NEW ZEALAND is a fun and amazing place. It is smaller than California but offers a stunning variety of landscapes, experiences, and activities.
The key to a great trip is to match your interests with these experiences. Doing that requires in-depth knowledge and experience and that’s where Mr. Australia comes in. It’s my job to work with you to design the best possible trip – just for you – including all of the things that you want to see and do and not wasting your time on any that you don’t. Or as I like to say, “I make dreams come true.”
New Zealand is a safe, English-speaking country – though they do have an accent and use some funny words. Everything is up to date, their dollars and cents currency is easy to use and your phone and devices will work there! The people are friendly and welcoming to visitors from The States.
Here is a brief, general list of the things that I love about visiting New Zealand and that my clients have enjoyed over the years.
The People: Considered to be more reserved than their Australian cousins, “Kiwis” are nonetheless fun-loving, friendly and most of all, hospitable. The more time you spend with them the better your experience will be.
Natural Beauty: When it comes to natural beauty, New Zealand is truly blessed and her beauty is easily accessible to the visitor. Highlights include the Southern Alps, glaciers, fiords, temperate rainforests, white water rivers, beautiful lakes, cathedral-like caves, bubbling geothermal pools, geysers, and pristine beaches with bright white or volcanic black sand.
Thrills and Adventure: New Zealand is known as the Adventure Capital of the World with activities that range from soft to extreme. Bungee jumping and jet boats were invented here and are popular activities for visitors. Others include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, hang gliding, skydiving, scenic helicopter flights, rappelling, zip-lining, and rafting – either white water or underground “black water” rafting. There is truly something, or many things, for everyone.
Lord Of The Rings: Fans can visit sites where their movies were filmed including Hobbiton. Wellington’s WETA Workshop provided director Peter Jackson with sets, costumes, armor, weapons, creatures and miniatures and is open to the public for tours.
Cities: Modern cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin provide a look at modern New Zealand as well as day tours to nearby areas of unspoiled scenic beauty. Small towns and villages offer a more quiet, laid-back charm all their own.
Wine and Food: New Zealand is now a highly respected wine producer with appellations scattered across both of her islands. It is also known for the fantastic quality of its raw ingredients and the skill and imagination of its cooks and chefs- from roadside cafes to fine dining restaurants.
Indigenous Culture: For those interested in indigenous Maori culture Mr. Australia can offer a variety of fun and educational experiences.
Unique Wildlife: It is thought that what is now New Zealand was once completely submerged. Probably for that reason New Zealand has no native land mammals. But there is still fascinating wildlife to be seen, especially birds such as penguins, albatross, gannets, and herons. And of course, New Zealand’s national symbol from which its people get their nickname, the Kiwi. Mr. Australia knows where they are and how to get you to see them.
Accommodation: New Zealand offers a wide range of accommodations from clean, comfortable tourist class hotels to unique, ultra-deluxe luxury lodges in amazing settings. Mr. Australia works with his clients to make sure that they stay in the right place everywhere that they go.
Getting There: Auckland is just a nonstop 12-hour flight from Los Angeles and there are flights from other US cities as well. Flights depart at night so you can enjoy dinner, a drink or two, free movies and other entertainment then get some sleep and be ready to go when you arrive in the morning.
Getting around: The best way to see New Zealand is to drive. That allows you total flexibility in your days and the ability to see amazing things that aren’t serviced by other modes of transport. But don’t worry; for those who are not comfortable driving on the left side of the road, there are convenient, comfortable, and affordable options for driving including trains, bus services, and A to B day tours.
For a list of great places to go and things to do in New Zealand, click on the New Zealand page of the Mr. Australia website (www.mraustralia.net). But remember, there is MUCH more.
When you are ready to explore “the land down under,” contact Mr. Australia to start planning the trip of a lifetime!