Queen Elizabeth - December 22, 2023

A vast remote wilderness, with snow capped mountains, glacial lakes and valleys, fiords, islands, waterfalls and dense forest. It contains some of New Zealand's best known tramping tracks, including the Milford, Kepler, Dusky, Routeburn and Hollyford. Fishing, hunting, guided walks, cruises on lakes and fiords, scenic flights, penguins, seals, dolphins and spectacular coastal features await you.

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand / Aotearoa. It is also the cultural, administrative and political center of the country. Two aspects of the city that will immediately strike any visitor are the sprawling harbour and the dramatic, hilly terrain. Everywhere you go, the sounds and smell of the ocean hang in the air, and green hills and valleys wrap you in a bear-hug embrace.

New Plymouth, while primarily known for its agricultural and dairy farms, also offers the visitor a rich history, great walks in both the parks and on the nearby coastline, and a range of neat architecture. The town is full of interesting historic places and you can view these by taking the New Plymouth Heritage Walkway This walkway guides you through 30 historic sites in and around the city.

The Bay of Islands is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites in New Zealand. It combines great fishing, diving, sailing and other watersports with some of New Zealand's most significant historic sites. One of the most popular attractions is the Hole in the Rock, off Cape Brett. You can take a boating trip through the hole in a huge rock outcrop. Also popular are dolphin swimming and diving trips to the sunken Rainbow Warrior wreck.

New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.

New Zealand's largest city is draped over seven volcanoes and wrapped around Waitemata Harbour (meaning "sea of sparkling waters" in Maori). Despite its British feel, it is the world's largest Polynesian city. Shop for Polynesian crafts on Queen Street, the main drag. Or from atop Mt. Eden, overlook the "City of Sails," which will host the America's Cup races in 2000.