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. Bigger than the UK, with one-fourteenth the population, and filling in the gaps are sublime forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and fiords that have made NZ 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! New Zealand’s people (known as “Kiwis”) are well known for their welcoming and accepting nature
Despite the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch was placed second on The New York Times’ list of 52 ‘Places to Go’ in 2014. This speaks volumes of the spirit of this city and its people, whose collective creativity has seen a number of restorative art projects developed on the empty lots and buildings the disasters left behind. The city also offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot-air ballooning and whale and dolphin watching. Or stroll around the Botanic Gardens.
Twizel is set in the highlands of the Mackenzie district, amidst a magnificent setting of turquoise glacial lakes, sienna plains, and rugged snow-capped mountains. Thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element here, with the region’s natural assets lending themselves to a wide array of adventure activities including trekking, mountain biking, and helicopter rides, to horse riding, canoeing, fly fishing, and SUPping. The town offers a fantastic ongoing market and enticing shops, cafes, and restaurants. Twizel is also the gateway to excursions through the popular Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, known for its spectacular scenery and multitude of hiking trails, and the wider UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, renowned for the beauty of its star-studded skies. Make sure to play a game of mini-golf at the Twizel-themed miniature golf course, which features holes named after local farms.
Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and has stunning views of the surrounding alpine peaks. Considered by many as one of the world’s adventure capitals, it offers visitors a wide selection of adrenaline-boosting activities to choose from, such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, zip lining, skiing and skydiving. Queenstown also has a lively bar and restaurant scene, and for those who prefer the quieter things in life there are vineyards, golf courses, spas and wellness centres.
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.
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.
The South Island's West Coast is a unique 600 km coast with the wild mountain world of the Southern Alps. This low populated region has sixteen different glaciers, many peaceful lakes and untamed rivers. The "Coasters" are proud of living in good harmony with the wild and original nature at their doorsteps. The lifestyle of the pioneer era is still omnipresent here - more than anywhere else in New Zealand.
The West Coast rains have created an almost fairy-tale rain forest. Moss clad trees and fern trees are typical. We make a stop at Hokitika for the famous Jade manufactory.
Next we continue our tour to Franz Josef, reaching the Southern Alps.
There are not many areas in the world where one can watch seals and penguins at the beach, wander through the dense rain forest and walk on the eternal ice of the glaciers - all in one day. The Westland National Park offers these contrasts. The ice streams of the Franz Josef and the Fox glaciers start at approximately 3000 meters altitude and reach into the rain forests on a level of 300 meters. This makes both glaciers unique in the world.
Hokitika or “Hoki” as locals have affectionately named this little town, is idyllically located on a stunning, driftwood-strewn beach on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Presided over by the towering Mount Cook and the Southern Alps this idyllic little town functions primarily as a gateway to the South Westland World Heritage National Park, however, the town itself offers plenty to keep you blissfully engaged. Hokitika is well-known for its excellent local crafts and has developed a prolific artistic community with an array of open studios and galleries displaying skilful artisans in the process of, among other things, weaving, greenstone carving or blowing glass. It's a place of simple pleasures: scout the craft galleries, enjoy the fabulously fresh local seafood, or simply have a relaxing picnic on the banks of the picturesque Lake Kaniere surrounded exquisite snow-capped mountains. Hokitika is a great place to get away from the bustle of the city to engage in some wonderfully relaxing self-indulgence.
On the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island, the seaside settlement of Kaikoura is located on a rocky peninsula, protruding from lush farmland beneath the mountains. This little hamlet has become a popular tourist destination, primarily due to its famous wildlife watching opportunities. Few places can boast such a wide range of accessible wildlife. With whales, dolphins, fur seals, penguins and albatrosses frequently spotted, this area is truly a nature lovers dream. Visitors can join the Art Trail to witness the skilled local artisans at work in their own studios and galleries or visit the town’s first home which was built in 1842, remains remarkably well-preserved and, interestingly, was built using whale bone as its foundation. So, if you are looking for a bit of history, a touch of crafty culture and a whole heap of outdoor adventure, Kaikoura won’t fail to impress.
Rising from the cerulean waters of Pacific Ocean, the Marlborough Sounds are a sinuous network of partially submerged valleys, islands and winding waterways that lie on the northern end of South Island, New Zealand. The Sounds are comprised of the Queen Charlotte Sound, the Kenepuru Sound and the Pelorus Sound and boast pristine forest, stunning beaches, bays, coves and inlets that beckon to travellers. This collection offers endless opportunities for boating, fishing, diving, hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy the array of cafes, restaurants, galleries and speciality shops in the charming port town of Picton. The iconic Queen Charlotte Track is a 70-kilometre trail that stretches between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sound and provides jaw-dropping coastal views, lush landscape, and historical landmarks.
Located on the south-western tip of North Island on the Cook Strait, Wellington is the constitutional and cultural capital of New Zealand – dubbed ‘the coolest little capital in the world’. With its diverse architecture, world-class museums, cultural attractions and award-winning restaurants, Wellington is a popular destination for both local and international travellers. Due to its location in the ‘Roaring Forties’ the city experiences its fair share of wind and as a result, sailing is a popular activity here – with charters offering the visitors the experience of a relaxed cruise with beautiful views of the city and the surrounding bays.
Tongariro is the oldest national park in New Zealand, located in the heart of North Island. It encompasses three active volcanoes – Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro and Mount Ruapehu (one of the most active volcanos in the world) – that have great significance to the local Maori people. The raw beauty of the environment draws a high number of tourists, and is also the reason much of the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy was filmed here. There are activities to be enjoyed by everyone here, from scenic cruises to white water-rafting, hiking, rock climbing and skiing in winter.
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.
This region of upper North Island is named after the Waikato River, which has its catchment area here. Waikato’s largest town is Hamilton, with several charming smaller destinations situated on the east and west coasts. Worthy of special mention is the town of Raglan, renowned for its black volcanic sand beaches and great surfing. The rest of the area is largely pastoral and encompasses some of New Zealand’s finest wineries. Sublime eateries, thermal springs, hiking, climbing, horse riding and a full host of water sports are all on offer here, reflecting New Zealand’s diverse and exciting lifestyle options.
Paihia is a tourist town in the Northland Region of New Zealand’s North Island. This popular hub is home to some great sights and attractions, as well as being an excellent gateway to the beaches and dive-sites of the area known as the Bay of Islands. Begin at the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the site of the signing of New Zealand’s founding document, before heading out of town to visit the spectacular Haruru Falls or the towering Waipoua Kauri Forest. Finally, cruises depart the Paihia Wharf multiple times per day, giving visitors the chance to explore the Bay of Islands’ many attractions, including swimming with dolphins, sea kayaking, relaxing on beautiful beaches (such as Taiputuputu Pahi Beach) and visiting geological marvels such as Hole in the Rock.
Auckland with its suburbs has over 1 million inhabitants. It is the largest city in the country and spreads generously over a narrow isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Over 60 extinct volcanic cones and craters characterize the landscape, while an endless procession of sails in the harbor is typical of the relaxed way of life here. Auckland was the state capital until 1865 and is today the economic center of New Zealand.
