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The Maori, New Zealand's original settlers, believe the fresh morning dew that covers the plush green grass and rolling hills is actually the tears of Rangi, the sky

Photo: Mick Wheeler/ Tourism NZ Image Library

god, ceaselessly weeping after being separated from his beloved Papa, the Earth goddess. You would cry too after leaving such a beautiful land as New Zealand.

The Maori named this magical place Aotearoa—the Land of the Long White Cloud—a name both romantic and true. For New Zealand is a country of rare beauty, with towering Alps in the south that pierce the clouds, stunning bays in the north that embrace the sea and nothing but exhilarating beauty in between.

Photo: Holly Wademan/ Tourism NZ Image Library

Travel agents know there is no better place for exhilarating adventures than New Zealand, offering everything from the pleasant—horseback riding, mountain biking—to the extreme—bungee jumping, skydiving—and even the unknown—whitewater sledging (kayaking facedown on a modified bodyboard) and zorbing (tumbling down a hill inside a giant, inflated plastic ball). If there is a stimulating and challenging way to get from Point A to Point B, you can do it in New Zealand.

Photo: Bob McCree/ Tourism NZ Image Library

The country's most popular sport is what the locals call tramping, better known as hiking. Marked tramping trails canvass thousands of miles up, over and through an astounding slideshow of scenery, each lined with huts to trade tales with fellow trampers and sleep through the night. Trampers who reach higher elevations strap on skis and enjoy New Zealand's world renowned slopes, home to some of the best winter sports in the Southern hemisphere.

The first country to greet the sun each morning, New Zealand is made up of the North and South Island, with a combined land area not much larger than California. But don't let the size fool you, for options abound, whether you desire to scuba dive in one of the world's top sites, walk high along a glacier, taste world-class wines or spend Christmas on the beach.

Photo: Tim Whittaker/ Tourism NZ Image Library

Molded by eons of volcanic turmoil, the North Island is a haven for travelers searching to reconnect with nature and experience the spiritually charming Maori culture. Yet despite its fiery creation and the presence of three active volcanoes, it remains covered with emerald green pastures and rolling hills dotted with millions of sheep.

The northern tip of the island is subtropical with deeply carved bays adorning the coastline like bites taken out of a cookie. Lake Taupo, a deep, heart-shaped lake that anchors the island's center, beats, according to Maori legend, pulsing with hot waters; while the Bay of Islands, a 144-island park framed by isolated beaches, is a playground for whales, dolphins and penguins.

Wellington, nestled between a stunning harbor and volcanic hills at the southern tip of the island, is both New Zealand's capital and cultural center, made up of four quarters that each offer a unique mix of tastes and sounds. Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is barely a city at all. It's more aptly described as half urban, half marine, surrounded by sparkling water in every direction and 50 nearby islands, much to the delight of the amphibious locals.

Photo: James Heremaia/ Tourism NZ Image Library

Across the Cook Strait lies New Zealand's South Island, a land of striking countryside held together by the Southern Alps. The landscape is so different from the green hills of the North Island that travelers who hop across the Strait often believe they're in another part of the world.

Beginning in the sun-drenched northern region of Marlborough, the Southern Alps stretch south over 370 miles, thrusting snow-capped peaks 3,700 feet into the air and weaving a path of glaciers and ice-bound slopes. The island's west coast is a scenic treasure trove, full of lush rainforests, tumbling mountain streams and glacial lakes sparkling as if full of sapphires.

Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, is proud of its English heritage, stately homes and world-famous gardens. Travelers use this colorful and energetic city as a springboard to the wonders of South Island, meandering along the deserted highways down to Fjordland National Park and the Otago Peninsula.

Photo: Keiran Scott/ Tourism NZ Image Library

The two islands combine to create a country of diverse pleasures and proud people. To combine New Zealand's many pleasures into a package right for you, contact a trusted travel agent. Travel agents can create the type of itinerary that you'll excitedly put on your fridge months before your trip, full of the sights and adventures only New Zealand can provide. They even can set up a tour of the legendary locales used in the ever-popular The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Throughout New Zealand, the greatest sight is neither environmental nor architectural, but rather salutational. Whenever two Maori greet one another, they press their noses together and exchange the breath of life. The same happens when you visit New Zealand — you bring your face, your entire being, right up against the land and exchange breaths, giving a piece of yourself and taking a piece with you.

North Island or South, snow-topped mountains or sand-covered beaches, whatever part of New Zealand you experience will become a part of you. Let your life fuse with the best of New Zealand. Contact a trusted travel agent today to create the perfect itinerary for you and your family.

Greet a new zest for life — greet New Zealand. Click here to find a travel agent in your area.

FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Auckland
Auckland Dragonboat Festival — February
Devonport Wine and Food Festival — February
Auckland International Cultural Festival — February
Pasifika - New Zealand's largest Pacific Culture festival — March
Waiheke Jazz Festival — April
Lindauer Coastal Classic Yacht Race — October

Wellington
Tareitanga Sculpture Symposium — January
Wellington Fringe Festival — February/March
New Zealand International Rugby Sevens Tournament — February
TV2 International Laugh Festival — May
New Zealand Film Festival — July
Wellington International Jazz Festival — October
Wellington Fashion Festival — October

Christchurch
World Buskers Festival, street performers — January
Christchurch Festival of Flowers — February
Food and Wine Festival of Canterbury — February
Le Race, cycling — March
Christchurch International Jazz Festival — August
Montana Christchurch Winter Carnival — August

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