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 little thermal town about 1hr 30min from Christchurch and a place where New Zealanders come to enjoy its hot springs. 

Hanmer Springs

Samoa

Fiji

Europe

Central America

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North America

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Asia

Middle East

Whilst traveling through New Zealand, lots of locals told me about the joys of visiting Hanmer Springs and said that whatever I did, I shouldn't miss out on this during my tour of South Island. So I left Christchurch and headed to Kaikoura to spend half a day wallowing in hot, thermal waters. On arriving at Hanmer Springs, the weather wasn't great but at least the springs were warmer than the air. The complex is huge - several pools at different temperatures, a bit of greenery, some water jets and steam baths designed to attack cellulite. It was certainly an enjoyably, relaxing experience. All the same, I'm not sure that it's really worth making a detour for. It was just like being at an elaborate swimming pool complex, nothing more, nothing less. Downtown there are a few restaurants and bars and an agency offering jetboat tours. Apart from that, I can't recall anything else being on offer.

Hanmer Springs Vacations

Hanmer Springs: How to get there?

Hanmer Springs: See when to go ?

Hanmer Springs: For how long?

Hanmer Springs: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations