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introduction
 Welcome
to our Small Town Travel Guide compiled by New
Zealand’s Information Network to help you plan your visit to
our beautiful land.
Come with us on a discovery tour of New Zealand’s often
unseen but worthwhile destinations, travelling from north to
south. On the way we will feature interesting towns and local
activities for you to enjoy.
New Zealand is renowned worldwide for its pure, natural
environment, which is carefully preserved by the Department of
Conservation. The far south has been designated a World Heritage
Area in recognition of its natural, unspoilt beauty.
The country was first named Aotearoa (The Land of the Long White
Cloud) by Maori and has a population of 3.9 million. The North
and South Islands and Stewart Island together cover an area the
size of Britain but this compact land is a microcosm of the whole
natural world. You can see towering peaks, active volcanoes,
breathtaking glaciers, deep fiords, sparkling lakes, primeval
rainforests, geothermal areas, golden beaches and green pastures
- in a wilderness environment that truly touches the spirit.
 We would like to help you discover for yourself the
heart and soul of this friendly nation. You will get a warm
welcome wherever you travel around New Zealand. So why not join
us and taste the Kiwi lifestyle of outdoor adventure and sports,
indigenous Maori culture, breathtaking scenery, vibrant city
life, fine food and wine, and much more.
You’ll find the lifestyle laid-back, but if you venture into
the great outdoors look out for the amazing kiwis. They love to
throw themselves off bungy platforms and get white knuckles
clinging to inflatable rafts and jet boats. They keep devising
new innovative physical challenges for visitors to experience and
just can’t resist ‘having a go’ themselves.
Getting around New Zealand is easy with an efficient air service
and flexible coach, rail and ferry network for tour groups and
independent travellers. The range of climatic conditions varies
from warm, sub-tropical areas in the far north to the cooler
climates of the south.
We have a small country with a big outdoor attitude. Kiwis
can’t fly but they’ll have a go at everything else. So
come and join in the fun and experience a little of the magic
that is New Zealand.
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