Land of the Long White Cloud - New Zealand

Land of the Long White Cloud

Out of the 130 countries I have been to, New Zealand is without a doubt, my absolute favorite and one where I could live very happily. It is located between latitude 34’.S and 47’ S. and is about the size of Colorado, or Japan. It is Switzerland, Scotland, Norway, all built into one marvelous scenic land. Six million sheep and only three and a half million people. Three million Kiwis live in the North and only half a million on the South Island. A safe destination, well run government, friendly and happy locals, and even though it’s a long way to go, its worth it. I have been there more times than you have had hot dinners, and had the honor of being chosen as Kiwi Specialist of the Year by the New Zealand Tourism Board for arranging the best itinerary.

I met yesterday with a client planning a trip to Thailand and he said, the trip you planned for us to New Zealand was the best holiday we have ever had. We will go back there one day. Nice recommendation.

You can see Volcanoes, glaciers and epic landscapes combined with Maori culture, fantastic wine, and lots of adventure. There are many small lodges in out of the way stunning locations, offering fishing, hiking and golf. One lodge I like gives you access to 30 different rivers and several lakes which all have monster trout. It’s good to visit at any time of year and a very moderate climate. The Maori’s make up 14% of the population, and you must go to a Hangi – a Maori feast – to see the singing and dancing which is very unique. Four out of five people own a boat, and love sailing. They are also Rugby fanatics. It’s worth going to a match to see the war dance the team does before it starts.

The hiking is the best in the world and you can take a one day guided trip, 3 days, or a 7 day and the scenery is breathtaking. The Southern Alps offer some wonderful trekking and my favorite is the Routeburn a three day hike into mountains so high only angels breathe the air.

You really need a minimum of two weeks to see the highlights, and more time if you can. I always tell clients, Australia should be a separate trip. A great way to see a lot of New Zealand is to take a cruise which can give you a few days in Sydney to start. To keep the airfare low, you can now go via Hawaii, or Fiji, if you can take a few more days to stop off and break the journey.

You can rent a car or a motor home, and drive on the left hand side of the road. Narrow roads in most places, and little traffic. If you don’t want to drive, there are a couple of excellent motor coach companies who do a packaged tour and you can save a considerable amount by doing this.

I can arrange for you to stay at a homestead up in the alps, a farmstay, wilderness lodge, or a small bouquet hotel in a gorgeous location.

Two National Parks I usually recommend are Arthur’s Pass, take the TranzAlpine train to get there and Mt. Cook which has 19 of the highest mountain peaks, and several glaciers which I suggest you view by helicopter, rather than hiking there.

Mountain biking is very popular, and I have arranged several trips thru the most magnificent scenery.

The food and wine is the best. The South Island is known for its Sauvignon Blanc white wine and its Pinor Noir red wine. There has been a huge increase in the number of people wanting to take a winery tour in the Marlborough region by bike. You can choose from 70 different small wineries, and they are all excellent.

There are some excellent golf courses on both islands.

This is also a great place to go in the winter for some first class skiing. I don’t take my own skis anymore, I rent them when I get there.

New Zealand should be on your bucket list. It’s a special place, I can give you the trip of a lifetime.

Maureen Jones, New Zealand Specialist.

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct

www.AHTInfo@Frosch.com

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