Destination New Zealand

destination new zealand Report by Miguel Kristoffer C. Efondo Student, I Communication Arts III

North Island Te Ika a Maui (The Fish of Maui) 01 | Northland (Tai Tokerau) Population: 150,000 Area: 12,600km2 A Tale of Two Coastlines The subtropical Northland experience promises a contrast between the relative sophistication of the east coast and the soulful simplicity of the west coast. Much of Northland's extensive coastline remains unspoilt - an aquatic playground for adventure activities and escapist relaxation. Whangarei and Opua are havens for international and local yachts; Tutukaka and Destination New Zealand

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Russell are game fishing hot spots; the beaches of Doubtless Bay are endlessly beautiful. Throughout the region you’ll also enjoy the shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities that stem from the distinctive local culture, which embraces art, creativity, organic farming and alternative thinking. Northland’s history is rich and interesting. It is believed that the first Polynesian voyagers arrived in Northland during the 11th century. Today Waitangi is the seat of Maori culture, which is very much alive in this region (32 percent of the population are Maori). European settlement began in the 1840s, further enriching the region’s colourful past. 02 | Auckland (Tamaki-Makau-Rau) From Urban Fun to Island Sun Population: 1,200,000 Area: 5,024km2 Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland. In the Maori language, Auckland is known as TamakiMakau-Rau - ‘The Maiden with A Hundred Suitors’. It earned this name because it was a region coveted by many tribes. Auckland’s blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. The natural assets of Auckland have made it a dream destination for all kinds of travellers, from doing-it-on-the-cheap backpackers to cost-is-no-issue super yacht owners. 03 | Coromandel (Te Tara-o-te-ika-o-Maui) Population: 39,000 Area: 23,530 km2 A Relaxing World of Sand, Sea and Forest Rustic, relaxed and unspoiled, the Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s best-loved holiday destinations. The rugged volcanic hills are cloaked in native rainforest, and more than 400 kilometres of spectacular coastline promises you can find the beach of your Destination New Zealand

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dreams. The Coromandel is a place where bush and beach are both easily accessible. In the same day, you can experience the blue dazzle of the Pacific Ocean and calming greenness of the kauri forest. Inspired by the region’s idyllic setting, many artists and crafts people have made the Coromandel their home - visitors to the area are welcome in their studios. The area’s fascinating history is evident in gold mining relics, logging dams and ancient Maori pa sites. The past can also be found in the charming colonial architecture and historical buildings preserved in several towns around the region. 04 | Waikato Population: 266,700 Area: 7,363km2 The grass really is greener! The Waikato region has two spectacular landscapes one above ground, the other below. In both cases, nature has been generous. On the lush surface, the scenery is green to the extreme. Fertile soils, reliable rainfall and kind temperatures have created a pastoral heaven. Below the surface, miracles have been wrought with water and limestone. Vast cave systems, huge sink holes and underground streams provide huge scope for adventure. Waikato was the scene of significant battles during the Maori Land Wars of the mid 19th century. Visit the monuments and museums and discover the fierce history of the region. In the fast-growing city of Hamilton, the serpentine beauty of the Waikato River is maximised at every opportunity. You can discover parks, gardens and river walks where the forethought of the town planners is plain to see. 05 | Rotorua Population: 68,000 Area: 2,700 km2 An adventure, cultural and spa destination like no other! With its unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture, natural hot springs and plenty of options for adventure, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most famous destinations.

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The region was the birthplace of New Zealand tourism in the 1800s, when people flocked here from around the world to see the amazing Pink and White Terraces vast, naturally formed silica terraces that cascaded into a volcanic lake. The Te Arawa people were their local guides. The terraces were destroyed in the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, but Rotorua's fame as a fascinating travel destination continued to grow. Today Maori guides can often be seen at the city's iconic attractions, following in the footsteps of their ancestors. When explaining the appeal of their region, the people of Rotorua like to talk of five spirits. You can feel the spirit of the earth, as it rumbles beneath your feet and escapes, hissing, through fumaroles and geysers. You can witness the spirit of Maori culture, with authentic village and performance experiences. With a soak in a natural hot spring or a relaxing massage, you can rejuvenate your spirit. Or free your spirit with outdoor adventures - trout fishing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming, hiking and mountain biking. And if it's excitement you crave, you can challenge your spirit with adrenalin-charged extreme activities such as skydiving, jet boating and zorbing. Apart from its surprising crater, mountain and lake landscape, Rotorua is memorable for striking Tudor-style architecture and beautiful public parks. The farmland around city is some of the most fertile in New Zealand. Watching a sheep show or staying on a working farm is a great way to get a different view of the region. 06 | Bay of Plenty Population: 178,000 Area: 12,247km2 Living Life at the Edge of the Sea The popularity of the Bay of Plenty region continues to soar as more people discover the region's irresistible mix of coastal lifestyle, adventure activities and great dining experiences. Spectacular beaches attract surfers year round, with Mount Maunganui providing a focus for wave culture. For diving and angling enthusiasts, there are offshore islands, reefs and fishing grounds to visit. In terms of adventure, local specialities include tours of the marine volcano White Island, blokarting (land sailing), sky diving and dolphin encounters. Or if you're looking for pampering and relaxation, hot pools and spas can be found in many locations. The name Bay of Plenty pays tribute to the region's ability to produce great food. Around the city of Tauranga are swathes of orchards and gardens growing everything from kiwifruit and citrus fruit to avocados and culinary herbs. Add to this a thriving local wine industry and plentiful fresh seafood and you'll see why the region's restaurant culture is so well developed. Destination New Zealand

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07 | Eastland Population: 62,300 Area: 15,487km2 Enchanting Landscapes and Ancient Stories Eastland is the place where the first Polynesian migration canoes landed, where Captain Cook made his first landfall and where Maori and European first encountered each other. Maori life is evident in every settlement you see. There are carved meeting houses, beautifully painted Maori churches, children riding horses bareback on the beach and conversations in Te Reo. Deep in the misty Te Urewera Ranges, descendents of the ‘Children of the Mist’, the ancient Tuhoe tribe, still live in harmony with the forest around the village of Ruatahuna. The landscape – coastal and inland - is untamed and wild. You can lose yourself in the hills and valleys, and renew your inner peace on the beautifully natural beaches. The largest population centre in the region is Gisborne, a city that manages to combine the science of fine wine making with the laid back, down-to-earth attitude of life in the sun. 08 | Taranaki Population: 102,900 Area: 7,236km2 From Surf to Summit Majestic and snow-capped, Mount Taranaki watches over a region that’s all about rejuvenating adventures and refreshing experiences. It’s one of the few places where you can go snow boarding in the morning and surfing the same afternoon, followed by an evening relaxing in a restaurant with great food and wine. According to Maori legend, Mount Taranaki once resided in the middle of the North Island alongside Ruapehu, Ngaurahoe and Tongariro, but lost a battle for the heart of pretty Mount Pihanga and was banished to the coast. Today, the Taranaki region offers a huge range of outdoor activities, from strolls through native forests and multi-day hikes, to river rafting, ocean surfing and winter snow sports. When it’s time for something a little less energetic, you’ll discover fascinating art trails and festivals, award-winning museums and galleries, a thriving café culture and some great local shopping. 09 | Ruapehu Destination New Zealand

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Population: 14,300 Area: 6,700km2 Where Adventure Begins The 800 square kilometre Tongariro National Park (a World Heritage Area) is the centre of attraction for this region. It was gifted to the country by the local Ngati Tuwharetoa people, who recognised that a treasure so precious needed to belong to all New Zealanders. The park protects three of New Zealand's most dramatic natural assets - the active andesitic volcanoes Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. On a clear day at any time of the year, the mountains are an awe-inspiring sight. Their cones and surrounding lava fields provide amazing opportunities for adventure and exploration. The Whanganui National Park is a micro-world of diverse landscapes. It has fast and slow running rivers, crystal clear waterfalls, deep gorges, wide river flats and extensive wilderness areas that are rich in native flora and fauna. The Whanganui River was once the main route into the North Island's interior. It has a fascinating history of wars, steamboats, water-driven flourmills and abandoned homes and farms. Forty generations of Maori have learned passion and patience from this mighty river. Ruapehu's main settlements are the ski towns of National Park and Ohakune, the army town of Waiouru and the rural service centre of Taumarunui, nestled on the banks of the Whanganui and Ongarue rivers. Local knowledge and expert guides make it easy to discover the region's famous hiking trails, fishing spots, kayaking, canoeing, horse riding and mountain biking experiences. 10 | Lake Taupo (Taupo-nui-a-Tia) Population: 31,500 Area: 6,970 km2 Lake Area: 616 km2 A great lake for adventure! Situated in the volcanic heart of the North Island, the Lake Taupo region is home to New Zealand's largest fresh water lake, fascinating geothermal areas and the famous Huka Falls. Visitors come for the scenery and action-packed adventure, which are accompanied by a genuinely friendly local culture. The lakeside community is alive with great places to eat, drink and party. Destination New Zealand

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Trout fishing should be on your menu of things to do, because this region is one of the last true wild trout fisheries in the world. Local guides will soon get you hooked, and there are plenty of restaurants happy to cook your catch. Lake Taupo's geothermal attractions include geysers, steaming craters, boiling mud pools and some of the largest silica terraces in the world. Other special experiences include the walk to Huka Falls, a game of golf at Wairakei and kayaking to the Maori carvings at Mine Bay. 11 | Hawke’s Bay Population: 133,900 Area: 14,200km2 Days of indulgence and Art Deco For travellers, Hawke’s Bay Wine Country presents an eclectic mix of visual and sensual experiences. The region is New Zealand’s leading producer of red wines, has the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture and hosts the country’s most elaborate celebrations of Matariki - the Maori New Year. As if that weren’t enough, Hawke’s Bay is also known for its artisan gourmet foods and glorious beaches that stretch from Mahia Peninsula in the north to Porangahau in the south. The landscapes of Hawke’s Bay begin with the high, forested Ruahine and Kaweka Ranges. From the mountains, the land steps down towards the coast, flattening out to become the Heretaunga Plains. A number of wide rivers run swiftly to meet the blue Pacific Ocean. The twin cities of Napier and Hastings are the main population centres. Blessed with a sunny, Mediterranean-style climate, Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions. 12 | Manawatu – Wanganui Population: 175,773 Area: 8,795km2 Wild Adventures and Comfortable Country Life The Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Horowhenua and Tararua districts are bound together by magnificent rivers, forested ranges, deep gorges and long stretches of wild surf beach. There is a strong emphasis on rural lifestyle in this region, as well as an exciting choice of outdoor adventures. Whether you explore by canoe, kayak or jetboat, the Whanganui River is endlessly fascinating. It's the Destination New Zealand

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longest navigable waterway in New Zealand - stretching 290 kilometres from Mount Tongariro to the historic city of Wanganui, which has established itself as a centre of excellence for the fine arts. The region's other city, Palmerston North, provides an entertaining mix of urban fun and country life. Visitors can explore luxury retreats, play golf, ride horses, hunt for antiques and visit the largest stock saleyards in the southern hemisphere. For those who want a hands-on experience of rural life, the farms of the Rangitikei district are known for their hospitality. Depending on the season, you could be involved with milking cows, shearing sheep or helping to care for baby animals. Horowhenua is a special part of New Zealand's Nature Coast, featuring rivers, beaches, lakes, mountains, parks and golf courses. From the quiet calm of bushwalks and gardens, to the exhilaration of rivers and sea, through to history and culture, the region has something for everyone. 13 | Wellington Population: 423,800 City Area: 290km 2 A Capital Place for Culture Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, and it’s also known as our arts and culture capital. A special blend of heritage buildings, museums and galleries, fine food and live entertainment opportunities make this city a great place to visit in any season. Part of Wellington’s charm is its close proximity to nature. The central city is nestled between a beautiful harbour and forested hills. Wildlife sanctuaries, islands, seaside villages, ocean beaches and regional parks provide huge scope for outdoor fun. Many visitors choose to base themselves in the vibrant inner city, where it’s easy to walk to boutique shops, art galleries, trendy cafés and restaurants. Dominating the spectacular waterfront is Te Papa Tongrewa - the interactive, innovative museum that’s one of New Zealand’s key cultural attractions. At night, the city stays up late to enjoy live theatre, music and dance performances. Wellingtonians love their city, and we’re sure you will too. Allow at least a couple of days here to get an insight into New Zealand’s history, contemporary culture and creativity. 14 | Wairarapa Population: 38,500 Area: 5936km2 Destination New Zealand

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Days of Wine and Walkways Wairarapa is tucked away in the south-east corner of the North Island, at the foot of the rugged Tararua Range. Maori called the region “Land of Glistening Waters”. If you arrive from Wellington, you’ll wind your way over the Rimutaka hills and along the route trodden by early European settlers 150 years ago. The vast Wairarapa valley will open up before you, fringed by mountains to the west and rugged coast to the east. European settlement dates back to the 1840s, but Maori history is much older. Archaeological research has shown that parts of the Wairarapa coast have been occupied for at least 800 years. Essentially rural with off-the beaten-track charm, Wairarapa promises a diverse experience for those who appreciate great wine, gourmet food, astonishing wildlife and natural beauty. Rolling vineyards, acres of apple orchards, fields of lavender, olive groves, heritage museums and quaint historic towns combine to make Wairarapa an appealing destination. South Island Te Wai Pounamu (The Waters of Jade), Te Waka a Maui (The Canoe of Maui) 15 | Nelson (Te Tahu Ihu) Population: 87,000 Area: 1,0207km2 Inspiring Landscapes and All Kinds of Creativity A pocket of paradise in the top northwest corner of the South Island, Nelson has a positive, creative attitude to life - and it’s easy to see why. The region, which is the sunniest in New Zealand, has for many years attracted residents who love to use their imaginations. There are more than 350 working artists and craftspeople living in Nelson, including traditional and contemporary Maori artists. Their work is often inspired by the region’s exceptionally beautiful geography – coastal, forest and valley landscapes provide places to wander and dream. The Nelson area is known by the Maori as Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui (the tip of the nose of the canoe of Maui). From his waka, the demi-god Maui used his magic fish hook to catch and land the North Island (Te Ika a Maui - the fish of Maui). 16 | Marlborough (Te Tahu Ihu) Destination New Zealand

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Population: 41,700 Area: 12,494km2 A World of Wine and Sunshine For centuries, Marlborough has offered safe harbour to travellers. First to Maori traders and war parties; then to European explorers, such as Captain James Cook and Dumont D’Urville; and now to visitors seeking new landscapes and rejuvenating experiences. If you arrive in the region by sea or air, the intricate detail of the Marlborough Sounds engages your interest immediately. Maori legend describes the entire South Island as Maui’s waka (canoe), wrecked on a reef during a fishing expedition. The shattered bow of the canoe became the Sounds. Marlborough basks in year-round sunshine, providing perfect conditions for walking, mountain biking, sea kayaking and vineyard explorations. It’s a region where you can pick a theme and follow it through. Focus your itinerary on outdoor adventures, vineyards and wineries, arts and crafts, history and gardens or marine pursuits. Better still, mix them up and experience a little of everything this beautiful region has to offer. 17 | West Coast (Te Ika-a-Poutini) Population: 31,000 Area: 42,000km2 The Wildest Side of New

Zealand

With a population of only West Coast retains the feeling It's a wild place known for glaciers and geological stories from the past cling to landscape.

31,000 people, the of a pioneer frontier. rivers and rainforests; treasures. Legends and every feature of the

Maori were first to discover the West Coast, seeking sacred pounamu (nephrite jade or greenstone). Gold fever in the 1860s brought Europeans, many of whom stayed on to start farming, forestry and businesses. The locals are known as 'coasters', a term synonymous with friendliness and hospitality. Isolated from the rest of New Zealand by the Southern Alps, coasters have developed a distinctive culture of their own. Their pioneering values of selfreliance and loyalty are as strong today as they were 100 years ago. 18 | Christchurch – Canterbury Destination New Zealand

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Population: 481,400 Area: 42,200km2 An amazing arena for adventure and indulgence. From the silvery beaches of the coast to the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps, the Canterbury landscape is impossible to ignore. Big scenery is the order of the day - huge panoramas of ocean or mountains, great sweeps of pastureland and massive amounts of sky. The highest point of the region is the highest point of New Zealand. The spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook stands at 3754 metres (Aoraki is Maori for Cloud Piercer). At the other end of the scale, the submarine trenches off the coast of Kaikoura are thousands of metres deep, providing an ideal environment for the whales, dolphins and seals that live there permanently. Between the mountains and the sea, the vast plains are patchworked with the patterns of rural life. Hundreds of years ago, Maori moa hunters worked these plains leaving a rock art record of their successes. In the two cities of the region, Christchurch and Timaru, great care has been taken to preserve Canterbury’s colonial heritage. Grand architecture, historic homesteads and immaculate parks intermingle with the technology and style of modern life. 19 | Dunedin – Coastal Otago Population: 158,800 Area: 826km2 Close encounters with wildlife and history. The Otago coast stretches from the Waitaki River north of Oamaru to the mighty Clutha River south of Dunedin. The Waitaki district is a place of haunting natural beauty, complemented by Oamaru’s historic whitestone architecture. Travellers come to see the diverse wildlife, idyllic fishing villages and rolling green pastures. Dunedin's dramatic hills surround a long, natural harbour, which attracted Maori settlers to the site over four centuries ago. More recently the area was settled by whalers, gold miners and migrants from Scotland and China. Memorable for its historical architecture, Dunedin is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. On the doorstep of the city, you can find incredible wildlife - the world's rarest penguins, a mainland albatross colony, fur seals and sea lions. The Clutha district, gateway to the deep south, provides rural experiences, superb fishing and wildlife adventures along majestic sweeping beaches. Destination New Zealand

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20 | Lake Wanaka Population: 4,500 Area: 4,776km2 The lake is the picture and the mountains are the frame. Lake Wanaka is a place to take a deep breath and relax. Protected from the outside world by the grandeur of the mountains, you’re enclosed in a hidden paradise. Crystal clear lake waters lap the shores of Wanaka town and the feet of the Southern Alps, which are home to winter ski fields and the dramatically alpine Mount Aspiring National Park. Lake Wanaka is New Zealand's fourth largest; its clean, blue waters are an inland sea for sailors and jetboaters to explore. Walking tracks and bridle trails wander the flats and foothills. In all seasons, outdoor adventures beckon. The region’s fortunes have changed over the years. The discovery of gold in the 1870s inspired a rush of interest in the area. As the gold faded away, high country farming became the main source of employment. Today, tourism is the new gold – an endeavour that requires the environment to stay picture perfect. 21 | Queenstown Population: 20,000 Area: 4,578km2 Sensational in Any Season The first people to discover Queenstown's rare beauty were Maori pounamu (jade) hunters. Then came the gold miners, in search of another kind of treasure. Today Queenstown is treasured for its magnificent scenery, adventure opportunities and luxury lifestyle.

bungy jump.

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Long summer days blonde the tussocks, throwing the hills open to mountain bikers and hikers. The brilliant reds and golds of autumn colour the trees, inspiring photographers and golfers alike. In winter, snow transforms the region into a remarkable alpine playground for skiers and snowboarders. Spring brings the spark of fresh green to the landscape - a time to celebrate life with a cruise on the lake or an invigorating

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In any season, you can count on stylish accommodation, designer shopping and marvellous cuisine experiences. Queenstown's compact downtown area is a cosmopolitan hub that's relaxed during the day and huge fun at night. 22 | Central Otago Population: 14,800 Area: 9,800km2 A landscape that tells stories of times gone by. Central Otago is a region touched by history, with a powerful landscape of ancient mountains, weathered rock formations, alpine herb fields and fast rivers. In ancient times, Maori travelled through Central Otago on their way to the pounamu rivers of the west coast. Hunting parties also visited the region – they built rafts and used the Clutha River to transport moa and other game back to the east coast. More recently, in the 1860s, Central Otago was the scene of a gold rush. Trails used by miners can still be seen winding over the hills. Stone cottages, a haunted hotel, cleverly engineered water channels, mines and machinery are other relics to discover. You can still try your luck with a gold pan, or be satisfied with the golden sweetness of a Roxburgh apricot. Nowadays, Central Otago is the scene of a ‘wine rush’. Pinot Noir has become one of the region’s newest treasures, and many of the wineries welcome visitors for tours and tastings. 23 | Fiordland (Te Rua-o-te-Moho) Population: 4,000 Area: 12,000km2 The Eighth Wonder of the World The power of Fiordland’s scenery never fails to enthral travellers. Waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into massive fiords; ancient rainforest clings impossibly to the mountains; shimmering lakes and granite peaks look the same today as they did a thousand years ago. Fiordland was well known to Maori, who have many legends recounting its formation and naming. Demi-god Tute Rakiwhanoa is said to have carved the rugged landscape from formless rock, hewing out the steep sided valleys with his adzes. From the lakeside townships of Te Anau and Manapouri, you can experience Fiordland in the way that suits your travelling style. Adventurers can embark on kayaking tours of the lakes and fiords; hikers have access to a choice of well Destination New Zealand

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known walking challenges; scenery lovers can catch a scenic flight or enjoy lake and fiord cruises; divers can discover rare black corals growing just beneath the water’s surface. 24 | Southland (Murihiku) Population: 91,000 Area: 31,000km2 Scenery to Soothe Your Soul In contrast to the dryness of Central Otago, Southland is lush and green. Tranquil waterways attract fly-fishing enthusiasts in search of brown trout. Near-pristine southern rainforest provides opportunities for day walks and hiking. The amazing Catlins Coast promises wildlife encounters and the chance to see Curio Bay – a petrified forest of subtropical kauri and other trees dating back to the Jurassic age. Southland's largest urban centre is Invercargill, a city of 49,000 people. Visitors come to admire the elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings, gardens and landscaped parks. A half hour drive south from Invercargill is the fishing port of Bluff - home to the famous Bluff oyster and a lively annual seafood festival. From Bluff, visitors can catch a ferry to Stewart Island - a haven for native bird life and the only place in New Zealand where you can readily see kiwi in their natural habitat. 100% Pure New Zealand The Official Site for New Zealand Travel and Business http://www.newzealand.com/International/

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