Alps, fjords, glacier lakes and crystal streams; the country might seem like Norway crossed with
Scotland. It is not. Vineyards and sunny golden beaches are found north and south. Geothermal
wonders erupt in Rotorua. The Bay of Islands is warm and subtropical. And everywhere the
forests are totally different.“There are no trees like the trees of that land”, said Legolas in Lord
of the Rings. The magic of Tolkien is inescapable. Areas around Queenstown, Wellington and
Rotorua are haunted by Tolkien landscapes of “deep hidden valleys, barren wastelands, remote
mystical mountains and lush, low valleys”, with Tolkien tours on offer including Hobbitville.
For those immune to the magic of the ring, adventure with a capital A overflows: Adrenalin
Sports, from white water rafting to bungy, especially around Queenstown, with skiing June-
September. Add to that that the hospitable Kiwi and Maori culture, golf, trout fishing, tasting of
Pinots and Sauvignons, art deco, handcrafts, swimming with dolphins. And finally – distances
are small, packed with wonderful sights, so New Zealand is perfect for self-drive. Check out our
itineraries!
