New Zealand Journals

Have you ever dreamt about being the one to discover that very rare thing, a site, a place, somewhere that you alone have found and can appreciate? 

Cities tend to have a vibe about them, a sense that something might be happening just around the corner. Cities hold an energy that is infectious; and oh boy, is that true of New Zealand cities.

New Zealand is a magical place, with stunning natural beauty and amazing scenery. From national parks, golden beaches, indigenous forests to expansive mountain ranges that stretch on endlessly, the opportunities to explore abound. The cities and towns too hold their own charm; some surreally modern while others hold an old-world charm that harks to a previous era. One thing that is guaranteed, for a small county there is much to explore.

New Zealand goes beyond fish and chips on the beach or smoky barbeque meals when it comes to gastronomy. With a distinct Pacific-rim influence, our cuisine is something guaranteed to delight even the most sensitive of palettes, and indulgence is forgiven, because If sea-food is your thing, then New Zealand is your oyster.

While New Zealand provides many a guest an outstanding holiday, it also provides lovers of luxury, connoisseurs of distinction and individuals of impeccable taste an exquisite opportunity to blend the finer things in life. From fine dining, helicopter cruises, fly-fishing and inspired shopping to gorgeous blue oceans, sea-food cruises and delicious wines, you can do it all in New Zealand.

New Zealand has long fostered a complex relationship with wine, dating back centuries. The earliest vines were planted here back in the 1800s and kicked off the country’s ongoing fascination with the art of winemaking. As the fledgling viticulture industry grew it began to gather international recognition, fully bursting onto the world stage with the renowned Sauvignon Blanc vintages of the 1980s.

New Zealand is a modest sort of place. As a rule, Kiwis aren’t keen on self-promotion so the true measure of the nation often rests quietly behind the curtain on the global stage. In reality, New Zealand punches above its weight and is justifiably proud of its many accomplishments and innovations. As an iconic local ad proclaims… “little can be huge”.

As the days lengthen and the temperatures continue to rise in the Northern Hemisphere… Winter is in full swing in our little slice of paradise.

New Zealand’s unique location in the far south creates a special opportunity for savvy travellers to escape those long hot dog days of summer.

The contrasts between the massive mountain ranges and the broad, empty beaches, the forests, the waterfalls, the crystal-clear lakes, and indigenous fauna and flora are unique and fascinating beyond words. There is an immersive cultural mix which combined with a host of activities could fill more than lifetime. New Zealand offers all this and more.

This is a country of multiple cultures, languages, religions and personalities. With a reputation as an exquisite destination for a holiday or a secure place to carve out a new life, New Zealand does not disappoint.

A magical land of natural wonders and unique marvels, New Zealand holds a special place in the hearts and minds of not only its residents but also the inquisitive travelers who flock to its tranquil shores to experience everything that the country has to offer. Well known for its stunning scenery, pristine wilderness, and native wildlife, Aotearoa is an extraordinary place… like none other on earth.

New Zealand is renowned the world over for its glorious countryside and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, and people flock to our shores to experience some of the best outdoor and nature activities available anywhere. Despite this well-deserved reputation as a must-see destination, many visitors sadly miss out on the opportunity to really immerse themselves in the true depth of experience that our little slice of paradise has to offer.

It feels a world away from the trouble which seems to dominate global headlines; couple that with natural wide-open, peaceful landscapes and our renowned outdoorsy and healthy lifestyles then we might be onto something!

I admit when I arrived here in New Zealand more than 20 years ago, food was not something that impressed me or many people travelling from overseas. There was a time when the New Zealand dinner was based on a Sunday Roast with potatoes wedges, sausages on a BBQ, or some fish and chips from the nearest takeaway. Thankfully most folks have become more adventurous in their tastes and there has been a revolutionary move towards innovation and our own unique cuisine, thanks to a new generation of ethnic chefs.

Many visitors described New Zealand as a country with “a smile on its face”. So it’s not surprising that top-level endorsements from Hollywood heavyweights – combined with glowing reports from travellers from all around the world – have seen visitor numbers to New Zealand reached an all-time high. This has also prompted the development of more unique lodges and hotels in recent years, some set in our remarkable remote landscapes.