Auckland Airport is the largest in New Zealand, the gateway to your Kiwi getaway. However its location in suburban Mangere, a small town 21 kilometers out of Auckland, can perturb some visitors. With a little know how though it’s not hard to make your way from the airport to the city center and other local vacation spots. Regular MAXX bus services connect the airport to Auckland City and other major centers, including Paptoetoe, Manukau, and Botany. The MAXX website offers timetable information for its bus services. In addition to Auckland’s regular MAXX bus service, Airbus Express also offers bus travel exclusively for travelers. Look for the bright blue buses,’ which will ...

The peaks of Milford Sound, New Zealand So gorgeous is New Zealand’s Milford Sound that British writer Rudyard Kipling once called it the “eighth wonder of the world.” The dark brooding waters, rocky cliffs, and lush forests of this photogenic area inspire around half a million tourists to visit this spot on New Zealand’s South Island every year. Milford Sound is the crown of Fiordland National Park. A cruise with an operator such as Scenic Pacific or Real Journeys is one of the best ways to see the region. During a day trip, or a longer overnight journey, guests can see the area’s marine animals, including seals and dolphins, and awe-inspiring natural features. ...

International favorites and local oddities are all on show at Auckland Zoo. This family tourist attraction is adjacent to Western Springs Reserve, a stone’s throw from Auckland’s central business district. New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi The Pridelands, home to a pride of five lions, giraffes, and zebras, and the rare Sumatran tigers of Tiger Territory always draw a crowd. The zoo is also home to Burma, New Zealand’s only Asian elephant and an underwater viewing area for California sea lions and New Zealand fur seals. More New Zealand natives are found in the nocturnal house, including kiwis, tuatara lizards, and the Southern Boobook owl or morepork as it is commonly know...

Visitors to New Zealand need only remember one name when seeking travel advice: i-SITE. i-SITE is New Zealand’s official network of tourist information centers. More than 80 i-SITEs scattered around the North and South Islands are dedicated to providing advice about local attractions, accommodation options, and transport. Best of all, the service is completely free to use. Unlike many tourist centers in other countries, the staff at i-SITE centers go the extra mile, booking tours, trips, and travel for their guests and sharing a few local secrets. In fact, the centers must achieve a certain level of staff training, services, and other standards before being selected as a prestigious ...

Since the release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, fantasy film fans have become enamored with Australia’s nearest neighbor, New Zealand. Movie buffs have their work cut out for them if they hope to see all the trilogy’s locations, with spots on both North and South Islands used in the three films. The best strategy is to choose your favorites, then plan your trip around them. Tangariro National Park will be high on most cinema lovers’ lists, as this is where the spectacular Battle of Mordor took place. With a few special effects, its peak Mount Ngauruhoe was transformed into Mount Doom. The summit is New Zealand’s most active volcano, but don’t let that scare y...