Mark has visited New Zealand twice. He spent a weeek in Queenstown (on the South Island)
which fancies itself as the adventure capital of the world. It's where bungee jumping was invented. You can visit that original bridge to watch some people take the plunge, or do so yourself (Mark did not).
For a scenic trip, take a Jet Boat ride. These boats go very fast in very shallow water, and
travel in some beautiful areas. There is the where The Lord of The Rings movies were shot,
but there's not much to see. When making the films they had to agree to dismantle everything
afterwards, leaving no trace. I did meet some people who were in the movies, though.
Weather cancelled Mark's try at paragliding from the top of the mountain overlooking town. He did take a walking tour around town, which was a little less adventurous. It's a quick trip (day plus) to drive up the island and see sights. Don't miss the Pancake Rocks and the Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers on the west coast.
Welington is the capital, lying on the Sourthern tip of the North Island. It's verrry windy - be prepared. If you're a windsurfer, it's apparently the place to be. The top sight in town is the Te Papa Museum, which serves as New Zealand's national museum. It features the history of the courtry and its people. Well worth the trip. Also, look for the distinctive architecture of "The Beehive", an adjunct building of Parliament.
|