9 Things to do in New Zealand

New Zealand is blessed with beautiful natural attractions from volcanic, glaciers, geothermal, deep fjords, and mountains. All these places are the jewels of the country. So while you're there, be sure to visit these places on 9 Best Things To Do in New Zealand.

1. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Enjoy the geothermal adventure in one of the earth's most natural theme parks, where you will feel like you are on a different planet. The place is formed by the sulphur and other minerals the numerous mineral natural water. These colors are beautifully coloring the area, makes you feel like not being in the earth. You will also see natural steam rises from the ground all around you. The steam is safe, don't worry. It's like having a steam bath. Another highlight of this place is Lady Knox Geyser that shoots red hot water up to 20 meters into the air. To witness this, you have to be there at exactly 10.15 A.M.

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2. Te Puia

Te Puia is an amazing geothermal vallet and Maori cultural centre, located just south of Rotorua. It's an educational as well as interactive natural place, perfect for all visitors from all ages. The gateway, a Hejeanga-a-Rangi monument of 12 skyscraping posts, is very impressive. Inside the area, you will find Kiwi House, opened in 1976 to teach visitors about this revered bird.  Find also Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley where 65 working geysers and 500 colorful mineral pools and volcanic waters. There is a Pohutu Geyser which can shoot boiling water up to 100ft into the sky!

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3. Rainbow Springs

If you love wildlife, Rainbow Springs can be put in your itinerary. The Rainbow Springs is a remarkable haven of wildlife, a house for both native species and plants and animals imported during colonisation. The park has magical walkways through huge forests. Theya re full of giant redwoods and kauri trees, which then harbour some wildlife. There are also huge glass-sided tanks inside the park where you see marine creatures. Not only that, at night you will see this place offers something more interesting such as underlit ponds, fairy lights, and nocturnal wildlife. This place is perfect for family trip.

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4. Skyline Rotorua

Bring your family to Skyline Rotorua where your family can experience gondola rides up the side of Mount Ngongotaha, luge rides, Skyswing and SkyVue cinema. The panorama from up above is really breathtaking, and one of the scenic area is the geothermal park below you. There is a fine dining Cableway Restaurant and Bar where you can have a romantic dinner. The night atmosphere is amazing for you and your partner to dine in to, as there are glittering lights of Rotorua sparkling half a mile below you.

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5. Skyline Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown is a must-see attraction during a visit to Queenstown. You can enjoy the best views in the region accessed by scenic gondola. Amazing views include Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. Here you can also enjoy the dinner in the Skyline Restaurant. Watch this video

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If you are looking for hotels in New Zealand, here you can find numerous hotels with ranging prices and stars from our partner Hotelscombined. You can find and compare prices from many hotels at once. Details here


6. SkyJump

For you who would like to test your nerves, go try SkyJump. You will stand on the tallest structure in New Zealand and then you jump off it with a wire attached to your body! Although it is impossible to enjoy the views of Auckland while facing your own fear while jumping off the structure, this place is ideal to admire the amazing views of Auckland. You will be traveling at approximately 85kph (or around 11 seconds) to land on the ground!

7. Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park

New Zealand has another spectacular geothermal parks with geysers, hot springs, and pools, lush flora and fauna as well as amazing silica terraces and geothermal cave. This place can be only reached by boat, makes it even more adventurous. Furthermore, as you explore more into the valley, there you find Soda Fountain and Ruatapu Cave where you find the bubbling mud pools. These mud pools look like a pool full of chocolate.

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8. Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Pay a visit to this Rotorua's wonderful geothermal wonderland which was formed from Mount Tarawera eruption in 1886. The geothermal park contains Lake Rotomahana, Iodine Pool, Marble Terrace, and the inferno Crater.

Inferno Crater Lake
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9. Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World

Bring your family to this puzzle theme park set in seven acres of land, where you find illusion rooms, a giant maze, tilted house, gift shops and cafe. Stuart Landborough's Puzzling World is one of the best attractions in New Zealand you should never miss out. Start with the Leaning Tower of Wanaka, a structure groaning out of the ground at an angle of 53 degrees. Go to Illusion Rooms where you find 3D images in Hologram Hall and Hall of Following Faces. It's weird to be followed around by all these faces! Continue to Ames Forced Perspective Room which is funny that you see a person seemed to grow at one side of room and shrink at another side. Carry on to Tilted Room, built at 15 degree angle but when stepping inside things seem flat and normal. Go to great Maze where you can test your skill in finding a way out of this big maze. Watch this video to make you see it better.

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If you are done with all these funny stuff, take a break in Puzzling Centre and Cafe to play games, solve puzzles while you eat or drink.


Hotels in New Zealand

In Pictures: Plitvice Lake, Croatia

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Plitvice Lakes National Park is the largest national park in Croatia,  a beautiful destination you should visit when you are in Croatia. This national park spanning across nearly 300 kilometers of cascading multi-tier waterfalls, wooden paths, bridges, and forested hills. The beauty of Plitvice was first enjoyed by tourists in 1949. This is one of the most beautiful place on earth, and one of the best destinations in Croatia.

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Plitvice Lake opens daily all year round. It is a home to deers, bears, wolves, and wild boar, and rare bird species. It features more than 8 kilometers of wooden paths and bridges. The beauty of Plitvice lies in 16 lakes which are interconnected by a series of waterfalls. Plitvice covers 300 square kilometers of the area, 8 kilometers of it is the distance of the lakes joined together. It is amazing to witness the spectacular views while taking a walk on the paths, seeing all these green-blue-brown earthy colors, and hearing the voice of nature through water falls.

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The tour to Plitvice itself takes from 2 to 8 hours long! There are maps available, and it offers numerous different routes and lengths. Exciting eh? You can also choose to take an electric boat, mostly during summer. In this park, you can choose various recreational activities such as guided hiking tours, cycling, rowing, train excursions, boating, kayaking in summer. Not only that, you can even skiing in winter! Unfortunately, neither swimming nor any kinds of water activities are allowed due to keep the cleanliness of the water.

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Plitvice Lakes National Park has been increasingly visited by tourists all year round. Also, the wonderful natural phenomenon of Plitvice has become a part of UNESCO's World Heritage Site in 1979.

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Plitvice Lakes National Park is not only beautiful on summer. Many people flock in the park also in winter months, to enjoy the views of the park covered with snow and frozen water.

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There are traditional restaurants and cafes within the park. On the outskirts of the park in small neighboring towns, you can find some accommodations. Here are 5 of recommended accommodations in Plitvice:

1. Plitvice Hotel Plitvicka Jezera
2. Jezero Hotel Plitvicka Jezera
3. House Katica Bicanic Plitvicka Jezera
4. Grabovac Hotel Plitvice National Park Plitvicka Jezera
5. House Omorika

See more Accommodations in the Plitvice Lakes with detailed facilities, complete with guest reviews and stars, as well as Hotels in Crotia.

Top 10 Places To Go in Madrid, Spain

1. The Palacio Real (Royal Palace)

The Palacio Real is the largest building in Madrid, as well as the largest royal palace in Western Europe. The palace houses furniture, paintings, tapestries, and ceramics. Other than that, you can also find works of art and frescoes by Giordano, Velázquez, Goya, Tiépolo and Mengs. These important works of art make The Palacio Real as one of important museums in Europe. In 2006, the total visitors reach more than 880,000 people. The Palacio Real is open to the public a year around except when there are official ceremonies and receptions.

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2. Plaza de Oriente

Palaza de Oriente is a very popular spacious plaza located on the east of The Palacio Real. Though Madrid is a busy city, you can always find a haven of peace and tranquility here. The landscaped gardens are enclosed in a kind of semi-circular design. In this calm and green area, there are 44 statues of Spanish kings from the medieval period. There is a huge statue of Felipe IV astride a horse.

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3. Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena (Madrid Cathedral)

Consecrated to Santa Maria de la Almudena, this cathedral means "the castle" in Arabic language "la mudayna". The building is a combination od neoclassical interior, a neo-romaneque crypt and a gothic revival interior. The cathedral was constructed of marble and granite, with a neoclassical cupola and two towers at the main entrance. The Cathedral can be easily reached from The Palacio Real.

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4. La Puerta Del Sol

Come to this most famous and most central square of Madrid. Since La Puerta del Sol is located in the center of Madrid, you can find hotels, hostels, and apartments easily. There is a clock tower named as "Real Casa de Correos", built in 18th century as a post office. Now the building functions as the headquarters od the President of Madrid's Autonomous Community. This is the square where people can celebrate New Year's Eve. In Spain, people celebrate New Year's Eve by eating 12 grapes (the "12 grapes of good luck") at each chime of the clock as it strikes midnight.

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5. Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor is Madrid's square located right in the center of the city, just a fe minutes walk from La Puerta del Sol. The square has restaurants and cafés you can visit to try good Spanish wine and tapas. The prices are kind of high but still you can enjoy the time here. Plaza Mayor had been changing its name from Plaza del Arrabal, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza Real and Plaza de la República, and back to Plaza Mayor. In this square, numerous public executions, Inquisition trials, bullfights and fiestas have all taken place here.

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6. La Plaza de Cibeles (Cibeles Fountain)

Visiting to Madrid without visiting Cibeles Fountain is not complete because this fountain is Madrid's icon. The fountain is located in the heart of Madrid, sculpted in 1782. It shows Cybele, the Greek goddess of fertility and nature, holding a sceptre and a key while being pulled by two lions on a chariot, as a symbol of the power of nature of the goddess. Originally, the fountain stood outside the Prado Museum, facing the Fountain of Neptune. But then in 19th century it was moved to the center of the square. The fountain is famous for a meeting point of fans of Real madrid soccer team. Whenever the team wins the Spanish league or Spanish cup, the football players from Real Madrid will celebrate here.

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7. Templo de Debod (The Debod Temple)

Temple de Debod is an authentic Egyptian temple dating back to 2th century, dedicated to the gods Amon and Isis. Templo de Debod originally stood up in Debod in the Nile Valley, not far from the city of Aswan, Egypt. Because Aswan Dam was going to be built in 1960, there were some archaeological sites endangered. In order to save all these valuable sites, UNESCO made an appeal to countries to help preserving the buildings. Spain was one of those countries contributing. Egyptian government thanked Spain in donating Templo de Debod which was dismantled stone by stone in 1969, shipped through Valencia and arrived in Madrid. Temple de Debod was opened for public in 1972.

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8. La Gran Via

La Gran Via, literally means as "the grand way", is Madrid's famous street where hundreds of businesses stores, shops, hotels, banks, bars, cinemas, and theatres can be found here. This business area is probably one of the most important districts in Madrid. You can see several interesting buildings located along the street, including Edificio Metrópolis and Telefónica building, a tallest skyscrapper in Madrid until 1953. Many of the buildings are lavishly decorated and often possess large statues which sometimes precariously perching on the egde of the roof.

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9. Plaza de la Villa

Plaza de la Villa is a historic square, a home to 15th century Torre de Lujanes, 16th Century Casa de Cisneros and the 17th Century Casa de la Villa.
Casa de Cisneros is the second oldest building in Plaza de la Villa. It used to be a place serving as a refuge and prison in 1590. Casa de la Villa is an old town hall of Madrid. It is situated between Plaza del Sol and Plaza de Oriente. Casa de la Villa was first known as the Plaza de San Salvador, named after a nearby church with the same name. It used to be a building for both prison and town hall. There are free guided tours on Mondays at 5pm if you are planning to visit.

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10. Puerta de Alcalá

Puerta de Alcalá was built in 1599 as a welcome gesture to doña Margarita de Austria, the wife of King Felipe III. Originally, the gate was not considered as a proper gate to welcome royal families by King Carlos III. He then called for architects to demolish it and start to build a new gate. The new Puerta de Alcalá was completed in 1769 and in 1778 the official inauguration took place.

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In Pictures: Duomo Di Milano (Milan Cathedral), Italy

Duomo Di Milano, or Milan Cathedral, is a magnificent Gothic cathedral located in Lombardy, northern Italy. This is an amazing cathedral in the Milan main square, noted as the largest Gothic cathedral in Italy and the fourth biggest Catholic cathedral in the world. The construction took about six centuries to be done. It is 157 meters long and can contain 40,000 people inside.

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Construction of Duomo Di Milano was first commissioned by bishop Antonio da Saluzzo in 1385 whom was supported by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the first duke of Milan. The duke envisioned the creation of the world's biggest church. So then he gave access to his marble quarries, granted tax exemptions and invited architects from across Europe.

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When you go to The Duomo, you will be seeing all these amazing sculpted statues and spires. The statues in The Duomo are 3159 in total! 2245 of these are for the exterior, 96 for gargoyles, and 135 spires. There is one statue which is the most famous of all called Madonnina (or Little Madonna). Madonnina is a copper statue of Virgin Mary, placed on top of the cathedral's tallest spire. The statue is covered with 3900 pieces of gold leaf. This 14-feet statue was cast by Giuseppe Bini and sculptor Giuseppe Perego in 1774.

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As for the interior in The Duomo, it is rather dark even though it's big. A number of architectural pieces and art works are amazing here. You will find large naves divided by 52 pillars, one for each week of the year, which support the cross waulting ceiling. The three altars are amazing, as well as Renaissance marble altar in the right transept and bronze statues, and the Trivulzio Candelabrum, the base of which was crafted in 12th century. Pay attention to a spot above the apse marked with a red light bulb. This is a special spot where one of the nails used in Jesus' crucifixion was placed.

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The roof of The Duomo is also fascinating to pay a visit for. It provides a memorable and unique opportunity to visitors who walk on the roofs of this beautiful Gothic cathedral. Once you are at the top you will be amazed by the city view. Pinnacles, sculptures, and spires are everywhere, topped with the statues that overlook the city. The main spire is topped with a Madonnina statue.

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10 of Best Gardens in The World

Some travelers prefer to go to natural places in the beginning of their trips while the rest prefer it at the end. I personally like it better at the end as the energies left are less than when trip is started. In some places, you don't have to go far to find natural places to get refreshed as they can be also found in city gardens. Amazing botanical gardens and well-maintained parklands make it possible for travelers to experience nature during vacation. If you want to put some amazing gardens in your itinerary, then here are 10 of the best of gardens in the world.

1. Château de Versailles, France

This beautiful garden lies on the 250 acres (101 hectares) area, riddled with paths that lead to flower beds, quiet corners decorated with ornamental lakes, classical statuary, and a canal that King Louis used for gondola rides. These gardens are sitting around the stately Palace at Versailles, not far from Paris. It was built in 17th Century for King Louis the XIV. This garden is the most famous in the world.

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2. Sans Souci, Germany

This garden was built by the order of Frederick the Great of Prussia, for his summer place where he could live without a care. Here you can see decorative statues, and a Chinese teahouse, definitely an ideal place for natural retreat.

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3. Singapore Botanic Garden, Singapore

Established in 1859, Singapore Botanic garden is considered as one of the world's prettiest botanical gardens. This 128 acres (52 hectares) garden is divided into three unique areas. In Bukit Timah Core you find an education-oriented section where you can study plant's life. In Tanglin Core you can find a bandstand and an array of statues and other man-made features sprinkled among native plants and trees. The most famous is the third, The National Orchid Garden, where you can see about 60,000 orchids in many species!

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4. Villa d'Este, Tivoli, Italy

Come to this UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside of Rome where you see collections of fountains, streams, and pools. of the the best ways to see best views of Villa d'Este is from the villa's terrace. There you can see some elements of symmetry in the garden, which was designed like that to be seen from above. Also see famous fountains here called Fontana del Bicchierone (water pours out from a large shell-shaped basin); the Rometta fountain, which is a miniature Rom complete with a wolf-suckling Romulus and Remus; and the Avenue of the Hundred Fountains, where animal heads, lilies, a small boat, basins, and so on all spurt water.

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5. Butchart Gardens, Vancouver, Canada

The Butchart gardens are so full of colors, a beautiful example of a successful reclamation project. Its breathtaking views will keep you stunned when you are there. The Buthchart Gardens spread over an area of 50 acres, placed near Victoria on Vancouver Island. In the garden there's never a dull season, which then keeps itself vibrating all throughout the year from summers to winters.

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6. Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai

Yuyuan Gardens were built more than 400 years ago during Ming Dynasty. There you can see classic Chinese buildings with terra cotta roofs and wide doorways and windows. You can wander around through paths and bridges, leading you to different corners of the garden, seeing ponds and dragon statues as well as other mythical creatures.

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7. Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands

One of the most famous gardens in the world, Keukenhof Gardens is surely a must-visit destinations when you are in The Netherlands. Be inspired by its colorful areas, full with more than 7 million tulips, including special hybrids that have been or are being developed. Never ever miss this spectacular floral displays in the world!

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8. Nong Nooch Gardens, Pattaya, Thailand

Enjoy breathtaking sceneries from Nong Nooch garden in Pattaya, an area complete with Thai style houses, banquet halls, villas, restaurants and swimming pools. This incredible park spread over 600 acres area bought by Mr. Pisit and Mrs. Nongnooch in 1954. The initial plan was to make the area as a fruit plantation, but then it was changed after Mrs. Ningnooch came back from a trip abroad. The land was then becoming a tropical garden of ornamental plants and flowers.  Finally in 1980 the tropical garden was open for public and officially named as Suan Nong Nooch or Nong Nooch Garden. Nongnooch garden has more than 2,000 visitors every day.

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9. Jardim Botânico de Curitiba, Brazil

This beautiful botanical garden is located in the city of Curitiba, the biggest city of southern Brazil. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Curitiba, spread over 240,000 m² of the area. The style of this garden is classical French, which you can see from the style of the extensive gardens as you enter the area, as well as the 458 square meters art Nouveau greenhouse, a home to various tropical plants. Aside from the tropical plants in the main greenhouse, this garden has a huge educational venue known as the Botanical Museum and lots of fountains, waterfalls and streams. The Botanic Museum has been attracting researchers from all over the world.
Visitors can also enjoy concerts during warmer months.

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10. Frederiksborg Palace Garden, Denmark

Frederiksborg Palace is located in Hillerød, Denmark, which serves as a museum of national history. Previously it served as a royal residence for King Christian IV. The current edifice replaced a previous castle erected by Frederick II and is the largest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia.The palace is located on three small islands in the middle of Palace Lake (Slotsøen) and is adjoined by a large formal garden in the Baroque style. Frederiksborg Palace is situated at an elevation of 34 meters.

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Zakynthos Beach, Greece

Greece is worldwide known as one of the countries which hosts beautiful beaches. Each Greek islands has their own best beach, and for now you'll be so lucky to see Navagio Beach in Zakynthos Island (or Zante). Navagio beach is an isolated sandy cove and a home to the wreck of the alleged smuggler ship Panagiotis. Thus, Navagio beach is often called as Smugglers Cove.

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Beautiful, eh? So, Navagio is located on northwest shore of Zakynthos, part of Ioanian Islands. Navagio is also known as the shipwreck beach because in 1975 a cigarette smuggler ship Panagiotis washed up on the beach from winter storm. At first the shipwreck was going to be removed from the site but then the authorities left it there since the site was already popular by the tourist.

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Navagio is very popular among tourists. This sandy cove is voted for one of the best beaches in Greece. To reach this beach, you have to go by boat since there is no other way to access it. You can take the boat from a close bay of Porto Vromi to the south, and from Agios Nikolaos harbor in Volimes to the northeast. But if you dare to challenge yourself, like these people in video below, then go ahead :).

It is fantastic to see how beautiful Navagio is. Sheer limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and the water is so clean, light blue colored and combined with deeper-blue color at certain point. The water gets this color because of sulphurous caves around the beach. When the sea is rising, a large quantity of sulphur radiates. That's when you can take more colorful images here :). Navagio 'Smugglers Cove' often shown in postcards. From the top of the cliff is one of the favorite angles for photographers. By the way, is it just me or not, the cliff has a shape like a huge reptile. The end point of the cliff looks like the head of reptile, then continue to the body, and then the tail. Check this out.

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Navagio is no doubt one of Greece's icon. You cannot leave Zakynthos without visiting Navagio, especially from at the top of this area.  Half way between Volimes village and Anafonitria there is an asphalt road leading to a parking space. By getting down a few steps, you will be able to enjoy the best view of Navagio! Panoramic photos of Navagio usually is taken at the viewing platform at the top of the cliff.

Some people who love base jumping had recorded their awesome experience in Navagio beach. Check this video out: