Much of New Zealand's beauty lies in its magnificent national parks. You can relive the Lord of the Rings trilogy at Tongariro – it played the role of 'Mordor' in the movies. This was also New Zealand's first national park established in 1887. The three peaks here were a gift to New Zealand from the indigenous Maori tribe who saw it as the only way to preserve the area's spiritual significance. With its mighty, active volcanoes, Tongariro is one of NZ's most spectacular parks. In summer the park offers excellent walks and tramps, most notably the Tongariro Northern Circuit and the Tongariro Crossing. In winter it doubles up as a busy ski spot. The other National Park that you must visit is Abel Tasman National Park. It blankets the northern end of a range of marble and limestone hills extending from the Kahurangi National Park. The interior is spotted with caves and as you can walk around the various tracks, make sure you don’t miss the Coast Track. Another breathtaking national park is the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. More than one-third of the park has a blanket of permanent snow and glacial ice. Of the twenty-seven majestic NZ mountains that stretch over 3050m (10065ft) high, 22 are located in this park. The mighty Mt Cook, known to Maoris as Aoraki, the 'Cloud Piercer', is the highest peak in Australasia at 3755m (12,391ft).
Te Papa, meaning ‘treasure box’ is an interactive museum of historical and cultural artefacts. The building stands tall at the Wellington waterfront and has become a national icon. Another interesting museum, better known as the Bath House, is a grand Tudor-style edifice in the Government Gardens. Originally an elegant spa retreat, its displays in the former shower rooms give a fascinating insight into some of the eccentric therapies once practiced here, including electric baths and the Bergonie Chair. And if you are the sporty kind then you’ve got to head straight to the New Zealand Rugby Museum. This fascinating room overflows with rugby paraphernalia, from a 1905 All Blacks jumper to the actual whistle used to signal the start of the first game of every Rugby World Cup.
Time flies when you are at the Ulva island as an exotic variety of birds serenade you with their songs. Tui, bellbirds, kaka, weka, kakariki and kereru are just some of the bird species that abound here. Ulva was declared a bird sanctuary in 1922. The island also has good walking tracks with a mossy floor.
For the arty variety, the former Canterbury College site, with its enclave of Gothic Revival buildings, which is now the Arts Centre is a must stop. Here arts and craft outlets share premises with cinemas, theatre, restaurants and cafes. Visit the workshop and gallery of Te Toi Mana for traditional and contemporary Maori carving and design.
New Zealand's main attractions lie in its natural beauty. Two of its most famous glaciers, mighty cascades of ice tumbling down a valley towards the sea, have been drawing tourists for ages. The twin towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are small tourist villages that provide accommodation and facilities. While Franz is busier, Fox has more of an Alpine-village charm.
Take one of the most remarkable tours in the country, one that takes you along the Glow-worm Cave. As your eyes grow accustomed to the dark you’ll see a Milky Way of little lights surrounding you –the glowworms. The cave leads past impressive stalactites and stalagmites into a large cavern known as the Cathedral. The acoustics in the cave are so good that it has also been the venue for various concerts. The tour ends when you board a boat and set off onto the river.
This scenic volcanic peak in Auckland is a memorial spot for the Maori people. A drive or walk to the top of the summit offers an amazing view. At the top you will find the grave of John Logan Campbell, who gifted the land to the city in 1901, requesting that a memorial (the obelisk and statue over the grave) be built to the Maori people. Take out a few hours to explore the craters and surrounding Cornwall Park, with its beautiful trees and historic cottage. The information centre has interactive displays on what the place would have looked like when 5000 people lived here.
Starts Rs. 198249.00
2 Nights Christchurch | 2 Nights Mount Cook | 2 Nights Wanaka | 3 Nights Queenstown
Starts Rs. 204879.00
2 Nights Christchurch | 2 Nights Franz Josef Glacier | 1 Night Wanaka | 2 Nights Queenstown | 1 Night Mount Cook
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