In the Olympics, the 5 rings depict the Continents
In Middle Earth, the Lord of these rings, however, is
New Zealand
"We spent a month in New Zealand traveling from one end to another. It is the best place in the world! This magnificent land with its beauty, hospitable people, a wide variety of activities, laid back lifestyle, excellent sign posted roads, food and accommodation had us spellbound. My wife and I still have a pleasant hangover of the memories we shared during our wonderfully organized trip. I highly recommend visiting New Zealand through The Wanderers to have a trip of a life time". Purvish & Kinnari Shah (of Books n All)
25 reasons to visit New Zealand with The Wanderers
1) Self Drive: Equipped with your own car or a campervan, a map book in your pocket, New Zealand is a feast of sights and experiences. Driving is like in India. Right hand drive, left side of the road. Everywhere you go, routes have been named and comprehensively signposted, so there's little chance of you getting lost. With traffic density pleasantly non-existent you'll enjoy putting your Toyota Corolla GTX through the paces and also have an affair with your route as much as your destination. Self Drive is the way to experience New Zealand.
2) The magnificent lakes of New Zealand: Taupo, Wanaka, Wakatipu, Manapouri are some of the lakes which can be a destination in itself or a moment of harmony on the way to somewhere else. Explore dune lakes, mountain lakes and volcanic lakes. Some are stocked with fishes of various species, others are strangely coloured and there are one or two that are believed to be bottomless! Sample this - Lake Taupo is the largest fresh water lake in Australasia with area that is about the same size as Singapore!
3) The magical landscapes of middle earth in the movie Lord of the Rings actually exist in the region of picturesque Queenstown. Join a Safari on a special adventure tailored to include some of the locations used for significant scenes in the film, or take a scheduled tour that includes a taste of those sights.
4) Milford Sound - dusk falls, the day-trippers depart, a silence descends on Milford Sound. And you board a small liner for an overnight cruise of the hauntingly beautiful and tranquil 'Milford Sound'. This overnight excursion aboard the Milford Mariner begins with a cruise of the majestic Fiord, before spending the night anchored in sheltered Harrison Cove. With your nature guide you can then go exploring in the tender craft, or set off in a kayak for your own adventure. This evening enjoy a delicious buffet dinner before retiring to one of the 30 en-suite cabins.
5) The seaside village of Kaikoura is your gateway for viewing whales, dolphins, seals, albatross, penguins and many species of ocean birds in one day. For confirmed whale sighting come to Kaikoura.
6) Tranz Alpine is rated as one of the top six train journeys in the world. The route traverses through the farms of Canterbury, steep river gorges & valleys, icy rivers and sleepy hamlets straddled by magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps.
7) Lake Wanaka. A place to relax and let yourself go - partake in a wide variety of activities amidst pristine scenery. The crystal-clear waters of New Zealand's fourth largest lake reflect the snow-capped peaks of Mount Aspiring. For those desirous of an active or a relaxed vacation Wanaka is the place, for it typifies the life most people associate with New Zealand - a relaxed lifestyle with excellent activities, national park, cafes, shops and restaurants. There is plenty on offer - a scenic cruise on the Lake, tramping into the surrounding hills and mountains, scenic flights, numerous art and craft galleries, the War birds museum, wonderful cafes and restaurants; as well as wine-tasting. Alternatively you can sun on the beaches or take a lakeside stroll. There are also numerous music festivals, art shows, and sporting events happening throughout the year.
8) Picture this - idyllic golden sandy beaches, secluded bays, gentle beech forests, captivating granite cliffs, wetlands, estuaries, world famous coastal walking track and never-ending sunshine. Whether you are looking for an active holiday of nature walks, tramping, kayaking or just a romantic lazy holiday 'Abel Tasman' park is a perfect destination. The park has been named after the Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman who was the first European to set his foot on New Zealand.
9) Become a born again Kiwi, go watch a Rugby match and you will become totally entranced by the New Zealand All-Blacks, their famous Haka dance and the ZEAL they inspire. Go watch a match but do not go to a rugby party until and unless you are a masochist.
10) The city of Rotorua is known for its thermal geysers, volcanic lakes, Maori culture and loads of activities. This is a land steeped in Maori history, legend and stories. Rotorua is surrounded by 11 major lakes which are actually volcanic lakes and it lies on the shores of the shimmering lake Rotorua. The stunning natural setting offers endless possibilities for adventure activities, fun and relaxation.
11) One of the World's great rail journeys - Taieri Gorge Railway is an experience not to be missed. The journey is through a backdrop of spectacular scenery interspersed with sightseeing stops. Live commentary on the train will keep you abreast with the wealth of history this region has to offer.
12) To stay in one of New Zealand's stunningly located luxury lodges is to experience the finest accommodation in the most comfortable surroundings, enjoying all the warmth and good humour of the famed Kiwi hospitality. New Zealand's lodges are small and intimate. They range from 4 to 20 bedrooms, and offer fine lodging and cuisine in unique surroundings. There are lodges by the seaside, in the heart of the wine growing districts, in rural splendour and in the forested mountain valleys. Each lodge offers a unique experience, with individual value-added features such as personal guiding and recreational facilities. The local knowledge of your hosts ensures you will enjoy the best of the beautiful New Zealand environment.
13) Polynesian Spa is an historical hot mineral springs spa. It has been voted as one of the top ten spas in the world by Condé Nast Traveller May 2004. The Spa practices the famous traditional spa concept of therapy - relaxation and enjoyment. There is liberal use of plants and running water to add to the relaxing nature of the pools. Relax and let yourself go. 14) View rare yellow eyed penguins, fur seals, albatross and cormorants in their natural habitat at a paradise of a farm owned by the Reid family with spectacular coastal views and rugged terrain. Traverse this exotic land in an 8 x 8 all terrain vehicle that can virtually go anywhere on this private cliff and take you within handshaking distance of seals and cormorants resting in their natural habitat. Discover historic Fort Taiaroa and visit the search light perched high on the cliffs above the wild Southern Ocean. See the resting place of the shipwreck Tyrone, the largest vessel to founder on the South Island coast, and hear the story of the rescue of her crew and cargo. After the tour sit down in a café and admire the panoramic 360 degrees coastal views and chat with the effervescent Mr.Reid.
15) Take home the real New Zealand - just talk to the Kiwis and you will discover the real New Zealand. They are the friendliest people you will ever meet. It is perhaps due to the land that they live on - wide open spaces amidst spectacular beauty that has everything you would want to see and experience. Interact with them, ask directions or generally enquire about their magnificent land and culture. By doing so you will open doors to their lifestyle and way of talking, for example phrases like "the weather looks like it is packing up" or "please visit the South, it is the beast there ees!" in a lovely English accent (train your ears) that will enrich you. Discover New Zealand through the eyes of the Kiwis.
New Zealand- the adventure capital of the world..
If you dream it, you can do it!
16) "Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." Leonardo Da Vinci. For the ultimate thrill - free-fall skydive from 3500m. It takes a certain kind of person to jump from an aircraft into thin air. It takes courage. You step out that aircraft door and for 60 seconds plummet toward the ground at 200kph. The challenge is immense - you will break a personal barrier.
17) It's a BOAT, It's a BUS, It's BOTH! Ride high on the land and in the water and see the Bay of Islands as it's never been seen before - Paihia Duck is a brand new amphibious vehicle designed to give you a land and water sightseeing experience like no other. Visit the quaint and picturesque towns of Russell, Paihia and Kerikeri - the scenery is nothing short of spectacular and can only be fully appreciated by cruising through the area. There are numerous activities too - fishing, forest and beach walks, all kinds of water sports and great golf courses. The Maritime Park here is a natural wonderland with an abundance of wildlife including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species.
18) Time to reflect, or maybe time to flick a fly rod. Try your hand at Fly fishing. For an angler, the lakes and rivers abound with rainbow trout. Professional fishing guides are available to reveal ideal fishing spots with a guaranteed catch. Rotorua or Lake Taupo must be the easiest place in New Zealand to hook a trout!
19) How about rolling down a hill in a transparent cushioned ball filled with water? You will travel downhill at speeds up to 50 kilometers per hour! Game for it? This revolutionary adventure activity is called Zorbing!
20) If speed thrills call on you then Jet Boating is a must do - take a ride of your life in an adrenalin-pumping jetboat while enjoying the stunningly beautiful scenery. Experience the thrill and excitement in the rivers and lakes of South Island.
21) Become a part of folklore - bungee at the world famous AJ Hackett site: 'Bungee', the word that quickens the pulse and stirs the imagination, refers to the challenge and excitement of throwing yourself off a bridge or platform high above the ground with your legs attached by a single rubber band.
22) Cloaked in legend and history the rocky mountain of Maunganui guards some of the most charming sandy beaches in New Zealand. The pristine sands and crystal clear waters are a host to a whole lot of summertime activities like parasailing, beach volleyball, surfing and sand castle building contests. If you are beach bummer then your swansong has to be Mt. Maunganui.
23) Hanmer Springs is an alpine village with something for everyone. It is an all weather and year around destination - in winter the village is covered with a snow blanket, autumn is a multitude of colours, spring is the time when nature is at its best with nascent flowers and summer brings with it a mild climate surrounded by green foliage. The air is crisp and invigorating, the special scent lent probably by the immense variety of trees found here. Hanmer Springs is not just a sleepy village - it is alive and sophisticated. One can choose from a myriad of activities like hikes, tramping, horse trekking, flight seeing, riding an Argo, jet boating, skiing or snow boarding in winter, quad biking, bungee jumping and golf. The tired traveler can soothe his limbs by getting into one of the finest thermal pools in New Zealand. Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve has been in commercial operation since 120 years.
24) Drive in a coach on miles and miles of perfect beach towards the topmost part of the New Zealand peninsula. This almost endless stretch of sand is the Ninety Mile Beach flanked by the Tasman Sea and lush green forests. For those seeking a quiet dialogue with nature, there may be no better place than this. You could drive, bike, walk or go blokarting on this beach and discover yourself in the sands of time.
25) Sea Kayaking - this is for people who like taking one step at a time in secluded bays and beaches. Forget land and also leave the motorboats behind, explore New Zealand's world famous Fiord land and other national parks in an incomparable sea kayaking experience. Explore a mangrove system and paddle into a Lagoon with rare bird species. Relax over a camp fire with a glass of wine, see the Milky Way in all its splendour, catch a fish for lunch, and try some oysters or mussels fresh from the sea. The only human sound you will hear will be the splash of your paddles and maybe some blue penguins and dolphins. Come paddle into this world and create everlasting images of unsurpassed beauty.
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