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

Wanaka is a small and pleasant town located on the shores of Lake Wanaka.  It is less bustling than Queenstown but, despite its more peaceful nature, there's plenty to do for anyone who might be worried about getting bored!

Wanaka

Samoa

Fiji

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

In comparison to the bustle of Queenstown, Wanaka feels like a ghost town! You quickly notice the town's calm, and the peace and quiet is part of its charm. You can easily leave your car downtown, and take a walk along the lake before stopping for a drink or a meal in one of the many restaurants with lakeside views. Boat trips are also on offer, and I have a weakness for jet boats and their intoxicating speed! Nonetheless, this is the kind of territory that is best explored on foot, by taking a breathtakingly beautiful hike. If you only have a few hours to spend in Wanaka, I recommend that you take a walk up to the summit of Mount Roy, and enjoy the panoramic lake views. If you have more time, head instead toward Mount Aspiring National Park for a hike, with the longest and best known being the Routeburn Track, which takes two to four days.

Wanaka Vacations

Wanaka: How to get there?

Wanaka: See when to go ?

Wanaka: For how long?

Wanaka: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations