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!
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.
Mount Cook Village (ook wel bekend als Aoraki) ligt aan de westkust van het Zuidereiland van Nieuw-Zeeland. Dit toevluchtsoord - gelegen in het Aoraki Mount Cook National Park - is een absolute must voor natuurliefhebbers en outdoorliefhebbers en biedt een uitstekende wilderniservaring. Het nationale park, dat de status van UNESCO Werelderfgoed heeft gekregen, is de thuisbasis van de hoogste berg van Nieuw-Zeeland, de langste gletsjer, de donkerste nachtelijke hemel. Naast wandelpaden voor alle fitnessniveaus, biedt het gebied ook boottochten langs Terminal Lake (het einde van de Tasman-gletsjer), 4x4-avonturen en wereldberoemde sterrenkijkmogelijkheden, terwijl het Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre beschikt over een 3D-theater en een planetarium.
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.
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.
Lake Wanaka wordt door de lokale bevolking's werelds eerste „lifestyle-reservaat” genoemd en heeft iets interessants voor elke soort bezoeker. Het meer zelf biedt geweldige mogelijkheden om te vissen, varen en zelfs goudpannen, terwijl de naburige Mt. Aspiring National Park herbergt gletsjers, bergen en riviervalleien die wachten om ontdekt te worden. Wanaka, een van de snelstgroeiende steden van Nieuw-Zeeland, ligt aan de oevers van het meer en trekt bezoekers met zijn ontspannen sfeer en activiteiten zoals paardrijden, golfen, vluchtzien en vliegshows.
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.
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 metres 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 many jewellers, carvers, painters and potters.
Het kleine pittoreske stadje Kaiteriteri, beroemd om zijn ongerepte gouden zandstranden en kristalheldere aquamarijn wateren, wordt door velen gebruikt als uitvalsbasis voor het verkennen van het beroemde Abel Tasman National Park. De kleine badplaats zelf heeft echter genoeg te bieden aan bezoekers die op zoek zijn naar een ontspannende strandvakantie op dit kleine stukje paradijs. Kajakken is een populaire activiteit, want het is een geweldige manier om getuige te zijn van de overvloedige lokale mariene wilde dieren. Dolfijnen, pinguïns en walvissen worden regelmatig waargenomen en degenen die liever een meer persoonlijke benadering hebben, kunnen zelfs een duik nemen in een lokale kolonie zeehonden, waarvan bekend is dat ze speelse interactie hebben met zwemmers. Voeg daarbij enkele van de meest verse zeevruchten van Nieuw-Zeeland geserveerd in schilderachtige lokale kiosken en het is gemakkelijk te zien waarom Kaiteriteri nog steeds wordt uitgeroepen tot een van de favoriete badplaatsen van Nieuw-Zeeland.
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.
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.
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.
Auckland, bekend als de „City of Sails”, staat bekend als de „" City of Sails "” en is de grootste stad van Nieuw-Zeeland en de grootste Polynesische stad ter wereld, de thuisbasis van de grootste Maori-gemeenschappen op de Samoaanse, Tongaanse en Cookeilanden wereldwijd, en strekt zich uit over een landengte omringd door de havens van Waitematā en Manukau.” De 328 meter hoge Sky Tower domineert de skyline en biedt een panoramisch uitzicht, een ronddraaiend restaurant en adrenaline-activiteiten zoals SkyJump en SkyWalk. Waiheke Island, op een korte rit met de veerboot, charmeert met boetiekwijnhuizen en zandstranden. De stad ligt bovenop 53 slapende vulkanen, waaronder Mount Eden, die een prachtig uitzicht over de stad biedt. Het culturele leven floreert in het Auckland War Memorial Museum, terwijl de Botanic Gardens en Waitākere Ranges een rustige ontsnapping bieden. Het avontuur gaat verder met watersporten, zwarte zandstranden en ontmoetingen op zee op Goat Island en Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium.
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.
