My travel piece on New Zealand

Celebrating the magnifince of nature

Afsana Ahmed

There are many beautiful places in the world and there are places that just inspires awe. New Zealand in almost everyway, is that place since everything about it is all about superlatives. Everywhere you turn is postcard perfect. Vast lakes with blue and green water, scenic landscape , rugged mountains and mind blowing adventurous activities, this country really has something to draw everyone in no matter what or where your interests lies. So if you travel to New Zealand make sure you pack your camera and a lots of memory cards to capture your adventures!

Althoughh the country enamours you with it’s external beauty, I particularly loved two things about New Zealand: food and it’s attitude to life.  The country is a great place to unwind with several dining spaces for all day eating. And the style of cooking using the best local produce caught on the doorstep or searched from the farms lends an authentic flavor to the food.

 But importantly they work towards living a good and healthy life. Physical activities, outdoor adventurous, healthy food and a relatively stress-free space is what they always seek out. Which goes to explain why they celebrate old age! Understanding and admiring sundown years has been a long tradition in this country. Right from the driver to the porter, the city guide to the bike riders or the guitarist at the night club singing to an audience of chic and trendy senior citizen, New Zealand simply love their old people in different roles.

While  I can’t wait to go back , let me take you through some of my favorite places and activities. And yes, the country’s variety food with a neighbourhood feel, great service and delicious food.

There is nothing more exciting than discovering the beautiful Auckland on a roaring Harley Davidson ride. Ans if the Harley owner is an attractive story teller discussing speed and giving tips as `the most happy people in life are those who take road trips on motorbikes’ the joys just double up. Next was our visit to the beautiful Waihiki island, a 35 minute ferry ride from Auckland. The  vine-covered hills, wineries, the wine and the lunch at Mudbrick, the best boutique winery was perfect for a relaxing getaway.

Ruakuri Cave is New Zealand's longest guided underground walking tour to show limestone formations and crystal tapestries. Soon after was another guided tour at the Waitomo caves, that make themselves  home to thousands of bright bottomed glow-worms. You will find yourself up close with the sprakling and unique ceatures.

Next stop was even more exciting for the simple reason that it an out of the reel experience. Hobbiton Movie Set, completely rebuilt for The Hobbit Trilogy and is now a permanent tourist attraction, is the only permanent movie set in the world. This picturesque home of hobbits in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies….. 

In Rotorua :

A walk in the Hamilton Gardens, which includes New Zealands only traditional Maori garden was another lovely experience. Visually stunning this 58-hectare canvas is connected by paths that journey through a gallery of gardens including; India, Italy, America,  China, Japan and the newly created Maori Garden- Te Parapara. And then a little away from the nature’s tranquility is the Maori museum. Maori is the original culture of the country and it’s basics are still preserved by the Maorist clan. The evening show, the Hakka (the wonderfully aggressive war dance )was an authentic experience in  every way including the sumptuous Hangi (earth oven) dinner. Recently Prince William who was in New Zealand joked about the Hakka saying his eight-month-old son, George did the haka at night. The world famous Pohutu geyser was another interesting experience.

OGOing was another favorite of mine. It involves tumbling down the hill in a massive inflatable plastic ballon with 40 liters of water.

For those who love nature, like I do, Rainbow Springs is a must do activity. For it allows people to get up close and personal with the country’s wildlife. Walk through the 22-acre park and enjoy the spectacular flora and wildlife, including New Zealand natives and introduced species. There is also the kiwi conservation centre and only open-to-view kiwi hatchery and rearing facility where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of efforts to save New Zealand's native and iconic bird from extinction. Proceeds from all entry fees go towards continuing this facility's conservation work, enabling the team to increase the numbers of kiwi hatched and raised here each year.

An adventure which can be frightening ,uncomfortable and often dangerous, brings its unique rewards if you put in the effort. I’m talking about Skydive in Queenstown. The trip would be incompelete without experiencing this mighty plunge. The personal challenge is immense.  Operating in Queenstown for 20 years, NZONE Tandem Skydiving have taken over 85,000 passengers. And if you’re  one of the reluctant adventurer you must meet Derek Melnick. In just 5 mins he’ll convince you  that to have faith is to have wings.

And once the day is wrapped up, my hotel room situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua with sensational views, becomes my haven.

Another interesting activitiy is the scenic cruise at Milford Sound—the awe-inspiring scenery from the comfort of a spacious vessel in the sky. Keep a look out for massive glaciers, sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and rainforest other than seals basking on the rocks or dolphins.

Skyline Restaurant Enjoy a buffet lunch or dinner at Queenstown's most spectacular location.  The Skyline Restaurant serves up a mouthwatering Taste of New Zealand buffet of legendary proportions every day of the year.  Feast on South Island salmon, seafoods, salads, roast meats and delicious desserts while taking in the best view in town. Tiered seating guarantees stunning views from every table!