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

For me, central Otago is one the most beautiful parts of South Island . You don't feel smothered by hoards of tourists and it's the home of Cromwell, a town that provides the perfect base for exploring the region!

Cromwell

Samoa

Fiji

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

Built during the gold rush in the second half of the 19th Century, Cromwell is also known for its numerous orchards. With the discovery of gold mines, thousands of miners moved to the area and a host of villages sprung up around the town. After having trekked my way up a dirt road to the top of a hill several kilometers from the town, I came across the former mining village of Bendigo. Ruins of old buildings still stand there, overlooking the valley. A short walk further on took me to some protected gold mines - all in a stunning countryside, where a sky blue and yellow landscape contrasts with the snow capped peaks that surround it. The town of Cromwell was built on the banks of Clutha River, the second longest in New Zealand. I recommend that you head along the road that follows it, be it in the direction of Queenstown or Roxburgh. You'll find yourself in an amazing, richly diverse landscape. If you're feeling energetic, you can rent bikes and follow the Clutha Gold Trail, which links several towns in the region. It's a great alternative for <a href="/new-zealand/">sporty types.</a> Whatever you do, you must visit Old Cromwell, the reconstructed and restored parts of the original village that give an insight into times gone by. If you're a wine lover you can do a tour of the local vineyards and try a glass or two of Pinot Noir. Personally, I recommend Domain Road!

For me, central Otago is one the most beautiful parts of South Island . You don't feel smothered by hoards of tourists and it's the home of Cromwell, a town that provides the perfect base for exploring the region!

Cromwell Vacations

Cromwell: How to get there?

Cromwell: See when to go ?

Cromwell: For how long?

Cromwell: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations