New Zealand is identified as one of the world’s most stable and well-governed states It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui, map) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu, map)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand’s capital city is Wellington, and its most populous city is Auckland.

New Zealand markets itself abroad as a “clean, green” adventure-playground (Tourism New Zealand’s main marketing slogan, “100% Pure New Zealand”, reflects this) with typical tourist destinations being nature areas such as Milford Sound (map), Abel Tasman National Park (map) and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (map). Other high-profile destinations include the Bay of Islands (map), the Waitomo Caves (map), Aoraki / Mount Cook (map).

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Visa • Things to do

To support active travel, New Zealand has numerous walking and hiking paths (often created and maintained by the DOC), some of which, like the *Milford Track, have huge international recognition. There is also a walking route the length of the country (Te Araroa Trail) and a proposed New Zealand Cycleway. (+ *Tramping in New Zealand)

There are four seasons, with summer in December–February and winter in June–August (the opposite of the northern hemisphere).

 There is a wide range of backpacker accommodation  around these islands, including a 50-strong network of youth hostels (catering for independent travellers of any age) that are members of the Youth Hostels Association. There are also two marketing networks of independent hostels: BBH with 280+ listings and the much smaller Nomads network.

New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world after the UK to develop a dense WWoOF network. “Willing Workers on Organic Farms” pioneered the concept of travellers (“WWoOFers”) staying as volunteers on farms and receiving food and accommodation in exchange for doing a half-day of work for each night they stay.

⇒ Also сheck оut мore info: Getting here • Getting around (newzealand.com)

BUS: InterCity. New Zealand’s national coach company, with services connecting over 600 destinations nationwide. Backpacker buses – KiwiExperience Backpacker Bus and Stray Travel Bus offer bus trips around New Zealand where you can get on and off as you please after purchasing a pass.

TRAIN: Inter-city passenger services are operated by KiwiRail Scenic Journeys, with just a few popular tourist services that pass through spectacular scenery and have a running commentary, panoramic windows and an open-air viewing carriage. (The online booking site maximises overseas revenue by only showing the cheapest fares when it detects that you are accessing it from a New Zealand IP address.) >> *Rail travel in New Zealand

AIRPORT: Flight time from the Australian east coast is 3–4 hours, Southeast Asia 10–11 hours, the North American west coast 13–15 hours, and the Middle East a thrombosis-causing 17–18 hours. Auckland Airport is the primary entry point. Christchurch International Airport is the main secondary entry point.

From Hobbiton™, all the way to the base of Aoraki Mt Cook, follow one young girl on a journey through some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most beautiful destinations

⇒ video source: 100% Pure New Zealand /youtube.com/

• City of Auckland
• Franz Josef Glacier
• Milford Sound / Piopiotahi