By Susan Berg
New Zealand Tourism Information
New Zealand is the perfect destination for the adrenaline junky. It offers visitors myriad options, including the chance to jump off a bridge (tied to a bungy cord), explore a glacier (such as Fox or Franz Joseph glaciers in the South Island) or enjoy a fantastic dessert in a big city (don't miss Strawberry Fare in Christchurch).
Location
New Zealand is located in the southern hemisphere southwest of Australia. The country is divided into two islands---the North Island and the South Island. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington, which is located at the southern tip of the northern island.
When to Go
The seasons in New Zealand are flipped when compared to those in the northern hemisphere. New Zealand is most popular with tourists during its summer season (November through February). During the winter season, most of the tourist infrastructure shuts down, except for ski resorts.
Getting There
Most international flights to New Zealand fly into Auckland Airport, located on the North Island. Domestic flights to other locations in the North and South islands depart from the airport in Auckland.
Popular Activities
Popular activities in New Zealand include hiking, camping and kayaking in one of its many national parks. New Zealand's metropolitan centers---Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch---offer accommodations, dining, shopping, and cultural activities (theater, museums and concerts).
Extreme Activities
New Zealand is the birthplace of several extreme activities, including zorbing (play hamster as you roll down a hill in a clear ball), bungy jumping and jetboating. Other activities include rock climbing and canyoning, spelunking and cave rafting, and skydiving.
About the Author:
A writer and editor based in southeastern Wyoming, Susan Berg has over ten years of experience in the field. Berg earned a Master of Arts degree in journalism from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Dayton. Her work has been published in the "Dayton Daily News" and online at websites including BiologyBiozine.com, Wcities.com, Trails.com, Travels.com and eHow.com.
Photo Credits:
Susan J Berg
