Highlights of New Zealand

A city of stunning natural beauty, Auckland blends the best of the modern cosmopolitan world with that of a Polynesian paradise. Nestled between two beautiful harbors, this marine playground offers breathtaking views and more than 1,000 bays and beaches. Shop the colorful Victorian Park Market or the charming boutiques of Parnell Village. Explore museums brimming with artifacts of the Maori culture. Or enjoy the natural splandor of the city, from English-style rose gardens to extinct volcanic sites. Popular landmarks are One Tree Hill and Mount Eden.

With its miles of parks and tranquil gardens, striking Gothic architecture, and meandering Avon River, Christchurch is resplendent with English style and charm. Bustling Cathedral Square is the heart of the city, dominated by the spired Christchurch Cathedral. The serpentine Avon River invites strolls along its banks, dotted with weeping willows
and small romantic bridges. And throughout the “Garden City,” carefully tended streets and parks are ablaze with the color of classic English landscaping. Christchurch is the base for Antarctic exploration programs–visit the International Antarctic Centre located to the east of the city.

Queenstown is an exhilarating, year round, alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike.Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps, the town was named because “…it was fit for Queen Victoria.” Queenstown is today recognised internationally as New Zealand’s premier visitor destination. Queenstown has more than just breathtaking scenery and a diverse range of attractions, it’s the people visitors find enchanting. In fact in 1998, Queenstown was again voted Friendliest Foreign City in a poll of 37,000 readers of Conde Nast Traveler, a top US Travel Publication. Queenstown first won the award in 1996.

Twizel is a 40 minute drive from Mt. Cook Village. Nearby is Mount Cook National Park and Lake Ruataniwha.