More than just a blockbuster backdrop

Lake Tekapo,New Zealand.[Photo/icpress]

A place renowned for providing the spectacular natural backdrops featured in the The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, New Zealand not only offers visitors sandy beaches, mountains, geysers and forests, but also an adventurous experience beyond imagination, according to the country's tourism bureau.

More than 30 percent of the country's land is covered by national parks, reserves and special ecological heritage sites, it said.

New Zealand has 13 national parks filled with unspoiled natural beauty in the form of ancient forests, rock formations.

The parks teem with life, including rare birds, and creatures that have been around since prehistoric times, and still roam the old-growth forests as "living fossils". The country now aims to develop a sustainable tourism model that relies on its unique natural environment and diverse cultures.

One of the fantastic views is in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, which has a population of more than 1.3 million.

The city's mix of urban sophistication and a relaxed coastal setting inspires a lifestyle that ranks among the top 10 in the entire world.

Perched on a narrow isthmus between harbors Waitemata and Manukau, Auckland is also named "the city of sails", offering various activities and adventures on the seas.

Visitors can relax on an island in the Hauraki Gulf, trek through native rainforest or walk along a wild, surfing beach covered in black sand.

Wine paradise

In addition to stunning natural beauty, Auckland is also a place for best-quality wines.

The city has more than 80 vineyards producing chardonnay, merlot and cabernet sauvignon wines.

Those vineyards locate in five main areas, including Waiheke Island, west Auckland, northwest Auckland, north Auckland and the Clevedon Valley.

Waiheke Island is known for quality Bordeaux-style red wines, and Stonyridge winery produces Larose-one of the world's top 20 cabernet blends and New Zealand's most expensive wine.

There are wine-tasting tours on the island, and many vineyards have restaurants.

North of Auckland, Matakana is known for fine wine, fresh produce and a weekly farmers' market where visitors mingle with locals to try fresh, homegrown and artisan products.

Auckland's restaurants and cafes reflect the close access to quality sea and land produce, together with multicultural influences.