English in New Zealand · Tourism in New Zealand

English in New Zealand · Tourism in New Zealand
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Tourism in New Zealand

Situated in the Pacific Ocean, 1,600 kilometers away from Australia, New Zealand is made up of two main islands (the North and South Islands) and of various smaller islands. Divided into 6 regions, New Zealand’s geography is very diverse: extensive mountain ranges to volcanic areas to lakes and glaciers.
The weather is varied and often windy; nevertheless the seasonal changes aren’t as pronounced as in other countries. The summer is an ideal time of year for outdoor sports such as sailing, swimming and windsurfing, especially on the west coast. In winter, sports such as rugby (the All Blacks are the national team, of whom NZ is extremely proud), ski and soccer take center stage.

Auckland
Known as the “City of Sails” (it has the greatest number of boats per capita in the world), it is the largest city in the country and has an imposing bridge that joins the Waitemata Bay, Manukau Bay and Rangitoto Islands waters. The city is built on an isthmus of 48 extinguished volcanic holes which have been taken advantage of for recreation areas and from which one has spectacular views of the city and its surrounds. The highest, most imposing volcanic hole is Mt. Eden.
Among the attractions offered by the city, Auckland Museum stands out. It displays a very thorough collection of Maori objects and culture. The Hobson Wharf Maritime Museum, situated facing the sea, explores over a thousand years of New Zealand’s maritime history. In Hauraki Gulf, on Auckland’s shores, small islands can be found; Rangitoto, Great Barrier and Waiheke Islands are the most well-know. Some of them are only minutes away from the city center, which makes them an ideal place for day excursions, where such activities as diving or tasting the cuisine can be enjoyed.
The Whangaparoa Peninsula on the city’s outskirts is ideal for water sports. The regions typical foods, which include mainly fish and other seafood, cooked with regional spices, can be enjoyed here. In Devenport, visitors will be able to gaze at the Victorian-style buildings and travel back in time to the colonization times. This historical centre has kept its old buildings in very good condition.

Christchurch
Located toward the east of the South Island in Canterbury’s provincial district, it is the region’s principal urban and commercial center. Both Canterbury and Christchurch are famous for their natural beauty and for the great variety of activities they have to offer. Christchurch has a very active cultural life, with many opportunities and choices for entertainment, magnificent parks and gardens, numerous sporting installations and shopping malls.
Some of the must-see places include the Arts Center and market which is open on weekends, the Christchurch Cathedral, the Botanic Gardens, the Aquarium and the International Antarctic Centre.
The region’s numerous restaurants are visited by tourists to enjoy the typical Maori food, called “hangi”, which consists of a variety of fish and meat dishes, along with a “kumura” (sweet potato) side dish.

Marlborough
The Marlborough region, situated on the upper part of the South Island, is known for its mild climate, its breathtaking scenery and its many lanes and tracks inviting you to go for a stroll among vineyards and along water channels.
Blenheim, christened “the sunniest town in New Zealand”, is the region’s heart of commercial and suburban life.
An outing that is popular with tourists visiting the area involves watching the whales and dolphins that leave Kaikoura, aboard special boats.
The region’s excellent wines have turned Marlborough into a special place of interest for those tourists who enjoy a good drink. Although the region’s specialty is the Sauvignon Blanc, the Pinot Noir and Riesling have also made their mark.

Dunedin
With around 100,000 inhabitants, this city displays various samples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. In Dunedin’s surrounds lies New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle.
Extreme sports are very popular in this area. Queenstown is the birthplace of bungee jumping and white water rafting activities.
In Queenstown you will also find the best ski runs, with easy access for tourists visiting the area. Green Island is a natural reserve where a strange species of penguins with yellow eyes can be found; it lies close to the Otago coast.

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