It's a tale as old as time, a never ending debate over who is more beautiful, who has more to offer, where the best accommodation in New Zealand is and who wins the "best place" "must do" "unmissable" contest. From the very Northern tip to its Southern most point, New Zealand is a land of contrast and variety. This variety comes from being stretched from 34 to 47 degrees south in latitude, while being comparatively narrow in longitude.
The length of New Zealand is commonly referred to as "Cape Reinga to The Bluff", although neither of these are truly the northern or southern most points, they serve as a convenient start point for comparison.
In terms of climate though, the true variation is between East and West on both islands. New Zealand sits resolutely in the middle of the legendary "Roaring Forties", exposed to moisture laden Easterlies, which seem to drop their rain on the west coast before encountering the mountainous ranges which form the spine of New Zealand. In the South Island, where the Southern Alps reign, this effect is far more pronounced. In general terms, it is colder in the South than the North, but as a Maritime nation, the weather changes swiftly and sometimes without warning.
The North Island has much to offer in terms of beach swimming and surfing, with many sunny spots perfect for catching a wave. The Bay of Islands is a classic New Zealand destination with accommodation ranging from stunning seaside campsites to pitch your tent to luxury hotels. The North Island has the central focus of New Zealand's famed geothermal activity in the Central Plateau region with geysers, mud pools, and steaming lakes. The Auckland region is home to over a third of all New Zealanders, and three quarters of all New Zealanders inhabit the North Island, despite the South Island being 33% bigger in landmass. The capital city of New Zealand, Wellington, is also located in the North Island. The population in the North Island is markedly more urban and ethnically diverse. The North Island has the main centres for tourism centred on Maori culture.
The South Island then, is a land of splendid isolation. Fewer people, fewer cars, fewer distractions and interruptions...unless you call the sound of the many unique native birds calling distracting! The South Island is dominated by the massive Southern Alps and is home to not just the highest mountain in New Zealand but the thirty highest peaks are all there. The Southern Alps can be crossed at only four points and these "passes" Haast, Lewis, Arthurs and the Mackinnon form some of New Zealand's famed driving trails. The most popular tourist destination in the South Island is Queenstown, base for skiing and all manner of adventure tourism, including the famous New Zealand invention of bungee jumping. The South Island is also home to six of the nine Department of Conservation "Great Walks" including the stunning Heaphy and Milford Tracks. Accommodation on these trails is in the form of large bunkhouses which sleep 40-50 and must be booked in advance.
In many ways, New Zealand is truly a nation of contrasts with something for everyone. Art lovers and museum goers can get their fix in the urban centres and find accommodation in a boutique city centre hotel, nature lovers and bird watchers can pitch a tent or park in campervan miles from anywhere. It's all about knowing how to match your dream with your destination.
For accommodation in New Zealand on your next NZ holiday visit http://www.kiwitravelnz.com/accommodation.php
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