The Real Down Under Wonders

New Zealand's sparkling blue lakes, snow white glaciers, and majestic fiords are justifiably world renowned. Even though I've lived in this country and explored every nook and cranny, I still frequently stop along country roads and lose myself in the glory of the scenic wonders.

However, having said that, I still think New Zealand's greatest wonders are her people.

Kiwis, as they are often called (after their famous flightless bird), are the kindest, most helpful, and friendliest people I have ever met. They have a natural talent for making visitors feel welcome and go out of their way to make sure everyone gets the most from their stay.

Happily, it isn't difficult for overseas travelers to meet local people. A plethora of owner-operated country lodges, boutique hotels, and bed-and-breakfast inns provide easy intros. So why would anyone opt to stay in a highrise hotel or chain motel? In my mind, this would be like deciding to go on a fast while traveling in France - but I never have understood tourists.

Clearly, Authentic Luxury Travelers seize the opportunity to spend time with local hosts and benefit from their knowledge of the area, as well as their charming hospitality

To make it easy for you to find them, many of these properties have formed marketing groups. Heritage Inns of New Zealand (http://www.heritageinns.co.nz/) are historic properties with 4 - and 5-star ratings. Boutique Hotels (http://www.boutiquehotels.co.nz/) are also excellent. I like some of the New Zealand Lodges (http://www.lodgesofnz.co.nz/), but a few - like Huka Lodge - have become status symbols that attract tourists with money, but no sense.

I'll never forget a conversation I had with a man who'd just returned from New Zealand: He was making the most of the bragging rights he'd earned by staying at Huka, when I pointed out that neither the hosts nor the other guests at the lodge were New Zealanders. I said that I thought he'd missed experiencing authentic New Zealand. To which he replied, "well, I guess I really wasn't interested."

Like I said, I never have understood tourists.