New Zealand Vacation Rental Self-Catering Apartments, Condos, and Houses.

New Zealand is a country of rare seismic beauty: glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep, clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. There are also abundant native forests, long, deserted beaches and a variety of fauna, such as the kiwi, endemic to its shores.

Any number of vigorous outdoor activities - tramping (hiking), skiing, rafting and, of course, that perennial favourite, bungy jumping - await the adventurous. You can swim with dolphins, gambol with newborn lambs, whale-watch or fish for fattened trout in pristine streams and rivers.

When To Go
The weather is never so miserable that there's no point in going to New Zealand: there are things to see and do all year round. The warmer months (November to April) are busiest, especially during the school holidays from December 20 to the end of January. Ski resort towns are obviously busier during the winter months. If you're travelling during peak periods (especially the Christmas season) it's best to book ahead, as much accommodation and transport fills up. It's probably more pleasant to visit either before or after this hectic period, when the weather is still warm and there aren't as many other travellers around.

New Zealand is split into two Islands basically, the North and the South and many very small islands in the south-western Pacific Ocean. Almost everyone coming to New Zealand for vacation will be wondering and asking themselves what is there to see in both islands and is it worth touring both. Well below we have provided some information to help you make that decision.

The North Island

There are almost over four million people that live in New Zealand, nearly three million of them live on the North Island and it is here that you would find two of the largest cities; the capital Wellington, and the commercial city, Auckland. The population of Auckland is almost one million alone and is known to have some of the largest international firms in the country. Opportunity for employment is high in this metropolitan area. While Auckland suffers from crime, it is much less compared to other cities of the world.
Auckland is a beautiful city, well known for its stunning sky city, the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere and two large harbours that overlooks some of the most beautiful bays. Waitemata Harbour in the East is dominated by the perfect cone of the offshore volcano Rangitoto, visible from the many sandy beaches on this side of the city.
If you’re looking for a city lifestyle surrounded by beautiful scenery, look no further. The North Island is also a lot warmer compared to the South and this in because of it�s location where the sunshine is more established in the North than the South.
The North Island has some amazing places recommended for those travellers wanting to explore and travel places. Many of the locations are not even that far from the city. Recommended places worth exploring are the Bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and Coromandel all of which are within 4 hours driving time from Auckland city. The scenery along these route are amazing too. Another must see is Cape Reinga which is approximately 3 hours drive by car from Bay of Islands. Cape Reinga is the Northern end point of New Zealand and I would recommend everyone go and see this most stunning point of New Zealand as it sure to blow you away.

The South Island

Wondering where all the snowy mountains are? The South Island is the crown jewel of New Zealand and has the most ecstatic sceneries. Breathe in the fresh air, take in the blue skies, sun and snow, mountains, lakes, bush and birds - once you come to the Southern Lakes region you’ll never want to leave!
In terms of population the South Island is far less than the North Island, but it has much more of the spectacular scenery which makes New Zealand such a great place to live or visit. The main feature of South Island geography is a mountain range called the Southern Alps, which stretch virtually along the entire western side of the island.
South Island is another popular location for tourists who are fans of Lord of the Rings: The return of the king premiere which was filmed in Wellington. The successful triology has boosted New Zealands economy.
With regards to economic activity, the South Island’s main cities are ChristChurch, Dunedin, Nelon, and Invercargill. Both Invercargill and Dunedin are University cities currently in the middle of a small economic boon.
The best of the South Island really depends on what you like to do. Actually you are spoilt for choice. You could spend some days exploring four National Parks including the famous Abel Tasmadn National Park and the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area. Hike the world famous Routeburn Track, cruise & sea kayak overnight on Milford Sound, swim with dolphins and much more..
With regards to activities, there’s simply too much to mention. Bungee jumping, snowboarding, surfing. cave tubing, kayaking, etc. While many of these are also available on the North Island, the scenery around you is simply unmatched.
Of course you could see all of New Zealand and do the lot - adventure.. kayaking, diving, snorkelling, mountain biking, and hiking from the Far North of NZ, all the way to the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown.

Top 10 must see places:

If your planning a trip to New Zealand then we recommend these top 10 places you must visit. All these attractions include fantastic scenery, pristine atmosphere, extraordinary landscapes and fine climate.

1. Fiordland National Park: New Zealand is famous for it’s national parks and there are heaps to explore.

2. Abel Tasman National Park: Another place in New Zealand you must see is the Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand’s smallest National Park.

3. Queenstown: Queenstown is our third choice and has everything. Infact Queenstown is New Zealand’s most popular destination and regarded as New Zealand’s adventure capital.

4. Rotorua: Another top attraction of New Zealand which is famous for its volcanic activity which includes geysers, steaming hot pools, mud pools and lakes. It is the spiritual home to the Maori.

5. Bay of Islands: The Bay of Islands is a “must see” if you are visiting New Zealand. It�s one of the places renowned for having 144 islands, with many superb beaches and secluded bays and an abundance of marine life.

6. Mount Cook: The highest Mountain in New Zealand and a popular tourist destination. Mt Cook National Park located in the Canterbury region is another National Park that you must see.

7. Westland National Park: Located in the South of New Zealand West Coast, famous for its diverse landscape, glaciers, Franz Joseph Glacier and Fox Glacier, it spectacular scenery and pristine nature.

8. Tongariro National Park: The Tongariro National Park, located in the Taupo region, is a World Heritage Park and one of the oldest National Parks in the world. The park contains three superb volcanoes - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe.

9. Coromandel: The Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand’s favourite destination. The Coromandel is unique in so many ways.

10. Kaikoura: Another must see destination is Kaikoura situated in the middle between Christchurch and Picton on the East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

For more comprehensive information about New Zealand, visit the following websites: 

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/pacific/new-zealand/
http://www.no1guide.co.nz/