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.
There aren't many places on this planet where travellers are so well catered for – in terms of both man-made enticements and splendours of the natural realm. New Zealand is bigger than the UK, with one-fourteenth the population size. Filling in the gaps are sublime forests, majestic mountains, and the stunning lakes, beaches and fjords that have made this country one of the best hiking (locals call it 'tramping') destinations on Earth. It’s renowned worldwide for having a relaxed, friendly, spacious and outdoor adventure lifestyle (think sport, walks, BBQs, and beaches). When you combine this adventurous outlook with a stunning backdrop you start to see why travellers rate New Zealand as the action/adventure/adrenalin capital of the world!
The second-largest city on the South Island, Dunedin (Celtic for Edinburgh) overlooks the Otago Harbour and Peninsula. There’s no urban sprawl here; instead, you’ll find impressive historic architecture, parks, and natural beauty in abundance. More than 20 beaches can be reached within 30 minutes, and stunning, unspoilt coastlines make for excellent hikes and sunset shots. You’ll want to visit Gothic-revival Larnach Castle, known for its colourful history, a resident ghost and impressive treats (high tea is served at 3 pm every day); Speight’s Brewery for tours, tastings and hearty meals; glorious St Paul’s Cathedral; and the Ice Stadium to watch a game or two of curling. Art lovers should make sure to explore the impressive street art trail through the historic buildings of the Warehouse Precinct.
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.
Franz Josef is a small tourist village on New Zealand's South Island West Coast, set between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea within the Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. It is best known as the gateway to Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, where a dynamic glacier descends from the Southern Alps into lush temperate rainforest. Guided heli-hikes and scenic flights offer spectacular views and access to the glacier, while valley walks lead through native forest towards glacier viewpoints. Beyond the ice, travellers can kayak or cruise on Lake Mapourika, explore rainforest trails, look for native birds, and visit the nearby Ōkārito lagoon and wetlands. The combination of glaciers, mountains, rainforest and outdoor adventures makes Franz Josef a distinctive destination on the West Coast.
As previously described
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.
A city where steam rises beside streets and traffic moves within a geothermal basin, Rotorua sits on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua. The town centre runs along the lakefront, with paths, boats, and cafés close to the warm water's edge. The air carries a sharp sulphur scent as geysers burst at Te Puia, a geothermal and cultural complex just outside the centre of Rotorua, sending water several metres into the air. At Wai-O-Tapu, a geothermal park about 25–30 km south of Rotorua, known for its visibly active and chemically coloured landscape, sits within the Taupō Volcanic Zone, where underground heat drives constant surface activity. Walking tracks pass through sections of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and collapsed craters, all shaped by mineral deposits over time. Its most recognisable feature is the Champagne Pool, a wide, hot spring edged in bright orange silica, with green water at its centre. Nearby, the Lady Knox Geyser erupts daily at a set time, sending a column of water into the air for several minutes. Adventure activities include white-water rafting on the Kaituna River and mountain biking across 5–35 kilometre trail networks in Whakarewarewa Forest. Māori cultural villages stage haka performances, carving demonstrations, and meals cooked in earth ovens.
Known as the “City of Sails”, Auckland—Tāmaki Makaurau in Māori—is New Zealand’s largest city and the world’s largest Polynesian city, home to the largest Samoan, Tongan and Cook Islands Māori communities globally, and stretches across an isthmus framed by the Waitematā and Manukau Harbours. The 328-metre Sky Tower dominates the skyline, offering panoramic views, a revolving restaurant, and adrenaline activities like SkyJump and SkyWalk. Waiheke Island, a short ferry ride away, charms with boutique wineries and sandy beaches. The city sits atop 53 dormant volcanoes, including Mount Eden, which provides sweeping city views. Cultural life thrives at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, while the Botanic Gardens and Waitākere Ranges offer peaceful escapes. Adventure continues with watersports, black-sand beaches, and marine encounters at Goat Island and Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium.
