http://www.nzyourway.comCreate your own customized itinerary for travelling in New Zealand your way and free of travel agent fees.en-usThu, 23 May 2013 21:03:15 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/images/nzyourway.jpghttp://www.nzyourway.comhttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=AucklandWelcome to Auckland, the City of the Sails, and the largest urban city of New-Zealand. Over 1 million inhabitants (about one third of the total New Zealand population) live in the greater Auckland area. Surrounded by subtropical islands, the quality of life in Auckland remains incomparable. The city is very spread-out and the cultural heritage is very rich. Not to mention the Auckland harbour, famous for hosting the America's Cup in 1999 and 2003. Given that Auckland is a likely point of arrival for overseas tourists, the city offers a wide range of events and activities to get a taste of New Zealand culture. Activities include sailing, fishing, golf, theatre, music and nightlife.Fri, 4 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=Bay_of_PlentyWith its mild and sunny climate, you will enjoy the popular beaches of New Zealand in the Bay of Plenty. This coastal strip of New Zealand enjoys a temperate climate where unspoilt rainforests and sub-tropical farmlands thrive. Tauranga, the main city, boasts the biggest harbour in the country for exportation. Mount Manganui beaches are well-known for surfing, and the region as a whole is popular for a wide range of outdoor adventure sports.Mon, 4 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=CanterburyCanterbury is a large plain stretching from the Southern Alps in the west, right up to the coast on the east. It is therefore well known for both its plains and its mountains. Major towns in Canterbury include Timaru, Methven and Kaikoura. Methven is a well known ski town in close proximity to the Mt Hutt ski area. Both Mt Hutt and Porter Heights ski areas are accessible within a day trip from Christchurch. Kaikoura, on the east coast, is one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen all year round.Mon, 4 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=ChristchurchChristchurch is the biggest city of the South Island, and the second largest city in New Zealand. The town remains famous for its cathedral, beautiful gardens and parks, museums, restaurants and night life. Cultural and adventure activities in and around Christchurch are numerous. Christchurch offers a unique blend of historical charm and vibrant city life. The international airport in Christchurch makes it a great entry point or base to explore the rest of the Canterbury region and South Island. Following the earthquake of 22 February 2011, our thoughts are with the people of Christchurch, Canterbury and New Zealand and we believe in the continuity of New Zealand to offer its inhabitants and tourists a palette of natural, multiple, varied and unique resources.Thu, 4 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=CoromandelThe Coromandel Peninsula is well known for its beautiful beaches and tropical forests. This is a piece of paradise where you can fish, dive, relax, swim, and hike to your heart's content. Just 2 hours drive or 30 minutes scenic flight from Auckland, this is the destination for holidays of many Aucklanders. Its secluded nature gives you a sense of New Zealand's untouched beauty as it was meant to be.Sat, 4 May 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=Hawkes_BayHawkes Bay is known in New Zealand and abroad for its award winning wines and vineyards. Napier, one of its main towns, has been rebuilt in a Art Deco architecture after the famous earthquake of 1930. The sub-tropical mediterranean type climate of the Hawkes Bay makes it ideal for a range of outdoor activities or just for enjoying the beautiful beaches of the region. The region is home to quality primary produces, orchard and olive groves, vineyards, and sea foods. The Hawkes Bay also boasts the world's largest mainland gannet colony.Tue, 4 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=MarlboroughThe Marlborough and Nelson region, at the top of the South Island, has a diverse palette of natural resources, offering a popular destination for tourists. The Marlborough Sounds is really paradise: fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking and relaxation are all on the menu. Do not forget to book your accommodation in advance (especially in January and February). The mild climate of the Nelson region is ideal for the production of fine wine. Arts and crafts, fine dining, outdoor activities, and beautiful beaches are all features of this region.Thu, 4 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=Mt_RuapehuMt Ruapehu, a constantly active volcano, is the highest mountain of the North Island and the destination of many skiers and snowboarders. Turoa and Whakapapa ski fields, both on each side of the mountain, have recently joined into one ski resort. Locals will tell you more about the eruption in 1995. The region itself includes the Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu mountains. During the warmer months of summer, hiking, kayaking, canoeing and jet boating through the breathtaking scenery is all possible.Sun, 4 Aug 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=NorthlandNorth of Auckland, you will find the Northland area (between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean). With its sub-tropical climate, this is a very pleasant place to be all year around - winter is very mild. Northland is famous for its beautiful long white beaches and native Kauri forests. Activities in the region include diving, hiking, golf, and a lot more. The region is also well known for its food and wine trails encompassing the country's northern most vineyards at Kaitaia. Other wineries offer coastal views and cafés which cleverly combine Mediterranean ambience with a distinctive New Zealand flavour.Wed, 4 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=OtagoThe history of the Otago Region is very rich and interesting. Its well-known for disputes between the different Maori tribes, the European Settlement and the gold mines. Dunedin, the main city of the region is well-known for its university and classical 19th century architecture. Due to its roots, you will feel a Scottish way of life there straight away. Otago offers some of the country's best fishing to its top vineyards, the thrill of mountain biking through remote tussock to the leisurely pleasure of a stroll through wild mountain flowers. Arts, crafts, fine regional food. Jet boating, gold panning, and ice skating outdoors are all on the menu.Fri, 4 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=QueenstownQueenstown is a very touristic town all year round - summer through winter. This is the destination for South and North Island skiers and snowboarders alike. This is the number 1 international destination for adventure sports and activities. Jump from a plane, throw yourself from a bridge, or just chill out by the lake - the options are boundless. Queenstown is a 45-minute flight or roughly 6-hour drive from Christchurch. Nearby areas of interest include Milford Sound within Fiordland, Wanaka, Cromwell, Glenorchy, and Arrowtown - all part of the extraordinary Southern Lakes region. The Waitaki Valley and Mount Cook each are about three hours' drive from Queenstown.Mon, 4 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=RotoruaRotorua (and surrounding region) is one of the most popular tourist towns in the North Island, well known for its geothermal activity, its lakes and numerous attractions and adrenaline pumping adventure activities. The sulphur smell will surprise you! Rotorua is also the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture, and visitors can enjoy a performance of song and dance, followed by food cooked in a traditional hangi (cooked in an earthen oven). The region is one of the country's prime trout fishing spots. Rotorua has something for everyone, from family groups, to the independent traveler, from budget travelers to those seeking luxury accommodation.Wed, 4 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=SouthlandThe Southland scenery is one of the richest of the country and much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in this region. Go down, from Queenstown through the famous fiords of the area, to Invercargill. You will be impressed by the wildlife and the landscape. From there you can travel to Stewart Island or the Chatham's Archipel. Explore Southland's key attractions such as New Zealand's new National Park, the Catlins, and the Southern Scenic Route, New Zealand's most diverse touring route. Invercargill is Southland's capital and has a wide range of facilities and activities.Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=TaranakiThe Taranaki region is mid way between Auckland and Wellington, facing the Tasman Sea on the West coast. This is ideal for outdoors sports and surfing. Skiing is also possible on Mount Egmont/Taranaki known as either Mount Egmont or Mount Taranaki located in Egmont National Park. Other activities include rafting, kayaking, golf, hiking, and swimming. Taranaki offers an alpine and national park wonderland, rolling green fields, a beautiful coast and enough Maori and colonial history to fill a library. Enjoy the great outdoors with mountain to sea experiences and everything in between. Sun, 14 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=TaupoLocated at the heart of New Zealand's North Island, the Lake Taupo district is an area of considerable beauty and diversity, offering a wide range of activities, adventures and scenic opportunities. Taupo remains a trout fishermen's paradise. The lake is superb with much geothermal activity in the surrounding region. The area's lakes and rivers are very popular for a variety of both winter and summer water sports, including sailing, water skiing and jet boating, with its neighbouring countryside providing the perfect environment for a number of land sports, including mountain biking and hiking.Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=WaikatoThe area remains the richest area of the country for dairy products and agriculture. Hamilton, an hour and a half south of Auckland by car is the main city of the Waikato region. While the Waikato region is renowned for its farming strength, it also offers some spectacular tourism attractions. Visitors to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves never fail to be amazed by the splendor and beauty of the limestone formations. Further activities include wildlife tours, gardens, museums, river activities, thermal hot springs, and farm tours.Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=WairarapaLocated in the south east of the North Island, Wairarapa is just an hour away from the vibrant capital city, Wellington. You can make an easy day trip from the capital to see working farms, country gardens, and wild coastline complete with seal colonies. Or stay overnight in one the region's many farm stays, bed and breakfasts, country cottages or exclusive lodges. Wairarapa is the perfect rural retreat in the very heart of New Zealand. The Wairarapa is well known in New Zealand for its vineyards and its numerous craftshops. The region also hosts a growing number of activities including hot air ballooning, fishing, diving, hunting, mountain biking and surfing.Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=WellingtonSituated on the edge of a spectacular harbour, encircled by green, towering hills, Wellington is a stunning and compact city. Vibrant, exciting and cultured, New Zealand's capital combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the charm of a village. With over 50 museums and galleries, three professional theatres and headquarters for the Royal New Zealand Ballet and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Wellington can truly lay claim to the title Arts and Cultural Capital. The greater Wellington region spreads from the bottom of the North Island up the west coast. Wellington is also named the windy city, so avoid the umbrella and wear a hat on a wet day!Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.nzyourway.com/region.asp?region=West_CoastStretching 600 kilometres along the western edge of the South Island, the West Coast is a rugged, primeval region of contrasting features - high snow-capped mountains, towering rainforests, lowland river valleys, dramatic coastlines, bizarre limestone landscapes, grinding glaciers, surging rivers and brooding lakes. The scenery is just amazing and some of the most spectacular in New Zealand. Life is relaxed on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, and it's the perfect place to unwind and explore a special place of beauty and history. There are a lot of scenic attractions and adventures in this unique region.Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT