Arians Tours

New Zealand is a country in the Southern Hemisphere in the Oceania region, which is called Aotearoa in Maori, which translates as the Land of the Long White Cloud, It is a country of rare seismic beauty enriched with glacial mountains, fast-flowing rivers, deep, clear lakes, hissing geysers and boiling mud. New Zealand is notable for its geographic isolation, being separated from Australia to the northwest by the Tasman Sea, some 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) across. Its closest neighbors to the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga.

The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington. It has got its independence on 26 September 1907 from UK. The Maori, from eastern Polynesia, first settled New Zealand sometime after 800AD. Abel Tasman, a Dutch mariner, discovered New Zealand for Europeans in 1642. He was followed by Captain James Cook of the British Navy in 1769, and later by seal-traders, loggers, whalers and Christian missionaries.

The government type is parliamentary democracy where Elizabeth II is the Queen of New Zealand and is represented by a non-partisan Governor-General; the Queen 'reigns but does not rule', so she has no real political influence. Political power is held by the Prime Minister, who is leader of the Government. The Realm of New Zealand also includes the Cook Islands and Niue, which are entirely self-governing, Tokelau, and the Ross Dependency (New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica).

For the administration of environmental and transport matters New Zealand has 12 regional councils and 74 territorial authorities to administer roading, sewerage, building consents, and other local matters. The territorial authorities are 16 city councils, 57 district councils, and the Chatham Islands County Council.

New Zealand has a population of about 4.1 million. About 70% of the population are of European descent. New Zealand-born Europeans are collectively known as Pākeha - this term is used variously and some Maori use it to refer to all non-Maori New Zealanders.

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Christianity is the predominant religion in New Zealand, although nearly 40% of the population has no religious affiliation. The main Christian denominations are Anglicanism, Roman Catholicism, Presbyterianism and Methodism. According to census figures there are Anglican 24%, Presbyterian 18%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 5%, Baptist 2%, other Protestant 3%, unspecified or none 33% of the overall population.

New Zealand comprises two main islands, the North and South Islands, and a number of smaller islands. The total land area of New Zealand is 268,680 square kilometers (103,738 sq mi) which is a little less than that of Italy and Japan, and a little more than the United Kingdom. The country has approximately 15,134 km of coastline. The most significant of the smaller inhabited islands of New Zealand include Stewart Island/Rakiura; Waiheke Island, in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf; Great Barrier Island, east of the Hauraki Gulf; and the Chatham Islands, named Rekohu by Moriori.

Until the arrival of humans, other than three species of bat (one now extinct) there were no non-marine mammals. New Zealand's forests were inhabited by a diverse range of birds including the flightless moa (now extinct), and the kiwi, kakapo, and takahe, all endangered due to human actions. Unique birds capable of flight include the Haste's eagle, which was the world's largest bird of prey (now extinct), and the large kaka and kea parrots. Reptiles present in New Zealand include skinks, geckos and tuatara. There are four endemic species of New Zealand primitive frogs. There are no snakes but there are many species of insects, including the weta, one species of which may grow as large as a house mouse and is the heaviest insect in the world.

Planning a Vacation to New Zealand? For your communication needs, Several prepaid calling card and phone card companies are available to call both to and from New Zealand.

New Zealand Is For Lovers 

New Zealand was one of the last landmasses to be inhabited, only discovered in 800 AD by Polynesian navigator Kupe. The discovery initiated a steady stream of migration from today’s French Polynesia until Dutch Abel Tasman and finally James Cook came across the islands and claimed them for the British Crown, ruled from Australia. The native Maori people are still a considerable minority, enriching the cultural climate of the largely European (Pakeha) nation.

Cinematic Sanctuaries and Bungee* Jumping Buffs
New Zealand’s geography is divided into two major north-south islands. Depending on where you travel and the time of year, the activities and topography will change dramatically. The South Island is famous for its unique relics of the last Ice Age, the Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers, which plunge just below the islands tallest peak in the Southern Alps, Mount Cook. These glaciers are particularly spectacular because they continue to flow through temperate rainforest strikingly close to sea level. Winter in the Alps region is excellent for skiing, mountaineering and filmmaking – scenes from The Chronicles of Narnia were filmed here. For a thrilling wildlife experience, do not miss the South Island’s Otego Peninsula where you can enjoy a cozy bed and breakfast among sea lion, sea elephant and penguin habitats, to name a few.

The North Island is relatively warmer during the summer and milder all year long. Put yourself ‘on edge’ with a trip to serene Lake Taupe, which also happens to fill the caldera of one of the largest super-volcanoes in the world. Extreme outdoor sports abound on both islands, as New Zealand is the original inventor of Bungee Jumping (also found at Lake Taupe) among other creatively dangerous activities. The west coasts are extremely popular for black water rafting, otherwise known as cave rafting. This exhilarating experience should not be missed, even by the beginner. If a new heart rate is not what you are looking for, make your leisurely way to Ninety Mile Beach at the very north end of the island; the name is not deceiving and the experience is absolute paradise in the summer months. The Great Barrier Island to the east is a mind blowing underwater experience for most scuba divers and an equally sensational getaway for the sand-bound.

New Zealand is a destination for all seasons, with activities spanning the elements and progressive cities to keep up with those of faster pace. Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown are all very youthful and spirited cities with the distinct eclecticism of New Zealand culture to overload the senses and invigorate the spirit. New Zealand may be far from most places in the world, but it is certainly worth any length of travel to reap the fruit of this nation’s existence. Travel to New Zealand and experience it all for yourself.

Royal Caribbean cruises

Royal Caribbean cruises offer a great deal on 4 night short break cruises. Boarding the vessel in the port of Stockholm the itinerary begins with a day cruising the Fjords and taking in the breath taking scenery while becoming accustomed to the layout of the ship. The ship arrives at Visby, Sweden and remains in the port for a day, giving plenty of personal time to discover the local and surrounding area, before departing and sailing to Norway. Passengers find their own way to and from the departure and arrival ports, usually cheap flights are available from UK airports. Royal Caribbean’s cruise ship ‘The Vision of the Sea’ is ideal for this mini cruise and boasts numerous windows which allow the spectacular Fjords to be seen throughout the sailing. This cruise ship has many luxury facilities including six whirlpools, eight bars and lounges, a health spa and different sports options. Different deck and cabin choices, including staterooms and suites which include separate living areas, balconies and mini bar, the Royal Family suite also includes two bathrooms, are all available within the special deal price making this luxury cruise excellent value for money.

Overnight Accommodations

If you are looking to buy an all-inclusive travel package, you will be staying at an inclusive resort. In terms of satisfaction, this is the best type of resort to stay at. Travelers tend to review inclusive resorts much higher than traditional hotels or vacation resorts. Why? Because vacation resorts are designed so that you don’t have to leave the property to have a good time.

Returning back to your overnight accommodations, most travelers will book a stay at a traditional resort room, but that is not your only option. Suites and honeymoon suites are also included in all-inclusive travel packages. The choice should be yours to make. With that said, if you want to have a choice, make your reservations well in advance of your trip.

ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK

The Aberdare national park is part of the Aberdare Mountain Range which forms the steep eastern edge of the Rift Valley. The park lies approximately 170kms north of Nairobi and has an altitude of 7,000 to 14,000 ft. The scenery in this region is spectacular and impressive as is the range of wildlife. Wildlife viewing on this park takes some searching due to the dense forest vegetation.

The park has a wide variety of game including; elephant, lion, black rhino, waterbuck, gazelle, giant forest hog, genet cats, leopard, buffalo and the rare spiral-horned antelope known as the bongo.

AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK

Amboseli National Park, although smaller than the likes of tsavo and masai mara, at approx 395 sq km, is one of Kenya's most popular parks. Amboseli is known for its large elephant herds and is often referred to as elephant country. The views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak on a clear sky day, coupled with the variety of game to be found, draws many wildlife lovers to this park. The park which lies approximately 140kms south of Nairobi on the border with Tanzania. A combination of factors such as drought, increased tourism, and over-grazing of land by the locals has had a hard-hitting effect on the western side of the park, the land has become dry, dusty and barren and the animals that were once there have moved into areas of shrub forest and marshland. Still there is plenty to see in this wildlife paradise.

MOUNT KENYA

Mount Kenya National Park lies approximately 170kms northeast of Nairobi and covering an area of approximately 700 sq kms. This park consists maily of forest vegetation. The mount from which this national park gets it's name, Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano straddled across the equator, and is the continent's second highest peak. The altitude ranges from between 11,000 to 17,058ft, with the highest peaks being Batian at 17,058ft and Nelion at 17,022ft. These can be at temped. Peaks such as Lenana can be climbed without the use of specialist equipment. Climbers are often accompanied by a guide, with ports being available. There are climbers huts is rest up in, but plenty of food and warm clothes should be taken for those wishing to attempt this great mountain.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, waterfalls, and rivers. One of the most popular ways to explore its waterways is snorkeling. Here, students get in touch with the colorful underwater world where eels, lobsters, schools of fish, and the spectacular whale shark make their home. This is also a great time to try out the new sport of "Canyoning," the exciting adventure of repelling down waterfalls. If that's too adventurous, students can take a relaxing dip in volcano-heated waters after a hike on the active Arenal Volcano.

The capital city of San Jose is an open gateway to the country's many interesting destinations. Costa Rica's National Museum, located in the ancient Bellavista Fort, is the guardian of the country's precious treasures and cultural heritage. The Jade Museum presents a number of important archaeological pieces, in addition to jade pieces and pottery. Presenting the rich culture of Costa Rica, Central Market is the city's colorful marketplace. Within the cozy warren of alleyways, students discover flowers, baskets, spices, fresh goods, and souvenirs. At the nearby Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, visitors view more than 2,000 glittering pre-Colombian gold artifacts.