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.
The city of Rotorua has been a spa town since the 1800s, thanks to the many geysers, hot springs and mud pools that can be found in what is one of the world’s most active geothermal fields. The Maori, who considered the region sacred, make up 35% of the population and a popular attraction is discovering their rich culture and traditions. Rotorua is surrounded by lakes, mountains, forests and other natural features that afford visitors the opportunity to try out a number of outdoor activities between relaxing sessions in the hot springs and pools.
The capital of New Zealand, Wellington, lies at the south-western tip of the North Island, between mountain and sea - a position that has leant it frequent gusts and the nickname ‘windy city’. Through the years, the city has built a reputation as one of the best in the world to live in, with its alluring combination of several drawcards. Wellington boasts a wonderful beach, Oriental Bay, boasting golden sands and warm waters; an exciting cultural scene that celebrates the area’s unique heritage; and an array of gorgeous botanical gardens. Added to this is a varied and ever-growing culinary scene featuring numerous excellent cafes, breweries, wine cellars, and restaurants. Must-see Wellington attractions include the Wellington Cable Car and the Kelburn Lookout; the spectacular Botanical Gardens; and the fascinating Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, the Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest park in the country. This coastal paradise is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters. The incredibly scenic, unspoilt landscapes make the park a popular destination with locals and tourists alike. It is home to an array of wildlife such as: a variety of birdlife, bottlenose dolphins, seals and the Little Blue Penguin, the smallest of the species. Visitors can hop on a scenic boat tour, enjoy fantastic hikes, or camp under the star-studded night sky. Other popular activities include: swimming, snorkelling, as well as kayaking, which is said to be the best way to discover the park’s spectacular natural treasures. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike along one of New Zealand’s ‘Great Walks’, the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, traversing rugged headlands, lush forests and pristine beaches.
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.
The quaint west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, but numbers swell during the holidays to around 2000 visitors per day. This is glacier country, and Franz Josef glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, some 23 kilometres further south, are the main attractions. The town offers myriad options for cosy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer – combine a helicopter tour with a guided walk on the glacial terrain to view ice caves, and spectacular crevasses and pinnacles. Helicopter tours over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop off at the head of either glacier so you can experience the frozen landscape up close.
Wanaka is a town located on the southern bank of Lake Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand. This resort is known for being a prime access-point to the unique Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park - featuring rich birdlife, enormous mountains and many astounding glaciers - and which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Area of Te Wahipounamu. However, besides being near the famous park, Wanaka also offers an abundance of outdoor activities. When it’s warm, enjoy water sports like kayaking and canoeing on Lake Wanaka, as well as hiking, rock climbing and 4x4 routes; while, in winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding on the white peaks of Snow Farm, Treble Cone or Cardonia (all within a 40-minute drive from Wanaka), and extreme sports enthusiasts even have the opportunity to heli-ski.
Te Anau is situated in the southern region of New Zealand’s South Island, on the eastern bank of Lake Te Anau (the largest lake on South Island). The town is the perfect gateway to the unique and awe-inspiring geographical attractions of Milford Sound (boasting rich marine life and spectacular views), and the Fiordland National Park (offering the excellent Kepler, Routeburn, and Milford hiking and biking trails among astonishing landscapes). However, beautiful Te Anau has plenty to offer in its own right. Active travellers can enjoy water sports on the lake, such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and trout fishing, while gentle boat cruises provide a more leisurely option. Make sure to visit the incredible Te Anau Caves to see other-worldly displays of glowworms and an impressive underground waterfall, and visit the beautiful native birds at the Punanga Manu o Te Anau aviary.
Queenstown, an idyllic resort town, lies on the shore of Lake Wakatipu in the southwest of South Island, New Zealand, surrounded by beautiful alpine peaks. Considered by many as one of the world’s top adventure capitals, this nature-laden destination offers a wide choice of adrenaline-boosting activities including white water rafting, zip-lining, skiing, skydiving and bungee-jumping (and a particular highlight, the world’s largest rope swing at Nevis Valley). Those who prefer soaking up the gorgeous scenery without too much effort will enjoy the lush vineyards, pristine golf courses, the dazzling Queenstown Gardens and the town’s luxury spas and wellness centres. Culinary types will also be pleased with Queenstown’s exciting gourmand offerings - the lively bar and restaurant scene provide a variety of flavours and experiences.
