|
New Zealand is famous for the beauty and variety of its landscapes. Sub-tropical rainforests in the north provide startling contrast to highland deserts, temperate lowland forests and snow-covered mountains and glaciers. Often, the plants and animals that inhabit those landscapes are unique, having evolved largely in isolation since New Zealand separated from the ancient super-continent of Gondwanaland. New Zealand is famous around the world for the beauty and variety of its landscapes. In stark contrast to the sub-tropical rainforests of the north are the highland tussock grasslands, temperate lowland forests and snow-covered mountains and glaciers.
Many of the plants and animals that populate the landscapes are also unique, having evolved in isolation since New Zealand separated from the ancient super continent of Gondwanaland.
For decades an ever-increasing number of tourists have been drawn to New Zealand by the beautiful and relatively untouched countryside. More recently, the scenic attributes have attracted feature film-makers – most notably the multiple Oscar-winning Lord of The Rings trilogy which, in turn, has boosted tourism with visitors keen to see for themselves the settings of these spectacular films.
In the year ended 2005 2.4 million visitors chose New Zealand as their holiday destination. This is 7% more than in 2004. Tourism expenditure in New Zealand was NZ$6.1 billion for the year ended March 2005.
The forests, both native and plantation, are central to the scenic beauty of New Zealand and offer recreational opportunities to both tourists and New Zealanders.
Tramping and sightseeing are the main focus of forest-related tourism in New Zealand. Most occurs within the natural forest which is managed by the Department of Conservation to provide a superb and extensive network of tourism sights and walkways through the country – ranging from 20 minute to 4-day excursions.
Hunting and fishing are popular recreational uses of forests. Deer, thar, chamois, pigs and goats are the main target species. All are introduced and hunting helps to control the population size, limiting their impact on New Zealand’s fragile ecosystems.
Excellent trout and salmon fisheries attract fishermen from around the world. Successful breeding and releasing operations ensure that fish stocks are replenished.
Forests that are close to urban centres experience more intensive public use for mountain biking, running, walking and orienteering. Motorbiking, car rallying and off-roading are also popular where permitted on forest roads, tracks and trails.
|