Life & Style D E S T I N AT I O N S
Land of the Long White Cloud Wilderness, outdoor sports and recreation, dynamic city life and otherworldly beauty define New Zealand’s appeal.
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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2019
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f you’ve seen The Lord of the Rings films, then you already know New Zealand is a place of stunning beauty and mystery. About as far away from Oklahoma as you can get, Aotearoa – Maori for the Land of the Long White Cloud – is the perfect place to feel like you’re in a completely new world.
New Zealand is split between two large islands deep in the Southern Hemisphere and southeast of Australia. South Island showcases some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, and North Island is a treasure trove of the indigenous Maori culture. Both islands offer a wide range of outdoor activities – from jet boats and hiking to bungee jumping and skiing – and, if you time it right, sheep shearing. For those wanting to leave one of the big cities and get into the wilderness, campervan rentals are popular. The country is dotted with specialty campsites allowing complete freedom to choose your own adventure. Most also have quaint cottages or guest rooms you can reserve for a night if you rent a normal car. In the extreme southwest is Milford Sound, a glacial fjord claiming the title of
