New Zealand Items

Travel bloggers wanted for Australia vs New Zealand challenge

It’s the question that’s long been dividing gap-year travellers who have explored Oceania: which is the better destination, Australia or New Zealand?

Air New Zealand creates safety video inspired by The Hobbit

Hobbits, elves, dwarves and wizards take flight as Air New Zealand launches a safety video inspired the new movie The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Canada is top recommended country

Canada is the most recommended destination to visit according to a recent study measuring public perceptions of countries around the world.

Traditional gap year destinations too expensive

The most popular gap year destinations are also the most expensive, according to new research from Moneycorp and gapyear.com.

Mt Doom erupts in New Zealand's North Island

A volcano in New Zealand's Tongariro National Park - the location used as 'Mount Doom' in the Lord of the Rings movies - has erupted.

New Zealand’s Auckland desperate for working Brits

British professionals are being urged to take advantage of a major skills shortage in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

5 films that give us destination envy

Ever watched a film that made you really want to visit the country it was set in? These are the top five films that give us destination envy...

New Zealand officially top stargazing destination

The Mackenzie Basin in New Zealand has been officially recognised as a 'Dark Sky Reserve' - and one of the four top places to stargaze in the entire world.

What is a backpacker bus?

A few companies in Australia in New Zealand have discovered a way to connect solo travellers on the road, and allow them to travel together as one big raucous group. Welcome aboard the backpacker bus...

New Zealand Sky Dive disaster in 2010 due to ‘overloading’

A report looking into causes of the 2010 New Zealand Sky Dive disaster, which saw eight people killed, has blamed the incident on ‘overloading’ and poor management.

What is WWOOF'ing and what does it have to do with travel?

WWOOF'ing is a travel phenomenon - an opportunity to travel the world economically, without being a 'tourist'. Want to hear more? We have the low-down on what it is, and what it's all about…

Top 5 gap years to face your fears

Backpackers get scared too - but travel is a great way to face your phobias head on. From diving with sharks in South Africa to spotting spiders in Australia, we round up the best destinations to conquer your fears in.

Travel Tales: “My proudest moment was climbing a glacier”

Amy Heritage chats to us about her gap year, travelling and working in New Zealand, from learning how to make cocktails from a flair champion, to climbing a glacier and getting up close and personal with nature.

Speed dating with… Wellington

We spend five minutes speed dating with Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, and find out all about art festivals, coffee culture and secret bars. But will it be travel perfection, or a match made in hell?

Best countries for adventure sports

Going on a gap year or career break provides you with the opportunities to try out new thrilling adventure sports, challenge yourself and do things you would never normally dream of doing at home. It’s a New Year and time to put those New Year’s resolutions into practice by trying new things and finding the best places for a thrilling adventure. So, here is our list of the best countries for adventure sports.

Tales from a backpacker: Wine tasting in New Zealand

Whilst sipping on a vintage Sauvignon Blanc in the decadent region of Marlborough, New Zealand, our writer discovers that the country’s most famous wine region is surprisingly budget-traveller friendly. Backpacking's never been so glamorous...

Where to visit on a gap year in New Zealand

New Zealand has a wealth of beautiful landscapes to see so it can hard knowing where to visit during a gap year here. From glaciers and mountain lakes to bustling cities and wild forests, you'll have a vast choice when deciding what to see.

Great travel reads

Travelling is a great time to delve into some great travel books and there’s always plenty of time for it on the road too. Reading can help you escape the inevitable boredom of waiting around for flights and buses, while giving you a great insight into the culture, history and people of a country you’re travelling to. Here’s a list of some of our favourites.

Cycle tours in New Zealand's Southern Alps

New Zealand remains one of the top gap year destinations and now a number of adventure cycling breaks are available to book via Active New Zealand. The company is the brainchild of entrepreneur Andrew Fairfax, a keen cyclist himself.

Working holidays in New Zealand – what you need to know

Working holidays in New Zealand are a popular choice -the country attracts thousands of travellers and backpackers per year and one can definitely see why. So far at mapthegap.co.uk we have given you the low down on working holidays in Canada and Australia, and now here’s our guide to working holidays in spectacular New Zealand.

Australia and New Zealand - ideal for adventure travel

If you're looking for an exhilarating gap year that will generate lifelong memories, consider an adventure travel break to Australia or New Zealand.

Interview with a backpacker

Each week mapthegap.co.uk will be talking to someone who has taken a gap year to get the low down on what they did, how they did it and to get their tips and advice for getting the most out of your gap year. This week we talk to one of our travel writers, Esme Fox to find out what she got up to on her gap year.

Festival picks from around the world

Festivals across the globe allow visitors to drop the tourist hat, mingle with the locals and embrace the traditions and culture of a chosen destination. From Hanukkah to Hanami, Stampedes to Sopot, Mardi Gras to Maslenitsa, people come together to celebrate with food, wine, art and lights, a time unique to their country, community and culture.

Top five reasons to visit New Zealand

Considering New Zealand for your gap year? Tourism New Zealand have come up with five top reasons to make the country top priority in your travel plans, if you still need some convincing. First and foremost, the Rugby World Cup 2011!

Work abroad to save up university fees

With the increase in university fees and rise in cost of living, it makes sense to save some money before term starts. BUNAC is recommending working gap years in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, offering good job prospects for the 2011-12 year.