New Zealand: What to see and do (3)
Beautiful parks - both natural and created - are places to walk, practice your photography or doze under a tree in the sunshine. Some are huge - like Fiordland National Park at 1.2 million hectares; others are small but beautifully formed, such as Oamaru’s very Victorian public gardens.
New Zealand’s gardeners and conservationists are famous for their energy and perfectionism. More than a third of the country’s land area is contained within the boundaries of a park or reserve, so you’re never far from some kind of botanic paradise.
If you love wild places, there are 14 national parks to discover - from Tongariro in the North Island to Rakiura on Stewart Island. There are also numerous forest parks, scenic reserves, conservation areas and wildlife sanctuaries.
For those who appreciate cultivated environments, beautiful gardens and public parks can be found in every New Zealand city. Enjoy rhododendrons in Taranaki, roses in Rotorua and camellias in Dunedin.
Wherever you travel in New Zealand, there’s always an opportunity to put yourself in front of a fabulous view. Take time to appreciate each and every beach on the journey around East Cape.
Fantastic urban panoramas can be found at the top of Mount Eden and One Tree Hill in Auckland, Mount Victoria in Wellington, the top of the Port Hills in Christchurch and Flagstaff Hill in Dunedin.
Other vistas around the country can be more difficult to access, but are definitely worth the effort. These include the views from the summits of Mount Iron in Wanaka and Mount Hikurangi on East Cape.
And there are many views that don’t require any climbing at all, such as the weird boulders at Moeraki on the Otago Coast and the outrageous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki.
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Art adds another dimension to the sights you’ll encounter in New Zealand. Paddle a kayak to the rock carvings at Mine Bay in Taupo or walk the streets of Katikati, where intricate murals record the town’s history.
For absolute in-your-face phenomena, the North Island never fails to satisfy. Active volcanic regions, including a marine volcano that you can walk through, are outward expressions of internal turmoil. Take a wander through the geothermal areas around Rotorua and Taupo - fumaroles, craters and geysers are endlessly fascinating. And what about boiling mud? It has to be the strangest thing you’ll ever find in a public park.
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Coastal Highlights
With more than 15,000 kilometres of coastline, New Zealand knows all the moods of the sea. On the east coast the Pacific Ocean plays along bays and beaches where white sand, surf and calm harbours provide enormous scope for fun. On the west coast the Tasman Sea, notoriously wild, breaks against rugged cliffs, weathered rocks and long, soulful stretches of black sand.
If you’re an ocean-loving person, there are road journeys that will keep you in touch with the sea every step of the way. Northland has the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, a touring route that includes both the east and west coasts. In the far south, the trip along the Catlins coast is famously photogenic. Taranaki’s Surf Highway 45 is a west coast experience for people who want to find some of the best surf breaks in the country.
Pack your sandals, shorts and sunblock, and always be prepared for spontaneous picnics. Wherever you are in New Zealand, you’re never far from a day at the beach.
Islands
Shrouded in forest or speckled with farms and holiday homes, islands have a special charm that kicks in the moment you step ashore.
Not counting the North and South Islands, our largest island is Rakiura - known to most as Stewart Island. This southern paradise is home to our newest national park. It’s a place for hiking, bird watching and star gazing. Other islands devoted to the protection of wildlife include Kapiti north of Wellington and Tiritiri Matangi in the Hauraki Gulf.
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From Auckland city, you can catch ferries to populated islands such as Waiheke and Great Barrier. Waiheke is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. Great Barrier has the kind of rugged, untouched beauty that appeals to adventurers.
Further north you can discover the Bay of Islands, a large area of offshore islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. Charter a boat, hire a kayak or catch a cruise to enjoy this spectacular maritime playground.
Lakes
A lake in New Zealand can be a destination in itself or a moment of tranquillity on the way to somewhere else.
Many of the North Island’s lakes are the result of ancient volcanic eruptions. The biggest of these crater lakes is Taupo - it’s the size of small country and one of our top trout fishing destinations. You can also catch trout in many of Rotorua’s crater lakes.
Dune lakes are an interesting phenomenon. At Kai Iwi in Northland there are three beautiful dune lakes fringed with pure white sand. Near Levin on the west coast of the North Island, the dune lake Papaitonga is edged with wetlands that are great for bird watching.
Most of the South Island’s lakes were born from the same kind of glacial action that created the fiords. Lake Te Anau is the largest, covering an area of 344 square kilometres. Lake Manapouri is often regarded as the most beautiful - it has 34 islands and is 440 metres deep in places. |
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