AUCKLAND - Auckland was shaped 60,000 years ago by cataclysmic eruptions, leaving a legacy of dormant cones. The city stretches many kilometres north and south, straddling a narrow isthmus astride two seas - the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. ROTORUA - The famous Rotorua Spa and city on the shores of Lake Rotorua, is the centre of an extensive thermal region. The curative properties of the thermal waters were known to the Maoris long before the arrival of Europeans and it was natural that this area should develop as a tourist resort and health spa.

WELLINGTON - Caressing the hills that tumble down to its magnificent harbour, Wellington is the capital city and seat of Government - a city with an identity, which continues to grow from the conflict of man versus hill. With some justification, Wellington has inherited the label of being 'windy'. QUEENSTOWN - Nestled in a superb alpine setting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is the year-round holiday centre to which each season brings a distinctive mood and beauty. CHRISTCHURCH - Christchurch was surveyed in 1850 when the first immigrants arrived in Lyttelton in the summer of that year in what are still referred to as ' the first four ships'.