Welcome to New Zealand, the world’s youngest country

The England tour of New Zealand in February and March 2008 offers the chance to discover the world’s youngest country and experience kiwi hospitality first hand. For those of you who are planning to head over there, our friends at Tourism New Zealand have below listed their Top Ten New Zealand experiences and some general information.

© Tourism New Zealand

You will encounter New Zealand’s varied landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate that make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind.

New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated and multicultural, and Kiwis are renowned for their honesty and friendliness.

As you follow your team around the country take advantage of the diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes that are so close to each other.

For more information visit www.newzealand.com

Christchurch

The South Island’s largest city, Christchurch is an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. The tranquil Avon River meanders through the city, historic buildings house a lively arts community and restored trams make it easy for you to get around.

The first four ships arrived from England to settle Christchurch in 1850, and their legacy lives on in the city’s grand heritage buildings and stately parks. Visit historic sites, museums and art galleries, and enjoy the developed restaurant scene.

For an unforgettable scenic experience, travel up the Christchurch gondola or go punting on the Avon River.

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, and it’s also known as our arts and culture capital.

© Tourism New Zealand

A special blend of heritage buildings, museums and galleries, fine food and live entertainment opportunities make this city a great place to visit in any season.

Part of Wellington’s charm is its close proximity to nature. The central city is nestled between a beautiful harbour and forested hills. Wildlife sanctuaries, islands, seaside villages, ocean beaches and regional parks provide huge scope for outdoor fun. At night, the city stays up late to enjoy live theatre, music and dance performances.

Hawke’s Bay (Napier)

Hawke’s Bay Wine Country presents an eclectic mix of visual and sensual experiences. The region is New Zealand’s leading producer of red wines, has the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture and hosts the country’s most elaborate celebrations of Matariki - the Maori New Year.

As if that wasn’t enough, Hawke’s Bay is also known for its artisan gourmet foods and glorious beaches that stretch from Mahia Peninsula in the north to Porangahau in the south. Blessed with a sunny, Mediterranean-style climate, Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions.

Waikato (Hamilton)

The Waikato region has two spectacular landscapes - one above ground, the other below. In both cases, nature has been generous. On the lush surface, the scenery is green to the extreme. Fertile soils, reliable rainfall and kind temperatures have created a pastoral heaven.

Below the surface, miracles have been wrought with water and limestone. Vast cave systems, huge sink holes and underground streams provide huge scope for adventure.

In the fast-growing city of Hamilton, the serpentine beauty of the Waikato River is maximised at every opportunity. You can discover parks, gardens and river walks where the forethought of the town planners is plain to see.

Auckland

Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands.

images courtesy of Tourism New Zealand © Tourism New Zealand

Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping - you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland.

In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau - ‘the maiden with a hundred suitors’. It earned this name because it was a region coveted by many Maori tribes. Auckland’s blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.

Top ten New Zealand experiences

In between cricket matches why not check out some of the best experiences New Zealand has to offer…

1. Cruise the awe-inspiring towering peaks of Milford and Doubtful Sounds where you can feel the power of nature - the remoteness, the wilderness and the peace

2. Take a guided walk onto the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. The glaciers extend from New Zealand's highest peaks to valley floors surrounded by temperate rainforests

3. Rotorua is known as ‘Nature’s Spa of the South Pacific’ and offers visitors many opportunities to rejuvenate their spirit. Soak in the healing waters of hot springs or unwind with a therapeutic massage or mud wrap

4. Combine sightseeing and thrill seeking with a jet boat ride on the Dart River. As the boat weaves through a maze of channels and pools, sheer rock faces will whistle past your nose

5. Take a relaxing kayak over Lake McLaren where the glow worms light up the night sky and their glow reflects on the river mirroring the stars above

6. Go whale-watching by boat or air at any time of the year in Kaikoura home to an abundance of sperm whales, New Zealand fur seals, dolphins and penguins

7. Walk one of New Zealand's 'Great Nine Walks' and discover the unique wilderness, flora and fauna that make these walks world-renowned

8. Take a high country horse trek through Canterbury where big scenery is the order of the day - huge panoramas of ocean or mountains, great sweeps of pastureland and massive amounts of sky

9. Explore Northland's extensive coastline by sailing the Bay of Islands – an unspoilt aquatic playground for adventure activities and escapist relaxation

10. Ski and surf in the same day in Taranaki where the close proximity of the mountain to the sea makes this one of regions most special features

For more information visit www.newzealand.com

© Tourism New Zealand