New Zealand has been voted the world’s best country yet again, according to Telegraph Travel readers. The South Pacific island country has once more leaped into the spotlight by bagging more prizes than any other country on the planet during the 2016 World Country awards.
New Zealand stands out as one of the most desirable tourist destinations on the planet. Its biodiversity is fascinating in many ways, and the country has made phenomenal strides in the arts as well as the sciences. With just over 4 million inhabitants, hundreds of indigenous bird and mammal species, the country has historically enjoyed uninterrupted tranquility for centuries owing to its remote location.
An absolute jewel nestled in the Pacific southwest, New Zealand consists of two splendid islands home to some stunning volcanoes and breathtaking glaciers. Its capital city, Wellington, sitting on the North Island, is magnificently picturesque, boasting a waterfront promenade, pristine sandy beaches, a dramatic harbor setting, and beautiful hills encircling it. The city houses the expansive national museum, packed with treasures and stories of the nation’s impressively rich history and tradition.
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and its principal transportation hub. Located in the north of the country’s North Island, its trendy central Queen Street boasts the iconic Sky Tower that offers spectacular views of Viaduct Harbor teeming with lavish bars and cafes.
According to Travel writer Tim Jepson, New Zealand’s enormous diversity makes it stand out as a premier world destination.
“New Zealand, like Britain, is a nation of gardeners – with the gardens to prove it – and has a natural diversity and range of climate that allow a vast variety of plants, trees and shrubs to flourish. The theme of Hamilton Gardens, the most popular attraction in the Waikato region is the ‘story of gardens,’ with everything from a traditional herb garden to an American Modernist Garden. There are 1,400 events here annually, plus seasonal attractions such as roses, camellias, magnolias, herbaceous borders and displays of annuals in the Victorian Flower Garden.”
New Zealand embodies a truly captivating blend of nature, ecology and culture. Its mind-blowing beaches are a sight to behold for the more venturesome tourists with an unfettered craving for the sea. New Zealand is known to house more scientific and intellectual communities, as well as more environmentalists per square kilometer than any other nation on the planet. Its awe-inspiring volcanoes, majestic southern alps and exciting south island sperm whale habitations, namely Kaikoura, are a treat for tourists. Its “White Island” offers visitors the opportunity to glance at the inner crater of the country’s only marine volcano with highly popular helicopter rides available for tourists to explore the country’s mountains and glaciers.
Among other glaring accomplishments, New Zealand enjoys the distinction of being among the foremost nations of the world to have granted women their rights and declared itself the first nuclear-free nation. Its indigenous Maori people arrived into its territories thousands of years ago from Polynesia, and the country has, to date, preserved this magnificent culture marked by stunning art forms.
New Zealand recently bagged nearly all the accolades during the prestigious 2016 World Countries Awards. These included “best country in the world award,” “most beautiful capital city award,” “best food in the world award,” “nicest” as well as “smartest people award,” “most handsome men” and “most beautiful women award” and “most humble people award.”
In other previous studies, New Zealand has consistently topped rankings as the most naturally scenic, safe, and tourist-friendly nation. According to the third annual Country Brand Index, New Zealand ranked first for authenticity, natural beauty, and safety. The study involved over 2,500 frequent international travelers who were asked to pick their most preferred travel destinations in the world.
For travelers, New Zealand is, itself, a cultural and geographical masterpiece. It’s spell-binding scenery is a stunning component of its two main islands. It is also frequently described as having the most beautiful walk in the world, according to National Geographic. Almost entirely free of dangerous predators, it offers an unforgettable and safe travel experience. Above all, New Zealand is believed to be a very easy, accommodating country to settle in to, mostly owing to its genuine, warm, compassionate, immensely accommodating, and inviting people.
[Image via Shutterstock]
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