Welcome to Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand meaning 'Land of the Long White Cloud.' It is a uniquely beautiful country with a huge array of mind-blowing scenery.

Rugged coastlines, snowy peaks, pristine forests, golden beaches, glacial lakes, unique flora and fauna, rolling green hills and massive skies and views, all packed into a clean tiny country still exploring its identity.

In the midst of world-wide concern with climate change, New Zealand's geographical isolation has helped it maintain its clean green identity. The country, only slightly larger than Great Britain, is sparsely populated with just over four million people, the majority of them concentrated in the three major cities of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. This uncluttered atmosphere coupled with the astounding scenery makes New Zealand a prime tourist destination.

Maori navigators arrived in New Zealand about eight hundred years ago. The European settlers, mostly from England, followed later in ships and landed in droves.

Their rampant land-grabbing forced the Maoris to petition the British crown to protect their land rights. This led to the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, forming the founding document for the formation of New Zealand.

The Maoris ceded New Zealand sovereignty to the British crown in return for protection and Maori ownership of land, and traditional gathering and fishing rights. The terms of the Treaty are still being negotiated, and with the passage of time the country is reaching understanding and the formation of a unique joint heritage between Maoris and Europeans.

Colonial links with Britain were only severed in the last thirty years and today New Zealand is a young multicultural country marching with pride and enthusiasm into the 21st century.

New Zealand is comprised of the North Island and the South Island. It packs a lot of sights, sounds and massive landscapes into its small geographical size, and can be seen at a leisurely pace over a month.

The scenery in both islands is unsurpassed in natural pristine beauty and the locals are famously friendly and hospitable. A brief run down of the cities, towns and landscapes in the regions of both islands will give you a good idea of how to see the country.

Starting with the North Island, the premier city of Auckland around the beautiful Waitemata Harbour welcomes you. Heading north from here leads you to the fascinating Northland region with a rich history of great significance to both Maoris and Europeans. The Bay of Islands is the most popular tourist spot in this region.

To the east of Auckland, the coast extends along the beautiful golden beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and then runs down to the popular resorts of the Bay of Plenty.

The region south from here revolves around Rotorua famous for its geysers and boiling mudpools. Close by is the extremely popular adventure activity town of Taupo on the banks of Lake Taupo flanked by three snow capped volcanoes.

The major ski destination in the North Island is Mount Ruapheu attracting thousands of skiers to its slopes every year.

To the west of Taupo are the famous glowworm caves of Waitomo in the lush Waikato region. From Taupo, it is a short ride to Wanganui, one of the oldest cities in New Zealand, located on the banks of the Whanganui River with its delightful canoeing opportunities.

The perfect cone of Mt Taranaki in the Taranaki province on the west coast is an iconic landmark which can be explored on a day-long hike around the region's own National Park.

If you have chosen to stay on the east coast, it is a beautiful trip around the East Cape to Gisborne, a charming seaside town which is the eastern-most city of Aotearoa and first to see the sun everyday.

Further south is the beautiful Hawkes Bay region famous for its world-class wineries and the art deco city of Napier. The Wairarapa is a charming spot in southern Hawke's Bay noted for its Victorian heritage appearance and boutique accomodation.

Further south past the popular wine growing region of Martinborough and the Rimutaka Ranges, is the capital of New Zealand, Wellington.

Coming down to the South Island, the northern-most region of the South Island is Marlborough, famous for world-class wineries. Nelson is a very pretty city with beautiful beaches and is the sunniest region in New Zealand.

You have the option of travelling down the West Coast and viewing the world famous Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. If you travel down the east coast, you reach the famous whale watching region of Kaikoura.

From here, you proceed down to the strikingly Victorian era city of Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island and aptly termed the Garden City.

Travelling down from Christchurch, you traverse the flatlands of the Canterbury Plains to the Scottish heritage city of Dunedin in the Otago district.

Travelling through Central Otago leads to Queenstown, the adventure tourism capital of New Zealand and the mecca of adrenalin pumping activities such as bungy jumping, whitewater rafting, jetboating and skiing.

Closeby is the cosy township of Wanaka with world class ski slopes and mountainbiking.

World famous Fiordland with its stunning scenery boutique of fiords, lakes, mountains and adventurous walking tracks is a stimulating and profound experience.

Travelling further south leads you to the uniquely kiwi region of Southland, gateway to Stewart Island and Antarctica.