FOR FURTHER GENERAL INFORMATION AND TIPS ON TRAVELLING TO NEW ZEALAND SEE OUR "things to know before you go" - New Zealand  DOCUMENT

New Zealand consists of three main islands North, South and Stewart Islands. The country spans 1,600 kilometres from north to south between 35deg and 47deg South. It is 2,000 kilometres south-east of Australia and about the same distance from many of the Pacific Islands, Tonga, Fiji and Samoa.

Covering an area of 267,844 square kilometres, slightly larger than the UK and the same size as the State of Colorado, the country is modern, the air is crisp and clean, whilst the 4.2 million people are outgoing and welcoming. Everywhere there is a vibrancy of a young nation proud of its history and excited by its future.

Southern Crossings is committed to providing clients with never-to-be-forgotten glimpses of nature as it was before mankind migrated to New Zealand.

As New Zealanders are passionate about the environment, the country earns its living from the land and people are only too aware of the need to keep the elements in harmony. The air is pure, waters clean and the cities and towns generally lack the pervasive pollution experienced in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Some 25% of New Zealand is protected and the land is criss-crossed with a network of walking tracks. Twelve national parks are sprinkled throughout the country - including world heritage sites: Westland, Fiordland, Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring National Parks in the South Island and Tongariro National Park in the North Island.

It is a country of swift flowing rivers, deep alpine lakes and dense forests. Two thirds of the country is mountainous with the tops of many peaks luminous with snow. Ski slopes attract top skiers from around the world - just as the trophy trout in the many almost untouched rivers and streams.

In the central North Island, Rotorua's hot thermal belt has long been a beacon for tourists. The city sits amid a mass of bubbling hot pools. Some pools solemnly plop mud like some witch's porridge - others periodically send a gush of steam and hot wet spray towards the sky.

There is the tranquil Bay of Islands too - lit at Christmas with the red flowers of the Pohutukawa Trees, their gnarled trunks twisted low over the golden sands and coastline.

Wild West Coast beaches provide for thundering surf and wet black sand unmarked by human footprints.

In the south, the majestic scenery is awe inspiring along lonely roads that follow the island's backbone of snow-capped mountains and snow-fed streams and glacial rivers that plunge into the forests. And across the coastal plains. 

With a land area of 119,000sq km and a population of over 3 million, the North Island is the most populated of New Zealand's three main islands. Nevertheless, it's still possible to find a deserted beach within 30 kilometres of Auckland – the largest city, luxury accommodation in tranquil out-of-the-way places and explore national parks, marine reserves and meet some of the friendliest people in the world.

New Zealand's largest city and commercial centre (Auckland) and the Capital (Wellington) are in the North Island. One third of New Zealanders live north of Lake Taupo, located in the centre of the North Island.

Spend a few days in the beautiful and peaceful Bay of Islands; try the scenic tours, big game fishing, swimming with dolphins and prepare to be awed by the giant kauri forests.

Stop over in Auckland, a bustling South Pacific city with a cosmopolitan life style - excellent accommodation, great eating establishments and friendly people. Auckland is known as the City of Sails and has one of the world's most beautiful harbours. With its subtropical climate, extensive parks and the nearby islands of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland offers much to residents and visitors alike with idyllic, secluded bays and beaches located close to the city centre.

Discover the fascinating boiling mud and geysers in the Rotorua thermal area, immerse yourself in Maori culture and experience a local cultural performance show. Soothe away aches and pains in the naturally hot thermal waters.

Trout fishing in the lakes and rivers of the Rotorua and Taupo areas are amongst the best in the world along with a myriad of adventure activities.

Take in a visit to Wellington, New Zealand's capital and home to Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand which mirrors New Zealand culture and chronicles our history. Wellington is a picturesque city perched on the hills at the south of the Island with wonderful cafes, art and culture. The city has a diversity of events with the highlight the annual, internationally acclaimed festival of the arts.

Regular passenger and vehicular ferries depart Wellington for the South Island daily and also frequent scheduled air services to gateway cities are just a short flight away!

Vineyards in the Auckland, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa regions welcome visitors.

The historic and picturesque Bay of Islands region was the first centre of European settlement in New Zealand. The 150 islands in the sparkling Bay give the region its name and the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy New Zealand's maritime climate make this area a special one. Experience the rising sun at Cape Brett and Hole in the Rock aboard an exclusive cruise. Enjoy absolute luxury at one of the regions lodges or private villas with spectacular ocean views, pristine beaches and world class golfing.

Taupo is located within the volcanic central plateau region of the North Island. Lake Taupo is a crystal clear lake of some 240 square miles and provides year round rainbow and brown trout fishing amid unsurpassed scenery and natural beauty. Sample some of this world renowned wilderness fly fishing and more outdoor activities accompanied by an expert local guide.

Rotorua is renowned as New Zealand's heart of Maori culture and thermal activity. Geysers, steaming lakes and streams, mud pools, multicoloured silica terraces and hot mineral pools known for their curative properties are all unique to the region.

Gisbornethe first city in the world to see the light, boasts beautiful unspoilt scenery, idyllic beaches and bush-fringed mountain lakes, rich culture and history from both Maori and European perspectives, fresh seafood, accompanied by some of New Zealand's best wines grown locally, excellent trout and sea fishing and some of New Zealand's best gardens and arboretums.

Hawkes Bayis one of New Zealand's richest agricultural areas and is the centre of a large fruit growing and processing industry, including viticulture. This long established wine growing region has demonstrated an ability to produce top examples of almost every wine style made in New Zealand. Enjoy alfresco dining with great music, fine and wine and kiwi hospitality at one of the regions classy vineyard restaurants.

The sparsely populated South Island has an area of 150,461 sq km. Christchurch, known as the ‘Garden City’, is surrounded by mancured parks and reserves. It is New Zealand’s most distinctly "English’ city with its Avon River and gracious Cathedral right in the heart of the city. Dunedin has a distinctly Scottish flavour, a university city with many historic buildings.

The South Island is truly the scenic wonderland of New Zealand. From the Marlborough Sounds in the north of the Island, to the Fiordland National Park and World Heritage area in the south-west, the South Island is a magical experience.

Visit the vineyards of Marlborough, Canterbury and Central Otago whose wines are taking the northern hemisphere by storm or take the time in Nelson to enjoy the Abel Tasman National Park's mountains, beech forests and the famed Heaphy Track walk.

Savour the fresh locally produced seafood, meats, cheeses and fruits of the Marlborough province. Visit the isolated beaches, forests and lodges of the Marlborough Sounds, and view whales, dolphins and seals at Kaikoura on the East Coast.

Explore the forests and alpine wilderness of the Southern Alps by road or the famous TranzAlpine train, taking you from Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth. Take a helicopter tour over spectacular mountain terrain, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ski fields whilst the famous Milford Track, Hollyford Track or the Routeburn Track await those with a desire to experience stunning scenery on foot.

Experience the thrill of fine wilderness trout fishing in pristine back country rivers whilst in contrast, some of the finest private gardens in New Zealand are on call to stimulate the senses.

Enjoy a unique experience hiking in the Abel Tasman National Park enjoying a wonderful combination of bush and beach scenery. This experience can be further enhanced with a kayaking option to truly appreciate this fabulous coastline of white sand beaches and bush fringed bays. Experience not only the spectacular dawns but also the breathtaking sunsets of this area, with charming lodge accommodation. Spoil yourself with a stay in the luxurious surroundings of the regions luxury Lodges or country houses complimented by day excursions amongst the walking trails, arts, crafts and vineyards of Nelson, Marlborough and North Canterbury; Encounter whales and dolphins at Kaikoura, the eco-tourism capital of New Zealand.

Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, is a true alpine paradise set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu amidst the massive peaks of the Southern Alps. A smorgasbord of activities awaits from golfing to exhilarating jet boat rides on the Shotover and Dart Rivers and spectacular helicopter rides - even bungy jumping for the more adventurous! Choose from an abundance of lively cafes and excellent restaurants with great shopping in this attractive lakeside resort town.

An excellent variety of accommodation is available including 5 star hotels, small exclusive Lodges, bed and breakfasts, villas and apartments. Relax and enjoy the fine surroundings and ambience of lakeside accommodation in a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu or experience the delights of Lake Wanaka - a wonderful lakeside retreat set in the pristine environment of Central Otago.

Experience famous Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound aboard a small cruiser and undertake a breathtaking journey on these famous fiords to the Tasman Sea. Sheer rock walls, waterfalls and the mile high monolith of Mitre Peak at Milford Sound are the backdrop as you sip champagne from the deck of your vessel. For a unique experience overnight aboard The Milford Mariner or Fiordland Navigator to see the dawn in the remote waters of the dramatic Fiordland National Park.

Enjoy southern hospitality in the very Scottish city of Dunedin. The local brewery and chocolate factory are enjoyed by all ages whilst wildlife on the Otago Peninsular boasts a variety penguins and birds. Further south, the scenic Catlins Forest Park is the gateway to Southland and Stewart Island, a small island community with a big heart. Visit the wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Island for a look into New Zealand’s past with inquisitive native bird life in a rejuvenated and predator free environment.

Whether driving south via the Pancake Rocks and Blowhole at Punakaiki or north via the Haast Pass, one of the most stunning drives anywhere in the world, the West Coast is a world in itself, battered by raging wind and storms over thousands of years to create a remote wild, yet mesmerising and enchanting landscape. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of the major attractions on the West Coast with Aoraki Mt Cook a short flight away. Many surprises await the more intrepid traveller through this sparsely populated region, rewarding those who make the effort.