Exploring New Zealand

Many people opt to visit the south of New Zealand to avoid the bustles of the city and enjoy the serenity the picturesque manifestations of nature the country offers. While the idea of surreal views of sculpted glaciers carving famous mountains and ice caves, the city side of the country is still something not to be missed! Go for a 360 degree view of the most populous Polynesian city worldwide -- Auckland from the 328 Sky Meter. Literally upon reaching the peak the city view will look almost as if they are miniature buildings you can play with. Oh and the best part -- there are areas where the floorings are made out of glass so standing on top gives you sort of the goose bumps in fear of falling 328 floors down. If the 360 view of the city does not satisfy your thrill seeking persona, Sky Tower offers an extra service that might interest you -- the sky walk and sky jump. If you would like to take the ultimate leap of faith go on and avail the sky jump which gives you 11 seconds of pure fear and adrenaline as you boost 192 meters down. But if you're looking for something a little intense go for the sky walk and tour around the side rails of the tallest building of NZ and face heart-racing challenges set by your guide!

• +64 9 363 6000

• Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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Contrary to the common view mountains offer when you reach its peak, Mt. Maunganui grants you a beautiful ocean view rather than a series of clouds and other land formations. While many fear the thought of having to hike on vacation, worry not as the mountain is quite easy to climb -- there is already an established trail hikers can follow. In fact the hike is very easy to the point that many of the locals jog to the peak as a morning routine! What definitely hits the spot for me here is the beach right at the bottom of the extinct volcano which you can enjoy after breaking a sweat! Or better yet, if climbing the mountain still has not satisfied your daily cravings for adventure, you can easily avail surfing lessons! By doing so you can sport a surfboard and a scuba suit, plus an added bonus -- a picture with your surfing instructor (the instructor we had literally embodied what a "surfer dude" looks like)!

• Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

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Kia Ora! You would know that this means "have life" or "be healthy" if you finally decide to include a visit to the Tamaki Maori Village! More than being a country known for its countryside and out of this world natural landscapes, the culture and origin of the Kiwis are something tourists should definitely explore. Here at the recreated indigenous village you can learn about the Maoi culture while enjoying never-before seen dance, crafts and music shows! Oh and personally the best part was the buffet right after the whole tour. The meat was amazing and the seafood -- I have come to believe that the mussels I was able to enjoy that night were the biggest I have ever seen! In addition, if you're on who enjoyed the tale of Moana, you should definitely give this village a shot as the movie was based on Polynesian culture!

• +64 7 349 2999

• 103 Highlands Loop Rd, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand

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