New Zealand's isolation means that 90% of the flora and fauna found here are seen nowhere else in the world. The most famous of these is the Kiwi bird which is the country's national symbol. With the same size as a domestic chicken, the kiwi is a flightless bird with many mammalian features such ovaries and whiskers.
The kiwi bird is now a protected species and one of the best places to see them is the Willowbank Kiwi Breeding Area near Christchurch. This open area of bush land covers around two hectares and is home to many species of bird such as the North Island Brown. Fledglings are housed in a large nocturnal house.
Among the natural wonders of New Zealand are the hot springs and geysers of Rotorua which has been a spa town since the 1880s. Located on the south shore of Lake Rotorura in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island, Rotorura is known as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. It's also nicknamed Sulphur City because of the fumes that waft out of the earth and the mud pools.
Perched atop a geothermal hotspot, the city and environs are festooned with natural vents and hot mud pools. Many of these are situated in parks and reserves and new eruptions pop up regularly. Kuirau Park, to the west of the city is the most popular spot for taking the waters. The most notable spouter is the Pohutu geyser at Whakarewarewa.
Other than gasping at the geysers, you can enjoy a wide range of water activities such as fishing, waterskiing, swimming and boating on the 17 lakes in the Rotorua region. In fact, Rotorua hosted the 2007 World Water ski Championships. Rotorua is a 3-hour drive south of Auckland.
If you're a Lord of the Rings buff and long to gaze at the dark land of Mordor, head for Tongariro National Park which was the location for Mordor in the Peter Jackson movie. It's a spectacular park with its active volcanoes and offers splendid hiking and walking in the summer. In the winter it's a popular ski area.
Other than its movie associations, Tongariro has many other claims to fame. For one thing, when it was established in 1887, Tongariro was New Zealand's first national park.
These are just a few of the activities unique to New Zealand. When you head south to this marvellous Land Of The Long White Cloud, you'll find many more unique sights and activities to amaze and delight you.
