New Zealand luxury exploration holidays

Well known to have been the backdrop for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the New Zealand landscape boasts a scale and magnitude that is hard to match. Panning across its dynamic scenery, it’s a struggle to find a flaw in it as a setting of a mythical narrative of an epic and unyielding journey. No camera trickery required. Cue devastating cinematic beauty, larger-than-life landscape and legendary variety. Making landfall in sea-faring canoes, it is hard to imagine how the 13th century Polynesian pioneers would have felt upon discovering this dramatic land. But surviving Māori folklore perhaps indicates that they were instilled with an awe and reverence that meets every newcomer to the country. This is because an entire network of mythology was constructed by which to comprehend the landscape, and New Zealand’s mountainous terrain was conceived of as having been shaped by the actions of the demigod hero, Māui. For a small country, its landmarks appear excessive and oversized so that, over 800 years on, New Zealand retains the power to instil immense respect. New Zealand is predominantly composed of two slender island landmasses, North Island and South Island, divided by the marginal Cook Strait. Occupying a southern latitude that is not too dissimilar to the UK’s northern equivalent, the mild maritime climate is evocative of home. But this fuddled concept of familiarity, paired with its distinct isolation at one of the furthest flung spots of the globe, only goes so far as to excuse anyone denying its potential to be the perfect holiday destination. Don’t be fooled; from the tip of the Northland territory down to South Island’s southern extremities there resides a storehouse of diversity. With pristine beaches, lush fiords, volcanic formations, bucolic plains, bubbling geysers, subtropical forest, snow-tipped peaks and lazy glaciers, what more could you ask for? Expect subtropical climes and indulgent beaches in ‘The Winterless North’, also known as the Northland territory, where the Bay of Islands is a popular haunt for sun-seekers and wildlife spotters. Beyond, the majority of the North Island is bookended from top to bottom by two cosmopolitan centres: the populous Auckland and the capital city of Wellington. Although New Zealand’s population predominantly resides in such urban centres, the country’s real treasures reside in between. Visit the aptly named Bay of Plenty, popular for its indulgent stretches of beach, fertile soils and proximity to the active volcano on White Island. Get to grips with Māori culture in Rotorua in between tours of the region’s bewitching hot springs and mud pools. Indulge in the Hawke’s Bay wine-producing region, taking time to explore the 1930s throw-back of Napier, which was rebuilt in the Art Deco style following a ruinous earthquake. Even venture to the historic Eastland settlement, where the Polynesians first struck land and, much later, encountered the European settlers for the first time. South Island is infinitely less populous, inhabited by only a quarter of New Zealand’s residents. Notice the climate become chillier as you move southwards, and witness the terrain evolve to become more powerful, extreme and mountainous. In Nelson, bask in the warming rays of the country’s sunniest region, from the inviting sands of Golden Bay or even the picturesque walking trail of Abel Tasman. Sample the local wines in Marlborough, sight the wildlife colonies of Otago, and marvel at the beauty of the Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Site. Amidst this wealth of diversity, be assured of one unifying force in the New Zealand people’s warmth and hospitality, and a pervasive laid-back attitude, which is utterly contagious. Note their respect for the land and enjoyment of its gifts, undertaking leisure activities and adventure pursuits galore. Packed with drama, emotion, blockbusting adventure and film-star good looks, New Zealand lays a convincing claim to lead role and steals the show every time.