Idyllically located 30 kilometres north of Kerikeri and the Bay of Islands, Matauri Bay is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in Aotearoa, New Zealand. With its golden sandy beaches and aquamarine waters, it has long been a popular playground for local and foreign tourists alike. The bay provides an ideal setting for swimming, fishing, snorkelling, surfing, diving, and jet skiing. Take a stroll up to the ridge above the bay to enjoy some swoon-worthy views over the headland and out to the gorgeous Cavalli Islands. Visitors can go diving at the famous Greenpeace ship The Rainbow Warrior which has become a living reef, attracting an abundance of marine life. Another popular attraction is Mataatua II, a Maori war canoe built to commemorate the great Pacific migration that brought the Maori people to New Zealand around 700 years ago.
It’s not only the clear blue water, fresh air, surrounding volcanoes and green mountains that make Lake Taupo such a favourite among locals and foreigners; friendly, bustling towns, excellent trout fishing and a number of great outdoor adventure activities ensure visitors flock to the area, especially in high summer. For high flyers there’s skydiving and bungy jumping, water lovers can take a cruise to view giant Maori carvings, hire a jetboat or sightsee via a floatplane, and avid cyclist have plenty of trail options. Visit Tongariro National Park, marvel at Huka Falls, or simply relax near to the lake, drinking in the perfect sights and sounds.
Hawke's Bay presents an eclectic mix of visual and sensual experiences. The region is New Zealand’s leading producer of red wines and has the greatest concentration of Art Deco architecture.
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 to enjoy.
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. 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.
