Wilson Island Great Barrier Reef Queensland

Australians call the Great Barrier Reef the eighth wonder of the world, and it’s on every traveller’s wish list. Alas, like so many reefs, this 1,500-mile stretch is ecologically fragile. But castaways can set sandal on the ‘new’ Wilson Island knowing that their creature comforts are based on sound environmental principles; heat and light are by solar power and each of the six tents are created out of natural materials. There are separate bathrooms for each tent.

Beachcombing and birdwatching, swimming and snorkelling, reef walks and relaxing in your hammock are what Wilson Island is about during the day. Wining, dining and socialising take place later in the communal Longhouse.

The only way you can get to Wilson Island is via Heron Island.

Wilson island could well be described as the ultimate castaway experience as you will realise shortly.

The accommodation and all the principles of Wilson Island are based on eco principles which are firmly adhered to!

Take a look at photographs at http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/articles/14/1/Wilson-Island-Great-Barrier-Reef/Page1.html

Wilson Island as previously stated in on the Great Barrier Reef off the Queensland coast, and quite frankly it is difficult to imagine anything more attractive, although the three day Wilson Island Package was about long enough.

Beauty, there is in abundance, but like most of us, I have been spoiled by the 21st century luxuries that we now associate with dream islands, such as luxury bathrooms, mains electricity, to name but two!!

Compensations are an unrivalled natural beauty, beautifully clean and clear water, wonderful coral, and tropical fish to snorkel and see easily.

It is however a castaway experience with six permanent tents. The six tents have been designed to combine simplicity and comfort. Based on a modern beachcombing theme, the tents have raised timber floors, king-sized beds and a private decking with uninterrupted reef views. You will be supplied with everything you need apart from en-suite bathroom, but you will need the complete insect screening, and repellent.

The views from the tents are quite breathtaking.

All electricity is I believe by solar power, and batteries, so none of your electrical appliances will work, and the fresh water is rainwater, so all drinking water is bottled.

A separate building houses six showers and dressing area (one designated for each tent), along with toilet and vanity areas. This I’m afraid took be back to my youth hostelling/camping days which I had left behind long ago.

Entertainment and food are not forgotten; each evening begins with sunset pre-dinner drinks and canapés on the beach. The main course is a candle-lit three-course buffet meal with wine, served in the resort’s entertainment building, the Longhouse.

After dinner, guests can join an evening star-gazing walk or even a beach walk to observe the turtles nesting.

A popular activity for early risers is a walk to an area of the island known as the ‘Flintstone Chairs’. These naturally carved coral chairs offer a spectacular view of the colourful Wilson Island sunrise.

Quite honestly this is a beautiful place, but there really is very little to do, apart from wonderful snorkelling, and scuba diving. It is a bit rustic for my taste but in fairness that is what is part of the initial appeal.

Two last things, the wines are very good, and there are no children under the age of sixteen.

A Great Barrier Reef Vacation On Heron Island

A Great Barrier Reef Vacation on Heron Island is a unique experience. Heron Island is a small coral cay right on the Great Barrier Reef Australia, where you can snorkel straight off the beach amidst teeming marine life on an endless multicoloured coral reef.

It is what you don’t see that really makes this such an outstanding destination as a Great Barrier Reef destination. You see there are no buildings above the tree line. There are no daytrippers, because Heron Island is only for its guests, and you won’t find that in many resorts around the world.. The island isn’t large, but it is beautiful, and you could walk around it in about 30 minutes, but it’s large enough to escape from the stresses of 21st century life within a few hours of arriving.

Heron Island has a unique atmosphere, which is one of relaxation, total relaxation., sophisticated casual relaxation, in a completely understated way, and this sets Heron apart from other resort islands

Heron is not the place to visit on your Great Barrier Reef Vacation if you need sophisticated nightlife, or a multitude of daytime activities, because the emphasis here is on the natural attractions and exploring the island..

The reef diving here is second to none, the snorkelling superb, so you may see turtles, dolphins, humpback whales migrating north, sharks, stingrays, many colourful fish and birds and they are all within easy reach which is fantastic.

The reef walks will teach you about the unique ecology of the Great Barrier Reef. Added to this is the abundance of bird life especially Noddy Terns.

On the other hand you can just lie around, read, and relax!!

In the evenings there might be live entertainment, or you can dance or just have a pleasant drink at the Pandanus Lounge. You will find the food is excellent with a, huge breakfast buffet, and three dinner buffets every week.

If you are a nature lover who doesn’t mind a helicopter transfer then Heron Island is probably the ideal Great Barrier Reef Vacation Spot you could ever find.

Bedarra Island is another gem and is a true Great Barrier Reef luxury resort, only for the rich and famous.

For more Australian Vacations and information about the Great Barrie Reef, go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Oceania%26%2339%3Bs-Hidden-Hotels/Australia/

Details About New Zealand’s Beautiful North Island

New Zealand’s North Island may be the smaller of the two main islands, but that certainly does not make it lesser. The diminutive North Island is home to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, and Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. The island’s more northern location contributes to a warmer, more congenial climate and translates to a larger, more diverse population than the colder southern island.

A Maori myth tells the tale of Ma-ui, the demi-god responsible for the creation of the North and South Islands. According to the myth, the South Island was the Ma-ui’s canoe. One day, Ma-ui and his brothers were fishing when he pulled an enormous fish from the sea. His brothers fought over the fish and chopped it up. When Ma-ui saw what they had done, he flung it back into the sea and it became the North Island, and their hack marks became the mountains and valleys. The Maori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Ma-ui, or, The Fish of Ma-ui.

The mountains and valleys are only part of the lush locales you will encounter on North Island. From the rolling farmlands of Waikato to the rugged mountain ranges of Coromandel, from the lush, sub-tropical forests and picturesque lakes of the island’s center to the beautiful, fruitful vineyards of the east coast, North Island offers something for everyone.

Regional Highlights

There are many different regions on the North Island, ranging from the busy cities of Auckland and Wellington to the untamed and unspoiled beauty of Ruapehu’s national parks. Each region has highlights that make it worth visiting, and make it difficult to choose only one or two places to visit on a trip through the beautiful island.

1. Northland

Northland is a subtropical paradise of unspoiled beaches. Native culture is alive and thriving in the northern reaches of the island, where you will find stunning beaches, beautiful bays and islands. Northland is a favorite destination for those who love extreme water sports, surfing, sailing, game fishing, boating and diving are all favored pastimes in the northern island. One of the main centers for tourism in the Northland is the Bay of Islands.

2. Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands, in the Northland, is a stunning vista of sand and rock coastline that encircles a bay set with 150 islands. Islands, beaches, boats and the ocean are ever-present and offer a mind-boggling array of activities to keep any visitor entertained and busy. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of the many inlets, or board a chartered ferry or yacht for a trip to swim with dolphins. When you tire of the sea, there are historical and romantic sites aplenty to explore and enjoy.

3. Auckland

Auckland, with a population of 1.2 million, is home to nearly one-third the island’s population. It’s a fascinating blend of cosmopolitan city and marine harbor. Enjoy fine dining, sparkling nightlife and all the pleasures of being in one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most popular and active cities.

4. Coromandel

Located just east of Auckland, Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s favorite holiday destinations. The land is rustic and unspoiled, with stunning vistas of volcanic peaks and valleys. The rugged volcanic hills are carpeted with lush, subtropical forests while the stunning beaches are dusted with glistening sand and sparkling water. Both bush and ocean are within the boundaries of Coromandel.

5. Bay of Plenty

The Bay of Plenty has long been a tourist destination famed for its long white beaches and easy-going lifestyle. These days, visitors also have discovered the cosmopolitan flavor of its major city, Tauranga, where they can enjoy fine dining and the best wines of the East Coast vineyards in the many cafes and restaurants.

6. Waikato

Waikato features two stunning landscapes, one above ground and one below. On the surface, the rolling farmlands offer any visitor the serenity of a bucolic land. Beneath, you will find a veritable labyrinth of caves and cave formations to explore and enjoy.

7. Rotorua

Some of the highlights of the Rotorua district include trout fishing in the volcanic lakes and relaxing in the healing waters of the seething hot springs. Volcanoes and geysers make this district a marvelous wonderland of natural beauty.

8. Eastland

Be the first on Earth to greet the new day in Eastland, the first mainland place to be touched by the rising sun. Enjoy national parks with hiking and nature trails, and relax with the sophistication of the world’s first cultivated black truffles, fine cheeses and the finest Chardonnay.

9. Taupo

Visit beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, or hike through the island’s oldest national park. Stunning scenery, volcanoes, trout fishing and unusual and rare wild life all combine to make Taupo a must-visit site.

10. Wellington

Beautiful Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. Located between a picturesque harbor and majestic hills, the city offers vibrant night life and fascinating cultural experiences alongside gourmet dining and a distinctly unique urban experience unlike any other in the entire world.

North Island in New Zealand

North Island in New Zealand is full of discovery, from adventure to experience and take a look at New Zealand culture. Not to also mention the breathtaking landscape; huge range of marine life, bays, beaches, volcanoes, hot springs, rivers, rainforest, amazing cities and many more to be offered in North New Zealand. New Zealand also offers range of hotel deals to choose from. Calling internationally has never been easier and cheaper using phone card or calling card . Lose yourself in New Zealand. Below is top 5 favourite travel places to go when visiting New Zealand North island

1. Bay of Islands

 You can find a variety range of marine life in 144 islands that can be found in Bay of Island. You can see whales, dolphins, pinguins, marlins, enjoy the beaches, bay and many more. Bay of island is said to have the best maritime in New Zealand. This bay has been visited by many range of people from around the world; best place for golfer, good catch for fisherman, maritime researcher, nature or maritime lover,and those who are simply be tourist. Bay of Island also is a paradise for divers. The best ways to see bay of Island is by cruise or kayaking

2. Tongariro National Park

Tongariro park is a must visit in New Zealand north island; it is one of the oldest national parks in the world and rated as World Heritage Park. What makes this park a wonder are the 3 amazing volcanoes ; Mount Nguruhoe, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. It is one of the favourite destinations for skiing too as it has regular snowfalls throughout the winter. However, this volcanoes mountain is still active and it is best to check the volcanoes information before your visit. Trekking in the Tongariro National park is the favourite as it is also the best way to have the superb view of the inside.

 3. Coromandel Peninsula

Experience hot spring in Coromandel Peninsula in the beach in Coromandel Peninsula. As the water in the beach is indeed from volcano warmth( it is different from the water from the beach that you have visited before, that is spa temperature water), you can enjoy your own personal spa in coromandel Peninsula. If you choose trekking in Coromandel Peninsula, you will also encountered unique rainforest, which has the tallest fern tress in the world. In addition, Coromandel Peninsula also has one of the best climate in New Zealand.

4. Rotorua

Another places famous for volcanic activities is Rotorua. Waimangu, Whakarewarewa and Waiotapu has impressive hot springs, volcanic terraces, boiling pools etc. Gorgeous lakes, native bushes, Maori culture can all be found in Rotorua. You can discover Rotorua by all sort of activities including trekking, swimming, take a 4WD ride. To discover all the fantastic things of Rotorua, you have to reserve more than one days off your holiday

5. Auckland

Listed as one of the best place to live on earth is Auckland. It is one of the most pleasant cities on earth. In New Zealand, it is the biggest city which offers a range of shops, tours, restaurants, cafes. Other than the top 5 destination to visit while you are travelling on North Island in New Zealand, you might want to visit Wellington as well. Wellington is the place where the filming crew and cast of Lord of the Ring spent much of their time at. You can also access to South Island from ferry terminal at Wellington. When you are visiting for a longer holiday in North New Zealand, prepare yourself to go to explore Far Cape Reinga , Hokianga Harbour, Tutukaka Coast, Waitomo Caves , Hawkes Bay, and Tutukaka Coast and many more others. There is so much to see in New Zealand. Explore more of the beauty of New Zealand !