Unique Scenic Activities
In no other country in the world could so many unique scenes be enjoyed within one day. From the sub-tropical and lush bush of Northland, to the beauty of Mitre Peak in Fjordland National Park, once described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World'. This country is truly ‘God’s Own’ with a surprise around every corner with its ever-changing contrasts.

Art and Culture
Rich in our Native Maori peoples’ arts and crafts (especially centered around Rotorua), we also share a strong contemporary art scene, with national art galleries in Auckland and Wellington. The focal point of our nation’s art and culture is shared with the world at ‘Te Papa’, The National Museum of New Zealand in Wellington, displaying all that is New Zealand in culture and identity. Famous "Kiwis" include Sir Edmund Hillary (First to climb Mt. Everest), Lord Ernest Rutherford (First to split the atom), Frances Hodgkins (Painter), Lucy Lawless, Anna Paquin, Keisha Castle-Hughes (Actors), Jane Campion, Peter Jackson (Directors), Katharine Mansfield (Writer), and Rachel Hunter (Supermodel).

Food and Wine
New Zealand has long been recognized for its great wines of international standard, but is also developing a strong reputation for our restaurants and fresh food, developing a unique style of cuisine.

History
New Zealand has a relatively short history compared to the rest of the world. However due to our geographic isolation in the middle of the South Pacific, we have quickly become world renowned for our innovation in technology and sport. We also boast the first man to climb Mount Everest, and arguably the first manned powered flight in the world before the Wright bothers.

New Zealand also maintains a strong Maori history, which has been kept alive since the days of captain Cook’s arrival on our fair shores over 150 years ago.

Wildlife
New Zealand is abundant in native wildlife. The best known of these is the flightless Kiwi, which is also the name we have given to ourselves. We are one of the few countries in the world where you can be close up to a whale, swim with dolphins and view gracefulness of the Southern Royal Albatross, all in the same day.