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

Located in the heart of New Zealand's sunniest region, Nelson is a pleasant town with a relaxed atmosphere. 

Nelson

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As a seaside town, Nelson is ideal for a lazy wander. I stopped here three times during my <a href="/new-zealand/">stay in New Zealand</a>, and on each occasion, I really appreciated the opportunity to rest and recover. In fact, it is a great place to walk through the various neighborhoods, in particular South Street, an historic district with cottages that date from the late 19 th century. The visit to the Founders' Park provided the opportunity both to stroll through a reconstructed 19 th century neighborhood, including all the shops and public services, and to discover the current works of local craftspeople and artists. If the mood takes you, take a seat on the terrace and enjoy a beer in the brasserie of the same name; I have a slight personal preference for the 1981 brew. Once you've finished walking the streets of the town, head for the Free House, a former church that has been converted to a bar, offering a wide range of exceptional quality national beers. Don't hesitate to ask the server for a sample to try before making a decision about what to order. Accompany your drink with food from the bar, or bring your own food from an outside restaurant. If you just want to relax, you can unwind by basking in the sun on Tahunanui Beach, just outside Nelson.

Located in the heart of New Zealand's sunniest region, Nelson is a pleasant town with a relaxed atmosphere.

Nestled by the sea, surrounded by green hills and in the sunniest part of the country, Nelson has everything you need. I fell in love with this charming town, which is a great place to stay. The center has museums, coffee shops, restaurants and craft shops. But even more appealing, is the area surrounding Nelson, which you should definately explore.  If you enjoy hikingand white, sandy beaches, then go west towards the Abel Tasman National Park. A little corner of paradise and a must-see during a trip to New Zealand. One of my favorite experiences was walking the famous Abel Tasman Coast Track. And afterwards you can head off to the wonderful Golden Bay. To the south of Nelson, the Nelson Lakes National Park is home to mountain ranges that reflect off the clear waters of Lake Rotoiti. There are some great walks to be had. If you prefer a bit of peace and quiet, you'll find that during mid-season it's virtually deserted!

A town where life is good, close to Abel Tasman and Nelson Lakes National Parks. 

Nelson Vacations

Nelson: How to get there?

Nelson: See when to go ?

Nelson: For how long?

Nelson: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations