Nelson Activities: Top 10 Reasons to Visit Nelson, New Zealand

New Zealand has no shortage of attractions, and visitors often have problem deciding which sites to see and which to skip as they tour the country on itsybitsy timetables. Recently, though more and more visitors are manufacture Nelson a feature on their itineraries and the most recent edition of the Rough Guide tour guidebook calls it an "essential stop". So what makes Nelson such a can't-miss destination? Here are ten reasons for visiting:

1. Sun

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With an yearly mean of over 2400 sunshine hours, Nelson is the sunniest region in New Zealand. Even in the coldest months of winter, the sun shines and snow is rare. There's no better way to guarantee a good vacation that to know that the weather will cooperate.

2. Rugby

New Zealand will be hosting the much-anticipated Rugby World Cup in 2011, and Nelson will be the venue of two games next September. And where better to watch the game than in the birthplace of New Zealand rugby? That's right, the first rugby game in the country was played in Nelson in 1870.

3. Art

Maybe it's the pleasant sunshine, or the intelligent scenery, or the laid-back culture, but the Nelson region is home to a big people of artists-over 350 working artists live here. Often considered to be New Zealand's art capital, the Nelson area is full of galleries and studios for art-lovers to visit. Meet with the artists and pick up a memorable souvenir.

4. Museums

For a look into the history and culture that defines Nelson, visit some of the areas museums. The Nelson Provincial Museum illuminates the cultural inheritance and natural history of the Nelson Tasman area. For a more modern look at the local culture, the World of Wearable Art is the area's most beloved museum, and displays wearable art and superior cars. And in keeping with Nelson's artistic interests, the Suter Art Gallery showcases what is maybe the best variety of fine art on the South Island.

5. Architecture

Downtown Nelson has retained much of the Victorian architecture that was built in the town's early days and much of the area (including all of South Street) is considered to have inheritance value. Some famed structure include: Nelson Cathedral, Amber House and Nelson Central School.

6. Festivals

Nelson hosts a estimate of festivals throughout the year, promising that there will always be something for visitors to do. The subject of the festivals ranges from music (such as the Nelson School of Music Winter Music Festival and the yearly Jazz Festival) to film (such as the Suter International Film Festival) to gastronomy (like the Taste Nelson festival) to more definite hobbies, like the Nelson Kite Festival.

7. Wine

The Marlborough region is a big name in the international wine world, gaining fame for its Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir varietals. Take advantage of the many Nelson vineyards by taking a winery tour. You can get a behind the scenes look at the wine-making process, meet the people complicated and, of course, taste some of the wines.

8. Geography

Located at the top of the South Island, Nelson is the geographic centre of New Zealand. It's thorough then, that the region represents so many different kinds of superior New Zealand scenery. There are urban centres in Nelson and Richmond, rolling green fields around Mapua, Motueka and Moutere, dramatic coastline along Abel Tasman National Park, yellow sands of aptly named Golden Bay and alpine lakes around Nelson Lakes. Nowhere else offers such a diversity of scenery in such a small area.

9. Great Walks and National Parks

Nelson is the jumping off point to three different national parks: Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park. The parks supply adventure and ecotourism options for visitors to the area. Two of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Abel Tasman Track and the Heaphy Track, are also accessible straight through Nelson.

10. Outdoor Activities

There are plentifulness of things to do in Nelson, and the cultural activities are just a small part of what attracts visitors to the region. With the great weather and a variety of natural scenery, a estimate of outdoor activities are available. Try fishing, sailing and sea kayaking on the water, mountain biking, tramping and rock climbing on land and, if you're as a matter of fact adventurous, try sky-diving over gorgeous Tasman Bay.

The Nelson area is a exquisite setting for any estimate of activities and experiences. With the guarantee of sunshine and a suitable location in the centre of the country, Nelson is an ideal destination for those travelling within New Zealand.

Nelson Activities: Top 10 Reasons to Visit Nelson, New Zealand

Activities For Your Smoky Mountain Vacation

The Smoky Mountains, in East Tennessee, attracts millions of visitors each year and it's no inexpressive as to why they come in droves. The Smoky Mountains contribute many reasons for travelers to visit. The scenery is spectacularly beautiful, the atmosphere is laid back, there are tons of natural and manufactured attractions and activities, and there is lodging galore.

Any visit to the Smoky Mountains, regardless of the season, must include sight seeing. The mountains contribute some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Snow-capped mountain peaks in the winter and the colorful foliage in the fall are sights to behold. Summer hiking allows visitors to view remote waterfalls and panoramic views. Hiking is not the only way to take in the views. There are plenty of sights that can be viewed from the relax of an automobile. Cades Cove is an 11 mile, one-way road that allows visitors to view wildlife such as deer, bears, foxes and more. Foothills Parkway winds along the top of Chilhowee Mountain, providing amazing views of the Smokies. Winterfest transforms Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg into a sea of lights where millions of Christmas lights and decorations line the streets and buildings.

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The great thing about vacationing in the Smoky Mountains is that there are no deadlines, no manifestos, and no to-do lists. The atmosphere is laid back and peaceful. Visitors can move at their own pace, either fast or slow. Sit all day on the front porch sipping coffee or hike a mountain trail. Take a relaxing ride down a quiet stream on an inner tube or take a brisk bike ride straight through the woods. Attend an evening show in Pigeon Forge or turn in early, it's up to you. Life in the Smoky Mountains follows your lead.

There are plenty of entertainment venues in the Smokies. The streets of Gatlinburg are lined with stores, restaurants, museums, and other attractions. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Guinness World of Records Museum, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, and the 342-foot high Space Needle are just a few of the attractions in uptown Gatlinburg. Take a tram ride up the mountain and you can visit Ober Gatlinburg ski resort where you can snow ski, ice skate, and more. Take a zipline tour straight through the treetops at Gatlinburg Zipline Adventures.

Pigeon Forge is home to DollyWood and Splash Country, amusement parks owned by country music super star Dolly Parton. There are also activities such as go-carts, bungee jumping, petite golf, laser tag, indoor skydiving, arcades, and much more. Pigeon Forge is also illustrious for its shopping. It has some facility outlet malls as well as shopping centers and craft stores. Entertainment is plentiful with music, comedy, magic, and evening meal shows playing in theaters that line the streets of Pigeon Forge. Museums, restaurants, hotels and custom centers are also abundant.

There are lots of activities for nature lovers as well in the Smoky Mountains. Hiking trails saturate the Smokies and take you to some of the most favorite locales, like Mt. LeConte, Abrams Falls, and more. Fly fishing, tubing, swimming are favorite summer activities in many of the streams and rivers that rove straight through the mountains. Camping is also a favorite past time. Large campgrounds are numerous, as well as the smaller, off-the-beaten-path sites. The truly brave can hike deep into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and set up camp in the middle of the wilderness.

Lodging is always abundant in the Smoky Mountains. Bed and breakfast inns are always a favorite, as well as rental cabins. But there are plenty of hotels and resorts too. Chalets and condos are popular. There are even timeshares in the area. Those that like to rough it can find Rv parks and campgrounds.

With the number of activities, attractions, and beautiful locations, it is no wonder why the Smoky Mountains is one of the most favorite vacation spots in the Eastern United States. Come and check it out for yourself and you'll agree.

Activities For Your Smoky Mountain Vacation

Oahu's North Shore - Top 10 Fun Activities to Do

Welcome to Hawaii, one of the most remote spots on Earth. The island of Oahu is the third largest Hawaiian island. At 607 quadrate miles it is 44 miles long by 33 miles wide. Oahu is called the gathering place.

Formed by volcanic eruptions Oahu is the second oldest island. Oahu has two unavoidable mountain ranges, the northern Koolau Mountains and western Waianae Mts. The south shore has the notable Waikiki Beach with a bustling night life. The more rural North Shore, an hour drive away is known for its world notable surf spots and laid back lifestyle. Here are some of the fun things to do on the North Shore:

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#1 Hawaii Shark Encounter: Swim with the sharks from the protection of a shark cage. Tour to Haleiwa town boat harbor. Board the Kainani for the palpate of a lifetime. The Galapagos, Sandbar and seasonal Tiger sharks are so incredibly awesome. This educational tour will convert your view of sharks forever. No wonder the Hawaiian's viewed the Shark as a aumakua or protector. More than a million sharks are killed every year. We need to safe them. You may also see sea birds, dolphins, whales, and flying fish. Bring a disposable underwater camera. 2 hour tour My #1 adventure.

#2 North Shore Catamaran Charters: Wind in your hair for a relaxing sail off the north shore. Tour to the picturesque Haleiwa boat harbor and board the 40 foot pilotage catamaran Ho'o Nana. Spectacular Sunset cruises, Seasonal snorkeling in Waimea Bay or whale watching.

#3 Mokuleia Glider Rides: Soar above the cliffs of Mokuleia for a spectacular visage of ocean, reefs, beaches and mountains. There is nothing quite like the silence of pilotage though the sky. Head out to Mokuleia on Farrington Hwy to Dillingham Airfield.

#4 Sky Diving and Wind Tunnel Simulator. Dillingham Airfield.

#5 Kaenaa Point State Park: While you are out in Mokuleia at the Dillingham Airfield, drive a few minutes past the airfield to the end of the road. Kaena Point is the western most point of land on Oahu. It is a unimproved 853 acre Natural Area Preserve. A hiking trail travels along the rocky coast. It can be quite hot as there is minimal shade. Swimming not recommended due to dangerous ocean currents. Large waves in the winter. The Albatross birds nest here in the winter. 5-6 miles round trip to the light house.

#6 Waimea Valley Center: This 1,800 acre Nature Park is one of the few remaining old Hawaiian ahupua'a or old land supervision division which runs for the mountain to the sea. Waimea Falls has a self guided walking tour along side a stream arrival to a 45 foot waterfall. Take a cool dip in the pool. There are 35 tropical botanical gardens with over 5,000 rare species of plants. Birding. Take a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day. Modest entrance fee. 9:30-5pm.

#7 Pu'U O Mahuka Heiau: The best example on Oahu of a old Hawaiian heiau (temple). It is situated on the cliff above Waimea bay with spectacular views of the coast and ocean. This walled Heiau is 575 feet long by 170 feet. Believed to have been built in the 1600's it was declared a National historic site in 1962. Interpretive signs and a paved walkway. Entrance via Pupukea Rd off Kamehameha Hwy. 15 minutes north of Haleiwa town.

#8 Pupukea-Waimea marine Life Conservation District: A 100 acre marine retain from Sharks cove in the north to the south point of Waimea Bay Beach park. Seasonal snorkeling in the summer. Shore-entry scuba diving destination. Big wave watching and surfing for experienced wave riders in the winter. Very dangerous ocean conditions in the winter. Do not speculation near the waters edge. Life guards post warnings. Please use caution.

#9 James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge: The northern boundary of the North Shore of Oahu near the historic sugar cane plantation town of Kahuku is the 160 acre refuge. Bird watching and photography. This wetland habitat is home to over 119 species of birds. It is dedicated to 4 endangered, endemic water birds. The Hawaiian coot, Hawaiian duck, Hawaiian stilt and Hawaiian moorhen. The top bird viewing site in Hawaii. Scheduled tours twice a week Oct-Feb. Open 3rd Sunday Oct - Feb. Finished remainder of year. Phone 808-637-6330

#10 Laniakea Green Sea Turtles: Green sea turtle frequent this beach a mere 10 minutes north of Haleiwa. The first open ocean view area north of Haleiwa on Kamehameha hwy.

Oahu's North Shore - Top 10 Fun Activities to Do

Jumeirah Beach Dubai - Activities and Sightseeing

Jumeirah Beach Dubai has recently become one of the most favorite holiday destinations in the world. The white sandy beach with its picturesque surroundings offers holidaymakers a excellent setting to relax and unwind. Wonderful contemporary architecture and a range of impressive hotels line the beach. In the evening, the esplanade is consuming with the bustle of the overflowing restaurants.

Jumeirah Beach offers a range of different types of hotels, from 5 star accommodations to budget hotels. One of the most luxurious hotels in the world, the Burj al Arab extends into the Arabian Gulf. Most of the hotels are top end hotels that offer a collection of services to suit enterprise and personal travel.

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If you enjoy contemporary architecture, the Jumeirah area has many examples of the innovative styles of the city. Most of the hotels are uniquely designed to reflect the culture of Dubai and its desire to be the cutting edge of design. The 7-star Burj al Arab is an excellent example, designed in the shape of a sail.

There are an plenty of shopping malls along the Beach Road and old style souks (markets), which sell customary craft. You will also find a handful of art galleries and museums. The Jumeirah Mosque is also a good spot to view the different types of architecture in the city. It is the only mosque in the city that is open to non-Muslims and guided tours are offered. Both males and females should remember to respect the local culture and dress appropriately.

There are a few activities that you can indulge in while visiting Jumeirah Beach. You can take a trek into the desert and go dune bashing. There are all the different boating connected activities and water sports of every form such as swimming, water skiing, kite-surfing and diving.

There are also plenty of fitness centres and gyms. You may like to try out horse riding, skydiving and paragliding. The city has many activities that you can enjoy even indoors skiing in the around Mall of the Emirates.

If you want to taste a little of the old Dubai, you can take a dhow cruise along the beach. A dhow is a customary boat of the region originating from its pearl diving and fishing history. You can take a sight finding tour or even a romantic supper tour on the dhows.

The range of activities that you can spoil yourself in a setting that offers perpetual sunny days so you can get the excellent tan makes Jumeirah Beach Dubai a top holiday destination. To relax, there are world-class spas all around the beach.

Jumeirah Beach Dubai - Activities and Sightseeing

Outdoor Activities in Australia

Australia is a country and also a continent all at once. It is also a place of wonder and charm gifted with wide open spaces and carefully as a paradise to both its local residents and visiting tourists. You can do distinct types of outdoor activities while staying in Australia. Actually, the country is a great place to do skiing scuba diving and more.

Here are the top ten outdoor activities that you can do in Australia together with your friends and family:

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If you into water sports, you can paddle through rivers and girges of Australia and enjoy an curious kayaking getaway. Blackwood River is a favorite spot to do this sport. Western Australia offers wonderful spots to go white water rafting. You can paddle along the tranquil and even wild white water rapids. Some of the best places to enjoy white water rafting are: Bridgetown, Blackwood River, Frankland River, Walpole, Kalbarri and Avon River. Visitors holding a driver's license from their country are allowed to drive colse to Australia provided the license is written in English. Aussie roads are perfect for a driving getaway. Pick any sunny and traffic-free day to go out and drive. Enjoy surfing along the gorgeous beaches of Australia. The country has first-class surfing spots with waves coming from Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. Australia has the world's best diving and snorkeling spots. You can find colorful coral reef gardens and exotic marine life. The Heron Island is one of the most favorite diving and snorkeling areas in Aussie. In Brisbane, there are a lot of skydiving centers where you can enjoy a fly above the gorgeous Australian skies. The country is gifted with gorgeous landscapes. Touring colse to the country is a wonderful action to do while visiting the land from down under. Cycling or biking is a favorite outdoor action in Western Australia. The place has a perfect cycling climate and a flat terrain where cyclers can ride easily. One exact place perfect for cycling is in Perth where world-class bikers go to. Some other places to go cycling in Western Australia are Munda Biddi Trail, Swan Valley, Rottnest Island, Margaret River and Broome. Australia has a lot of wonderful hiking trails that are beloved by many. There are a lot of hiking areas within the country where you can find diverse trails. You can choose from rainforests, alpine mountains and beaches. There are hundreds of fish species found in Australia. Shore fishing is a favorite recreation in the country. Families spend their weekends going into the shores and secure fish. The country also has rules and regulations on what fishes are allowed to catch and eat.

Outdoor Activities in Australia