New Zealand …a beautiful country

A few years ago I was lucky enough to tour around New Zealand courtesy of APT and had the most amazing time. I have raved about the country ever since, so much so, that my parents have decided to cruise around New Zealand to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary. They are currently sailing on the Celebrity Solstice around New Zealand and Australia and are having a wonderful time, sending me photos from the places they are visiting.

A cruise around New Zealand takes in some amazing places. On the South Island you have Milford and Dusky Sound. Set within the Fjordand National Park it is an area on awe inspiring natural beauty. Mountain peaks, dark water and forest clad cliffs enhanced with waterfalls with take your breath away. My photos unfortunately do not do it justice.

I was there on a cold winters day but you can see how dramatic the landscape is and how stunning it would be in the  spring and summer time.  It is has high annual rainfall figures and because of this there’s  waterfall every few feet.

From Tauranga on the North Island you  can visit Rotorua and the Te Piua thermal reserve. I had watched a Blue Peter episode  on these hot springs and mud pools when I was a child, and they were top of my ‘must see’ places list. I was so excited and I wasn’t disappointed. Whilst I have seen the odd geyser or two in the past, I have never  seen anything like this, it covers such a vast area and there are so many different things to look at; including the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere and many smaller ones too,  boiling and bubbling pools of mud,  and gorgeous hot rocks to sit and warm my body on.

The area is part of a Maori reserve and  the heritage and cultures are kept alive. The rocks are used to cook food in and we were treated to a traditional Hangi feast, with hot potatoes that had been baked underground.

Celebrity cruises along with the majority of cruise lines offer an excursion here and I would 100% recommend that you visit.

A visit to New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without a call to Auckland, many of the ships embark here and those that don’t call in for at least a day. The port is right in the centre of town and you can just get off and do your own thing.

Auckland is  such a chilled city,  with a good selection of bars and restaurants on Queens Street and around the waterfront.  There is no need to pay for organised excursions. From the waterfront you can jump on a hop on hop off bus and take in Auckland’s top sites or take a boat across to Waiheke Island or a harbour tour. Alternatively if you fancy being an adrenaline junkie just head into town and sit on the reverse bungee jump which will hurtle you up to the sky. I just enjoyed a stroll in  the sun and watched the world go by.

New Zealand really is a fantastic country, I loved every minute and I’m glad my parents are doing so too. If you fancy it, look at the tailor made section of our website under this link  Australia and New Zealand We have  a number of exclusive holidays and a several different cruise lines. Pick the one you fancy and just give me a call.

 

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About Me

I have worked in the travel industry for over 25 years now since beginning as a holiday rep on a campsite in France and I have a real passion for travel. I've worked in all aspects of the industry including sales, marketing and management and I've specialised in most products…

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