Many people associate New Zealand with Australia, and some even think New Zealand is part of Australia (I certainly did for a long time).  New Zealand, however, is an independent county and although some Australia vacation packages include New Zealand in their itineraries, you will find that New Zealand may require it’s own vacation package in order to fully experience all that this amazing country has to offer.

The country is primarily divided into two land masses:  North Island and South Island.  North Island is home to Wellington, the nation’s capitol, and Auckland, known as the city of sails and the nation’s largest city.  In Auckland, you will find everything a big city can offer: five star hotels, fine dining, world-class entertainment, sophisticated culture, exciting nightlife, and shopping.  Auckland is also the starting point of many excursions to the rest of the island and the country.  Travel to the Bay of Islands where you’ll find golden sand tropical beaches and have an opportunity to swim with dolphins, do some game fishing, or take a cruise or a walk to see the surrounding natural beauty.  Another highlight is the Waitomo Caves, where you can experience an underground boat ride and guided tour of the Glow Worm Grotto.  Rotura is a popular tourist stop where you’ll find geothermal waters, mud pools, and geysers.  There are other activities such as skydiving, fishing, and jet boating that one can do here, but one important experience not to be missed is a traditional Hangi with the Maori, the native people of New Zealand.  A Hangi is a traditional feast that is also accompanied by a cultural performance featuring tribal song and dance.

South Island is home to some of the most pristine wilderness and majestic natural scenery in the world.  Some of the sites are featured in famous movies.  Christchurch is the largest city on South Island and a starting point for many excursions to the surrounding region.  Christchurch is rated one of the best cities to live in, offering the convenience and excitement of a large city mixed with access to the more rugged countryside.  Many of the cities attractions are accessible by foot, or you can take a guided tour via the historical tram.  The city’s Botanical Gardens, Cathedral Square, and the Arts Center are popular spots to visit.

Queenstown is a beautiful alpine resort where you can participate in many sporting activities such as skiing (in the winter), jet boating, and bungee jumping.  The one, perhaps most popular activity on South Island, and included in most Australia vacation packages focusing on New Zealand, is an excursion to Milford Sound, a spectacular fjiord considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand and one of the top tourist destinations in the world.  Milford Sound is approximately a four hour bus ride from Queenstown, passing through Homer tunnel and the magnificent Fiordland National Park.  Milford Sound is characterized by sheer rock cliffs rising as much as 3900 feet on all sides, rain forests covering some of these cliffs, waterfalls, and in wintertime the higher peaks will have snow, which presents an interesting juxtaposition of lush green rain forests and snow capped peaks.  There are various tourist boats that allow one to cruise the sound to fully experience the surrounding natural splendor.  Most trips to the Fiord last one day, since overnight accommodations are very limited, but it’s possible to do an overnight boat trip.

Other highlights on South Island include a trip to the Franz Joseph Glacier on the west coast, and to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s tallest peak.  A helicopter ride is a good idea to maximize your experience (and save yourself the difficult hike if you’re not in shape) to Franz Joseph Glacier, and a plane ride may be a more suitable way to better appreciated Mt Cook (and any other part of New Zealand).  The air transportation is usually an additional expense and not included in any Australia and New Zealand vacation packages.  Both of these excursions allow you to view the beautiful rugged landscape and experience some of the best natural wilderness that New Zealand has to offer.

While you’re in Australia, you might as well visit New Zealand since they’re fairly close to each other, though you can have a satisfying vacation just visiting New Zealand.  I suggest it will certainly take at least a good week to cover and fully appreciate the highlights mentioned above.  When considering any vacation packages to Australia and New Zealand your vacation may end up being three weeks or more.  It’s definitely worth it, since New Zealand offers majestic views that will take your breath away!

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