Homosexuality is well accepted in New Zealand and travelers are not expected to experience difficulties any more than their straight counterparts. However, just like the local population itself, gay life in New Zealand is mainly concentrated in Auckland. This is where the largest and best concentrations of gay venues in the country are located and this is also where the largest annual gay event – February’s Hero Party is held. There are also gay venues in Christchurch and Wellington but the scene is much quieter particularly during midweek.
There are various gay tour operators in New Zealand: Wilson Group Limited – gay owned and operated and specializes in all types of gay travel throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific; Dolphin Travel – focuses on “inbound” travel arrangements; Gay Travel Net is an online reservation/information site for gays and lesbians visiting New Zealand, Australia and South Pacific Islands; Adventure Out – is a small company specializing in off-the-beaten-track adventure holidays; and Travel Dish NZ which specializes mostly in “outbound” gay travel from New Zealand although they can ably assist in local New Zealand travel as well. Important sources of information include the New Zealand Tourism Board and the New Zealand Gay and Lesbian Tourism Association.
New Zealand’s weekly gay newspaper – Express, contains maps that are very useful in locating gay businesses in all of the major cities. It is available for free at all gay venues and can be picked up upon arrival. The Gay Guide to the South Pacific – g’ day guide, is useful for locating gay beaches. The Fielding Travel Guide to Australia and New Zealand is likewise very useful as a mainstream guidebook since they are well researched and gay-friendly.
Auckland is the country’s most vibrant, bustling and gay city. Suitable accommodations can be had at Dreyden Lodge – a centrally located hotel with a 50/50 gay/straight clientele; the Stamford Plaza – ½ block from the downtown gay bars; Rydges Auckland – a modern, gay-marketed (but not exclusive) three-star property; Quest for Eden – likewise gay-marketed; the Laughing Cat – a gay and lesbian suburban B and B; and Moana Vista – which is a gay owned and renovated villa. There are other places that either caters exclusively to gays or those that are considered gay-friendly.
Much of New Zealand’s gay life centers on bath houses. The use of these bath houses does not come with the stigma often associated with it in other countries. There is a remarkable number of bath houses in New Zealand with some of the smaller cities having excellent selections.
The most popular event for gays in New Zealand is the Hero Parade and Party. It is the country’s answer to Sydney’s Mardi Gras, only on a smaller scale held over two weeks every February. The event is a fundraising festival and party featuring cultural, social and sporting events and activities, culminating in the parade and party.
A gay holiday adventure is possible in New Zealand. A suggested itinerary would consist of relaxation at the beach, participating in outdoor water sports, a vineyard tour, whale-watching and bungee jumping. The trip is a combination of active playtime and relaxing memorable moments to bring home. There is the so-called Gay Line/Lesbian Line which offers information and referrals to make the trip worthwhile.
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