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This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts. ]]> http://www.travelarticlesdirectory.co.uk/the-franz-joseph-glacier/feed/ 0 http://www.travelarticlesdirectory.co.uk/places-to-watch-the-sun-set-whilst-in-new-zealand-walking/ http://www.travelarticlesdirectory.co.uk/places-to-watch-the-sun-set-whilst-in-new-zealand-walking/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:15:54 +0000 TAD http://www.travelarticlesdirectory.co.uk/?p=3193

A Stroll in the Park

Christchurch is well-appointed to earn its name as the Garden City and has some beautifully manicured gardens which are easily accessed from the city centre. Hagley Park is a massive 165 hectare space which contains sports pitches, cycle and running tracks, a wetland park and lots of mature wooded areas. Hagley Park is the true heart of Christchurch and one of the best kept municipal gardens in New Zealand. Walking along the many tracks which criss-cross the park would make for a wonderful lazy afternoon; and if you’re lucky enough to visit Christchurch during one of the two floral festivals each year, you will be able to view the park in all its blaze of colourful glory.

World-class Wine

A city of many guises, Christchurch is also the wine capital of New Zealand. Walking amongst some of the wineries of the region you could be forgiven for thinking you have stumbled into France. In fact Christchurch is ranked alongside Bordeaux and the Napa Valley as one of the world’s top wine producing regions. Within a short driving radius of Christchurch there are many wineries you can visit on a day trip, where you will be able to sample acclaimed varieties of wine that are now famous on the world stage.

Adrenaline Anyone?

Christchurch is also the place to come if you want to experience the wilder side of New Zealand. Walking through lovely city gardens and tripping off wine-tasting is just not enough for some adrenaline-junkies and they may want to try something a little more energetic. If this is you, the choice in Christchurch is easy: skydiving, hot air ballooning and paragliding are all activities that can show you a very different view of the city.

A Cultural Attraction

If jumping out of a plane is not exactly your idea of fun, then for a quieter pursuit in Christchurch head to one of the city’s art galleries or museums. The Christchurch Art Gallery houses the largest collection in the South Island and the Canterbury Museum is home to the fascinating Hall of Antarctic Discovery.

Back to Nature

But of course, this is New Zealand and so, quite apart from the cultural and historical attractions, Christchurch is also renowned for its dedication to conserving and maintaining its unique animal populations. Head to the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve to view its kiwi breeding program as well as seeing a host of other native bird life of New Zealand. Walking around the park is a delightful way to spend a day, surrounded by the melodic calls of the feathered population.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts.

Rotorua is not exactly sleepy, but in terms of cities it is pretty laid back. In keeping with New Zealand’s friendly and welcoming culture, Rotorua is easy to navigate but still offers a huge range of activities for visitors of all ages and abilities. In New Zealand, walking trails criss-cross virtually every part of the country and Rotorua is no different, with many forest trails emanating from close to the city centre. But, aside from the wonderful lakes, walking, biking and fishing, most people come to Rotorua for the apparent healing properties it offers, or simply the curiosity value, of the thermal mud pools.

There are many places around the city to see instances of the thermal pools and indeed, their existence is ever-present in the sulphurous odour that cloaks the city. The smell is slightly unpleasant at first, but within a few hours of arriving in what is teasingly known as the smelliest city in New Zealand, walking around the thermal pools will keep you so fascinated, you will not smell a thing!

Relics from Rotorua’s volcanic origins, the thermal pools and geysers originated from the beautiful Lake Rotorua, and the lake’s tranquil guise belies a violent and dramatic past. Everywhere, in this part of New Zealand, walking even in the city’s parks and gardens, you will see random tell-tale plumes of steam rising from open pools and sulphur vents. There is no danger from these pools but do beware – they are hot!

A visit to the Whakarewarewa village on the outskirts of Rotorua will bring you to one of the most fascinating places in New Zealand. Walking through the village, which subsists entirely by harnessing the power of the incredible thermal activity, is one of the most fascinating examples of Nature’s power, you will ever see. The village, whilst a burgeoning tourist attraction is a living and working village and the traditional Maori residents live a communal existence in harmony with the majestic force which sustains them.

For a slightly more indulgent way to enjoy the thermal pools, you can head to one of Rotorua’s many indoor mineral pools or spas. Spend a day luxuriating in the waters which are reputed to have some amazing health benefits and have, in fact, been used for many years by medical practitioners to assist in some alternative therapies. The Rotorua Bath house, although now a museum, is a fascinating place to visit. In years gone by, the Bath House administered over seventy thousand baths a year and thirty thousand special therapies including, scarily, electric therapy! There’s none of that these days however, and the only shock you will get in any of Rotorua’s thermal spas or baths is how hard it will be to climb out, dry off and get back to reality.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators – the smartest SEO agency in London, and the proud host of a series of Internet Marketing training seminars and Social Media breakfasts. 

What’s there to see?

New Zealand is often described in terms of its two main islands. Many areas of the North Island have a distinctive ‘Pacific Island’ feel with beautiful beaches, luscious flora and a volcanic appearance to much of the countryside. It is home to the bulk of New Zealand’s population and is proud of its multi-cultural status, and has a strong Maori legacy and presence. Auckland and Wellington are two major cities well worth exploring, as is Napier. Rotorua is world-famous for its geysers, hot steam vents and bubbling mud pools. The Bay of Islands contains marvellous opportunities for exploring the multitude of islets and sandy coves. Not to be missed also is the Tongariro National Park which contains stunning scenery.

The South Island is different! Much more sparsely populated, the island contains a vast range of natural spectacles including mountains, glaciers and fjords. It is home to the Southern Alps and some of the world’s most breathtaking views of mountains, lakes and coastlines. The largest town is Christchurch and other major attractions include Mount Cook with its alpine scenery; Te Anau with its fjords; Queenstown with its scenery and adventure leisure opportunities; and the Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers. It’s also an ideal opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife; including exotic birds such as the Albatross; and around the coastal areas, whales, dolphins and seals.

Both the North and South Islands received rave reviews for their stunning scenery when it was seen around the globe as the backdrop to the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. All these attractions are just a tiny sample of what a New Zealand walking holiday may be able to help you explore.

Why take a New Zealand walking holiday?

New Zealand is a beautiful country that has worked hard to keep its natural grandeur intact.
There are vast areas of nature that are relatively undeveloped and unspoilt by large-scale human encroachment. In some cases the only way to reach these magnificent sights is on foot. In other instances, you’ll be more likely to appreciate the locations ‘in context’ if you’ve walked to them. New Zealand walking holidays in general are also becoming more popular for environmental reasons; and if you need yet more convincing, they may also be better for your general health!

How does the holiday work?

A New Zealand walking holiday is fully guided by a tour leader that is an expert in the route and the attractions as well as the local history and culture. They are constructed for those with only a moderate degree of fitness and walking ability. It is a carefully and expertly crafted holiday experience and not a forced route march – so no need to worry if you don’t come into the ’superfit’ category! Each guided walk is carefully planned to ensure that it is not overly demanding and that it concludes each day with the opportunity to relax and unwind in excellent accommodation. You can sample the excellent local cuisines while you reflect upon the sights you’ve seen during the day.

The holidays offer a variety of choices. So you may wish to be based in a single centre or to vary between different locations. You can decide to explore only one of the major islands or spend time or both. That is one of the major attractions of a New Zealand walking holiday – you can select an option that suits your interests and then with the help of your tour guide, follow it. It really can be a different and more satisfying sort of holiday.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Thank you for visiting Travel Articles Directory. Feel free to use any of our travel writing articles for your own website, on the condition that you also take the link we have included in the text. Check back for more travel writing soon; we’re uploading more original travel articles all the time!

This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest SEO agency in London. 

To complete the entire trail from Glade Wharf to Milford Sound is a four-day trek, but the walking is considered ‘easy’ so can be completed comfortably by any reasonably fit person. The trail can only be taken in one direction and the numbers of walkers is strictly limited in order to protect the delicate and diverse eco-systems which make up this region of New Zealand. Walking over the four days will take you through lush, cloistering beech forests; past crystal clear waterfalls; skirt eerie, other-worldly swamplands; and into granite walled gorges, the sheer faces of which soar up to impressive peaks.

The walk is basically divided into four stages, each of which should be covered in around six hours. Your introduction to the Milford Track will be a launch trip across Lake Te Anau and you will begin your walk from Glade Wharf. Setting off along a gentle meandering trail you cross the Clinton River and continue through the majestic beech forests. For the keen fishermen, the river offers ideal opportunities for trout fishing, a popular pastime made all the more enjoyable by the serene surrounds of New Zealand. Walking alongside the banks of the Clinton River affords spectacular and ever-changing vistas of the region’s peaks and glaciers and your first glimpse of Mackinnon Pass in the distance.

When, after an invigorating few hours walking through the forest, you arrive at Prairie Lakes, it is an almost startling contrast in the landscape, and you may be tempted into the glassy waters for a quick swim. The next leg of the Milford Track, upon re-entering the forest, wends its way across swing bridges and through low scrub before slowly beginning a gradual ascent to Lake Mintaro. From here you will begin your trek up, through, and out of Mackinnon Pass; your reward for your efforts being some of the most magnificent views in New Zealand. Walking beyond the Pass takes you once again into dense forests before encountering the spectacular natural phenomenon of time-worn Bell Rock – not to be missed.

As you reach the designated end of the Milford Track at Sandfly Point, the official sign is draped with abandoned walking boots – a symbolic sight, signifying a challenge set and met by the dedicated walkers.

 

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. While in New Zealand walking with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can see the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

This free article is one of many on the Free Travel Articles Directory. Copy as many of our free articles as you please; we only ask you include the hyperlinks. We regularly update with fresh travel articles. Please check back for more.

This article was provided by LeadGenerators, the smartest SEO agency in London.

Rotura

Rotura is a beautiful area for walking holidays in New Zealand, near the city of Auckland. The area is known as a water wonderland, with 17 lakes providing endless hours of entertainment, from water-skiing to swimming to fishing. The lakes are also the hosts of international events, such as the water-skiing championships which were held there in 2007.

The area is home to an abundance of thermal rock pools too, where geysers bubble and mud-pools churn. Fascinating to walk through, the area is accompanied by an unfortunate smell of sulphur, resembling rotten eggs. This smell is particularly noticeable in the southern regions of the Government Gardens, so you may not wish to spend too much time there. However, the mud-pools further north are ideal spots for soaking weary feet when you’re walking in New Zealand.

Historically, this area is phenomenal, and it adds a fascinating element to walking holidays in New Zealand. In 1886, Mount Tarawera erupted, burying the village of Te Wairoa. Today, it is known as the Buried Village, and has become a well known tourist attraction.

Milford Sound

Some claim that Milford Sound is the most spectacular destination in the world, and perhaps they are right. The fjord in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is a breathtaking scene, and one could quite confidently say that it is the best place in New Zealand for walking. As a testament to this are the massive 550,000 people who flock to the area each year, to experience its majestic beauty for themselves. One of the bays even has an underwater viewing tank, where black coral, which is extremely rare in shallow waters, can be seen.

This incredible fjord stretches for 15km, running all the way from the Tasman Sea. In the glistening waters you will find penguins, seals and dolphins popping their heads above the surface every now and then, and whales swimming below. On either side of the fjord, tall cliffs rise up into the sky, reaching a massive height of about 1,200m on either side. Some famous peaks you can spot along the fjord are The Elephant, which is the tallest, and Lion Mountain, which portrays the figure of a lion.

Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

Two of the most fascinating sights to see when on walking tours of New Zealand are the Fox and the Franz Josef Glaciers. These glaciers are exceptionally beautiful, and attract thousands of tourists to the area each year. The Franz Josef is situated in the Westland National Park, spanning along 23km of the South Island’s west coast. Lying 20km to its south is the Fox Glacier, which descends from the Southern Alps to just under 300m above sea level. Surrounding the glacier and making the setting so spectacular, you will see lush greenery and thick bushes, and the entire area has been declared a World Heritage Site.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 holidays in more than 70 different countries. On a holiday walking holidays in New Zealand with Ramblers, you can walk the most scenic landscapes at the best value prices.

Matamata (Hobbiton)

Undulating hills of endless green; gentle sloping pastures and labyrinthine underground caves; we can only be in one place – Hobbiton.  In reality, Matamata on the North Island is just as much a fantasyland as the one it was chosen to portray. Squint and you can almost see JRR Tolkien’s gentle souls of the hills going about their business, and though it has now gained notoriety through the film, Matamata has still retained a charming air of days gone by. New Zealand walking tours of this region will not only take you on a picturesque journey of the visible landscape, but you can also visit the fantastic subterranean caves at nearby Waitomo. As you glide through the network of waterways in these ancient caves, the stalagmites and stalactites formed over millions of years are illuminated by the glimmer of thousands of glow worms overhead.

Mt Ruapehu (Mt Doom)

The centrepiece of Middle Earth – Mt Doom – masquerades under the guise of its alter ego, Mt Ruapehu in the central North Island. An active volcano, Mt Ruapeho sits in the cradle of the Tongariro National Park. Although its last eruption was in 1995, it bubbles and seethes just under the surface, and often a plume of smoke can be seen wisping from the top in a warning to its unpredictability. In a wonderful natural anomaly, the outside of the volcano is scarred with glaciers which can be seen creeping slowly down its outer slopes. The famous Tongariro Crossing is one of New Zealand’s walking highlights, and in fact is reputed as being one of the best walks in the world. In one day you will hike across an incredibly diverse landscape: over ancient volcanic terrain; past dramatic craggy rock faces; and through lush pastoral land. For a truly unique experience, you can navigate the length of the magnificent Whanganui River which winds its way from its origins in the volcanic plateau, through cloistered cliffs and along a path of almost unimaginable beauty out to the Tasman Sea.

Queenstown (Eregion Hills, the Pillars of Argonath)

Against the imposing backdrop of the Remarkables, Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island is the setting used to depict a number of locations in the Lord of the Rings movies. The fairytale landscape lends itself perfectly to wearing the cloak of the imaginary ancient Lothlorien forest, with its verdant valleys and mottled autumnal foliage. The city of Queenstown itself is a buzzing hub, renowned as a Mecca for extreme sports enthusiasts. Heli-skiing, snowboarding, jet-boating and bungy-jumping are the favoured pursuits and New Zealand walking holidays are also a major draw to this area. The world-famous Milford track is within easy reach, as are the Fiordlands – the largest national park in New Zealand. The terrain of the Fiordlands is challenging with raw and rugged wilderness, dense rainforest and one of the wettest climates in the world – but the rewards are exceptional.

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. On New Zealand walking holidays with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

New Zealand Walking Holidays – North Versus South

If you are looking for a place that offers some of the most diverse and exciting countryside in the world, you need look no further than New Zealand. From high mountains to icy glaciers, lush forests to breathtaking fjords, a New Zealand walking holiday will give you plenty of great landscapes to enjoy. The countryside was spectacularly showcased in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, where it provided many of the locations for the films, and it is now taking its place as one of the world’s most beautiful places to go walking.

Of course, New Zealand is actually two islands, the North and South, and each one has its own unique attractions. Here are a few of the possible destinations you’ll want to consider on each of the islands…

Walking on the North Island

The North Island is also home to the major cities of New Zealand including Auckland, Napier, Hamilton and the capital Wellington. So if you want to combine your time in the countryside with a break in the city on a New Zealand walking holiday, the North Island is the place to be.

While the attractions of the South Island are perhaps more famous, the North Island still has plenty of natural beauty to offer its visitors. The most famous landscape on the North Island is Rotorua. The city of Rotorua itself is one of the oldest Maori settlements, and it is built on a highly geothermally active area – the city itself is built into an enormous volcanic caldera. The surrounding area is filled with geysers, mud pools, thermal springs, and spectacular lakes that are a joy to explore on foot.

The other major attraction of the North Island is Tongariro National Park. New Zealand’s oldest national park (established in 1887) is significant, both for its striking landscapes and for its spiritual significance to the Maori people. The park is placed in the very centre of the North Island, and its mountains, volcanos, lava fields, scrublands and forests can all be explored on a variety of walking routes.

Walking on the South Island

The South Island is a paradise for those who love the great outdoors. Not only is it larger than the North Island, it also has only a quarter of New Zealand’s population, making for large stretches of deserted landscape for you to get away from the crowds.

It is also home to perhaps the most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand. The colossal Fox Glacier is located on the west coast. Not only is it a stunning sight in its own right, this ice sheet has carved out some great walking country in the surrounding area. In particular, don’t miss out on Lake Matheson, a crystal clear lake ringed by rainforest where New Zealand’s two highest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Anan, are perfectly reflected in the water.

Elsewhere on the island, the hills of the Queenstown area will be instantly familiar to many – they were used for many of the outdoor locations in ‘The Lord of the Rings’. It’s a suitably epic landscape, providing excellent opportunities for hikers and a wide range of other adventure sports (such as skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding).

Finally, the Fjordland World Heritage Site provides some of the finest walking in New Zealand. If you base yourself in the pleasant town of Te Anau, all of the attractions in the region are within easy reach. These include the vertical cliffs and waterfalls of the Milford Sound, the serene beauty of the Doubtful Sound, the dramatic spectacle of Mitre Peak, and the stunning Lake Manapouri.

North or South – whichever island you choose to visit on a New Zealand walking holiday, you’ll be treated to spectacular landscapes and great walking routes. And if you’ve got the time, make sure you visit them both…

Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, Ramblers Worldwide Holidays now offer over 250 holidays in more than 90 different countries. On a New Zealand walking holiday with Ramblers you can walk the Canary Islands most scenic landscapes at the best value prices.