New Zealand is a relatively young country when compared with the likes of Egypt, China and Japan to mention just a few examples. It is a backwater where some might say time has passed the entire country by. But don’t believe it for a second. It is cosmopolitan; the towns and cities on both main islands such as Canterbury, Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch are rich, full of energy and pack a punch. It is also very rural; a voyage of discovery to a less frenetic time, rural New Zealand is an adventure beckoning the explorer in everyone.
Primeval forests, mountains, lakes and farmland
The land of the ‘long white cloud’ as it is referred to in Maori tradition is a land of extremes. On South Island the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains (pictured) is a land of hidden gems. Crystal clear lakes and moraines piled high as a result of glacial movement are just two of the sights which await the intrepid visitor. Companies such as campervan rental New Zealand firm ‘Wilderness’ offer the visitor a modern method of seeing what New Zealand has to offer, with all the comforts of home.
Primeval forests and wildlife much of which is unique to the islands will enthral and delight; just don’t forget to take a camera of some sort along for the ride. And talking of rides, white water rafting down canyons cut out by glacial and river activity is a highlight if you have the nerve for it. Perhaps a ‘heli-hike’ is more your style; make the journey up the mountains or glaciers by helicopter. The journey down on foot with the aid of an experienced guide will set you up nicely for a hearty meal at day’s end and some genuine New Zealand hospitality.
Away from it all
You may prefer to stay away from civilisation and explore the out of the way places. By way of using a campervan rental New Zealand can be explored easily. You can stop where the fancy takes you and eat the last meal of the day overlooking a pristine, crystal clear lake. On the other hand, you may want to stop and admire the mountains as the sun sinks behind the range; vistas such as these are priceless.
Touring is one of the best ways in which to see as much of this amazing landscape. It is also the best way of sampling the genuine hospitality of the ‘Kiwis’. It may seem like time has passed the place by or has indeed stood still in some places. But is that a bad thing?
Olde worlde manners still shine through; so too does some fine cooking. You’ll need some good grub inside you to make up for the energy you expend making the most of your visit. From South Island to the extremes of Cape Reinga at the northern most tip of North Island you are in for the trip of a lifetime. All you need to take with you is your sense of adventure and be prepared to be ‘overwhelmed’ by what you experience.
If there is one place you must visit at least once in your life, New Zealand is it. Enjoy!