New Zealand is an island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean in Oceania, consisting of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, along with several smaller islands. It is a country where unique natural landscapes and a pristine environment blend with the Maori culture and the historical heritage of European settlement. Thanks to its abundant outdoor activities and beautiful scenery, it is a popular tourist destination. Politically, New Zealand belongs to the British Commonwealth but is an independent sovereign nation, with Wellington as its capital. It is also famous as the filming location of the Lord of the Rings series, attracting travelers from around the world who come to experience New Zealand's nature firsthand.

1. Beautiful Natural Scenery and Clean Environment

   New Zealand boasts a pristine environment and unique natural landscapes. Majestic mountain ranges, blue lakes, vast plains, fjords, glaciers, hot springs, coastlines, and various terrains come together in one country, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Especially, the fjords and glaciers of the South Island and the volcanic areas of the North Island are representative natural attractions.

2. A Paradise for Various Outdoor Activities and Adventure Sports

   New Zealand is a hub for adventure sports, where you can enjoy bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, trekking, skiing, and more. Queenstown, in particular, is called the ‘Adventure Capital’ and attracts many travelers seeking adventure sports. Across New Zealand, there are well-established trekking routes and outdoor activities in nature.

3. Fusion of Maori Culture and European Culture

   New Zealand is a place where the unique Maori culture and European culture influenced by Britain blend together. The Maori people are the indigenous people of New Zealand, and their language and traditions still play an important role today. In many regions, you can enjoy traditional Maori performances and cultural experiences, and the Maori language is designated as an official language, being used in daily life.

4. Earthquake and Volcanic Activity

   New Zealand is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone, making it an area with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Rotorua on the North Island is known for its active geothermal activity, famous for geysers, hot springs, and geothermal lakes, where travelers can experience geothermal phenomena.

1. Auckland

   The largest city in New Zealand, serving as the economic and transportation hub. Auckland is also known as the 'City of Sails,' where beautiful beaches and vibrant urban life harmonize. The city features attractions such as the Sky Tower and Waiheke Island, offering a variety of cultural experiences and cuisines.

2. Wellington

   The capital of New Zealand and the political and cultural center. Wellington is a city rich in museums, theaters, and cafes, with a strong emphasis on arts and culture. It is home to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and thanks to its unique terrain, visitors can enjoy the city via cable car rides.

3. Queenstown

   Known as the 'Adventure Capital,' Queenstown is one of New Zealand's most famous tourist destinations. It is well-developed for adventure sports and leisure activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, rafting, and skiing. The stunning scenery combines Lake Wakatipu with surrounding mountain ranges.

4. Christchurch

   The largest city on the South Island, known as the 'Garden City,' featuring many beautiful parks and gardens. Christchurch blends British traditions with modern urban reconstruction, with various new artworks and architectural structures emerging through earthquake recovery and rebuilding efforts.

5. Rotorua

   A city located in the central North Island of New Zealand, known for its active geothermal activity, including geysers and hot springs. It is also a center of Maori culture, where visitors can experience traditional Maori performances and cultural activities. Additionally, Rotorua offers scenic views of Lake Rotorua and various natural landscapes.

1. Milford Sound

   A representative tourist destination of the South Island's fjord landscape, boasting magnificent mountains, clear seas, and waterfalls harmoniously blending into beautiful natural scenery. You can explore the fjords through boat tours and kayaking, and it is one of the most popular attractions on the South Island.

2. Abel Tasman National Park

   A national park located in the northern part of New Zealand's North Island, famous for its golden beaches, clear seas, and lush forests combined in trekking courses. Various outdoor activities such as kayaking, trekking, and camping are available, and the Abel Tasman Coastal Track along the coastline is one of the world-renowned trekking routes.

3. Tongariro National Park

   New Zealand's oldest national park, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to active volcanoes such as Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe, and offers various trekking courses. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a globally popular trekking route featuring unique volcanic landscapes.

4. Waitomo Caves

   A tourist destination famous for caves illuminated by glowworms, where you can enjoy a boat tour to admire the fantastic scenery of twinkling glowworms. The Waitomo Caves are limestone caves, and you can also enjoy cave exploration and the adventure sport of black water rafting.

5. Rotorua Geysers and Hot Springs

   Rotorua is an area with active geothermal activity, where you can see geysers and hot springs in geothermal parks such as Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia. Additionally, you can enjoy Maori traditional performances and cultural experiences here, allowing you to experience both culture and nature simultaneously.

6. Fiordland National Park

   A vast national park located on the South Island, home to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Fiordland is a place where you can appreciate majestic fjords and mountains through trekking and boat tours, offering an experience of the essence of New Zealand's nature.

7. Hobbiton Movie Set

   Famous as the filming location for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit series, the Hobbiton Movie Set is located near Matamata on the North Island. You can enjoy photo opportunities and tours at the set, which faithfully recreates the Hobbit village featured in the movies, making it a popular spot for movie fans.

8. Waiheke Island

   A small island near Auckland, combining beautiful beaches and vineyards. It is great for winery tours, wine tasting, and relaxing on the beach, and also offers various cultural activities such as art galleries and cafes.