New Zealand

New Zealand


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New Zealand, comprised primarily of North and South Island, was the last land mass settled by humans. However, don’t wait that long to visit this magical land. There are very few places in the world as unique as New Zealand. To best explore New Zealand, the discussion must begin with how you view your travel. Do you go on vacation to relax or do you crave adrenalized adventure? Lucky for you, New Zealand has both. But remember: Go Zorbing before you go wine tasting!


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Much like its Polynesian cousin, Hawaii, the currency of New Zealand is a smile – embodied in their welcoming phrase “Kia Ora” (Maori for “hello/be well”). Memorize it — you’ll be glad you did because Kiwis are among the most friendly people you will ever have the pleasure of meeting, and they take great pride in their hospitality. Manners and respect mean a lot here so if you’re an entitled traveler accustomed to diva-like behavior, laid back, fun loving New Zealand is not for you.



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If you are an easy-going, chill, “slow and go” personality, there is an abundance of cultural experiences unlike any other place on earth. First and foremost is delving into the miracle that is the Maori culture. And there is simply no place better to do this than visiting Rotorua on theNorth Island (about 3 hours south of Auckland). The Tamaki Maori Village is a fantastic glimpse into the Maori world and offers visitors a greater understanding of its incredible history, as well as a traditional hangi feast, similar to a luau where food is cooked in an underground pit-oven stuffed with chicken, fish and kumara (sweet potato).


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 With a stomach happy from your first hangi, head to the lunar surrealism of the Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland where safe, clean trails will allow you to tour volcanic landscapes, bubbling mud pools and the spectacular Lady Knox Geyser. There are not many places on earth where one feels like they landed on another planet – so do not miss this fantastic opportunity. This other-worldly experience also includes the Glow Worm Caves at Waitomo that has walking and boat tours through the bioluminescent-filled caves or relax your car-weary body in the free Hot Springs at Kerosene Creek.



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Driving in New Zealand is on the left side and takes a little getting used to at first, but this is one of the best ways to explore the country’s beauty. The drive to Rotorua is easy but take your time on the way and explore the stunning scenery of the Coromandel from it’s breath-taking coastlines to the verdant farmlands and hills. After you go for an amazing bike ride along the Harukai Rail Trail, soak in the hot pools at Hot Water Beach.  Hungry – then try the Coromandel Food Trail and all its regional eateries – however, under no circumstances leave New Zealand without trying the world’s best lamb at award-winning eateries like Miha Restaurant or Salt. 


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If wine tasting is your raison d’etre, New Zealand will not disappoint. New Zealand boasts some of the finest vines in the world, particularly its sauvignon blancs. Head to thebreath-taking beauty of the Marlborough region at the northern tip of South Island where which 75% of all Kiwi wines are grown. Among the many notable wineries to go tasting are Fromm (pinot noir) Giesen (reisling) and St Clair, a family-owned boutique (pinot gris). When it comes to food, many of the best choices are located at wineries like Jack’s Raw Bar at Cloudy Bay Winery or Brancott Estate & Cellar Door Restaurant known for being the region’s very first producer of sauvignon blanc.




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You’re feeling giddy and emboldened from all the fantastic Kiwi wine and decide to “go big or go home”. For such a small country, action sports are incredibly BIG here. To ease into things, take in a rugby match with New Zealand’s pride and joy the All-Blacks. If that doesn’t exhaust you just watching, get your heart pumping with a ride down the Rere Rock Slide, a 60 meter natural stone adrenaline run. Feeling more extreme? Incredible surfing awaits at the world famous Raglan beach, and just a short trip away to South Island is amazing skiing and snowboarding at Craigieburn (expert), Cardona (beginner) and Treble Cone (best all-around). And if that doesn’t max out your adrenal glands, Queenstown has a panoply of extreme pursuits like bungee jumping, jet-boating and white water rafting.


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New Zealand feels a world away because it is another world – unique, pristine, impossibly beautiful and accessorized with among the most welcoming people a traveler could encounter. The country has it all and is one of the world leaders when it comes to the environment and sustainability. That said, one word of very recent caution: Upon entering New Zealand, be prepared to give your phone and laptop passwords to Customs agents who are now empowered to check your devices should they wish. For such a friendly country, this new legislation has raised some international eyebrows. Kia Ora?a.  Book your vacation with ENTERTAINER getaways on your ENTERTAINER app! You’ll get to enjoy your vacation with up to 60% off your hotel stay!  Simply click on the ‘Travel’ tab of your ENTERTAINER app to view our hotel offers! 


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