Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand, home to close to a third of the country’s inhabitants. This is a world-class destination that has so much to explore. The city is built on a live basaltic volcanic field and this means that the landscape varies greatly. Here you will find steaming lakes next to craters, lava caves on recently formed volcanic islands and bubbling mud pools creating colourful mineral deposits. Adrenaline junkies love Auckland for all the leisure activities on offer, including sky jumps, canyoning, kayaking and more. Art galleries, top restaurants, shopping centres and markets add to extensive sightseeing in and around the city.
The Coromandel Peninsula is situated on North Island, some 50km east of Auckland across the Hauraki Gulf. It is a sparsely populated region with only five towns, together having a population of just 1000 residents. However, the steep and hilly area with its temperate rain forests experiences a dramatic influx of visitors during the holidays, as many Aucklanders have holiday homes here. The Coromandel is popular for yachting and scuba diving, due to the 900m high peninsula creating a natural barrier from the Hauraki Gulf. Aside from the plethora of water-related activities, there are also hiking trails of every grade to be found here.
Located in King Country, and set an easy two-hour’s drive from New Zealand’s capital, Auckland, Waitomo is one of the country’s most outstanding travel destinations, famed for its exceptional natural environment, exquisite scenery, and unique adventure options. The area is home to legendary limestone caves – the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakari Cave, Aranui Cave, and Gardner’s Gut - which offer a multitude of adventure opportunities. Explore caverns glittering with the presence of countless glowworms, go ‘blackwater’ rafting or tubing in subterranean lakes, or abseil past magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations. Other attractions in the area include the breathtaking Marokopa Falls, the captivating Pureora Timber Trail (a cycle route), and the 17-metre high stone arch that forms part of the pulse-quickening Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk.
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.
Located on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island lies the pleasant sunny town of Hastings. This charming town is surrounded by picturesque orchards, lovely vineyards, as well as some gorgeous landscaped parks and gardens which flourish in the Hawke's Bay climate. Visitors can explore the area's many excellent wineries or browse the local farmer's market, which sells delicious local food products including fantastic handmade cheeses and high-quality artisanal meat. Kids and adults alike can play to their heart' content at the Splash Planet, a water theme park that promises to provide 'A whole day's worth of fun'. Hastings's traditional English seaside amusements include miniature golf, fish-and-chip stands, a spectacular rocky beach that stretches for miles, and some lovely little junk shops where you can hunt for bargain treasures.
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.
The sunny little town of Motueka is situated close to the mouth of the Motueka River, on the western shore of Tasman Bay on New Zealand’s South Island. Visitors tend to use the town as a convenient base for exploring the beautiful Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks and visiting the lovely neighbouring beaches. Motueka's family-friendly green spaces, diverse sporting and recreational opportunities, a clean environment and terrific climate have attracted a large number of people from all over the world, resulting in a cosmopolitan, artistic community. A vibrant main street offers lovely little boutiques, quaint cafes and charming restaurants. Don’t miss a visit to the wonderful Sunday morning farmers’ market and pretty, leafy beer garden where you can sample delicious local craft beers and ciders.
The tiny township of Punakaiki on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island is primarily used by visitors as a base for exploring the nearby Paparoa National Park. The park is best known for its dramatic blowholes and the distinctive Pancake Rocks. These picturesque limestone formations look curiously like stony stacks of pancakes which funnel blasts of water up to 15 m into the air as the waves crash into the caverns below the rocks. Visitors can explore the sub-tropical rainforests, horse ride along the spectacular coastline, paddle a canoe down the tranquil Pororari River, or climb the remarkable limestone formations for which this area is known. The town itself offers some delightful cafes and restaurants and is home to a small community of quirky local craftspeople including jewellers, carvers, painters and potters. This little town is the perfect place to take some time out between excursions into one of the West Coast's most beautiful and untouched wilderness areas. Note, Punakaiki has no supermarket, no petrol station and limited restaurant facilities.
Fox Glacier village is in "Glacier Country" on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Tucked discreetly into the rainforest-clad foothills of the Southern Alps, it has a stunning outlook across the surrounding farms and offers breath-taking views of New Zealand’s two highest peaks, Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. The tiny township was founded from a gold strike which soon petered out, and it now mostly serves as a base for visitors to its massive icy namesake. Compared to its larger, busier neighbour Franz Josef, Fox Glacier exudes a quieter, more intimate atmosphere. But don’t let its sleepy appearance deceive you - there is plenty to thrill even the most enthusiastic adrenalin junkie. Visitors can journey deep into the towering rain forests, explore the blue ice caves of the glaciers, jet-boat up a glacial river, or even skydive! Active adventure, relaxation or family fun all against the backdrop of a spectacular natural landscape, New Zealand’s Fox Glacier offers something for everyone.
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.
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.
Christchurch city promises an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture. As the gateway to the South Island, it's a must on any itinerary. Described by Lonely Planet as a "vibrant city in transition, coping resiliently and creatively,” Christchurch's energy is evident wherever you go. The city has bounced back after the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 with innovative new attractions, as well as some old favourites. Visit the Re Start container mall, the transitional Cardboard Cathedral, and some of the many pop up restaurants and bars. Contemporary art galleries, boutique shops and open-air markets add to Christchurch’s creative vibe.
