New Zealand's separation from other land masses for more than 100 million years has allowed many ancient plants and animals to survive and evolve in isolation. Complementing our unique flora and fauna is a landscape that contains an unrivalled variety of landforms. In a couple of days' drive it is possible to see everything from mountain ranges to sandy beaches, lush rainforests, glaciers and fiords and active volcanoes.

Auckland is the best place to start exploring the North of the country. It's a great city and offers you everything you want.

Wellington is the capital city, and is located at the extreme southern tip of the North Island. Increasingly referred to by locals as "Wellywood" due to the huge success of film director Peter Jackson [Lord of the Rings Trilogy], Wellington regularly plays host to international films stars. The capital also boasts a symphony orchestra, opera house, several live theatres, the excellent Embassy Cinema and the national museum Te Papa. There are also regular daily ferry services to the South Island.

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island. Many activities can be organized from here. Trekking to Mount Cook is just one of the many things you can do.

This article is written by contributors of  world66.com, modified by travelers-online.com editors and licensed under a Creative Commons License .

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