0800 868 766 (NZ) or 0800 TOUR NOW
|
|
 |
Discover the wonders of New Zealand
What makes New Zealand so distinctive?
Find out for yourself why New Zealand is a destination like no other. The country's ever-changing landscapes provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable air tour experience. Often described as "the world in one compact country," New Zealand offers an astonishing array of scenic gems, from stunning coastlines and soaring mountains to ancient forests, volcanic terrain, glaciers, fiords, colourful plains and deep, picturesque lakes. An air tour of New Zealand offers a breathtaking visual treat that goes above and beyond!
Geography and Population
New Zealand is home to approximately 5.3 million people, with about a third living in Auckland, its largest city. The nation consists of two main islands and more than 600 smaller ones, with a total land area slightly larger than the United Kingdom but a little smaller than Japan. Some remote areas of New Zealand remain uninhabited today, preserved and nurtured by the Department of Conservation.
Natural Beauty and Wildlife
Large national parks protect extensive native forests, many of them home to unique species found nowhere else on Earth. Meanwhile farming regions frequently feature rolling green hills and pleasant pastoral scenery, while the country's South Pacific coastline reveals attractive beaches. The temperate seas surrounding New Zealand are home to abundant marine life, and dolphins and whales can sometimes be seen near the shore, offering spectacular photo opportunities. It's no wonder New Zealand's magnificent landscapes were chosen as the setting for several significant films, including the grand Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Wellbeing and Outdoor Adventure
Taking a break from everyday life to immerse in New Zealand's rejuvenating natural environment is a wonderful way to restore balance and wellbeing. Touring the country at a relaxed pace and pausing to enjoy its wonders allows for true rest and renewal.
Outdoor pursuits are a beloved local pastime. Hiking, known in New Zealand as "tramping", is especially popular. With no dangerous snakes or large predators, visitors can relax and savour the scenery. Many tours can offer optional hiking, biking, or kayaking experiences. Some of the world's most renowned trails are found here too, in places such as Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound, Tongariro National Park and Fiordland National Park.
The Air Tour Advantage
Why choose an air tour of New Zealand? The country's diverse landscapes are a photographer's dream, and the views from above are truly exceptional. Our air tour airplanes typically fly at 1,500 to 3,000 feet (around 500 to 1,000 metres) above the terrain and at speeds of about 140 knots (280 kilometres per hour). This "low and slow" approach offers a perspective that ground-level travel simply cannot match. May we suggest a browse of the tour pages to see photos that capture just how spectacular New Zealand looks from the sky.
Exclusive Experiences
Pacific Trailways Air Tours offer unique highlights, including:- Landing and taking off from grass runways from time to time
- Operating from charming small airfields
- Coach transfers that bring you right up to the aircraft at select locations
- Low-altitude cruising along remarkable coastlines, revealing sights and perspectives inaccessible by any other means
|
|
