Introduction
Having separated and drifted away from both Antarctica and Australia many millions of years ago, New Zealand developed a unique profile of flora and fauna. It was a land teeming with birds, unthreatened by predators of any sort – the only mammals at the time were bats. Now, extraordinary birds such as the kiwi and kakapo still exist, their conservation carefully managed. Add in hulking glaciers, natural hot springs, whale watching, fjords and mountains, and New Zealand's natural landscape is impossible to ignore.
Discover the healing properties of Rotorua’s hot springs, or waiariki
Although found both in the South and North Island, it is the North Island where hot springs are most densely distributed. The largest exist in Rotorua on the North Island, a product of the area’s volcanic geothermal activity. Here you’ll find hot waterfalls at Hell’s Gate, spouting geysers at Te Puia, and natural mineral pools and spas, offering mud treatments, or just a good soak. And did you know the Manaroa Spring spouts roughly 1,800 litres of boiling thermal water every minute?
Watch the sperm whales and dolphins go by in Kaikoura on a wildlife holiday
Although whales of all types can be seen around New Zealand’s coast, as a result of its resident sperm whales it is Kaikoura that is most famous for whale watching. They can be seen all year round, and from December to March it is also possible to see killer whales. The sperm whales take to the environment due to the combination of deep water canyons and warm and cold waters that generate nutrient rich waters in the area. And if you are lucky there is often even more to see - dolphin sightings are an almost daily occurrence.
Prioritise the things that interest you the most with Wexas
New Zealand offers a lot, and you'll want the expertise of an experienced travel consultant. Let us tailor your trip based on what is most important to you, and a schedule that comfortably enables you to fit it all in. Enquire today.
