New Zealand images
Whangapoua, Coromandel
Beautiful Whangapoua paints a picture of the perfect New Zealand beach, complete with flowering pohutukawa trees, white sand and simple-but-comfortable holiday homes. From here it's a 30 minute walk to New Chums Bay, where the native forest grows to the edge of the sand. This is rest and relaxation at its best. Photographer: Gareth Eyres www.exposure.co.nz
Lake Mapourika, Westland
Beautiful Lake Mapourika is nine kilometres north of Franz Josef. It's the largest lake in Westland Tai Poutini National Park and gets special attention from photographers, who come here in pursuit of perfect reflections. In summer, the lake promises a refreshing swim; kayaking and fishing are activities you can enjoy in any season. Photographer: Julian Apse www.julianapse.co.nz
Live music at the Nelson Arts Festival
Celebrations such as the Nelson Arts Festival offer the chance to enjoy local culture, beautiful landscapes and a great party atmosphere. Festivals are also a great way to meet real New Zealanders and immerse yourself in their friendly, relaxed way of life. From hip-hop to opera, you'll be impressed by New Zealand's enthusiasm for great sounds. Photographer: Scott Venning www.scottvenning.co.nz
Crater lakes, Tongariro Alpine Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a one-day hike that inspires rave reviews. A lot has been said about the beauty of the walk, and it is all true. Highlights include crazy coloured crater lakes, steaming fumaroles and massive volcanic views. Local shuttle buses make it easy to get back to your accommodation after the walk. Photographer: Legend Photography www.andybelcher.com
Learning on the sand
Surf lessons start on the sand. You'll learn the theory, do some practice and then it will be time to get wet. New Zealand's accredited surfing schools have refined the art of teaching people how to surf, so that you'll make progress right from day one. Top spots for learning to surf include Raglan, Mount Maunganui and Gisborne. Photographer: Paul Abbitt www.paulabbitt.com
Geothermal mud, Hell's Gate
Rotorua's gloopy grey geothermal mud is believed to have special properties. At Hell's Gate, one of the area's most active geothermal parks, visitors can enjoy a very hands on mud experience. As it dries on your skin, the mud draws out impurities. Most would agree that a day at the Hell's Gate spa is truly heavenly. Photographer: Chris McLennan www.cmphoto.co.nz
The Poor Knights Marine Reserve
The Poor Knights Marine Reserve surrounds the Poor Knights Islands, which are offshore from Tutukaka in Northland. The reserve was one of the late Jacques Cousteau's favourite dive sites. It has beautiful natural arches, both above and below water, and is home to many subtropical fish species. Photographer: Destination Northland info@northlandnz.com
Toast Martinborough festival
The promise of new wine releases draws the crowds each year to the Toast Martinborough wine, food and music festival. More than 30 vineyards surround the town square, each matching fresh food from local and Wellington restaurants to their carefully crafted wines. Live music and a free bus between the vineyards ensure a festive time for all. Photographer: Scott Venning www.scottvenning.co.nz
St James Theatre
Originally known as His Majesty's Theatre, the St James was built in 1912. At the time it was the largest vaudeville and picture theatre in Australasia. During the 90s, the theatre was totally refurbished and it now provides a permanent home for the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Photographer: Kieran Scott kieran@kieranscott.co.nz
A well-placed ball
Whenever family and friends gather in New Zealand theres usually someone with a rugby ball to toss around. Rugby is our national game and for generations it has been part of who we are. To New Zealanders, this egg-shaped ball seldom seems out of place. Here at beautiful Te Anau the local community has a rugby club right on the lake shore. Photographer: Arno Gasteiger www.arno.co.nz
Tasman Glacier tour
You don't need to visit Antarctica to see ice bergs. A boat trip on the Tasman Glacier terminal lake will introduce you to huge floating ice chunks of all shapes and sizes. This amazing wilderness experience is easily accessed from Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, which has every home comfort a traveller could need. Photographer: David Wall www.davidWallPhoto.com
Like it? Share it.... . .