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

The Franz Joseph Glacier is located in the heart of the Southern Alps. Even though the glacier is shrinking slightly each year, it can be seen from quite some distance away.

Glacier Franz Josef

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An unmissable stop on the west coast of <a href="/new-zealand/">the Southern Island of New Zealand</a>, the Franz Josef Glacier is unusual among glaciers, being located just 300 meters above sea level. As such, it's extremely easy to access and many tourists visit each year.
Nevertheless, after an hour's walk through the valley, I was quite disappointed that I hadn't really managed to get any closer to the glacier. In fact, a warmer climate and excessive visitors numbers have led to the glacier withdrawing by a few kilometers in the space of just a few decades. Nevertheless, the valley in the glow of the glacier's bluish hues is truly exceptional.
I suggest that you make the most of the early evening and visit the hot pools in Franz Josef Village, relax, and enjoy the thermal pools. They are a perfect remedy for anyone who has pressed on while walking and is starting to feel the onset of aches and pains as a result.
Finally, if you've not yet managed to see a real kiwi (the birds, that is, not the people!), you can visit the Wildlife Center, which serves as an incubator for kiwis. As I have had the chance to observe them in the wild, I can't tell you what the center is like, but it could be your only opportunity to see them in the flesh.

The Franz Joseph Glacier is located in the heart of the Southern Alps. Even though the glacier is shrinking slightly each year, it can be seen from quite some distance away.

The first images&nbsp;that pop up in my mind when I think back to Franz Josef Glacier are the hordes of tourists walking toward the glacier. All enhanced&nbsp;by the noise from helicopters. Because access to Franz Josef Glacier is very easy (about 40 minutes from the parking lot), this spot draws big crowds.&nbsp;If, like me, you're content to just walk to the glacier, you may be a little disappointed. In fact, unlike Fox Glacier, it's impossible to get close to the foot of Franz Josef, and you will only be able to see the colossal ice field from far off.&nbsp;To see it from a closer spot, ask in the village, as a number of companies offer a walk on the glacier. They'll give you the adequate equipment and guide you on the ice.If you like hikes, go to Okarito, about thirty kilometers from Franz Josef. There you can go for a nice walk along the seashore. In the distance, you'll have a wonderful view of the snow-capped mountains.&nbsp;

The most famous glacier in New Zealand, only 19 km from the sea. A popular tourist attraction <a href="/new-zealand/">during a stay in New Zealand</a>.

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