothing New Zealand does not have. If you have always dreamt of swimming in the wild with dolphins, then what are you waiting for!