New Zealand, or Aotearoa in Te Reo Māori, is a breathtakingly diverse island nation in the South Pacific. Known for its dramatic landscapes, this land is home to rugged mountains, rolling green hills, geothermal wonders, pristine beaches, and ancient forests. New Zealand's natural beauty offers endless outdoor adventures, from hiking the alpine trails of Fiordland to kayaking through the turquoise waters of Abel Tasman National Park.
Beyond its landscapes, New Zealand is rich in cultural heritage. The Māori culture, with its deep respect for the land and spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality), weaves through the country's modern identity. Kiwis, as New Zealanders are affectionately called, are known for their warmth, laid-back attitude, and love for the outdoors.
From the bustling city life of Auckland and Wellington to the charming small towns, Aotearoa is a haven for travellers seeking both adventure and tranquillity. Whether it's adrenaline-filled activities like bungee jumping and skydiving, discovering wildlife like dolphins and kiwi birds, or enjoying world-class wine and cuisine, New Zealand offers an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveller.
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.
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 popular tourist city of Napier on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island is one of the country’s most likeable regional centres. The inner-city streets are lined with palm trees, and the sculpted Marine Parade is sprinkled with numerous lush parks, landscaped gardens and grand memorials, giving the water’s edge its unique character. Arriving in Napier gives one the distinct feeling of stepping back in time, owing to its unique concentration of remarkably well preserved 1930s art-deco buildings, built after much of the city was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1931. The city is also known for its gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers and its abundance of world-class wineries on the surrounding plains. This is the place to enjoy a Mediterranean climate, an excellent variety of restaurants and cafes, and the air of an affluent English seaside resort.
Resting in beautiful South Wairarapa, Martinborough is a small but charming village with a laid-back atmosphere and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Spend your days exploring the lush green town square, admiring the old heritage buildings and indulging in the gorgeous boutique retail shopping. Packed with colonial charm, what was once an obscure farming village, Martinborough, is now a thriving wine region home to more than 20 vineyards, most within walking or cycling distance of the town's quaint main square. Visitors can taste their way around the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, famous for its robust Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. Don't forget to bring your appetite along, as many wineries are home to tempting cafes and restaurants that serve delectable cuisine made using fresh, local produce.
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.
This remarkably sunny and rather sleepy little town is most commonly used as a base for exploring the town’s surrounding winelands which are home to some of New Zealand’s most fertile and venerated vineyards. The area boasts over 40 excellent wine farms, many of which are conveniently located within a 10km radius of Blenheim. In and around Blenheim you’ll find an impressive array of tempting cafes and restaurants, charming craft shops, artisan food outlets and some world-class golf courses. The nearby Marlborough Sounds provide an ideal setting for a variety for water sports, from kayaking to swimming with dolphins. Popular attractions include the fascinating Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to a well restored collection of World War I planes, as well as the Marlborough Museum which showcases a variety of interesting local historical artifacts and also houses Beavertown, a replica street scene based on features of Blenheim around 1900.
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.
Fairlie is a scenic farming town and the the gateway to the Mackenzie Basin, including idyllic destinations such as Lake Tekapo and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The town’s history is encapsulated in its local museum, where you can see exhibits of farming and household artifacts from days gone by, while the nearby Mount Dobson ski area is a magnet for skiing and snowboarding fans. For a more quirky experience, visit the Fairlie Alpaca Farm, where you can interact with these friendly creatures and learn how alpaca wool is made.
Tekapo - commonly known as Lake Tekapo - is a small town located near the geographical centre of New Zealand’s South Island. As its name suggests, the town is primarily known as a lakeside resort village, offering some excellent outdoor activities in remote and tranquil surroundings. In addition to numerous hiking trails, mountain bike paths, horse trekking and a full array of water sports (including salmon fishing), Lake Tekapo is most famous for its stargazing opportunities. Head to the Mount John Observatory, where you will learn about the unique geography of its region and its cloud-free skies, which are supported by local light pollution laws, as the area seeks to secure World Heritage status for starlight preservation. Lake Tekapo also boasts the photogenic Church of the Good Shepherd and plenty of dining and lodging options.
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.
This is the southernmost region of New Zealand and also one of the most sparsely populated. It is home to the largest national park in New Zealand – Fiordland National Park in the west – as well as Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island. Fiordland is dominated by mountains, fjords and glacial lakes and home to the famous Milford Sound and Mirror Lakes. Popular adventure activities in the park include boating, surfing, sport fishing and jet-skiing, while hiking and mountain-biking are perfect ways to take in the unrivalled scenic beauty of what locals call “The Real New Zealand”.
Creating one wall of the eroded valley that now forms Otago Harbour, the Otago Peninsula lies half an hour’s drive east of Dunedin City on the Otago Coast. The sliver of land is home to numerous interesting heritage sites, stunning wild walking trails, and impressive, accessible wildlife. The haven of rolling hills, tranquil bays and soft sandy beaches make idyllic landscapes to explore. A host of tours show visitors sites such as the impressive gothic revival Larnach Castle, the 1000-year-old matai trees in the Glenfalloch Woodland Garden, and the Ōtākou Marae Cultural Centre, which offers insight into Ngai Tahu life. Animals that make their home here include albatross, penguins, fur seals and sea lions. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the port’s daily operations and learn about maritime pursuits at the Maritime Museum.
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.
