Galleria · photo tag

New Zealand

85 photos · showing 61–80

Destination New Zealand As a passenger on a cruise ship, you’ll get the ultimate view of Milford Sound. Make yourself comfortable on the promenade deck and just drink it all in. What you’re seeing is the work of successive ice ages, when huge glaciers carved paths to the sea. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Carved by glaciers during a series of ice ages, Milford Sound is a world of waterfalls. Some of them tumble more than 1,000 metres before they splash into the ocean. Others never even reach the sea – they simply drift away in the wind. When it rains here, the number of waterfalls explodes – they’re simply everywhere. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Milford Sound was dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling. Skimming along sheer rock walls as tall as 4,900 feet, some waterfalls begin so high up they never reach the sea. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Maori legend says that the spectacular Marlborough Sounds were formed when Kupe, a Polynesian demi-god, chased and caught a giant octopus. His struggles with the creature gouged out the many waterways, bays and coves. Today the area is a safe home for rare birds, dolphins, penguins and fur seals. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand The Marlborough Sounds is an intricate arrangement of drowned valleys, islands, coves, bays and beaches. When you arrive in the port town of Picton, you can arrange to visit the Marlborough wine region where you’ll discover world-famous sauvignon blanc. It’s a perfect match for the local green-lipped mussels. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Cruise ships love to visit the Marlborough Sounds because the waters are sheltered and the scenery is mind-blowing. Ashore you can explore the port town of Picton, catch a tour to the world-famous Marlborough wine region or arrange to go fishing. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand On your cruise around New Zealand, Marlborough Sounds promises to take your breath away. This vast network of drowned valleys is full of perfect bays, beaches and islands that can be reached only by water. There’s also a good chance your ship will be escorted by a pod of local dolphins. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Fiordland is a collection of huge glacier-carved valleys that have been flooded by the sea. Maori believe the fjords were created by a giant stonemason, Tute Rakiwhanoa, who hewed out the steep-sided valleys with his edging tool. Photo: Rob Suisted
Destination New Zealand From a steamer chair on the Promenade Deck, take in the spectacular sights of Fiordland — which has has World Heritage status. You’ll seeing the untouched scenery that impressed Captain Cook when he sailed into Fiordland more than 230 years ago. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Not only is cruising relaxing, it can be an economical way to see New Zealand. Your accommodation, meals and transport costs are covered by your fare, which means more money for shopping and side trips. You’ll also get to see places that are hard to reach by land, like fabulous Dusky Sound in Fiordland. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand Sheltered by high peaks, the water of Milford Sound is still and deep. After you’ve toured the sound by cruise boat, it’s interesting to see what’s happening beneath the surface at the Milford Deep Underwater Observatory. The fjord’s underwater life includes rare black coral and anemones, sponges and unusual fish species. Photo: Julian Apse · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand How much natural grandeur can you handle? You’ll find out at Milford Sound, where the scenery comes in just one size: extra large. Peaks rise straight out of the water and fairy tale waterfalls fill the air with mist. Photo: Rob Suisted · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand A day sail in the Bay of Islands is easy to arrange from Kerikeri, Paihia, Russell or Opua. Once you leave the main harbor, the view expands to reveal an amazing cruising ground. Most of the surrounding islands are protected nature reserves where you can discover ancient Maori pa sites, walk through native forest and explore gorgeous beaches. The Bay of Islands are a must-visit on a longer stay on the North Island. Photo: Adventure Films · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand There’s a prehistoric feel to Milford Sound. The steep cliffs, carved by an ancient glacier, are draped in native forest and ferns. High waterfalls plummet from river valleys, creating streaks of white amid the green. Photo: Chris Sisarich · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand From the upper reaches of Milford Sound you can cruise in sheltered waters all the way to the Tasman Sea. This World Heritage Area on the edge of the great southern ocean is a natural sanctuary for fascinating wildlife. Your onboard nature guide can introduce you to fur seals, rare penguin species and dolphins, if they come to play. Photo: Chris Sisarich · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand At Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park, water thunders down hundreds of meters from hanging valleys that were cut in half by ancient glaciers. The noise is deafening and the raw power inspiring as your boat eases you closer to the torrent. It’s an exciting taste of nature’s grand design that can leave you with a fresh outlook on life. Photo: Chris Sisarich · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand A guided cruise lets you slide between the vertical mountains that form the sides of Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most famous fjord. The sheer rock faces are decorated with ancient mosses, lichen, ferns, native trees and tumbling waterfalls. Photo: Tourism Holdings · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand On calm days, the deep waters of Milford Sound reflect the landscapes like a perfect mirror. And when clouds linger around the towering peaks, there's a sense of isolation from the outside world. This fJord and 13 others are part of a protected national park and World Heritage site. Photo: Tourism Holdings · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination New Zealand At Milford Sound the landscape has an almost palpable spirit. Carved by ancient glaciers, these steep-sided fjords dwarf the boats that cruise their deep, clear waters. High above you can see hanging valleys, their ends sliced off by a passing glacier, release giant waterfalls down the walls of the fjord to the sea below. Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand
Destination Auckland In any season, cruising on Lake Taupo will allow you to appreciate the awesome grandeur of the North Island’s volcanic region. To the south you’ll see the giant volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. Beneath you is the Taupo caldera, one of the world’s few "super volcanoes," which last erupted about 1,800 years ago. Photo: Destination Lake Taupo · Courtesy of Tourism New Zealand