Top 5 Man-Made Wonders of New Zealand

If you look up the word “innovative” in the dictionary, chances are you will find the word “Kiwi” in the definition somewhere. If not, it should be added. New Zealanders love to invent, create and pioneer; many say that this approach is the heart and soul of the country. Nowhere is their creative approach more visible than in the top five man-made wonders of New Zealand. Nga Haerenga is a 2,000-kilometre New Zealand cycling trail that opens in early 2013. Be the first to ride the entire trail. Image Credit: Legend Photography

Nga Haerenga – The New Zealand Cycle Trail

A cyclist’s dream – Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail, showcases a range of incredible scenery and engaging culture over more than 2,000 kilometres. Scheduled to be completed at the start of 2013 (and that means that there will be a connection between the entire extremity tingling trail), it will consist of 18 Great Rides across regions including Northland, Hauraki, Rotorua, Opotiki/Gisborne, Waikato, Ruapehu, Taupo, Hawke’s Bay, Nelson/Tasman, West Coast, Mount Cook/Waitaki, Queenstown, Southland and Clutha. There is still time to plan and be the first to ride the entire trail.

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Te Araroa – The Long Pathway

Who’s up for a hike? Te Araroa (Maori for The Long Pathway) is New Zealand’s new 3,000-kilometre trail that runs from Cape Reinga, the northern most point of the North Island, to the tip of the South Island at Bluff. One of the longest walking routes in the world, it would take approximately 120 consecutive days to travel it on foot. Of course, it can be broken up into wonderful hour, one-day or overnight hikes. Throughout the trail, you can explore the Pacific Ocean, volcanoes, mountains, rivers, lakes and valleys. Only a handful of people have ever made the entire trek. Since New Zealand is predator-free – which means no cougars, bears, wolves or snakes – hikers have nothing to worry about. Te Araroa is a 3,000-kilometre New Zealand hiking trail that runs from Cape Reinga (shown here) on the North Island to Bluff on theSouth Island. Credit: Ben Crawford

Classic New Zealand Wine Trail

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a 380-kilometre long self-driving touring route that covers parts of the North and South Islands, spanning ten major wine growing regions. You don’t have to worry about getting lost; along the way, there are easily identified road signs with images of grapes. No words, just a bunch of grapes. More than 230 wineries are found along the trail and approximately 100 of them have a cellar door open to wine lovers. The wine trail is for both wine novices and those with more experience and knowledge. Want to enjoy the experience even more? Many tour operators rent bicycles. Visit up to 100 wineries along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Credit: Chris McLennan

Hobbiton

The Lord of the Rings fans can live out their dreams at the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata on the North Island. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey recently finished filming at this Middle-earth location, leaving more hobbit holes for visitors to view than ever before. Entering this location feels like you have walked into the movie (or your imagination, if you have read the books!).

Sky Tower

Offering spectacular 360-degree views, Auckland’s Sky Tower measures 328 metres – making it the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Dinner at the top in the Orbit restaurant is thrilling, but if you want to take it up another level, in true Kiwi style, you can SkyWalk around the structure with its clear flooring or SkyJump off the side of the tower. Air New Zealand (airnewzealand.ca) has direct non-stop flights from Vancouver to Auckland and offers flights from many other North American cities. For more information about New Zealand, please visit: NewZealand.com. SkyJump off or SkyWalk around the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere – Auckland, New Zealand's Sky Tower. Credit: Ken Hansen