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New Zealand 

 

Franz Josef Glacier South Island New Zealand

 

Both Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound are really fjords. They are incorrectly referred to as Sounds. (Fjords are flooded glacial valleys whereas Sounds are flooded river valleys).


As a contrast, in North Island, which is considerably less mountainous, there is a significant amount of volcanic activity. Hot mud pools and hot geysers with their overwhelming presence of natural power can be experianced at Rotorua in North Island, near the Bay of Plenty.

Just another bus stop..New Zealand Style

 

New Zealand has a population of about 4 million and yet has a larger land mass than the UK.
There are three main islands, the far south Stewart Island, South Island and North Island.


Along the center of the South Island lies the Southern Alps which rise to over 12,300 feet (3760 meters) at Mount Cook.

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In the South West there are the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers as well as Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. All of which deserve close attention from serious travelers..

 

 

 

One great way to get round New Zealand is on the bus, usually traveling with like minded people. There are many stop overs in fantastic surroundings.

 

Because of its long geological isolation almost 80% of the plant and animal life on New Zealand are unique to New Zealand. In fact prior to the arrival
of Eurpeans in the 18th and 19th centuries, the only land based mammal that had ever lived on New Zealand was a small mouse size creature
that was by then, long extinct.

 

Steam clouds from hot geysers Rotorua New Zealand

 

New Zealand is a safe and friendly country. It has a pride in its environmental credentials and takes good care of its guests.