INTRODUCTION to New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most naturally stunning places on earth. Visitors to this isolated island country will find snow-capped volcanoes as well as semi-tropical forests of Kauri trees. There are exploding crater lakes, broad intertidal flats inundated with thousands of migratory birds, and limestone gardens formed naturally by the sea. It's a living playground of natural formations ranging from glacial lakes and fiords to sheltered bays and excellent beaches. New Zealand's pride is its rich natural environment, and the tourism industry is all about helping visitors explore the far ranges of this wonderful and beautiful country.
Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, almost 1000 miles from Australia and about 6,200 miles from both San Francisco and Tokyo, the country of New Zealand is comprised of two main islands, simply named The North Island and The South Island, and a number of smaller islands. It's roughly the size of Japan, with a total land area of 104,420 sq miles. Cook Strait cuts a 12 mile gap between the two main islands, with the country's capital, Wellington, situated on the tip of the North Island. The biggest city is Auckland, which is also on the North Island. Auckland is home to the world's largest concentration of Polynesial culture. The North Island also has a central plateau region that sees much volcanic and thermal activity.
Although it's the larger of the two islands, the South Island is much less populated. The largest city is Christchurch, at only 330,000 inhabitants. Dunedin is a college town and is smaller yet. The Southern Alps run down almost the entire spine of the South Island, providing the island with spectacular variety of hiking, with over 200 named peaks topping 7,000 feet. The island seems to have dual personality, with dry, non-forested land on one side of the mountain range, and lush, rainy, forested lake area on the west side. Parts of the island are coursing with water, in the form lakes, riers, inlets, bays and fiords.
New Zealand's third largest island is Stewart Island, which is just south of the South Island city of Invercargill. Steward Island has a domestic airport, and it's main city is Oban, which has ferry service to the main island.
People visit New Zealand to experience some of the best sailing to be
found anywhere. Besides sailing, however, this country is also known for
its majestic mountains, gorgeous landscape, incredible cuisine and its
laid back attitude. Consider purchasing a resort here: one you can
return to again and again, like a Wyndham timeshare. To save thousands, purchase
through a timeshare reseller. That way you won't have to pay
the advertising costs involved in a first offering.
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