Having travelled extensively in New Zealand and spent much of my time exploring the country by foot, it is only natural that some of my most memorable moments have been spent touring around one of the country’s most iconic national parks and home to its highest mountain, Mount Cook. Aoraki, or Mount Cook, stands at an impressive 3,754 metres tall and lies in the Southern Alps the mountain range that breaks through the length of the South Island. It is here that many visitors to the country have caught their first glimpse of the dramatic peaks that the South Island has become so renowned for and it is here that I, like so many others, have discovered their love of the mountains and the great outdoors.
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Articles in the 'New Zealand' Category
During the two years that I lived in New Zealand, spring was my favourite season. Clear, crisp days with the sun shimmering off the remaining snow on the mountain peaks, and a landscape revived by the snow-melt: burgeoning rivers, deep green hillsides and birds, plants and people alike shedding their winter shells and stretching their limbs for the months ahead. Even a cold winter doesn’t stop the Kiwis enjoying their beautiful outdoors, but spring brings renewed energy and a feeling that, perhaps, it’s just about warm enough to head back to the water for a surf or to disappear into the wilderness for some off-the-beaten-track walking.
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Nothing draws people together like food, whether it’s the preparation or sitting down to taste local delicacies, barriers are broken down and conversation flows. We asked our specialists to choose some of their favourite culinary experiences from around the world.
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The unanimous view amongst the New Zealand team at Audley is that our favourite properties are those with outstanding hosts. A property can have the most spectacular location with incredible views and luxurious rooms, but if the hosting and ambiance don’t match, then there is a real sense of something lacking.
All our favourite hosts bring something special to their property, be it their own life experiences, their local knowledge, their culinary skills or simply their enthusiasm, but occasionally we meet people who have a very specific interest which has driven their desire to welcome people into their homes.
Here we meet a variety of hosts with a diverse range of backgrounds who run some of our favourite unique places to stay.
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Dan Snow, TV presenter and respected historian, travelled to New Zealand with Audley. His trip was created to combine breathtaking scenery, exhilarating experiences, and of course an insight into the surprisingly rich history of this relatively young country. Dan’s account of his trip brings to life many of the reasons to visit this amazing country, whilst demonstrating that you don’t have to be an ancient country to have a culturally rich past.
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Audley’s specialists pick out some of their favourite music, dance and drama performances from around the world.
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From a traditional bach to a luxury villa, Lucy Harrison looks into New Zealand’s newest style of accommodation which encourages visitors to take their time and enjoy the country from the comfort of their own ‘home’.
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Immerse yourself in rural life on a working farm or ranch. From tea plantations in Africa to the fertile floodplains of Brazil’s greatest wetlands, friendly family-run properties introduce frontier life as it interacts with nature. Our specialists reveal their favourites.
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New Zealand is often seen as a ‘once in a lifetime’ destination, and perceived as easy to discover without much assistance. Felicity Goldsmith talks to some Audley clients about their personal experiences of the country and finds they gained a lot from our specialist knowledge – and why they are determined to go back.
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Buying ready-made souvenirs is very “last year”. In New Zealand an initiative gives travellers the chance to learn regional craft skills. Helen Richards reports on a project that lets visitors make their own memories.
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Travel writer, Richard Hammond, talks to Ulva Goodwillie, specialist natural history guide on Stewart Island (Rakiura), off the southernmost tip of New Zealand.
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Sian Thomas shares her favourite New Zealand walks.
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Chris Wilson immerses himself in the spiritual culture of New Zealand.
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Chris Wilson shares his passion for viewing New Zealand’s landscapes from a train.
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Sam Drew recounts her travels in New Zealand and the South Pacific.
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Visits to New Zealand’s top wineries can easily be incorporated into a tour of the country.
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Nick Coates recharges his batteries in one of New Zealand’s quieter corners.
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Our specialists’ top ten activities in New Zealand.
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Some of the best hotels in New Zealand.
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