The original culture of New Zealand will be interesting as lovers of ancient cultures with their unique artifacts and monuments of architecture, and tourists - fans of modern civilized recreation. From the beauties of the local nature you will get an incomparable pleasure.
Natural wonders of New Zealand
On the territory of the island state there are many places where you can stay away from the city bustle. Among them, it is worth mentioning the following:
- The fjord of Milford Sound. It is called the "eighth wonder of the world" due to the unusual ecosystem that has been created here for millions of years. The gulf originated in this place even during the Ice Age. Now it is one of the most popular places of tourist pilgrimage thanks to a combination of the purest water, steep coastal rocks and wooded mountains surrounding the coast. Milford Sound is one of the wettest places on our planet, in which there is a mixture of sea and fresh water. Therefore, here live unique birds and animals that are not found anywhere else on the planet.
- Kathlins. If you are thinking about what can be seen in New Zealand, pay attention to this almost uninhabited and hilly terrain with its pristine forests. Kathlins is located in the eastern part of the South Island. When you come here, be sure to visit the petrified coniferous forest, which was buried several times under a layer of volcanic ash and numbering about 180 million years, Cathedral caves - one of the longest sea caves in the world - and McLean waterfalls with their picturesque ledges and terraces. Also worthy of note here is the Nugget Point lighthouse, which is home to a variety of sea birds: cormorants, spoonbills and yellow-eyed penguins.
- Northland - the most interesting for the connoisseurs of nature of the North Island . Here are a lot of New Zealand attractions, including the " Bay of Islands ", famous for its 150 small islands, the purest beaches of the "Coast of Kauri" and the delightful town of Dargaville. If you travel 50 km from it in the northern direction, you can make an exciting trip to the kennel of birds, where kiwi, the national symbol of the country, and other birds are bred. Nearby you will be fascinated by its mysterious relic forest of Huipua.
- Wai-O-Tapu. This is a special nature reserve, in which the most interesting geysers of New Zealand are concentrated. Specially for tourists, three walking routes have been developed, the approximate length of which is 3 km. The most famous places of the reserve are the Lady Knox geyser, in which a soapy solution is poured daily for a more spectacular demonstration of the eruption, Lake Pool, resembling a champagne glass due to the rising to the surface of bubbles of carbon dioxide, and Lake Artist's palette with multi-colored waters.
- The Franz Josef Glacier. It is the fastest glacier in the world: every day the ice descends to an impressive distance, moving at a speed of 2 m per hour. Experienced travelers will certainly be interested in grottoes and tunnels, which are real masterpieces of nature. From the mountains, numerous waterfalls descend here, and the Taiho River and several lakes feed on melt water.
- Lake Tarawera. It is famous for its magnificent thermal springs. If you acquire a license, avid fishermen will be able to fish for ecologically clean trout.
- Ruakoputun's Cave . It will not frighten even those who are afraid of the dark, because its arches are lit up around the clock.
- Island of Stefes. Although in appearance it does not differ from dozens of other islands, there is a very rare animal - a hatteria, which is closely related and dinosaurs. To get on the island, do not forget to issue a pass.
- National Park Fiordland . Two-thirds of it is occupied by ancient evergreen forests that are under state protection. With them, harmoniously combined majestic waterfalls and quiet mountain lakes. The park is inhabited by amazing animals and birds, which it is simply impossible to meet in other regions of our planet. Among them, a yellow crow, an emerald parrot, parrots of kakapo and kea, special local penguins.
- The living giant is the God of the Forest . This is one of the most ancient trees on Earth, growing in the Vaipoa forest.
- Penguin Place is a unique reserve of yellow-eyed penguins, where about a hundred individuals live. The guide will guide you through the sand dunes, where they settle their nests.
- Nayinti Mile Beach . It is known for its huge sand dunes, the shape of which changes from the slightest blow of the breeze. They often come here to windsurf or go boating.
Man-made landmarks of the country
In New Zealand there are many interesting places where you can go, tired of contemplating the natural beauty of the islands. We list the most noteworthy of them:
- Tower of the Sky Tower , located in Oakland . There are two observation platforms, the view from which will impress you with its novelty. Going here, do not forget the camera, but you do not need to take food: the tower is waiting for you a lot of cafes and restaurants. Extremes can walk along the open parapet around the Sky Tower or even jump down with a fixed cable.
- The village of Hobbiton near the town of Matamata. In this area, the famous film "The Lord of the Rings" was filmed. After the completion of the shooting process, the scenery was not dismantled and, to the apparent pleasure of fantasy fans, tourists can admire the hobbit houses, the arched bridge, the mill and even look into the "Green Dragon" pub. Animal lovers will surely like the idea of feeding hand lambs.
- Gardens of Hamilton . They occupy an area of about 58 hectares and allow you to get acquainted with the nuances of garden art of different countries and eras. Here are divided classical English and Italian gardens, but the most popular is the Japanese garden of meditation, created according to the principles of Zen Buddhism. It respects the traditions of medieval art caresansui - a "dry landscape".
- Library and Museum Center Puke Ariki . This is a huge information complex, which contains information about the history and culture of the Taranaki region. The center is widely used modern computer technology, so you can not only visit it to read paper or electronic books, but also get virtual access to the resources of the library.
- Auckland Museum . There are several exhibitions in the three-story building, from which you will learn many interesting facts about the history of New Zealand, the geological features of the country, the period of colonization and the wars in which local residents participated.
- " Underwater world of Kelly Tarlton . " This underground museum-aquarium you can visit in Auckland. It gives the impression of a real creation of nature, in which man did not participate, thanks to the presence of many underwater reefs, caves and tunnels. The museum is home to stingrays, octopuses, sharks, piranhas and other marine life. Visitors to the museum are moving along it on an escalator or in tiny trailers.
- "Agrodom" . An unusual farm near the city of Rotorua will please travelers with the original "Sheep Show", in which tourists can also take part. After it you will be given the opportunity to take a walk through the territory where a wide variety of animals roam in the wild. If you are tired, go on a tour of the farm on an SUV or try exotic juice of kiwi and local honey.
