Best Places in New Zealand
Best Places in New Zealand
Best Places in New Zealand
1. Kakapo
Birds comprise the most important part of New Zealands vertebrate fauna and the islands
are known for a large number of endemic species, which means species that are unique to
this part of the world.
The Kakapo, also called owl parrot, is a species of large, flightless nocturnal parrot
unique to New Zealand. It is the worlds only flightless parrot and the heaviest parrot in
the world. The Kakapo is also one of the worlds longest-living birds and has a lifespan of
over 60 years. Its anatomy typifies the tendency of bird evolution on oceanic islands and
follows the concept of Island gigantism. The Kakapo is critically endangered. Like so
many island species, the birds lost their ability to fly in the absence of mammalian
predators.
When humans settled New Zealand and introduced predators such as cats, dogs, rats,
ferrets, and stoats, the Kakapo was almost wiped out. As of February 2012, only 126
living individuals are known, most of which have been given names. In 2009, surviving
Kakapos were moved to two predator-free islands, Codfish (Whenua Hou) and Anchor
islands, where they are closely monitored. Similar to other parrots, the species has been
noted for their intelligence.
http://listverse.com/2012/04/05/15-interesting-places-and-events-in-new-zealand/
2.Te Anau
The township sits on the edge of Lake Te Anau, lying on the border of Fiordland National
Park and Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. Te Anau is the town that connects
Queenstown to Milford Sound by road. 2 hours drive from Queenstown, the famously
scenic Milford Road begins in the centre of Te Anau. Guided tours to Milford Sound
depart or stop at Te Anau, and the town has over 4000 beds to offer to travelers wishing
to stay the night.
Two of New Zealands great walks also start at the lake. The world renowned Milford
Track starts at its northern tip, while the popular Kepler Track starts and ends at the lakes
south end, within walking distance from Te Anau town centre. The tracks offer a sense of
freedom and inspiration to rival any in the world.
Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island and largest in the country by water
volume getting to depths of over 400m.The lake sprawls at the feet of high rugged
mountains, and during the summer the hot dry weather encourages water skiing,
swimming, fishing and kayaking on the lake. During the winter, days are crisp and clear
with frosty mornings and sunny days.
Te Anau is well known for its fine restaurants and has 7 days a week shopping. If you are
looking for a place to stay, Te Anau has dozens of hotels, motels, backpackers, homestays
and camping grounds. As the drive from Queenstown to Milford can be quite time
consuming it is recommended you take a night out here.
Visitors to Te Anau have a great choice of things to do including scenic boat cruises,
scenic flights, kayaking, diving, fishing, coach tours, golf, four wheel driving and
hunting.
Te Anau's Wildlife Park is only 10 minutes walking distance from the Department of
Conservation Visitor Centre on the Lakefront. You can view the rediscovered Takahe a
flightless alpine bird, along with other unique native birds such as the Kaka, Tui, Kea and
the Parakeet.
http://www.te-anau.nz.com/
3.Akaroa
http://akaroa.com/
Just 75 kilometers from the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Akaroa is a historic French and
British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Explore the village with its colonial
architecture, galleries, craft stores, and cafs. Relax or take part in the many activities that are on
offer. Explore the dramatic outer bays and take your time to soak in the magic of this area. A
wide range of accommodation is available and you will need more than a day to explore this
little piece of paradise
Things to do :_
Akaroa, with its own beautiful bays and harbour and French and English history has an
Akaroa Museum
Places to eat :_
Akaroa Fish & Chips
Bully Hayes
L'Escargot Rouge-Deli to Go
4.Stewart island
Stewart Island is a haven for brown kiwi or Tokoeka, which outnumber humans on the
island and are active day and night. Blue penguins and the rare yellow-eyed penguins
waddle among the rocks. Offshore on Ulva Island, youll find a predator free bird
sanctuary with dozens of native species.
The 400 or so Stewart Islanders are a proud and independent bunch; but theyre friendly
too. Theres only one settlement of any size on the island Halfmoon Bay, sometimes
called Oban, which offers a wide variety of accommodation.
If youre walking the tracks, the Department of Conservation provides huts for overnight
hikes. DOC has a visitor centre on the island where you can find out more.
Stewart Island, New Zealand, can be reached by ferry from Bluff, or by light aircraft
from Invercargill. Ulva Island is accessible by water taxi.
http://www.newzealand.com/int/stewart-island-rakiura/
5.Queenstown,New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand, is the Southern Hemispheres premier four season lake and
alpine resort. Queenstowns stunning scenery, huge range of activities and renowned
warm welcome cement its reputation as New Zealands favourite visitor destination.
Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu,
the natural beauty and the unique energy of the region create the perfect backdrop for a
holiday full of adventure, exploration or relaxation
PICTURES
Akaroa
Te anau
Stewart Island
Queenstown
Kakapo
Youtube hyperlink
1.Akaroa (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuLas8_IEj8)
2.Kakapo(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhTU__jVP8E)
3.Te Anau (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N07lAU0s2TE&t=148s)
4.Queenstown (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFCoMqDGo_w)
5.Stewart Island (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5rhyFBJjxU)