Situated in the South Pacific, New Zealand offers a microcosm of the world's best attractions. Highlights include: Magnificent scenery Stunning mountains Wide open plains Secluded sandy beaches Tranquil lakes A volcanic and thermal region Expansive unspoilt forests Unique flora and fauna A diverse range of high quality activities World class vineyards and wineries Superb golf courses (for all levels) Abundant fishing (of all types) Sailing & boating (prior home to the America's Cup) Extreme adventure sports (for the brave, but fun for everyone to watch!) Snow skiing and snowboarding Excellent walking, trekking and hiking (for all energy and age levels) Great cycling Diving Whale and dolphin watching. A growing number of exceptional lodges and accommodation options World renowned lodges (such as Huka Lodge) Some great up and coming properties World class ski resorts Excellent farm stays A top range of bed-and-breakfast type accommodation A good choice of quality Hotels (most of the major chains) We will help you achieve superb value for money. Modern vibrant cities Albeit small on a global scale, but with a real sense of style, fun and friendliness. An unspoilt environment Nearly one-third of New Zealand is set aside as national parks The air is fresh. The water is clean. A friendly and outgoing population Take it from Lonely Planet’s NZ Guide: "New Zealanders value hard work, resourcefulness, honesty, fairness, independence and ruggedness - legacies of their pioneering history. For the visitor, perhaps the most immediately obvious trait of all New Zealanders is their friendliness".* A unique cultural experience New Zealand has a rich and vibrant culture From early settlement by the Maori, and then Europeans, New Zealand has a unique and fascinating history. An excellent local art scene from contemporary to modern. A growing theatrical scene which has produced some world class actors including Russell Crowe and Sam Neil. An excellent local music scene (ranging from the popular Crowded House to Dame Kiri Te Kanawa). Excellent value for money The decline in the New Zealand dollar makes top class travel relatively inexpensive (with an exchange rate of around US$1 = NZ$1.75). For example, a typical double room in a 5 star hotel starts from US$90 per person per night (twin share). Most of our resorts and lodges are in the range of US$100 to US$200 per person and often include full breakfast and an evening meal. One of our best lodges, which consistently rates amongst the world's best, costs around US$350 per person and includes full breakfast, pre-dinner cocktails, five-course dinner and airport transfers if required. A safe destination for travelers of all ages New Zealand boasts crime rates well below the USA and most European and Asian countries. It has a strong infrastructure (from central governance, legal, transportation and roading to schooling) Quick facts New Zealand's population is currently around 3.9 million. Approximately 76% are NZ European, 14% Maori, 5% Pacific Islanders and 4% Asian. New Zealand is relatively sparsely populated with about 14 people per square kilometre, on average. Auckland is the largest city with around 1.2 million people. Wellington is home to Government and the cultural capital. New Zealand stretches approximately 1,600 km from North to South. It consists of two main islands (North and South) and some smaller islands. Both of the main islands have abundant lakes, rivers, forests, beaches and mountains. The South Island also offers glaciers and fiords. Meanwhile, the far north of the North Island is subtropical. Because of the length of New Zealand (between latitude 34'S and 47'S) and its varied terrain, it offers unrivalled scenery within a relatively short distance. Further more, 30% of New Zealand has been set aside as conservation land. There are hundreds of reserves, 13 national parks and 3 maritime parks. Summer is from December-March and Winter from June-September. However, the regional differences are relatively significant, with the North Island being a few degrees warmer than the South Island. In the far north it is warm nearly all year round. In the North Island it only snows at altitude (principally the central North Island). During winter in the South Island it can snow down to low lying areas. Typical temperature ranges in Auckland are 60f-75f and Queenstown are 45f-70f. See our map of New Zealand below. Your itinerary will include a list of suggested clothing to bring with you. * This quote is reproduced with the permission of Lonely Planet Publications. Taken from Lonely Planet New Zealand, 10th Edition. Lonely Planet is the publisher and copyright owner. www.lonelyplanet.com Contact us now for more information, to make a booking or for rates.

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