Nature and wildlife are most important draw cards for New Zealand and travellers who have visited it before vouch for its nature and wildlife offerings. There are very few places on the earth where you can explore mountains, ancient forests, volcanoes and wildlife - all in a single day. Charmed by these things travellers often fly to New Zealand that is admired worldwide for its immaculate natural beauty. Here we give a lowdown on encounters with nature and wildlife.
Whale Watching
Watching a whale is very easy in New Zealand and you can spot them throughout the country. Hauraki Gulf that surrounds Auckland and Coromandel regions is an ideal place for bird watching. The region is full of exotic marine life that includes endangered Bryde’s whale. A large number of marine species have been found here making it a Mecca for wildlife lovers.
Dolphins
Most of the travellers visiting New Zealand have dolphin watching on their mind and swimming with dolphin is one of the best experiences they can have. This interesting and intelligent species feel comfortable in human company. And you can have some of the best experiences swimming or playing with dolphins. The travellers would be able to spot several species of dolphins that include the common dolphin and the large bottle-nosed dolphin.
Horse Riding
New Zealand’s beautiful landscape can be best explored on a horseback. And this adventure allows you to see beautiful scenery while enjoying the thrill of riding a horse. Vast stretches of beaches, snow-capped volcanic mountains and lush green forests are easily accessible by a hoarse. There is a large number of horse trekking experiences on offer and one can select a horse ride as per his/her preference. One can also have a great horse riding experience in Glenorchy in the South Island which has also been filmed into The Lord of the Rings.
Penguins
Penguin watching is also highly popular among visitors. And New Zealand with three species of Penguins is an ideal destination for it. It is a great delight for seeing penguins in the water and on the land. The country also houses korora, or little blue penguin, which is the smallest penguin on the earth. These small little birds come ashore during the night in Marlborough Sounds, Akaroa Harbour, Oamaru and Dunedin among other places. One can also spot the rare hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin on your visit to the Otago Peninsula. The Fiordland Crested Penguin (Tawaki) can also be found in Haast, Lake Moeraki, Stewart Island and Fiordland.
Volcanic and Geothermal
New Zealand has also been a great destination for seeing places created by volcanic and thermal eruptions. You can see boiling mud and feel the heat beneath your feet. As the country is situated on a coastline where two pieces of earth collides, the country is prone to geothermal and volcanic activities.
Gardens
If gardening is your hobby then New Zealand could be your favourite pastime. Owing to its tropical climate the country is home to several native and exotic plant species. You might be surprised to know that gardening is a favourite pastime in the country. If you want to know this a visit to the rural gardens of Eastland, Manawatu, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Christchurch would be of great for you.