Destination: NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is a temperate to sub-tropical island nation in the South Pacific Ocean. A former British colony, the majority of the population is of European descent, with a sizeable indigenous Maori minority and smaller minorities of various Polynesian and other groups. A modern but sparsely populated country, it boasts natural beauty and a wide range of outdoor and adventure activities.

New Zealand consists of two main islands and many smaller ones in the South Pacific Ocean approximately 2000 km southeast of Australia. With a population of four million in a country about the size of the United Kingdom, many areas are sparsely settled. Auckland, the largest city (about 1.25 million), is the largest city in Polynesia.

DESTINATION NEW ZEALAND: Christchurch, Rotorua, Wellington,

Destination: CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand with a 2006 population of over 345,000. It is located on the edge of the Canterbury plains and is a major stepping off point for touring the South Island. Christchurch was established in 1850 by English settlers.

Its English heritage shows in the older buildings, especially the Anglican Cathedral in the Square in the very center of the city. The River Avon flows through the central city and disrupts the regular rectangular layout of the city streets.

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Destination: ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

Rotorua is known as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. Its hot springs and geysers have attracted tourists for over a hundred years. Rotorua sits on the shores of Lake Rotorua. There are several other lakes nearby. Along with the geothermal wonders, there are also the more usual water activities such as fishing and boating.

Tourism is a major industry in Rotorua, and for good reason, the tourism services are therefore well developed and visitors should definitely make a stop at the Tourist Information Centre on the main road, Fenton Street.

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Destination: WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

Wellington is called the city of the wind; and you will figure out why whatever time of the year you go there. In summer the winds may be hard, but not unpleasant at all. Wellington has one of only two airports in the world where the pilot needs an extra licence to land due to the common shear winds.

Wellington is not the largest city in New Zealand but is, for its inhabitants, undisputedly the best. While there is some friendly rivalry between the major cities, it is arguably recognised that Wellington has a more interesting CBD and is not as spread out as Auckland.

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Wellington, New Zealand