Auckland, the biggest city in Polynesia, is situated in the north of North Island between two harbours. The city has been named the most multicultural one on earth and boasts a lively modern centre as well as spectacular natural attractions. At the Sky Tower, the tallest free-standing tower in the Southern Hemisphere, dine in a revolving restaurant or get involved in pulse-quickening base jumping or Sky Walking. Further adrenaline can be found at the famous Rainbows End theme park, as well as along the harbour (with watersports), at diving spots the (Great Barrier Reef and Goat Island Marine Reserve) and among the string of 45 volcanoes found here. Explore superb art galleries, live music venues, restaurants, and shops or picnic at the gorgeous Auckland Botanic Gardens. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World.
Idyllically located 30 kilometres north of Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands, Matauri Bay is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in Aotearoa, New Zealand. With its golden sandy beaches and aquamarine waters, it has long been a popular playground for local and foreign tourists alike. The bay provides an ideal setting for swimming, fishing, snorkelling, surfing, diving, and jet skiing. Take a stroll up to the ridge above the bay to enjoy some swoon-worthy views over the headland and out to the gorgeous Cavalli Islands. Visitors can go diving at the famous Greenpeace ship The Rainbow Warrior which has become a living reef, attracting an abundance of marine life. Another popular attraction is Mataatua II, a Maori war canoe built to commemorate the great Pacific migration that brought the Maori people to New Zealand around 700 years ago.
Resting at the northern end of Lake Taupo and surrounded by magnificent bush-clad mountains, the tidy town of Taupo is distinguished by its picturesque lakefront setting and its excellent opportunities for outdoor activities including sailing, cruising, kayaking, waterskiing, fishing, and snow skiing on the slopes of the towering Mount Ruapehu. The town is surrounded by some exceptional natural attractions such as the dramatic crystal-blue cascades of the Huka Falls, which can be reached via a number of popular hiking and biking trails. Other highlights include wonderful geothermal pools and the Waipahihi Botanical Reserve. Those seeking more of a cultural experience can head to the lovely Lake Taupo Museum and Art Gallery which features exhibits on the Maori, Volcanic and early European history of the area.
Set on a huge curved bay on North Island’s east coast, beautiful Hawke’s Bay offers much more than an excellent Syrah or Savignon Blanc (although this is its main drawcard). The warm, dry climate is also conducive to a number of outdoor activities including cycling, walking the forest trails of the Ruahine and Kaweka Forest Parks, getting up close and personal with the largest gannet colony in the world at the scenic sandstone headland of Cape Kidnappers, or heading up to Te Mata Peak for panoramic views of the entire area. For a wind-down, pop into the Chocolate History Museum or stroll the streets of Napier – the town boasts phenomenal Art Deco architecture.
Situated on North Island, New Zealand, the breathtaking Palliser Bay lies just southeast of Wellington towards the island’s southernmost point. The landscape here is characterised by dramatic cliffs, swathes of bright green vegetation, and rocky coastline giving way to sparkling, bright blue waters. This setting makes the bay perfect for hiking, surfing in the tranquil coves, and watching the fur seals at play. The area is also known for its excellent wineries (such as Martinborough), and there are many guided tours on offer which include wine tasting and dining. Visitors should also make sure to try the famous fish and chips at the historic Lake Ferry Hotel. The picturesque lighthouse makes for a fantastic photographic opportunity, while the little fishing village of Ngawi nearby provides a peek into local culture.
Spanning just under ten thousand square kilometres, Tasman District is a vast and magical area that rests at the north end of New Zealand’s South Island. A diverse landscape of mountainous landscapes, lush valleys and exquisite white sandy beaches, Tasman District, is home to the world-renowned Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, Kahurangi National Park and the magnificent The Maruia Falls. With its extensive network of remarkable limestone caves waiting to be explored and enough animal and bird life to thrill even the most avid wildlife enthusiast, it is no surprise that this untouched wilderness has become a popular destination for travellers seeking a unique, off-the-beaten-track, outdoor adventure.
Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is the largest city on the island. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it is known for its many lush green spaces and possesses a multicultural charm with an added dash of Victorian flair. The city offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning and whale and dolphin watching. Visitors can enjoy a stroll around the beautifully sculptured parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse numerous art galleries, followed by a visit to Pomeroy’s for a craft beer and the adjoining Victoria’s Kitchen for a pub-style lunch.
Idyllically located on Lake Wakatipu, the tiny mountain village of Glenorchy is a place of blissful tranquility among swoon-worthy natural landscapes. Glenorchy is the perfect laid-back counterpoint to nearby busy and bustling Queenstown. Despite a fair amount of visitors, Glenorchy has managed to preserve its quaint, small village atmosphere while providing a petrol station, a grocery store, a post office and a few quirky pubs and cafes to travellers seeking some of New Zealand’s finest tramping, horse trekking, kayaking and jet boating in the astonishingly picturesque surrounding area. If you are seeking a quiet retreat off the beaten track, this rustic little town might be just the destination for you.
