Leisure & Travel

Natural smorgasbord of New Zealand

With a population density of merely 15 people per sq. km, this outpost of western civilisation in the Antipodes offers a topography of natural attractions including alpine glaciers, rugged mountain ranges, sparkling lakes, steaming volcanoes and tropical rainforests, which is increasingly drawing subcontinental tourists

The two western outposts in the Antipodes — the distant ‘down-under’ countries of Australia and New Zealand — which offer the civic discipline and advanced infrastructure of developed nations combined with the pleasant weather of tropical countries, are attracting a growing inflow of tourists from the Indian subcontinent. Even as these oceanic nations of the Commonwealth are emerging as a favoured higher education destination of Indian students, the Indian middle class is discovering the raw, dramatic beauty of New Zealand (pop. 4.1 million). Especially after Bollywood producers have taken to filming their staple song-n-dance seque-nces amidst the scenic countryside and on the golden beaches of New Zealand.

Located in the south-western Pacific Ocean, south-east of Australia, New Zealand offers a rare primeval naturalness. With a population density of merely 15 people per sq. km, New Zealand’s two craggy islands are a maze of alpine glaciers, rugged mountain ranges, sparkling lakes and trout streams, steaming volcanoes, lush green rainforests, and offer wilderness and solitude for those who seek it, among other attractions. This island nation, which was showcased to the world by filmmaker Peter Jackson in his blockbuster Lord of the Rings trilogy, attracted over 2.4 million tourists during 2006-07. Tourist inflow into NZ is growing by 9 percent annually, and contributes a massive $12.8 billion (Rs.51,200 crore) to the economy.

Ranked among the youngest countries, the New Zealand archipelago comprises two major landmasses (North Island and South Island) and numerous smaller islands, notably Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands. Separated from Australia to the northwest by 2,000 km of the Tasman Sea, New Zealand’s closest neighbours to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga.

The population is mostly of European descent, with the indigenous Mâoris constituting the largest minority. Non-Mâori Polynesian and Asian people are also significant minorities, especially in urban NZ. About 80 percent of the population lives in the country’s 16 important cities including Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and Hamilton.

New Zealand is one of the most recently settled land masses in the world. Its Mâori name, Aotearoa translates as ‘Land of the long white cloud’, referring to the cloud early explorers saw on the horizon as they approached the island. The recorded history of New Zealand begins from 950-1130 A.D, when Polynesians discovered and settled down here and developed a distinct Mâori culture, centred on kinship links and land.

In 1642, the first of the European explorers, Abel Janszoon Tasman from Holland sailed into New Zealand waters, and from the late 18th century it was regularly visited by explorers, sailors, missionaries, traders and adventurers. In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and the major Mâori chiefs, bringing New Zealand into the British Empire and giving indigenous people equal rights with British citizens. There was continuous European and some Asian immigration throughout the rest of the century. War and the imposition of a European economic and legal system led to most of the country’s land passing from Mâori to pâkehâ (European) ownership.

In the 1890s, New Zealand’s parliament enacted a number of progressive initatives, including women’s suffrage and old age pensions. From the 1930s the economy was highly regulated, and an extensive welfare state was developed. Meanwhile, Mâori culture underwent a renaissance, and from the 1950s Mâoris began migrating into the cities in large numbers. This led to the development of a Mâori protest movement which in turn led to a re-evaluation of the Treaty of Waitangi in the late 20th century. In the 1980s, the economy was deregulated and a number of socially liberal policies were enacted.

Contemporary New Zealand is an independent nation within the British Commonwealth. Administered from Wellington, the southern-most national capital of the world, the British monarch is the constitutional head of state, but plays no active role in the administration of the country.

New Zealand offers visitors a smorgasbord of experiences — hardy hiking, backpacking and crackling campfires; water and adventure sports galore and swish shopping. Fourteen national parks protect NZ’s most famous natural assets and offer exceptional outdoor adventure tours. Although a relatively small country, it is impossible to take in NZ on one visit. Therefore the tourism board has divided the country into 24 circuits to help tourists choose their priorities.

Auckland (pop. 367,700) is New Zealand’s largest city, boasting a highly diverse population. The city is home to nearly 181 myriad ethnic groups and sprawls over urban and marine settings. Auckland’s blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern urban environment, has created a lifestyle ranked among the best in the world, making it a dream destination for all types of visitors.

Its city attractions include over 800 parks and open spaces, which provide lung space to visitors from crowded subcontinental cities. A popular tourist destination is the Auckland Zoo. With a complement of 1,300 animals drawn from 179 different species including the African clawed frog, Asian elephant, American alligator and the Asian golden cat, this is a favourite destination of children. Also worth visiting is the Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tâmaki, known for its comprehensive collection of Maori and international art, which attracts over 200,000 visitors annually.

Also take in the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which contains a plethora of information on the cultural and spiritual heritage of the varied races that inhabit this scenic archipelago. Likewise the Maritime Museum takes one back to a timeless era of uncharted waters and discovery, with the museum depicting New Zealand’s Pacific and European maritime heritage. The MOTAT (Museum of Transport & Technology) displays trains, planes, automobiles and other outstanding collections that illustrate NZ’s achievements in technology.

Accommodation. Top-end: Earthsong Lodge (NZ$696-1400 per night), Aachen House Boutique Hotel ($395-790), Cotter House ($573-795). Mid-range: Auckland’s Waitakere Estate ($175-265), Hotel Ibis Ellerslie ($89-170), Aspen House ($49-69). Budget: Base and ACB Backpackers ($25-88), Albert Park Backpackers ($17-60). NB: NZ$=Rs.29

The administrative capital of New Zealand, Wellington (pop. 1.64 lakh) is the second largest city. On offer here is the country’s culture and heritage, fine food, arts and entertainment with the topographic beauty typical of the country right at its doorstep. Among its interesting sights is Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui, (‘the head of Maui’s fish’), named after a Polynesian navigator Maui, who caught a giant fish and pulled it to the surface.

The Polynesian explorer Kupe is credited with the initial discovery of Wellington Harbour. From Maori tradition it is estimated that he arrived with his followers in the 10th century. Several places around the Wellington peninsula are named by Kupe — Matiu (Somes) Island and Makaro (Ward) Island. People have lived here since Kupe’s discovery.

The city is a treat for those interested in the arts and culture. Te Papa, the waterfront national museum and the City Gallery are thronged by art afficionados. The former is a recognised world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences. New Zealand’s geology and natural environment and the stories of the indigenous Mäori, are among Te Papa’s permanent exhibits.

The Wellington Zoo — the country’s oldest — offers a uniquely interactive and exciting environment of conservation, learning and fun. Programmes such as Close Encounter enable visitors to interact with cheetahs, red pandas, giraffes and other rare, endangered species. You can even stay over in the zoo and wake up inside the grounds to the sounds of native and exotic animals.

While in Wellington don’t miss the locales and sights associated with the filming of the legendary movie Lord of the Rings. The middle earth experience in all its diversity is the special preserve of tailormade itineraries which show visitors places to which the public has no access.

Wellington is known for its compact size, and the best way to see the city is on foot. There are many different walks you can take ranging from an hour to a day. Enterprising tour operators offer guided walks. Spare some time for the popular Walk Wellington, which reveals quaint stories about the heart of the city. The Zest Walking Gourmet Tour trawls the culinary hot spots and Wild About Wellington takes you through all that’s wild and whacky in the city.

Accommodation. Top-end: Parehua Country Estate ($320-550), Inter-Continental Wellington ($375-2,200), Villa Margarita ($350-500). Mid-range: The Ivy ($285), Bolton Hotel ($214-360), Te Horo Lodge ($210-320). Budget: YHA Wellington City ($22-88), Nomads Capital ($22-99), Downtown Backpackers ($23-50).

Accessible via a 150 km drive or a five hour sail across the sea from Auckland, Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s most-loved holiday destinations. Here rugged volcanic hills are cloaked in native rainforest, and more than 400 km of spectacular coastline and beaches are easily accessible. The Coromandel comprises a forested backbone of mountains separating the precipitous west coast from the coves and white sand beaches of the east. One of the highlights of the Pacific Coast Highway, this is a very scenic area that deserves exploration.

Fringing both shores of the sparsely inhabited peninsula are endless pohutakawa trees whose rich red blooms are a stunning feature of the landscape between October and December. The sleepy town of Coromandel was formerly a gold mining centre whose history is vividly brought to life in the Thames Gold Mine and Stamper Battery. The town also offers a scenic narrow-gauge rail trip into the hills to the take-off point for one of New Zealand’s most renowned coastal treks, the Coromandel Walkway. Experiential tourism is on offer for those interested in bone carving, snorkeling in Cathedral Cove and natural saunas on Hot Water Beach, where hot springs emerge from below the sand.

Accommodation. Top-End: Brenton Lodge ($325-500), Atea Lodge ($320-380), Buffalo Lodge ($280). Mid-range: Driftwood Lodge Luxury B&B ($210-265), Bushland Park Lodge ($250-400), Driving Creek Villas ($245-295). Budget: Karangahake River Lodge & Campervan Park ($10-100), Riverglen holiday park ($12-15), Anchor Lodge ($20-195).

Apart from those described above there are a plethora of destinations in New Zealand which attract and engage tourists all year round. All of them offer excellent infrastructure in terms of accommodation options, restaurants and bars. Transportation facilities in the two islands are well developed with road, train, sea and air networks connecting every nook and corner of the islands.

Waikato. The Waikato region captivates visitors with stunning scenery both above and below the ground. The Waikato Caves carved out by flowing water over millions of years are studded with strikingly beautiful limestone formations underground, where vast cave systems with huge sink holes and underground streams enthrall visitors. Moreover, ancient monuments and museums record the history and details of fierce battles fought during the Maori Land Wars of the 19th century. The mighty Waikato River (flow length: 425 km) which flows through the region provides varied recreational opportunities.

Bay of Plenty. Silvery beaches and water sports are the Bay’s high points. The town of Tauranga sited on an impressive harbour is a thriving commercial centre, boasting trendy shopping and excellent dining and wining. Across the harbour looms the volcanic cone of Mt. Mauao, a peak shrouded in legend which also provides excellent hiking opportunities. At its base lies Mount Maunganui, a resort town offering delightful water sports. The white sands which begin here stretch to Whakatane, 100 km to the east, and are a launch pad for expeditions to White Island, New Zealand’s only active marine volcano accessible by launch and helicopter.

Eastland. Eastland is infused with history and heritage. This is where Captain Cook made his first inroad into NZ and historically, it was the confluence point of Maoris and Europeans, which culminated in a violent war. Home to the snow-covered volcanic Mount Taranaki (the source of over 50 rivers and streams and centre of the Egmont National Park), this is wild, untamed country. Its largest population centre is Gisborne, the country’s wine manufacturing hub, and a perfect location for a relaxed, sun-drenched holiday.

Ruapehu. A centre for adventurers, Mt. Ruapehu welcomes them to ski and snowboard on an active volcano with world class facilities for beginners as well as seasoned practitioners of these two mountain sports. The 800 sq. km Tongariro National Park, a recognised world heritage site, and the Whanganui National Park, are ideal for wandering and loitering in picture perfect surroundings.

The Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Horowhenua and Tararua districts teem with nature’s wild forces, foaming rivers, forested ranges, deep gorges and long stretches of surf beach. There’s an exciting menu of outdoor adventure sports including canoeing, kayaking and jet boating on the Whanganui River.

Wairarapa, nestled in the south-east corner of North Island, at the foot of the rugged Tararua Range promises a host of diverse experiences. Essentially a rural outback, it is dotted with exquisite vineyards, apple orchards, lavender fields and olive groves.

Nelson, situated in the top north-west corner of South Island, is the sunniest region of New Zealand and an artist’s paradise. Inspired by the exceptional seascapes of the coast, and forests and valleys of the region, more than 350 contemporary and traditional artists and craftspeople have settled here.

The west coast (pop. 31,000) is somewhat cut off from the rest of New Zealand by the Southern Alps, and has a distinctive culture and feel of its own. With its untamed environment criss-crossed by rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures, it retains the character of a frontier region. However, the locals known as ‘coasters’, are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality.

The Otago coast stretches from the Waitaki River north of Oamaru to the mighty Clutha River south of Dunedin. This region is replete with diverse wildlife, quaint fishing villages and verdant meadows. Its ethereal beauty taken in with the historic whitestone architecture of Oamaru, makes for a memorable experience.

Surrounded by ancient mountains, Central Otago is a region renowned for its weathered rock formations, alpine herb fields and trails used by miners of yore. The region lends itself for fascinating exploring with old stone cottages, water channels, ancient mines and machinery. Central Otago is also famous for its wineries, many of which arrange tours and tastings for visitors.

The fiords of the Otago Coast are quite unique with cutting waterfalls, ancient rainforests, crystal lakes and craggy granite peaks. The wilds of Fiordland are accessible from the lakeside townships of Te Anau and Manapouri, and offer adventure sports such as kayaking, cruising, diving and hiking in the wilds.

This region is soothingly scenic with tranquil waterways abounding in brown trout and plentiful opportunities for hiking, walking and wildlife encounters. The amazing Catlins Coast should not be missed, as it is the gateway to Curio Bay — a petrified forest of subtropical kauri and trees dating back to the Jurassic age.

Southland’s largest urban centre is Invercargill (pop. 49,000), a town with elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings, gardens and landscaped parks. The fishing port of Bluff which hosts a lively, annual seafood festival is a half-hour drive from the city, close to which is Stuart Island, a haven for native bird life and the only site in New Zealand where you can readily see the exotic kiwi in its natural habitat.

Getting there. NewZealand is a three and a half hour flight from eastern Australia. Its three international airports are Auckland, Wellington and Christ-church. Some flights from Australia also land in Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown and Dunedin. Several international airlines operate regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.