New Zealand is THE place to visit. Firmly placed on the world map as the home of Tolkien's Middle Earth from The Lord of the Rings, New Zealand's popularity as a travel destination continues to grow. New Zealand enjoys an international reputation for being safe and friendly. It is a land of stark contrasts: from sophisticated, cosmopolitan cities to untouched, spectacular wilderness areas. New Zealand truly offers something for all ages and all interests.
The best of the world's visitor attractions in one compact package
New Zealand is a microcosm of many of the world's best and most diverse attractions: rugged landscapes, white beaches, curious geothermal and volcanic activity, lush green pastures, pristine wilderness, crystal blue lakes, awesome glaciers, and fantastic fiords. And the best thing is all these awe-inspiring attractions are easily accessible on sealed roads within reasonably short driving distances!
Voted the world's top travel destination
New Zealand has been voted the best country in the world at the Condé Nast Traveller Awards 2005. Thirty thousand readers voted for their favourite holiday destination giving New Zealand top marks for scenery, environmental friendliness and safety. New Zealand was previously awarded top travel destination by Lonely Planet in 2003 and 2004. Lonely Planet said New Zealand won the top spot in 2004 due to a "perfect storm of spectacular pristine scenery, hospitable citizenry, compelling culture, perceived geopolitical safety and free global big screen advertising, courtesy of Lord of the Rings." As a result, many of our students easily find tourism internships and hotel jobs in New Zealand.
Fast facts about New Zealand
• New Zealand's population recently reached 4 million people
• About 80% of the population live in cities
• The country was named "Aotearoa - Land of the Long White Cloud" by one of its first Maori settlers, the great explorer Kupe
• Its official languages are English and Maori
• European New Zealanders are known as 'Pakeha'
• New Zealand is a liberal democracy and an independent member of the Commonwealth of Nations
• It is similar in size to Britain, Japan or Colorado
• New Zealand's highest point is Aoraki-Mount Cook at 3,754 metres or about 12,300 feet
• Wellington is New Zealand's capital city and the southernmost national capital in the world
• The official currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
• The Maori named the nocturnal, flightless kiwi bird for the sound of its chirp - kiwi, kiwi, kiwi!
All about New Zealand
There is an abundance of high-quality websites showcasing New Zealand's attractions and lifestyle. Here are two comprehensive ones:
Tourism New Zealand New Zealand Tourism Online
Travelling to New Zealand
New Zealand's national carrier is Air New Zealand. We recommend you visit your local travel agent or your preferred air travel website to research the best fares for travelling to New Zealand.
