New Zealand: A potpourri of experiences

New Zealand may be an island nation on the far end of the world, but it can boast one of the most untarnished landscapes you will ever have the pleasure of seeing. The incomparable natural beauty alongside the vast number of outdoor activities that one can indulge in make New Zealand a tourist's paradise. Walking through the countryside is popular among locals and tourists alike. This involves backpacking through lush forests or over magnificent mountains. . A number of biking trails that take you through a whole different array of stunning visuals are also available. The Waitomo Caves in the southern Waikato region of the North Island is a key tourist attraction. The caves, considered to be thousands of years old, are home to a huge number of glowworms that provide the only light to a section of the caves that is hidden away from natural light. The caves are also renowned for certain areas which exhibit stalactites and stalagmites. A cave system close to the Waitomo Caves, known as Gardener's Gut, holds the tallest stalagmite in New Zealand, the 'Birthday Candle.' Milford Sound, a fjord in the Fiordland National Park on New Zealand's South Island is the most visited tourist destination in New Zealand. Day-long or overnight cruises are organized that will display the phenomenal natural splendour. The brilliant scenery, which was made possible by a huge glacier in the last ice age, includes great cliffs and waterfalls, as well as marine and bird life. There is an underwater tourist observatory, which allows visitors to view black coral, which is otherwise not found so close to the surface of the water. One of the more fascinating tourist experiences that you can explore is the Maori Hangi Dinner. Tours are set up to take you to one of the Maori villages in the Rotorua region of the North Island, where you will be treated to jaw-dropping displays of Maori weaponry, the graceful poi dance and the haka dance, that has been made famous by the New Zealand rugby team. This accompanied by a meal cooked in the traditional hangi style, where the food is cooked in underground pit ovens, leads to a truly unforgettable indigenous experience. Adrenaline junkies are in for a field day as well. Queenstown, a resort town on the South Island, is known as the 'Adventure Capital of the World'. Jet boating, white water rafting, bungee jumping and mountain biking are extremely popular here. If you happen to visit the town during the ski season, you will find that Queenstown is a major snow sport destination. Besides the sports that you can enjoy during the day, Queenstown also has a lively nightlife, as well as the reputation of being a food and wine hub of New Zealand. From 2010 onwards, Queenstown has also played host to the International Jazz Festival, with an assortment of musicians from around the world displaying their sublime skills.