AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Although separated only few hours of travel and belonging to the same continent, Australia and New Zealand are very different countries. The common between them is the veneration of nature, the multicultural hospitable people and the preserved traditions from before the great European discoveries of the Southern Seas. Both countries also have very modern infrastructure, economics and stable growth.

When it comes to travel, they are the preferred destination by many travelers, eager to discover the roots of the South-Pacific civilizations, the gourmet food and wines, and the untouched nature of beaches, waterfalls, rare flora and fauna.

AUSTRALIA

Australia (Land in the Southern Seas, from Latin) is the smallest continent and the sixth largest country in the World. It is not by accident that the first image that comes to mind when Australia is mentioned is the kangaroo. This symbol of the country encompasses centuries of attention to the nature and authenticity. Australia is named among the seventeen mega diverse countries that harbor the majority of the Earth's species.

Although multimillion cities as Sydney and Melbourne are not behind New York or Toronto in their modernity, they combine much more that world city art, fashion, entertainment and culture. Most of the Australians live in highly populated urban areas, which harmonize with the surrounding nature and represent a multicultural mosaic of 21st century infrastructure and multiracial traditions.

Vast deserts alternate with evergreen eucalyptus forests, miles of private beaches and fish abundant waters are part of the landscape of this beautiful country.

Cultural Crossroads offers customized tour tours to Australia, for group and individual travelers.

NEW ZEALAND

Surrounded by pristine waters in the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand fully deserves its brand line: "Pure New Zealand". It is one of the cleanest countries in the world, with well-preserved nature, landscapes, beaches and sea. But not only the nature is preserved: in the midst of ultra-modern civilization, the indigenous culture and traditions flourish because of carefully designed multicultural policy.

When Captain Cook reached New Zealand in 1769, the country was a paradise of lush forests, great source of healing waters and inhabited by the fearless Maori. Forward three centuries, the outlook has changed only in the big modern cities of Auckland or Wellington. The rest of New Zealand is still not very populated (4 million total, roughly the population of Miami), calm and majestic, nature loving country.

With a spectacular scenery, from green pastures to the Southern Alps to beautiful beaches, fjords, volcanoes, thermal pools, rainforests, glaciers and their lakes, along with their small towns, bustling cities, New Zealanders spend a lot of time enjoying a both a relaxed and active lifestyle. It is also is a culinary and wine connoisseur's delight.

One of the pioneers of the creative tourism, New Zealand offers totally immersive experience when it comes to indigenous arts and crafts. The Maori people didn’t forget any of their skills in creating beautiful masks, body art, or jewelry. And while in many countries learning the crafts is an isolated and highly commercialized experience, in New Zealand this is the part of leaving the traditions. The travelers are invited by the local Maori to live, celebrate and create with them not only pieces of art, but also be part of what they believe is the essence of life: the harmony between nature and humanity.

Cultural Crossroads offers custom designed tours to New Zealand, tailored to the interests of small groups or individuals, interested in full cultural immersion, fine food and wine, traditional Maori arts or nature and healing experiences. In addition, once a year, we organize a very special tour to actively participate wi

• Maori Celebration in New Zealand
  

  Join Cultural Crossroads on this extraordinary cultural adventure. We will participate in the Waitangi Day Ngapuhi celebrations, an authentic Maori tradition. And we are honored that National Geographic Traveler has included this adventure in it's "50 Tours of a Lifetime" for 2012.

  Waitangi Day marks the Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the treaty) signed between Queen Victoria and Ngapuhi chiefs in 1840 at Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands. The Treaty established a British Governor for New Zealand, recognized Maori ownership of their lands and other properties, and gave the Maori the rights of British subjects, thus forming the basis of modern New Zealand. Every year, Maori tribes from all over the country congregate at Waitangi to commemorate the treaty. It is probably the most significant date in the Maori calendar.

  The Maori Celebrations Tour is a new offering for Cultural Crossroads travelers. The tour coincides with the 2012 Waitangi Day, and represents a unique cultural immersion experience. We will be part of all preparations and celebration of the Ngapuhi tribe, the most prominent Maori community in New Zealand. We will live, train, learn and celebrate together with the Maori people.