From the tropical landscapes of the north, through the glittering Bay of Islands and down across its Maori heartlands, to the glacier and fiords of its southern extremes, New Zealand is a land of quite exceptional colour and beauty which will always exceed expectations.
In 1998, New Zealand asked; “Why would anyone want to come to New Zealand on holiday?” Research showed that people visited the country for its scenic beauty and landscapes, and more. Visitors wanted to experience culture, adventure and people. The New Zealand Tourist Board wanted to entice new visitors and portay the country with all of its different experiences, which didn’t ignore its spectacular scenery that had been used to showcase the country in previous advertising, and so the “100% Pure New Zealand” campaign was launched.
“Tourism New Zealand’s promotion of New Zealand as 100% Pure New Zealand has helped position the country as one of the most sought after and aspirational holiday destinations in the world” Rob Fythe, Air New Zealand.
In the last 10 years New Zealand has been voted ‘Top Country’ and ‘Best Destination’ in more than a dozen reader’s awards surveys in the UK and US, so what does New Zealand have to offer?
Bales Worldwide Ultimate To Do List
We have carefully selected some of the top attractions, destinations and sights within New Zealand. Read on to discover more…
1. Cape Reinga Scenic Flights – a return flight by comfortable fixed win aircraft across some of the most spectacular scenery in Northland offers the opportunity to take in the stunning 90 Mile Beach and the east coast from the air. This excursion offers a mix of folklore and legend, beaches, sand dunes toboganning and some of North Island’s finest scenery.
2. Kawaha Point Lodge, Rotorua – situated on the edge of Lake Rotorua, this award-winning lodge provides luxurious and intimate ambience close to the cultural heartland of the Maori people. Originally built as a lakeside villa, the lodge features 8 exquisitely appointed and well equipped rooms with private balconies, antiques and elegant furnishings, while some have spectacular views across the lakes or gardens.
3. Gannet Safari – Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony is the largest accessible colony of mainland gannets anywhere on earth, with some 20,000 birds nesting and raising their young between September and early May. Driven to within feet of the birds, you will be able to see the gannets, with their 6 foot wing spans, flying above you and performing the ‘dance of the gannets’ recognition ritual.
4. Abel Tasman National Park – the smallest of New Zealand’s national parks, renowned for stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs, Abel Tasman occupies the northern end of the South Island. Covering over 22,500 hectares, its safe, scenic waters are popular for sea kayaking, whilst the interior offers superb walking country, including the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of the finest walks in the country.
5. Mount Cook Ski Planes – Mount Cook Ski Planes take you to an ice heaven, normally only accessible to climbers. From Mount Cook airport or Franz Josef, you’ll fly towards Aoraki and onto the Tasman Glacier, where the pilot will land the plane on its skis. The engine is stilled as you have the opportunity to walk on the glacier.
With all these, and much more, New Zealand is waiting for you to explore. Call our experts now on 08456 345 120 to tailor make your own New Zealand encounter, or click here to see a list of some of our itineraries.
About Bales Worldwide
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Bales Worldwide (formerly known as Bales Tours) is a family run independent tour operator established by George Bales in 1947. Bales have become more and more flexible over time, in order to truly meet your needs. Wherever you decide to travel and whenever you want to travel, whether it is in 14 months time or just 3 weeks away, Bales have 60 years of knowledge and expertise to give you a holiday of a lifetime. 