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 (also known as Aoraki) is located near the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand. This retreat - lying within the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park - is an absolute must for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering an outstanding wilderness experience. The national park, which has been given UNESCO World Heritage status, is home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, its longest glacier its darkest night skies. In addition to hiking trails to suit all fitness levels, the area also offers boat tours along Terminal Lake (the end of the Tasman Glacier), 4x4 adventures, and world-renowned stargazing opportunities, while the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre boasts a 3D theatre and a 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.
Franz Josef is een klein toeristisch dorp aan de westkust van het Zuidereiland van Nieuw-Zeeland, gelegen tussen de Zuidelijke Alpen en de Tasmanzee in het Te Wāhipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Het is vooral bekend als de toegangspoort tot de Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, waar een dynamische gletsjer vanuit de Zuidelijke Alpen afdaalt naar weelderig gematigd regenwoud. Begeleide heliwandelingen en rondvluchten bieden spectaculaire uitzichten en toegang tot de gletsjer, terwijl wandelingen in de vallei door inheemse bossen naar uitkijkpunten op de gletsjer leiden. Voorbij het ijs kunnen reizigers kajakken of cruisen op het Mapourikameer, regenwoudpaden verkennen, op zoek gaan naar inheemse vogels en de nabijgelegen Ōkārito-lagune en wetlands bezoeken. De combinatie van gletsjers, bergen, regenwoud en avonturen in de buitenlucht maakt van Franz Josef een bijzondere bestemming aan de westkust.
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.
Famous for its pristine golden sand beaches and crystal clear aquamarine waters, the tiny picturesque town of Kaiteriteri is used by many as a base for exploring the renowned Abel Tasman National Park. However, the little seaside town itself has plenty to offer visitors seeking a relaxing beach vacation on this little piece of paradise. Kayaking is a popular activity as it is a great way to witness the abundant local marine wildlife. Dolphins, penguins and whales are regularly sighted and those who prefer a more up close and personal approach can even take a dip with a local colony of seals who are known to playfully interact with swimmers. Add to this some of New Zealand's freshest seafood served up at quaint local kiosks and it is easy to see why Kaiteriteri continues to be voted as one of New Zealand's favourite seaside resorts.
Located at the south-western tip of New Zealand’s North Island, between rolling hills and a sheltered harbour, Wellington is the country’s capital and is famously known as the ‘Windy City’ for its frequent strong gusts. The city combines a vibrant cultural scene with beautiful coastal scenery, green spaces and a thriving food and drink culture. Oriental Bay offers a sandy waterfront popular for swimming and relaxing, while the Wellington Botanic Garden features colourful flower displays, native plants and walking paths. The city is also known for its excellent cafés, craft breweries, wine bars and restaurants. Must-see attractions include the Wellington Cable Car, which climbs to Kelburn Lookout for panoramic views across the city and harbour, and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, where visitors can discover the country’s natural environment, history and Māori heritage. Wellington’s compact centre makes it easy to explore its many highlights.
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.
Rotorua, een stad waar stoom langs straten opstijgt en het verkeer zich verplaatst in een geothermisch bassin, ligt aan de zuidelijke oever van het Rotorua-meer. Het stadscentrum loopt langs de oever van het meer, met paden, boten en cafés dicht bij de rand van het warme water. De lucht verspreidt een scherpe zwavelgeur wanneer geisers barsten in Te Puia, een geothermisch en cultureel complex net buiten het centrum van Rotorua, waardoor water enkele meters de lucht in wordt gestuurd. In Wai-O-Tapu ligt een geothermisch park ongeveer 25-30 km ten zuiden van Rotorua, bekend om zijn zichtbaar actieve en chemisch gekleurde landschap, in de vulkanische zone van Taupo, waar ondergrondse hitte zorgt voor constante oppervlakteactiviteit. Wandelpaden lopen door delen van stomende ventilatieopeningen, borrelende modderpoelen en ingestorte kraters, allemaal gevormd door minerale afzettingen in de loop van de tijd. Het meest herkenbare kenmerk is de Champagnepool, een brede warmwaterbron omgeven door fel oranje silica, met groen water in het midden. Vlakbij barst de Lady Knox Geyser dagelijks op een vast tijdstip uit, waarbij een kolom water gedurende enkele minuten de lucht in wordt gestuurd. Avontuurlijke activiteiten omvatten wildwatervaren op de Kaituna-rivier en mountainbiken over 5-35 kilometer lange routenetwerken in Whakarewarewa Forest. Culturele dorpen in de Māori organiseren haka-optredens, snijdemonstraties en maaltijden bereid in aardovens.
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.
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.
