Caramoan Islands

World Traveler Series : New Zealand

by Caramoan Travel Guide on Feb.18, 2009, under Hotels and Resorts, Travel Tips, World Traveler Series

CaramoanIsland.com is introducing a new segment called World Traveler Series where other natural attractions and travel spots aside from the Caramoan Islands Paradise are also going to be featured. The world is full of beautiful places and along with the Caramoan Islands, these places are also worth visiting.

If someone mentions the word “New Zealand”, one would readily picture a field of cows and its beautiful lakes on their minds. New Zealand is such a big country and there is definitely more than just milk and its vast greens. Ever heard of Rotorua? Lake Taupo? And Queenstown? Well these are New Zealand’s best holiday destinations.

Taupo Hot Mud Pools

Taupo Hot Mud Pools

Rotorua is a well-known tourist hotspot famous for its geysers and hot mud pools. If there are places where one can truly experience the beauty of Mother Nature, the pools of Rotorua is surely one of them. It would not be hard to look for Rotorua accomodation since there are many hotels and inns in the area to cater to the tourist’s needs.

Taupo Lake

Taupo Lake

The Taupo Lake on the other hand is also popular for its geothermal activities. It is the largest fresh water lake in the southern hemisphere. Taupo accomodation will not be a problem since tourism is one of its major businesses in the area.

Queenstown Accomodations

Queenstown Accomodations

Queenstown is an international resort town. Its streets are sprawling with commerce-oriented tourism, i.e. adventure and ski tourism. Many young tourists visit Queenstown every year. Queenstown accomodation are cheap and worth every cent. The town itself is shaped like a lightning bolt. Queenstown is one of the more interesting places in New Zealand.

:, , , , , , ,
10 comments for this entry:
  1. alden

    the bestway to explore New Zealand if you have ample time is self drive. i am a fortunate bikolano who was able to self drive both the North and south island of New Zealand in an SUV. my wife and two kids ages 12 and 6 were with me. the south island is very scenic
    because of the beautiful pristine lakes and streams, ancient forest, waterfalls, fjords of Milford sound and snow capped mountains that makes the southern alps. the scenery changes as you drive further from green pastures to rocky hills to desert like areas in Lindis Pass to the orange and gold colors of the Malborough area where lots of vineyards are found.it is very picturesque.
    while the north island is more magical because of the presence of Maori culture espcially in Rotorua. there is more greenery on the north island and more cattles raised here than sheep. plus there is more people living in the north than the south. lots of filipinos lives in the north island too. the northermost end of the north island which is Cape Reinga is a very sacred place for the Maori people. as a result, no development ever had been in their famous 90 mile beach. wild horses roam these long coastline. try NZ it’s worth the trip and you always want to come back like we feel after we visited New Zealand.

  2. alden

    when you visit New Zealand remember these: if you want to self drive remember to drive on the left side of the road, don’t forget to bring your camera and some warm clothing and umbrella and don’t forget to eat New Zealand ice cream- they are the best. and lastly, enjoy yourself to eat green mussells or tahong , they are very plentiful and cheap to buy in the supermarket and guaranteed very safe to eat.

  3. alden

    if ever you visit Queenstown- south island of New Zealand and like fishing. go flyfishing for trout and salmon in Glenorchy , a 45 minute drive from Queenstown, the scenery is so breathtaking over there
    the pristine Routeburn stream and head of Lake Wakatipu and Dart river is a must see. some scene of the Lord of the Rings, Narnia 2 and Wolverine were shot on these locations. if you want a guide go to Queenstown wharf and look for Louis or Craig- they are the best flyfishing guide i ever have. take a buddy with you or join with somebody to flyfish to get a cheaper price.

  4. alden

    things to do in and nearby Queenstown- south island of New Zealand, do the Kawarau or Shotover jetboating if you like an adrenaline rush. visit Deer Mountain or the Skyline Gondola to get a panoramic view of the mountain background.visit nearby towns like Arrowtown famous for gold panning in the 1800,’s, Cromwell to sample the best fruits, Gibbston Valley to sample the best cheese or wine tasting. Wanaka to see Puzzling World and get a taste of the best fish and chips here.
    lots of beautiful nearby lakes : Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka , Lake Hayes.
    and further, take the whole day bus tour from Queenstown to experience the Milford Sound Cruise. very scenic all the way.

  5. alden

    The best way to tour New Zealand is Spring (Sept-Oct)
    and late Fall (May 22 – June 10) to early winter. Spring has less tourist and accomodation is cheaper. It is the season when most of the baby lambs are born.
    We went to New Zealand last May 22-June 10, it was perfect because we were able to see the blending of two season. the colorful leaves and the early snow that capped the southern mountains. It was picturesque
    specially near Queenstown aiport where the breathtaking Remarkables mountain can be found. Summer (December- February)in New Zealand is very hot and there’s a lot of tourist and New Zealanders on vacation, so prices of airfare and accomodation are bit higher than the two seasons i mentioned earlier.

  6. alden

    If you visit New Zealand and like seafood Kaikoura is the best place to be. Here, you can sample NZ lobster
    the Crayfish. You can also have a taste of the Paua shellfish. Kaikoura is a coastal town and you could see dolphins, albatross birds, and the best of all whale watching in the wild. if you like fishing , this is the place to catch blue cods, hapuka(grouper).

  7. alden

    Don’t forget to visit and make a stop in Twizel area, the Mackenzie Basin area has one of the beautiful spots in the south island of New Zealand. Lake Pukaki
    and the famous turqouise waters of Lake Tekapo is a must see. between these two lakes , there is a salmon farm where the fishes lived in the glacier waters fed by the southern alps. you can sample the best quality sashimi here. you can feed the salmon and even catch your own salmon for a sashimi plate. lots of japanese and tourist alike comes to this place.

  8. alden

    Rotorua in the North island of New Zealand is a must see. it is the heart of Maori culture. Witness their cultural presentation at night and have a taste of their hangi dinner. In the morning, tour the Agrodome
    to witness sheep shearing and see the different kinds of breed of sheep. Their farm tour was great, we were able to see a Kiwi farm, olive farm, had the chance to feed their animals like llamas, alpacas aside from the plenty sheep they had. We also witness how the sheep dog works in action to guide the sheep in their
    stables. The Agrodome has also adrenaline activities that both kids and adults will like. My son enjoyed the Zorbing downhill and the Shweeb in Action. The Rainbow Park springs was also best, here you can drink water from a spring, fed the different species of Trout , see the Kauri Trees and the best highlight of the trip here is to witness NZ national bird- the flightless Kiwi. The Wai o Tapu Geothermal experience was also best, we liked the Champagne pool and so the Lady Knox Geyser that erupts every 10:15 am and of course not to miss the boiling muds pools. Rotorua has fine dining too. They had the best Steak and Lamb
    courses on the menu. Mac’s steakhouse was the best.

  9. alden

    Auckland one of the main city in North island of New Zealand a must see. Since it is the city of sails, try sailing here. Visit and go up the Skytower in downtown Auckland so you can have a 360 degree view of the city and if you like adrenaline adventure , try the skyjump base jumping in the Skytower itself. We stayed in Crown Plaza , nice place and i do recommend this to anybody. The hotel is attached to the mall, in the basement they have a selection of oriental foods. When you go out the hotel, lots of oriental foods everywhere.nice food tripping here. try their shave snow ice- cool stuff. Don’t forget to visit the Auckland museum and One Tree Hill.

  10. alden

    Paihia is a 4 hr drive from Auckland and is worth to see. very scenic here with vast green pastures, take the Johnson tunnel. Paihia is in the Bay of islands and it is a fishing paradise for saltwater fisherman.
    Marlin is the main target sportfish here as well as tuna, kingfish, hapuka and snapper. The Waitangi grounds is a must see. This was the place were the treaty was signed between the Maori people and the British. From Paihia , you can take the tour bus to Cape Reinga, NZ northermost point- also the sacred place for the Maori people. Nearby is 90 mile beach and the Te Paki Stream and Giant sand dunes where you can do some fun sandboarding. You will also go to the Kauri factory where they showcase their best wood and furniture products. Then, in Mangonui to savor the best tasting fish and chips as well as the Bluff/ Pacific oysters.

Leave a Reply

Looking for something?

Use the form below to search the site:

Still not finding what you're looking for? Drop a comment on a post or contact us so we can take care of it!