New Zealand Airfares

What’s striking about New Zealand is the immense amount of fresh, undeveloped space. There are empty roads cutting through vast, open plains and lush valleys. New Zealand is definitely for those who are fans of the Great Outdoors and adventure sports (i.e. hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, surfing, skiing, mountain biking etc.), or those who want a peaceful vacation away from any hustle bustle.

I consider New Zealand the polar opposite of Las Vegas in terms of crowd density, time spent outdoors, serenity and pressure to gamble away your disposable income!

Culturally this country of 4 million is somewhat of a melting pot. Although 80% of the population is of European (mostly migrating over the last 200 years) descent, there are sizable Maori (13%), Pacific Island (5%) and Asian populations. Maori festivals and concerts occur every summer in Rotorua, just don’t sit up front if you’re shy because you might get called up on stage for a “hongi” or nose-to-nose greeting.

Auckland, the economic center of New Zealand, contains such notable attractions as Auckland War Memorial Museum (see Maori ceremonies and dances), National Maritime Museum (view historic artifacts and vessels), Mission Bay (lay out on the beach) and Viaduct Harbour (have lunch in one its taverns). Visit Queen Street and Karangahape Road (for shopping), Temple (cool nightclub at the top of Queen Street) and stay the night at Heritage Auckland on Hobson Street.