New Zealand will proudly host the Rugby World Cup in September and October this year, but if you don’t want to wait until then to see some rugby action there are plenty of games happening to tide you over.  

It doesn’t matter if it is a city, small town or in the countryside surrounded by paddocks, but New Zealand’s landscape isn’t quite right without a set of rugby goal posts. The game was introduced to New Zeland in 1870 by a young man called Charles Monro. Monro was born near Nelson, and spent some time studying in England before returning to his home country. He introduced the game of rugby to friends in Nelson, and the first rugby game in New Zealand was played at Nelson’s Botanical Reserve. A sign now stands on the ground to commemorate the game.

Rugby is New Zealand’s national sport, and when it is the national team, the All Blacks, on the field the whole country gets behind them.

One thing that is different about a rugby game with the All Blacks is the haka, a traditional Maori challenge dance which the All Blacks perform before playing an international team. The most famous haka used is "Ka Mate", originally composed by the Maori chief Te Rauparaha of Ngāti Toa to celebrate a narrow escape from death.

Here are the games coming up before the Rugby World Cup in September.

Rebel Sport Super 14

The Rebel Sport Super 14 between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa is the largest rugby championship in the southern hemisphere. A total of 14 teams play 13 games each to decide the best four teams. Then it is the semi-finals to decide the two finalists. The final is played at the highest ranked winner’s home ground. Games run from February until the end of May at venues in all three countries. New Zealand games are played in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Invercargill.

Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup

New Zealand also competes annually with Australia (the Wallabies) and South Africa (the Springboks) in the Tri Nation Series, a tough competition that has been running since 1996. The games played between Australia and New Zealand also determine the winner of the Bledisloe Cup each year.

The Tri Nations rugby tournament kicks off with the All Blacks playing South Africa in Auckland on 10 July. Other New Zealand matches are scheduled for 17 July in Wellington (vs South Africa) and 7 August in Christchurch (vs Australia).

There are usually eight games in the Tri Nations, but because of the world cup being held in New Zealand the competition has been reduced to six.

Rugby World Cup

Twenty three centres are to host the teams in New Zealand - 16 in the North Island and seven in the South Island. If you’re going to be here for the entire time, you can do a grand tour of New Zealand while you follow your team!

The event is scheduled to be played over seven weekends from the weekend starting 10 September and culminating the weekend starting 22 October 2011.

-  Get a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa and travel the country!

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Doubtful Sound is the deepest (421 metres) and second longest (40 kilometres) of the South Island's fjords. It is quite untouched by the modern world – with rare corals, plants and sea animals calling the fjord their home. It is not as accessible as Milford Sound, but joining an overnight excursion onboard a boat will see you dine on fresh crayfish scouped out of the water in front of your eyes while passing ancient glacier carved valleys, high mountain peaks and spectacular waterfalls. 

According to Maori legend, the sounds in Fiordland in New Zealand were created by the god Tu-Te-Raki-Whanoa as a safe place from the stormy seas.

When he split open the earth to form Patea (Doubtful Sound) four young sea gods helped him by using their adzes to cut the four arms of the sound – Deep Cove, Hall Arm, Crooked Arm and First Arm. Doubtful Sound is 10 times the area of the more well-known Milford Sound, and is the playing ground of bottlenose dolphins, fat New Zealand fur seals and the Fiordland crested penguin to name a few.

The fiord was originally named Doubtful Harbour by Captain James Cook, who sailed past it in 1770. He didn’t sail into the inlet because he though it looked a bit tight for safe manoeuvring (hence the name). It was later named Doubtful Sound by whalers and sealers, although technically it is a fjord.

Like other fjords in the area, Doubtful Sound contains two distinct layers of water that don't mix: the top few meters is fresh water, fed by runoff from the mountains, and below is a layer of salt water from the sea.

The top layer is darkened by the forest tannins, which makes it difficult for light to penetrate. So many deep-sea species such as red and black coral, colourful sponges and sub-tropical fish live in quite shallow depths in the sound. The rare corals can be found 10 metres deep here instead of the usual 30 metres that you will find elsewhere.

Some 10,000 years ago a mighty ice-age glacier extended over the region, and its grinding power as it slid towards the sea sculpted the landscape’s deep valleys. As a consequence there are some amazing waterfalls in Doubtful Sound as rains on the piecing mountains plunge down to the sound, particularly during the wetter seasons. In the Hall Arm, the Browne Falls cascades 619 metres; Helena Falls at Deep Cove tumbles 220 metres.

Tours to Doubtful Sound depart from Manapouri and involve a very scenic bus trip across Wilmot Pass. When you reach the fjord, you can explore in a sea kayak or join a water cruise with one of the local operators.

-  Learn more about getting a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Next month is the one of the most significant cultural and community festivals in the South Pacific, celebrating New Zealand’s multicultural identity through music, drama, film, arts and food. So if you are on a New Zealand working holiday this is not one to miss.  

The Pasifika Festival is a chance for the Pacific Island communities in Auckland to showcase their traditions, heritage and to extend their hospitality – and they pull out all the stops!

Pasifika Festival runs for 7 days in March, kicking off on March 6 with opening night concert and culminates in the massive festival day on March 12, at Western Springs Park.

Throughout the week there will be various performances and exhibitions taking place around Auckland from the Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Fiji, Niue, Tahiti, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Kiribati and the tangata whenua (New Zealand Māori) communities.

On the big festival day, more than 200,000 people are expected to turn up to for all-day entertainment on three main stages and visit the 10 cultural villages spread throughout the park.
More than 350 stalls will be selling everything from fresh coconuts through to t-shirts, paintings, tapa (barkcloth) and weaving.

Chances are if you are on a working holiday in New Zealand you would have visited Auckland already (the secluded islands, sparkling waters and lush native rainforest nearby are also a big drawcard!).

If not, after the festival hang around for a little bit because the area is really amazing. In just half an hour you can be almost anywhere - sailing to an island, trekking through a rainforest, picnicking on a volcano, sampling wines at a vineyard or wandering a wild, black sand surf beach.

Pasifika Festival
6-12 March
Cost: FREE
w: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Festival day is Saturday 12 March, 10am to 5pm, at Western Springs Park and sports fields, Auckland.
Other events will be held around Auckland during the week.

- Safe and happy travels on your New Zealand working holiday!

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

The legend of Māui, a clever, gifted demigod, pretty much sums up the South Pacific idea of a hero. After a miraculous birth and upbringing he won the affection of his supernatural parents, taught useful arts to mankind, snared the sun and tamed fire, and fished out of the sea the islands of New Zealand.  

There are numerous Polynesian legends of Māui fishing up new land, with Te Ika a Maui (the North Island of New Zealand) the largest.

Disliked by his four older brothers, Māui would be left behind when they went fishing. So one night, he secretly made a fishhook from a magical ancestral jawbone and crept into his brothers' canoe and hid under the floorboards.

It wasn't until the brothers were far out of sight of land, and they had filled the bottom of their canoe with fish that Maui jumped up, took out his magic fishhook and threw it over the side reciting magic incantations.

The hook went deeper into the sea until Māui felt the hook had touched something. He tugged gently and far below the hook caught and together with his brothers brought the fish to the surface.

Māui cautioned his brothers to wait until he had appeased Tangaroa the god of the sea before they cut into the fish, but the brothers grew tired of waiting and began to carve out pieces for themselves. These are now the many valleys, mountains, lakes and rocky coastlines of the North Island.

There are many places throughout New Zealand associated with this particular Māui legend including the South Island that is also known as Te Waka a Maui or the canoe of Māui and the Stewart Island or Rakiura also known as Te Punga a Maui or the anchor stone of Māui.

Aotearoa, New Zealand is one of three centres of Māui legends the others are Hawaii and Tahiti. Māui also features in the folklore of Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and Tokelau as well as many other South Pacific islands. Despite the geographic spread, the stories remain essentially the same today.

According to legend, Māui eventually met his death while attempting to kill the goddess of death, Hine nui-te-po.

- Take a year out with a New Zealand Working Holiday!

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Just twenty three kilometres off New Zealand’s Tutukaka Coast are a cluster of islands that are a top international site for diving as well as snorkelling and kayaking. Despite their name, the Poor Knights Islands are anything but, and should be on every keen divers' to-do list.  

The islands are washed by warm currents swept south from the Coral Sea and are part of a complete marine and nature reserve - and pending World Heritage Site. The islands have an astounding Maori history and their 11 million year old volcanic origins provide spectacular drop offs, walls, caves, arches and tunnels to explore. 

The whole area is full of unique plant and animal life both above and below the waterline. Over 125 species of fish can be found in the waters off the islands along with soft corals, sponges, vibrant anemones, large kelp forests, sting rays, gorgonian fans and many others. The islands’ famous arches are fascinating to explore, with countless animals competing for space on the walls and in the warmer months, squadrons of stingrays can be seen in the waters of the archways.

Diving the Poor Knights can truly be called a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the area is very different to other diving coral reefs or even the nearby New Zealand coast. Many of the subtropical fish living in the marine reserve are found nowhere else in New Zealand.

Nursery Cove and some of the shallower parts of South Harbour are great venues for novice divers but experienced divers can find spectacular and challenging dives all around the islands.

If you are not a diver there are still plenty of ways to explore islands, including a simple sightseeing cruise or a combination cruise of sightseeing along with snorkelling and cave explorations. A number of charter dive boats operate from Tutukaka Harbour, which is 30 kilometres from Whangarei.

The Whangarei Official Tourism Website can help with more information. Visit: http://www.whangareinz.com/

- Get started on your gap year by applying for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa!

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

New Year’s in the UK will be freezing, so why not head to New Zealand where the summer is already in full swing and temperature will be a soothing 25 degrees Celsius for New Year’s night! The city of Gisborne on the North Island of New Zealand (together with the island nation of Kiribati) is the first place on the globe to greet the New Year, so head over there to be ahead of the world. But there are many celebrations and festivals over their summer months and to ring in the New Year with some serious gusto!

29 DECEMBER 2010 - 1 JANUARY 2011: RHYTHM AND VINES MUSIC FESTIVAL, GISBORNE A three-day festival experience of a lifetime with some of the finest music from New Zealand and to world. This is definitely an important New Zealand’s festival to tick off your list! Nestled within rural Gisborne's rolling hills amongst the lush vines of Waiohika Estate, the Rhythm and Vines festival also has a number of camping options on Gisborne’s beaches or within the vines on the festival site. See: http://www.rhythmandvines.co.nz/2010/ 31 DECEMBER 2010 - 1 JANUARY 2011: COROMANDEL GOLD, WHITIANGA Whitianga is host to Coromandel Gold - New Zealand’s hottest New Year’s Eve festival, which last year saw 10,000 tickets sell out in less than three weeks. Coromandel Gold is three kilometres from Whitianga town centre and a stone's throw from Buffalo Beach (pictured). Plenty of camping will be available and buses will be running from Whitianga and local beaches. New Zealand’s favourite live acts, including The Black Seeds, Trinity Roots, Tiki Tane, Shapeshifter, Ladi6 and Katchafire will be there to welcome in the New Year. See: http://coromandelgold.co.nz/page/5-Home

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17 DECEMBER 2010 - 1 JANUARY 2011: FIESTA OF LIGHTS, HASTINGS If you are looking for something more relaxed, visit the Hawke's Bay town of Hastings for the Fiesta of Lights. More than 350,000 small bulbs will be lit on the Lakeside Walkways into a sea of colours in the form of jumping dolphins and other New Zealand marine life, as well as to light up the impressive Art Deco buildings in the town. Those travelling by car can drive through the light festival and enjoy music on the festival radio station, specially designed to synchronise with the dancing animations. See: www.eventfinder.co.nz/2010/dec/hastings/fiesta-of-lights-million-watts-of-family-fun 28 DECEMBER 2010 - 12 FEBRUARY 2011: LIVE AT THE ISLANDS,  BAY OF ISLANDS & AUCKLAND Urupukapuka Island (Bay of Islands) and Motutapu Island (Auckland) will be the scenes of some amazing summer music spectacle, with proceeds to go towards a selection of special conservation projects in the local area. Get to the islands early so you can enjoy the beaches and try some swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Kick back and enjoy the sweet sounds till sunset before cruising back to shore or, stick around for the ZM DJ after party following each concert. See: www.arkpresents.co.nz

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21 JANUARY 2011 - 6 FEBRUARY 2011: BIG DAY OUT 2011, AUCKLAND Seven stages, sixty international and New Zealand artists: Big Day Out is everything it promises. This year the line-up includes bands such as Tool, Rammstein, and Iggy & the Stooges. See: http://www.bigdayout.com/auckland.php 31 DECEMBER 2010 - 1 JANUARY 2011: SUMMERDAZE, QUEENSTOWN LAKES The Summerdaze Festival in Queenstown Lakes District is true summer fun, with highlights including live bands, mountain biking, triathlon, rodeo shows, open air cinema, stalls and workshops. Detailed information about the programme can be found here: http://www.summerdaze.co.nz/

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31 DECEMBER 2010 - 1 JANUARY 2011: LA DE DA, MARTINBOROUGH Set amongst Alana Estate’s beautiful vineyards in the small town of Martinborough (80 miles from Wellington), La De Da has a massive lineup of the country’s finest bands, artists, and DJs, along with licensed bar areas and gourmet food! Top acts such as Kora, Hollie Smith, Salmonella Dub and The Thomas Oliver Band provide rock, soul, jazz and reggae. And being centred in the middle of one of the best wine-growing regions in the country, you can guarantee the wine will be top-notch and the food extra tasty. See: http://ladeda.co.nz/

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- We can help you make your New Zealand working holiday visa appliation to the New Zealand immigration department.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

The first of New Zealand’s ‘Great Rides’ - a national cycle trail showcasing some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes – is now open. The St James Cycle Trail passes through an iconic South Island backcountry conservation area, near the tourist town of Hanmer Springs, in Canterbury's Southern Alps. So grab your bikes peeps, there are some awesome stuff to see just off the beaten track.

NOT FOR THE FEINT HEARTED The 64km St James Trail offers iconic scenery and a mix of trail standards, down spectacular river valleys, past high-country lakes, through beech forest and grassland valleys in an important conservation area. Of the 18 nationally promoted cycle trails, it requires the greatest level of experience to complete. Experienced mountain bikers are expected to complete the full trail in roughly 10 hours, but if you prefer to take your time and break up the trip into a number of days there are four huts along the way that you can book a space in. You can also camp beside the river. A good soak in the Hanmer Springs hot pools on the way home wouldn’t go astray either. The cycleway mainly follows the Waiau River, and the full trip is designed for experienced mountain bikers but the entry tracks to the Waiau River along Edwards valley or over Maling Pass (and to Lake Guyon) are suitable for intermediate level cyclists. Local native vegetation includes red, mountain and silver beech / tawhairauriki / tawhairaunui forests, mānuka / kānuka and matagouri scrublands, alpine and tussock species, and a vast expanse of native grasslands. Some 430 indigenous species of flora and 30 native bird species have been identified – so keep an eye out for some pretties. Check out more details about the St James trail here.

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NGA HAERENGA, THE NZ CYCLE TRAIL Nga Haerenga - meaning ‘the journeys’ in a physical and spiritual sense - is the name of a national cycleway network, a series of 18 great rides through some of New Zealand’s most iconic and picturesque country. The aim is to have 18 ‘Great Rides’ completed and ready for use by summer 2012 – 2013, and the St James Trail is the first fully completed trail but there are others that are partially finished. The 18 trails are across New Zealand in regions including Northland, Hauraki, Rotorua, Opotiki / Gisborne, Waikato, Ruapehu, Taupo, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson Bay / Tasman, West Coast, Aoraki / Mount Cook / Waitaki, Queenstown, Southland and Clutha.

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- Get started on your gap year by applying for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa!

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

A series of concerts over the next few months will celebrate two of New Zealand’s popular island conservation projects with some great music acts performing in amazing locations.

The Live at the Islands concerts will be held at Urupukapuka in the Bay of Islands and Motutapu in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. Thousands of volunteers have worked on these islands over recent years to restore natural vegetation, removing introduced predators and releasing rare native birds back into the wild. Now you can salute their hard work with great music against a backdrop of South Pacific marine scenery!

Take the short ferry ride and arrive as early as you like to swim at the beach and explore the idyllic island. By the afternoon things will start to kick off with refreshments available at the bars, and some of New Zealand’s leading musicians will be taking to the stage. As the sun sets across the water you can slip back to the mainland or party on with an after party on the beach until the last ferry leaves.

URUPUKAPUKA ISLAND - 28 December to 22 January Urupukapuka is the largest island in the Bay of Islands and with sheltered white sand beaches along its western coast and towering ocean cliffs to the east, it’s pretty amazing. You can take a close look by hiring a kayak for a guided tour of the bays or follow trails over rolling hills to discover secluded beaches, archaeological sites and 360-degree cliff-top views. The ‘Live at the Islands’ events on Urupukapuka Island will benefit Project Island Song, a major local conservation effort to restore native wildlife to the Bay of Islands. THE DETAILS 28 and 31 December 2010. Plus 3, 5, 7 and 22 January 2011 Ferries will shuttle from Paihia and Russell to the island and back Bookings are essential For details and to buy your tickets visit www.arkpresents.co.nz

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MOTUTAPU ISLAND - 12 February 2011 Motutapu Island is a short ferry ride from Auckland city. The island lost its ancient forests to numerous volcanic eruptions that created Rangitoto Island on its western shore but in the valley behind the bay you can see how remaining native forest has been significantly extended thanks to replanting by volunteers. Motutapu Island and adjoining Rangitoto Island are now free of introduced pests and predators, allowing the release of rare native birds. For the special one-off Motutapu Live at the Islands concert, an amazing line-up of New Zealand’s leading musicians will provide continuous entertainment until evening. If you’d like to linger longer, after sunset the ZM DJ Afterparty on the Beach will keep you going through to 10pm. Ferries will depart regularly so you can return to the city when it suits. Live at the Islands - Motutapu will benefit the Motutapu Restoration Trust. THE DETAILS Saturday, 12 February 2011 from 12.30 to 10.00pm Ferries depart from downtown Auckland and Gulf Harbour, Whangaparaoa Ferry capacity is limited so book early  For details and to buy your tickets visit www.arkpresents.co.nz

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- Get started on your gap year by applying for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa!

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Middle Earth isn’t of course a real place, but if it was then New Zealand certainly has an uncanny resemblance to JRR Tolkien’s created land.

Tolkien’s famous books were turned into famous movies by New Zealander Sir Peter Jackson, who considered New Zealand "the perfect Middle Earth".

Jackson will be following up his Lord of the Rings trilogy with the prequel movie The Hobbit, which starts shooting early next year - so that could be perfect timing if you are over there for a working holiday to snag yourself a roll as an extra! 

More than 150 different locations throughout New Zealand were used to film the ‘Lord of the Rings’: the rolling hills of Matamata became Hobbiton, while the volcanic region of Mt Ruapehu became the fiery Mt. Doom where Sauron forged 'The Ring', and Queenstown - New Zealand's adventure capital - was the setting for numerous scenes including Eregion Hills and the Pillars of Argonath. So here are some tips for where you can find you own perfect part of Middle Earth in New Zealand.

SOUTH ISLAND LOCATIONS Specialised Lord of The Ring tours on the South Island will take you by 4WD into the remote back country of Canterbury and the Rangitata Valley to Mt Sunday and Mt Potts high country station that was transformed into Edoras, the capital of the Rohan people. Many of the locations that provided the most dramatic scenery in the movies can be found near Queenstown, such as The Remarkables mountain range, nearby lakes, vast valleys, forests and fiords - which movie-goers would know as Isengard, the Misty Mountains and the Ford of Bruinen. This southern region is home to rare wildlife, ice-age glaciers, rugged mountains, deep lakes, meandering rivers and native forests - yet all within a short distance of adventure sports and city life. Other Middle Earth tours on the South Island cover the Nelson region which provided locations for Chetwood Forest, Rivendell and Dimrill Dale.

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NORTH ISLAND LOCATIONS Hobbiton and the Shire were filmed in lush farmland near Matamata, in the Waikato region. The working sheep farm with its rolling green hills where filming took place for the triology is currently undergoing redevelopment as it prepares to welcome back the Hobbits - although tours of the famous set are still operating. Mount Doom, also known as Mt Ngauruhoe, is one of three volcanoes in the North Island’s central plateau and you can take the same path as Frodo and Sam by walking the Tongariro Crossing. The walk is often described as one of the best one-day walks in the world and the 17km trek passes volcanoes, steaming fumaroles, jagged lava flows and crater lakes. Wellington is home to Peter Jackson’s Weta Workshop, Weta Digital and the Miramar film worshops that will again be central to The Hobbit production. The movie business centre is off-limits to visitors, but Lord of the Rings fams can experience the Weta Cave. Helicopter rides out of Wellington can give you a bird’s eye view over the limestone formations that formed Dimholt Road where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli rode to meet the 'Army of the Dead'.

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In virtually every region of New Zealand, you will be reminded of Middle Earth and the movie trilogy.

The numerous conservation areas that provided locations for Lord of the Rinds are also listed on the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) website, where you can find detailed information of which scenes were shot where, GPS coordinates, Google map links, access roads, parks and reserves, and ideas for short walks in the vicinity.

- Got any tips for New Zealand working holiday makers on Lord of the Ring locations? Let us know in the comments!

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Let’s face it; a gap year overseas is a wonderful adventure but not always easy on the back pocket. Here is a list of ten of the great things New Zealand has to offer that will give your wallet a break. Sometimes, the best things in life are free.

1. WALK TO THE SUMMIT OF MAUAO – BAY OF PLENTY Grab your rucksack, it’s time for a hike. Mauao is a dormant volcano standing 232 metres above the white sand beaches of Mount Maunganui and the Tauranga Harbour. Mauao is pretty special to the Māori tribes of the Bay of Plenty region, and it is full of native flora and fauna, including the red blooming Pohutukawa tree. The views from the top out towards White Island and the Pacific Ocean are breathtaking. 2. VIEW THE GANNET COLONY AT MURIWAI BEACH – AUCKLAND Muriwai Beach, on Auckland’s west coast, is home to the most accessible gannet colony in New Zealand. Gannets are large black and white seabirds that dive into the water from a height of about 30 metres to catch fish. The gannets return to Muriwai in July to re-establish contact with their lifelong mates and by December their chicks are clamouring for food, so it is a perfect time to watch the parents nosediving into the water at up to 145km per hour in search of fish for greedy chicks. Fur seals can also be seen in spring sunbathing on the rocks below the gannet colony.

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3. HOT WATER BEACH - COROMANDEL One of the most amazing phenomenon of New Zealand is the hot water beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, just south of Mercury Bay. A huge underground reservoir of superheated water caused by a volcano escapes to the surface (cooling along the way) at two fissures at Hot Water Beach. Water comes out as hot as 64ºC (147ºF) at a rate as high as 15 litres/minute. Hire a spade at the store, or bring your own and dig yourself a toasty spa in the sand. The best time is to get there an hour before low tide, so you have time to get a good spot and dig. 4. DISCGOLF COURSE – QUEENSTOWN Discgolf? It’s played much like traditional golf but instead of a ball and clubs, players used flying discs or Frisbees. The Queenstown Frisbee Golf Course is right in the centre of town, with 18 challenging holes throughout the Queenstown Gardens. Maps of the course can be picked up at Shoeclinic on Beach Street or R&R Sports on Shotover Street.

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5. DRIVE THE SOUTHERN SCENIC ROUTE – SOUTHLAND The Southern Scenic Route stretches around the bottom of the South Island, beginning (or endings) in Dunedin and working through the Catlins region to Invercargill and then meandering up to Te Anau. The route really is a road less travelled and takes in some of the most spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer. The route passes by towering rainforests, rolling fertile farmlands and golden beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Along the way is Curio Bay Petrified Forest, one of only two Jurassic forests in the world. Plus you can see Hooker sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, Yellow-Eyed penguins and Hector’s dolphins. 6. SELF GUIDED WINE TOUR – MARLBOROUGH Marlborough means wine in New Zealand, and the region has over 100 vineyards. Most of the wineries have open cellar doors that offer complimentary wine tastings, although no doubt you’ll want to walk away with a few bottles! Located at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, the main city of Blenheim can be reached by car in four and a half hours from Christchurch or within half an hourafter crossing from Wellington on the ferry.

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7. VISIT A NATIONAL PARK There are 14 spectacular national parks in New Zealand and more than 25 marine reserves preserving New Zealand’s natural heritage. Combine that with protected forest parks, reserves and private land preserves nearly a third of the country’s land is in its natural state. National parks are beautiful areas to visit, and cost nothing! 8. TE PAPA TONGAREWA, MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND – WELLINGTON Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum, and there are five floors of treasures to explore. New Zealand’s nature, art, history and heritage - from the shaping of its land to the spirit of its diverse peoples, from its unique wildlife to its distinctive art and visual culture - are all on display.

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9. FOX & FRANZ JOSEPH GLACIERS - WEST COAST The Fox and Franz Joseph glaciers are among the most accessible in the world to visit. You can easily walk to the foot of these enormous moving ice masses on the West Coast of the South Island. The glaciers descend from the Southern Alps down into the temperate rainforest just 300 metres above sea level. 10. BBQ AT A BEACH OR RESERVE Many parks and beaches all over New Zealand, such as Muriwai Beach, have BBQs to use. Most only charge a $2 ignition fee, so it’s as good as free!

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- Want to explore New Zealand? Take the first step and apply for a New Zealand working holiday visa.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.