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 Otago Peninsula is New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destination and is bursting with natural sites to explore. 

Otago Peninsula

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Just a few kilometers from the town of Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula can easily be visited in a day and will captivate you with its breathtaking scenery. During my trip to the headland, my first stop was Sandfly Bay. It is well known, not just for its penguin colony, but above all for the beauty of the landscape. I would suggest that you get there around 4 p.m. to maximize your chances of seeing the local wildlife. You may also get the chance to see a few sea lions, but luck will need to be on your side! Afterwards, why not climb Sandy Mount, which overlooks the peninsula, and from where I could enjoy 360-degree, panoramic views. The small trail that starts in the car park will take you to the summit, passing by meadows with grazing sheep, as well as impressive cliff faces. However, please be assured that the walk is quite short and not very steep. Finally, once I'd returned to the tip of the peninsula, I decided to stop at Pilots Beach to watch the little blue penguins arrive. I didn't actually get the chance to see them, as access to the beach is chargeable after 4 p.m. Business is business I guess... Not far from there, however, albatross lovers will find the Royal Albatross Center, where they can learn more about these majestic seabirds. A great place to stop during a <a href="/new-zealand/">trip to New Zealand.</a>

The Otago Peninsula is New Zealand's leading eco-tourism destination and is bursting with natural sites to explore.

Otago Peninsula Vacations

Otago Peninsula: How to get there?

Otago Peninsula: See when to go ?

Otago Peninsula: For how long?

Otago Peninsula: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations