Aotearoa

"The land of the long white cloud"

New Zealand is situated on the pacific rim of fire, because of this, there is a lot of volcanic and seismic activity. The best examples of volcanic or geothermal activity can be found in and around Rotorua and extending to Taupo on the central north island. There are numerous geothermal resorts in Rotorua. The picture of the boiling mud was taken at a place called "Hells Gate", once you have visited you will realise just how fitting the name is! Apart from boiling mud, there are also geysers, boiling water, steam vents and plenty of interesting smells! On a more relaxing note, the natural hot water has soothing & healing properties, so there is no shortage of hot mineral pools to soak in!

Taupo is the trout capital of New Zealand. Lake Taupo itself is an extinct volcanic crater. The eruption that created the crater in about 100AD, is considered to be the biggest eruption in human history - dwafing even Krakatoa. What is left is a huge lake of crystal clear water (619-square km) and a friendly town. The water is always clear due to the natural filtration properties of the volcanic rock. The Waikato river flows out of lake Taupo. On the Waikato are the Huka falls, not very high - but what an awesome sight, the falls are long rather that high, and the water, when oxygenated are an amazing turquoise. When in Taupo don't forget to visit AJ Hackett's bungy site and ride the Waikato on a jet boat!

On the southern side of the lake stand a series of volcanoes. The best known being Mt. Ruapehu. The most amazing thing about the magic mountain, as she is known, is that on her slopes is Whakapapa - New Zealands largest ski field, the only ski field on the slopes of an active volcano. Mt. Ruapehu erupted in 1996 - so she is most definitely still alive and kicking!

About 3 hours drive north of Taupo is Auckland. The biggest city in New Zealand, Auckland is home to approximately 1 million people. Pretty much one quater of the entire population of New Zealand, and probably more people than there are on the south island! Auckland is a city of contrasts, beautiful forests, excellent beaches, calm on the east coast and rough surf on the west. Muriwai is an example of an Auckland west coast beach, but if it's waves you want, Piha is the place to be. Only 20 minutes drive from Auckland, Piha beach is one of New Zealand's surfing icons. There are 2 harbours in Auckland, and plenty of boats! Sailing is one of New Zealand's favourite hobbies - and with all this water... need I say more! Dominating the Auckland sky line is the "Sky Tower", this 328m high tower is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere. The view from the 168m high observation deck is fabulous! Be sure to dine at "Orbit", the rotating restaurant - excellent food and the best view you will find anywhere! The harbour bridge joins the north shore to Auckland city.

Other places worth a visit on the north island are Tauranga & Mt. Maunganui on the east coast, as well as Gisborne, Napier & Hastingswhich are bit further south on the east coast. Over to the west is New Plymouth and at the bottom of the north island is Wellington. Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It is a beautiful city, but when the wind blows, she really blows!! Be sure to spend some time in Wellington!

Now we catch a ferry and head to south island - or the "mainland" as the locals prefer. South island is larger than the north island, but less than 1 million people live on it. Nelson is the fist stop after landing at Picton. Nelson is proud to be known as the sunniest place in New Zealand. Add some great beaches... what a place! The west coast of the south island is very isolated. All the towns are small, but all are worth a visit. The fishing boats at Westport make a good picture. Be sure to stop and see the Hectors dolphins, the smallest and rarest of them all. Further south on the west coast you get to glacier land. The 2 best known glaciers in New Zealand are the Fox and the Franz Josef. Both are easily accessible and the towns of the same names are really nice places to stay. Lets not forget Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in New Zaland and the icon of the beautiful Southern Alps.

Heading east through the mountains is Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand - and probably the world! What ever your fancy - Queenstown has it. In the winter there are plently of ski fields and plenty of snow! Summer time is the time for jet boating, white water rafting, black water rafting, parachuting, climbing, hiking, fishing and of course - BUNGY!!! AJ opened his first commercial bungy site in Queenstown. Now there are 3 bungy sites there - the most amazing is called "The Ledge" and sticks out off the top of a mountain overlooking Queenstown!! Jump at night for the thrill of your life! If you don't think that's for you, take the gondola up to the summit and enjoy a remarkable view of the Remarkables - one of the montain ski area's around Queenstown.

A short drive from Queenstown is Wanaka. A smaller version of Queenstown, Wanaka is probably the most beautiful place in all of New Zealand. I'm probably biased, so make sure you visit and check it out for yourself!

On the east coast is Dunedin. With Scottish heritage and a university - it's an interesting place to visit. Go north through Timaru & Omaru and you get to Christchurch. The biggest city on the south island, Christchurch is a beautiful city. Known as the garden city, once you have visited you will realise why. Go punting on the Avon, visit the Cathedral or walk through the botanical gardens. Christchurch is a very relaxed, but none the less trendy city. The cafés are most definatetly worth a visit!

On the way back to Picton, stop off in Kaikoura. If you love whales - this is the place to be, do some whale watching and get really close to sperm whale. Take a drive out to the the seal colony and walk amongst the seals - be careful though, they bite if you prod!

In the native Maori language, New Zealand is known as "Aotearoa", which means "The land of the long white cloud". It's a beautiful place - be sure to visit soon!!

Oh yes - here is another bit of trivia. One New Zealand hill can boast the longest place name in the world! Try to get your tongue around this one! Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu! This 85 letter word means: The place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed, and swallowed mountains, known as "Landeater", played his flute to his loved one. This little hill with the big name is in the southern Hawkes Bay on the north island.