10 reasons New Zealand is the best country on Earth
What has changed over the last few years? Not a great deal, thank goodness. News? The 11th Great Walk, the 39-mile Hump Ridge Track, opened in October last year; the cycle trail network continues to expand and upgrade in accessibility; and visitor numbers increased by 12 per cent.
Yet while other countries have become less welcoming, more violent, too hot, or too polluted, New Zealand has simply continued to offer a safe and friendly welcome to visitors who come for its mountains, forests, geysers, wineries, city harbours, and beaches – to be thrilled, awed, relaxed, and awakened. Which is why we go on holiday, after all.
Here are 10 amazing things about New Zealand that make it the best country on Earth. Take a deep breath of Pacific air and dive in.
16 spectacular regions
The country is made up of sublime regions all offering something different. Rather than driving all day every day in a desperate bid to snap the perfect Insta shots of everywhere from Bluff to Cape Reinga for Insta, immerse yourself in one region for the lion's share of your trip. It makes for a far more relaxing break.
Take the Ruapehu region, for example. It boasts bike trails for every age and ability, the World's greatest one day walk (the Tongariro Alpine Crossing), the Tongariro Northern Circuit (a three-day 'Great Walk'), fly fishing and deer hunting, canoe safaris and white-water rafting, ancient beech forests, and luxury lodge accommodation.
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