South African visa free destination of the month: New Zealand
The many star attractions of this island nation place it on the holiday map of many South Africans wanting a unique and fun travel experience. The fact that South African passport holders do not need a visa to enter New Zealand is also a contributing factor to this country being a holiday destination of choice. This month we shine the spotlight on New Zealand being the visa free destination of the month.
New Zealand, also referred to as “Paradise of the Pacific”, proudly boasts of picturesque natural beauty and wildlife unique to this part of the world. This holidaymaker’s playground offers adventure and fun of all kinds from extreme sport to wildlife viewing to cultural landmarks that tell stories of local history and culture.
The beauty of New Zealand and its boundless natural wonders looms large; after having being captured on celluloid a wave of tourists have been rushing into the country for a tour of film locations. Thanks to movies filmed there like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, Whale Rider and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe which celebrate the stunning diverse landscapes that shape this island nation; tourism has been given a major boost.
Stunning diverse natural landscapes that stretch across both islands that comprise New Zealand include glaciers, white-sand beaches, fjords, rain forests, alpine lakes, agricultural plains, and volcanic craters and cones that form the perfect backdrop for many of the adventure activities that can be enjoyed in this part of the world.
Widely regarded as a backpacker’s paradise, a visit to New Zealand can accommodate the tastes and comforts of all visitors. Whether you’re inclined to luxurious comfort, or eco-lodges, farm-stays or even comfortable bed and breakfasts; New Zealand has the proper infrastructure to facilitate an enjoyable travel experience.
Some of the star attractions that are highly recommended for holidaymakers to experience the wonders of New Zealand are:
• Hike the Tongariro Crossing which is said to be the world’s greatest one day walk or do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on North Island;
• Spot glow worms in the Waitomo caves;
• Sample a traditional Hangi feast in Rotorua;
• Enjoy a game of golf. New Zealand is home to three of the ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in the World’;
• View rare species of wildlife such as the Hooker Sea Lions, the nearly extinct Yellow Eyed Penguins and a 160 million year old fossilized forest in the Catlins region;
• The Bay of Islands is a 100-island maze which is a haven for sailing, boating, and big-game fishing;
• Queenstown has the reputation of being the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. Hiking, skiing, paragliding, white-water rafting and kayaking opportunities abound in the surrounding landscapes of ski slopes, rivers, and alpine areas.
Family-friendly New Zealand offers a wide variety of entertainment activities that encompass a fun holiday experience for South African travellers. Why not mark this visa free destination for your next holiday adventure?
