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

A stunning fjord, not to be missed during holidays in New Zealand. Hiking fans can give the famous Milford Track a go.

Milford Sound

Samoa

Fiji

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

If you want to explore Milford Sound, take one of the boats that run to and from the fjord and the Tasman Sea. For me, the highlight was the approach to Stirling Falls, a breathtaking cascade that drops into the sea.&nbsp;The best time to go, if you want to avoid hoards of tourists, is early in the morning or at the end of the day. Even so, if the sky is clear, don't hesitate to make the trip. Weather conditions in the area can rapidly change and this is the wettest part of the country.Hiking fans should plan to stay for a few days, to make the most of the region! Milford Sound is the arrival point of the Milford Track, an amazing trail that lasts four days and is considered to be one of the best in the world. New Zealand's Fjordland is also home to two other 'Great Walks', the Kepler and Routeburn Tracks. It's wise to book lodging in advance!If you're short on time, there are still a number of day hikes you can do. One I recommend is going to Key Summit, where you'll find spectacular, panoramic views of the mountains. And the hike that leads to Gertrude Saddle gives an equally impressive view over the fjords. Sadly, bad weather conditions prevented me from getting there, which was a real shame!

A stunning fjord, not to be missed during <a href="/new-zealand/">holidays in New Zealand</a>. Hiking fans can give the famous Milford Track a go.

Milford Sound is a&nbsp; must see in New Zealand, known for its beautiful fjords.I visited it twice in winter,&nbsp;and Milford Sound's landscapes change depending on the weather conditions. However, whether they're covered by a thin coating of snow or under the blazing sun, the valleys you take to reach the fjord are majestic, and these images remain rooted in my memories.Before reaching the port where the cruise ships leave from, the road has a number of stops, such as "Mirror Lake," where the surrounding mountains are reflected perfectly on the water. A little farther,a stop at "Fresh Water Stream" gives you the chance to fill your bottles with pure, fresh water, while getting to know the area's wild parrots, the Kea. Pay attention to your car's gaskets, because these little beasts get pleasure out of pulling them out!Finally, arriving in Milford Sound, before going back to the cruise I had reserved about 2 hours in the fjord, and I took advantage of a picnic to observe "Mitre Peak," very high, steep cliffs that plunge into the sea sitting in the middle of the water. On the way to the Tasman Sea, the boat trip allowed me to discover the natural waterfalls and the wildlife that lives in this maritime channel (dolphins, seals, and penguins).&nbsp;

Classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Milford Sound is a magical place in the heart of fjordland.

Milford Sound Vacations

Milford Sound: How to get there?

Milford Sound: See when to go ?

Milford Sound: For how long?

Milford Sound: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations