TRAVEL GUIDE 2017

NEWZEALAND

From picturesque beaches to spectacular volcanoes and indigenous cultures, so many enriching experiences for all the family await on New Zealand’s North Island. ALEXANDRA STEWART, CEO of Antipodean Luxury Travel , tells us more. Wonder Q Who would love visiting the North Island? Those who enjoy experiencing a lot of variety in a short amount of time! The North Island is full of beaches and great walks, plus it’s the centre of indigenous Maori culture and volcanic activity. It makes the perfect trip for families with varying age groups and who want to be active. It’s a very educational and inspirational experience, too. Q How kid-friendly are your trips? Very! We’ve brought up our own children in North Island

New Zealand, so we’ve trialled what works across all age groups, and we tailor itineraries for each family. Q Sum up the North Island in three words. Coastal, exotic, variety. Q Tell us about the different style of itineraries you offer. There’s always a mixture of culture and activities. You can visit caves and see glow-worms in the morning, take a trip to a volcano at lunch and experience an evening of Maori culture, all in one day. We also like to showcase the local food scene, which allows a chance to experience the North Island’s bountiful produce; for example, a trip to Hawke’s Bay is a must for its food and wine culture (one for the adults!). For those into shorter, warmer trips, Northland is known for its reliable climate, stretches of sand, island hopping, heli-fishing and water activities – beach lovers will definitely be satisfied! Q What’s special about experiencing the indigenous Maori culture? It’s a deeply spiritual experience that connects you with the people of New Zealand, the land and howwe engage with it. It also challenges you to think about your origins and the sustainability of your future.

To find out more, visit antipodeanluxurytravel.com.

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TRAVELGUIDE2017