New Zealand offers an environmental and cultural diversity that has long been appealing to those looking for an exciting spot for a gay vacation. There is little doubt that the appeal of New Zealand comes, in part, from laws that protect the LGBT community from discrimination and the warm, accepting attitudes of the populace, as well as the various adventures that New Zealand offers and its pristine natural beauty.

LGBT folks looking for gay vacations to New Zealand will find a wide variety of choices, including opting for a relaxing beachside respite, hiking through breathtaking wilderness, snowboarding and snow skiing at popular resorts or indulging in the exciting nightlife of New Zealand’s cosmopolitan towns and cities. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly vacation at the beach, or a raucous week of Pride events, New Zealand has much to offer for gay vacations of all sorts.

Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton are just a few of the cities of New Zealand where you will find visible, large LGBT communities, Pride celebrations and a wide variety of clubs, businesses, pubs and restaurants all catering to the community. Those interested in a city gay vacation will find that these metro areas provide numerous options that are sure to please travelers interested in a lively nightlife and a plethora of entertainment, dining and shopping options from which to choose. If you want to include skiing or snowboarding into your gay travel plans, you will be pleased to know that there are various ski resorts on South Island and North Island, which makes it easy to take a day trip to the mountains between sightseeing tours, cultural events or visiting New Zealand’s smaller islands.

Gay vacations in New Zealand can focus on lounging on perfect, clean beaches, snowboarding, skiing, partaking in exciting outdoor adventures for couples, families or friends, or taking the opportunity to awaken or renew your spirit in this beautifully spiritual land. New Zealand certainly offers too many sights, activities and experiences to squeeze into just one vacation; however traveling with a tour group on a well-organized gay vacation is one option that will ensure that you have an amazing experience and that you do not miss out on some of New Zealand’s best offerings.

For travelers who would rather go it alone, working with a gay travel agency to plan your excursion is an ideal option, which allows you to get the latest information that might be of interest to LGBT travelers and to find out about current hotspots and destinations that are popular with the community.

Author's Bio: 

Howie Holben is owner and caretaker of Spirit Journeys, a spiritual gay travel organization. Spirit Journeys has offered unique gay vacations with a difference since 1992. Since early childhood, he has been drawn to indigenous peoples and their spiritual teachings, traditions and practices. This attraction has taken him on many adventures, exploring the countless ways of "being in the world". His personal journey through addiction and recovery has spawned in him a need to assist others on their own spiritual path and he takes great pleasure in introducing others to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them "step outside their box". He is a Reiki and Karuna Ki Master and also a Quantum Touch and Breathwork Practioner. His goal is to help others uncover their potential by setting their hearts and minds free. You can learn more about gay spirituality at www.spiritjourneys.com.