New Zealand is an Antipodean land which attracts lovers of vast spaces and wild nature. Though it is mostly mountainous, the country has a diverse range of landscapes and environments: icy summits, plains with mirror-like lakes, wild coastline licked by the Pacific waters... The nature here is absolutely majestic. And fortunately ecology takes pride of place here.

New Zealand, an intense natural paradise

A lively town, surrounded by dozens of volcanoes and black sand beaches.

Oceania

Welcome to the New Zealand travel pages. In this faraway country, you can expect a harmonious mixture of lakes, mountainous and volcanic landscapes, and tropical vegetation... New Zealand is isolated in the middle of the ocean and is located halfway between the South Pole and the Equator. Even though it’s small in area (about the size of the UK), it has extremely diverse flora and fauna. Nature lovers are in paradise here. But this paradise is earned: you’ll have to spend long hours on an airplane to get here, and you can count on having 10 to 12 hours of jet lag once you arrive, depending on the season... But this land, which the Maori first called “Aotearoa,” the land of the long white cloud, is really worth the trip: abundant and diverse nature, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor activities… It’s all convenient for travellers: one of the advantages of this destination is the small size of the country, which makes all this beauty accessible, starting from your first trip to New Zealand. Your hunger for the great outdoors and desire for peace and serenity will be satisfied.

New Zealand

Auckland

Sitting by a lake in a region steeped in Maori culture, this town is a hive of geothermal activity.

Rotorua

Taupo is a small, lively town best known for its lake, which bears the same name and is the largest in New Zealand.

Taupo

With three active volcanoes, the Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park is a must for any hiking fan or visitors interested in exploring a volcanic landscape.

Tongariro National Park

If holidaying in New Zealand, the superb Bay of Islands region is located to the north of Auckland. People head there to enjoy the beautiful beaches and walk through the forests of kauri trees, which are New Zealand's national tree.

Bay of Islands

Samoa

Fiji

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

I fell in love with the Bay of Islands region. After a brief stopover at Whangarei, I chose to spend a few days in Paiha. The town is full of backpacker hotels that overlook the sea, and the relaxed atmosphere is very appealing. On the opposite side of the bay, Russell is more sophisticated, but Waitangi is the essential destination to learn about the history of the Maoris and the arrival of the British on the island. If you can take a boat trip, head toward Hole in the Rock.After seeing all that, head to the north of the Bay of Islands, stopping off at Mangonui to enjoy some of New Zealand's finest fish and chips, before heading out to the lighthouse at Cape Reinga. Cape Reinga holds a special, mystical significance for the Maoris, and it is a sublime place, with a view from the peninsula that takes your breath away. Don't forget to take a walk along the Te Paki sand dunes, either.&nbsp;Heading back down the west coast, there are kauri forests that you also must not miss: in short, they are an essential part of the natural landscape of North Island.

If <a href="/new-zealand/">holidaying in New Zealand</a>, the superb Bay of Islands region is located to the north of Auckland. People head there to enjoy the beautiful beaches and walk through the forests of kauri trees, which are New Zealand's national tree.

Bay of Islands Vacations

Bay of Islands: How to get there?

Bay of Islands: See when to go ?

Bay of Islands: For how long?

Bay of Islands: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations