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.
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.
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.
Set on the rugged east coast of New Zealand's South Island, protruding from lush farmland beneath the mountains, the seaside settlement of Kaikoura 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. Whales, dolphins, fur seals, penguins and albatrosses can be spotted frequently. 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.
Canterbury is a region in the South Island of New Zealand known for its rugged coastline, diverse wildlife, and beautiful turquoise lakes. Canterbury's largest city, Christchurch, is the gateway for tourism in the South Island. Travellers flock here for snow sports adventures, countryside walks, mountainous quests, bungy jumping, horse trekking, and white water rafting. Those seeking a taste of luxury can spend their time enjoying regional wines, superb cuisine, and fine local produce at excellent restaurants. The Tekapo Springs hot pools, overlooking Lake Tekapo and the Two Thumb mountain range, is a must-see attraction.
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.
Clyde is a charming little town in the Central Otago Region of the South Island of New Zealand. Located on State Highway 8, between Cromwell and Alexandra, Clyde makes a fantastic retreat, with an enviable climate, a relaxed ‘cafe culture’ and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. As it is a favoured stop on the Otago Central Rail Trail, the town offers mountain bike rentals and useful route maps of the region - such as the short track to the Clyde Lookout, which gives amazing views of the town and its scenic surrounds. Nearby Lake Dunstan, meanwhile, is great for fishing, boating, kayaking and water skiing. Try to time your visit to Clyde with the annual Blossom Festival (the week of the 22nd of September), when the orchards of the region are in full bloom.
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.
Oban is the largest settlement on Stewart Island (also known as Rakiura), the southernmost inhabited island of the New Zealand archipelago. Most easily accessed via ferry from Bluff, this scenic destination on the shores of Halfmoon Bay makes an excellent base for exploring some staggering natural attractions on the island. Key activities include swimming and sea kayaking; bird watching at the Ulva Island Open Sanctuary; chartered fishing trips; and a range of hiking and walking trails. As well as shorter tracks, this area is famous for its range of long-distance walks, including the Rakiura Track (36 kilometres, three days) and the North-West Circuit (125 kilometres, about 10 days). Finally, Oban is one of the few places in the world to view the aurora australis (or Southern Lights).
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.
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.
