"A Geothermal wonderland" New Zealand by easyoar

New Zealand Travel Guide: 16,481 reviews and 34,815 photos

New Zealand is a natural wonder. It has volcanoes, geysers and naturally occurring hot water. On the other hand it has glaciers and huge amounts of snow. In the Northern Hemisphere, the only country that comes close to it is Iceland.

A sheep (oh, and a Hobbit Hole too)

New Zealand is also where Lord of the Rings was filmed, and it is still possible to see some of the filmsets such as the Hobbit Holes (of course they are overrun with sheep now, like the rest of NZ). If you are serious about visiting several of the sites used for filming whilst you are out there, it is possible to buy books and maps showing where all of them are.

Another idiot about to Sky Jump...

New Zealand is also the home of lunatic sports. Bungee Jumping was invented there, as too was Zorbing (where you climb inside a big ball and get rolled down a hill). They also have the Sky Jump, which is a base jump off of New Zealands highest tower attached to a piece of wire. You then drop rather rapidly to the ground, only to be slowed down just before landing for a fairly gentle touchdown. You have to make a conscious decision to enjoy it on the way down as otherwise it is over way too quickly. The nastiest part is jumping off a skyscraper from just above the observation deck!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Amazing natural scenery
Cons:You'll have to partake in their crazy sports
In a nutshell:Go, and make sure it is for a long time.

Last visit to New Zealand: Aug 2004
Intro Updated Oct 4, 2004
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Reviews (13)

Watch out for the Huge Vicious Birds Warnings Or Dangers (2)

When your wandering round in the countryside, watch out for the Huge Vicious Birds that are wandering around out there... more travel advice

The Huka Falls (Waterfall) Things to Do (7)

The Huka Falls are certainly not the biggest or most impressive water fall you will ever see, but the speed of the flow... more travel advice

The Auckland Skyline at Night - New Zealand

The Auckland Skyline at Night Things to Do (7)

If you hop into a car and drive out of Auckland Iit's pretty obvious in which direction to head), you get a great view... more travel advice

Geysers at Wai-o-Tapu Things to Do (7)

Wai-o-Tapu is in the highly volcanic area of New Zealand. Nearby are Rotorua, Lake Taupo (a lake that has formed in a... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Faded Grandeur
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Comments (32)

Gillybob Jan 4, 2008 at 5:38 AM Report Abuse

Just starting to think about a trip to NZ in early 2009 - nice page and great photos! Gillybob greetings
CanterburyCath Sep 9, 2006 at 7:24 PM Report Abuse

Enjoyed your NZ info & mud pics!!
traveldave Aug 3, 2006 at 2:05 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for checking out my Ohio page. (And yes, the city of Columbus was named after Christopher). Jumping off the Sky Tower looks like lots of fun. I'll be sure to try it if I ever make it to NZ.
hailsbails May 29, 2006 at 8:57 AM Report Abuse

Hey babe, haha you made me laugh a lot...We arent that extreme really are we? LOL, hope your well hun!!!
TheWanderingCamel Apr 30, 2006 at 8:04 AM Report Abuse

6 visits to NZ and all I've seen of the north is Wellington - must get up there one day, though I'll leave the buzz-stuff to folk like you! Good pics. leyle
scottishvisitor Apr 29, 2006 at 5:42 AM Report Abuse

I think I would stick to the scenery & leave the extreme sports to you - Nice page!
imstress Apr 3, 2006 at 8:32 AM Report Abuse

North Island do have some similarity with the South and it brings back memories of my South Island trip.
Stephen-KarenConn Oct 27, 2005 at 2:22 PM Report Abuse

With my fear of heights I don't think I could do the Sky Jump. I'm impressed! The jumping mud and geyser remind me of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
polardabar Oct 18, 2005 at 2:27 PM Report Abuse

Where did you get that Sky Jump suite?! I need the street name & the city code, LOL! ;)
kyoub Jul 22, 2005 at 7:12 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting page. New Zealand is on my list of must sees. I may pass on the sports though, crazy indeed. I have herad about those parrotts that will eat anything.