Sojourn by Gregory Pearson

The Land of the Long White Cloud

Planning Your Dream Trip to Milford Sound

Here is one destination on earth where you think once about going, and can only imagine why: both are in the Southern Hemisphere, are island coun- then think twice about leaving. It’s one of the most uncrowded places of tries, are considered a safe destination, and are a very good value based on the sheer beauty in the world. strength of the U.S. dollar. And English is spoken everywhere.

What sets apart from its Australian neighbor is the climate. It hat is one of the youngest countries in the world never gets too hot or too cold and therefore one can fully enjoy the outdoors. So, that invented bungee jumping, is home to the one of the original Polynesian cultures, is home to “Middle-earth”, and is a partici- where would you like to begin? pantW with the U.S. Air Force in the United States Antarctic Program? Give up? It is the second member of the Land Down Under—New Zealand. Aotearoa, which is the Maori name for New Zealand, means the Land of the Long White Cloud in the Maori language. Here is another question: Is New Zealand growing or shrinking in size? The answer is yes to both. The country straddles the PacificR im of Fire, which causes the mountain ranges of the South Island to grow, but these mountain ranges are also affected by violent winter snow storms and winds which dramatically weather down the growth of these mountains. What remains is an Alpine vista of world- class beauty coupled with glorious fjords and lakes. New Zealand was discovered in the 17th century by Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer and navigator with the Dutch East Indies Trading Company, yet it wasn’t Your Port of Call founded as a country until 1804—more than 200 years after being discovered.I t is You will probably arrive in the country through the main port of call on the comprised of two land masses, the North Island and the South Island, located in North Island, , either by airplane or cruise ship. It is an easy 13-hour the southwestern part of the PacificO cean about 1,500 miles to the east of Austra- flight from the WestC oast, or two movies, a good book, and a bottle of Sauvi- lia. And the land masses could not be more different. gnon Blanc. What sets this country apart is the foundation of its Polynesian culture—the Auckland is called the “City of Sails” because there are more sailboats per Maori—which is layered with the influence of itsE nglish, Scottish, and Irish roots capita than any other city in the world. It is no surprise because Auckland is in a countryside that resembles the combination of England, Norway, and Swit- zerland. It is a country that embraces its diversity, culture, and lack of crowds with surrounded by the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean, and the America’s Cup Race a population that is about 4 million people and 10 times the number of sheep. was held there. New Zealand and Australia are high on everyone’s ultimate dream destina- The capital ofN ew Zealand is , which is located at the bottom of tion list, as identified by the Travel Leaders Group’s 2017 consumer travel sur- the North Island on the Bass Straight, and it is considered one of the windiest vey, which showed Australia number one and New Zealand number five. One spots in the world.

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The North Island Queenstown simply called “The Remarkables” by the locals), or it may be hiking The North Island is home to the Maori culture and the geothermal hotspots in in some of the most pristine pine forests with white water streams which are fed the region of Rotorua and Lake Taupo. Lake Taupo is over 600 feet deep, and by the Alpine mountain range snow melt. A perfect day would to be sailing in recent temperature probes in the bottom of the lake registered over 110 degrees the morning on Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu and then enjoying a picnic lunch Fahrenheit. Don’t forget that you are within the Pacific Rim of Fire. by the shores of Milford Sound after being transferred there by helicopter. It does The area showcases some of the very best golf courses such as Kauri Cliffs not get any better. around the and fabulous vineyards which produce top Pinot Noirs In 2001, New Zealand was put on the map when the “Lord of the Rings” tril- in Hawkes Bay and Cape Kidnappers. There are more varieties of ferns than any ogy was filmed along with the Hobbiton movie and Middle-earth. The movie sets other country in the world. Consider treating yourself to one of the very best are still available for you to relive the experience all over again. Take a look at Bag luxury lodges at Tree Tops Lodge; several of the meals served on property use End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. Get lost among the hobbit holes ferns in the ingredients. In fact, Air New Zealand has the emblem of a fern paint- and visit the Green Dragon Inn, the mill and the Party Tree. Oh, where to begin? ed on the tail-section of each airplane they fly. Did you think it may have been a Perhaps you will agree that there is nothing like the experience, and Maori tattoo? Whether hiking the beaches, enjoying very good food and wine, there is something for everyone to see, feel, and experience. New Zealand has it or exploring the countryside at your own pace, there is something for everyone. all, but you need to see it up close and in person to believe that it is as good as it has been advertised. The South Island Kia Ora! As you proceed to the South Island, you will experience a change in the geogra- phy from the northern part of Nelson and the Marlborough wine region down to Gregory Pearson is a Kiwi Specialist and Vice President at Travelex International, the Fjordland Park region and Milford Sound; the terrain is remarkably different which is a Virtuoso member travel agency. Travelex International specializes in in comparison to the North Island. You will experience world-class Sauvignon international travel with a focus on Australia, New Zealand, and Africa. Travelex Blanc wines in the Marlborough region, which are so appropriate to wash down is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2017. For more information on the company, the amazing seafood found in the waters such as lobster, scallops, and prawns— visit www.travelexinternational.com. yummy! Also visit the art deco town of Nelson with its unique history and 300 days of sunshine. VIRTUOSO® Recognizes Ursula Pearson of Travelex International A sense of adventure is everywhere, with kayaking off the waters of Abel Tas- for Achievements in Member Production with “2017 Top man National Park, trekking the Franz Josef Glacier, bungee jumping in Queen- Year-Over-Year Percentage Growth Award” stown, sailing on the Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, or a helicopter flight International luxury travel network Virtuoso® has announced the winners of this into the mountains of Fjordland Park. Perhaps it may be fly fishing for some of year’s coveted Member Production Awards at the 29th annual Virtuoso Travel Week, the largest brown and rainbow trout that may tip the scales over 10 pounds, or honoring Ursula Pearson of Travelex International in Hoffman Estates, Ill., as the Top it may be riding the jetshotover boat in less than three feet of water, or it may Year-Over-Year Percentage Growth Award winner. Travelex International received be skiing in the “Aspen of New Zealand” (the Remarkable Mountain Range by the award during an event held on August 13, 2017 at The Bellagio in Las Vegas. The accolade is truly an honor, given that only a very small fraction of the network’s more than 16,000 advisors and over 800 agency partners were recognized at Virtuoso Travel Week. Travelex International’s achievements help set a new high bar for the luxury travel indus- try,” said David Kolner, senior vice president, Global Member Partnerships for Virtuoso. “This award places Travelex International in a very exclusive category, as Virtuoso’s most celebrated advisors and agencies are held up as superior examples throughout the industry. Their contributions and close relationships The Pearsons earned a prestigous with our partners enable Virtuoso to maintain award on the same day as their 40th its status as the world’s most exceptional A helicopter ride to a mining camp by Queenstown. wedding anniversary. luxury and experiential travel network.”

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