New Zealand has been voted the number one destination by travellers in the UK, Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor said today.

The Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Travel Awards 2008 (UK) showed New Zealand was the favourite country in the world amongst its readers.
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Let’s face it. Travelling can be expensive! But it doesn’t have to be if you organize your holiday accommodation requirements well in advance and have a bit of flexibilty with where you want to stay and exactly where you want to travel in New Zealand. Whilst it may be preferable to stay in 4- or 5-star hotel accommodation everywhere on your travels, this isn’t always possible if you are, like me, on a tight budget. Even if you are staying in backpacker hostels, the cost for accommodation can add up in no time and your money will run out relatively quickly.
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Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. There is a lot to do and see here and it is contrasting to the small towns that you will encounter in the other parts of the country (no sheep here). Beaches, islands and mountains (mostly extinct volcanoes) give this large city character. Backpackers can go sea kayaking or sailing in the Auckland harbour, catch a ferry to one of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, climb to the top of a hill to admire a sunset and the view or relax at one of the many beaches or parks. Hey backpackers, have you ever climbed a volcano? Rangitoto is just a short ferry trip from downtown Auckland. After you walk to the summit, and view the lava caves you can relax in the salt-water pool at the bottom before returning to the city.
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Paihia is also known as the gateway to the Bay of islands because it is central to the 144 spectacular islands of the Bay. The Bay of islands is located just north of Auckland in the Northland of New Zealand, and is about a 3-hour drive from Auckland city.

Paihia is a popular tourist attraction in the Bay of Islands for a very good reason. There are plenty of things to do in Paihia, including hitting the great golf courses, deep sea fishing, beach and forest walks, water sports such as scuba diving, jet skiing, and kayaking, adventure scenic flight tours, as well as checking out the bars and restaurants along the strip, or even just getting a sun tan at the beach.
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