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New Zealand Outdoor Recreation

Ringed by wild and churning waters, site of a major tectonic plate collision, and home to thousands of endemic plant and animal species, New Zealand overflows with geological and ecological splendor, enticing and enchanting those lucky enough to set foot upon its shores. New Zealand’s landmass charted a singular evolutionary course following its separation from the ancient supercontinent Gondwanaland. It was this solitary development that created the towering crags and steaming pools that now draw millions of travelers to what feels like the very edge of the earth.

  • Leave No Trace. Let’s Go encourages travelers to embrace the “Leave No Trace” ethic, minimizing their impact on environments and protecting them for future generations. Trekkers and wilderness enthusiasts should set up camp on durable surfaces, use cooking stoves instead of campfires, bury human waste away from water supplies, and bag trash and carry it out with them. For more info, contact the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, P.O. Box 997, Boulder, CO 80306, USA (☎800-332-4100 or 303-442-8222; www.lnt.org).

  • The Land And Environment
  • The ancient supercontinent of Gondwanaland combined modern-day South America, Africa, peninsular India, Antarctica, and Australia. The islands now known as New Zealand split from the supercontinent roughly ...more

  • Conservation Efforts
  • New Zealand is hailed worldwide as a leader in conservation efforts, both on land and at sea. About one-third of the country is set aside as protected land, and a massive international whale sanctuary ...more

  • Tramping
  • Backpacking, trekking, hillwalking, bushwalking—whatever you call it back home, it’s tramping in New Zealand. The country’s nine most spectacular and popular tramps (including one that takes place ...more

  • Huts And Camping
  • New Zealand’s tracks are home to a well-developed backcountry hut system with nearly 1000 huts. The DOC builds huts for three reasons: to increase safety for trampers, to reduce the environmental damage ...more

  • Camping And Tramping Equipment
  • Good camping equipment is both sturdy and light. North American suppliers tend to offer the most competitive prices. If you bring your own camping equipment with you into New Zealand, make sure it is ...more

  • Caravans And The Outdoors
  • Camping is a popular way to see the wonders of New Zealand without seeing your wallet dwindle. Camping facilities (known as holiday parks) vary in size from grassy plots to sprawling compounds. Motor ...more

  • Wilderness Safety
  • Stay warm, stay dry, and stay hydrated. For any hike, prepare yourself for an emergency by packing a first-aid kit, a reflector, a whistle, high-energy food, extra water, rain gear, a hat, mittens, and ...more

  • Outdoor And Adventure Activities
  • Bungee Jumping. Bungee is big in New Zealand; the world’s first commercial jump has been thrilling Queenstown visitors since 1988. Queenstown remains the bungee capital of New Zealand (and the world) ...more

  • Useful Publications And Resources
  • A variety of publishing companies offer hiking guidebooks. For info about camping, hiking, and biking, write or call the organizations listed below to receive a free catalog. The Great Outdoor Recreation ...more



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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.

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