To say New Zealand has had a rough time of it over the past two years would a bit of an understatement. The country has endured the unpredictable global economy, Pike River coal-mine explosion, the Rena oil spill, and two Christchurch earthquakes.
Yet despite all of this New Zealand remains a country full of warm, welcoming and resilient people ready to go above and beyond to make sure visitors have a memorable stay.
Released on Monday (September 24), Lonely Planet’s latest edition of its New Zealand Travel Guide (its earlier edition featured Milford Sound on its cover – our featured image of Milford Sound is by Kiwi Discovery) pays tribute to the strength of New Zealand’s people, particularly the remarkably stoic Cantabrians.
The 16th edition praises the energy and creativity on display in Christchurch and calls the city’s rebuild both interesting and inspiring. It particularly recommends visitors stop by the Addington neighbourhood.
“Nowhere in New Zealand is changing and developing as fast as post-earthquake Christchurch.”
Across the country, New Zealanders’ welcoming nature and eagerness for travellers to enjoy their visit remains unchanged, and the guidebook says: “you might be surprised by the extent to which the average Kiwi will genuinely want you to have a really, really good time during your stay”.
The guide also singles out post-Rugby World Cup Auckland describing the country’s largest city as vibrant and diverse and selected the Auckland Art Gallery, Wallace Arts Centre and the Wynyard Quarter as three of its hot and happening destinations.
“It’s hard to imagine a more geographically blessed city. There are dense tracts of rainforest, thermal springs, wineries and wildlife reserves. No wonder Auckland’s rated as offering the third best quality of life of any major city”.
Lonely Planet’s Top New Zealand experiences:
