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!
Known as the 'City of Sails', Auckland city extends over a narrow isthmus between the Waitemata Harbour on the Pacific Ocean, and the Manukau Harbour on the Tasman Sea. Auckland has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes. This cosmopolitan city has a population of around 1.4 million and the city’s subtropical climate, lush vegetation and easy access to the coast and outdoor activities consistently earns it a place in the top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys.
A melting pot of 190 different ethnicities, Auckland is the world’s biggest Polynesian city. This diversity is reflected in the lively arts and culture scene, a wide range of food and craft markets, vineyards, a hip cafe culture and outstanding restaurants. The dozens of islands of the Hauraki Gulf form a distinctive aspect of the Auckland landscape and provide a magnet for boaties, fishing enthusiasts and hikers.
The Coromandel Peninsula is situated on North Island, some 50km east of Auckland across the Hauraki Gulf. It is a sparsely populated region with only five towns, together having a population of just 1000 residents. However, the steep and hilly area with its temperate rain forests experiences a dramatic influx of visitors during the holidays, as many Aucklanders have holiday homes here. The Coromandel is popular for yachting and scuba diving, due to the 900m high peninsula creating a natural barrier from the Hauraki Gulf. Aside from the plethora of water-related activities, there are also hiking trails of every grade to be found here.
Rotorua is the centre of an extensive thermal region. The city has been a spa town since the 1800s, thanks to the many geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes that can be found in what is one of the world’s most active geothermal fields - evidence of nature's frightening yet fascinating power! The Maori, who considered the region sacred, make up 35% of the population and a popular attraction is discovering their rich culture and traditions. Here you can enjoy the culture and entertainment of our native Maori people. 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. Rotorua and the surrounding lakes provide some of the world's best trout fishing.
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.
Wellington, the Capital of New Zealand, is known for its vibrant arts scene, world class café and restaurant culture and active outdoor lifestyle. This creative, cosmopolitan city is surrounded by the rugged beauty of green hills and has an easily walkable downtown area set around an attractive waterfront. It offers a mixture of modern and older style buildings and the strong Victorian influence is testimony to Wellington's early establishment as the country's centre of political life. Of particular note is the Government Building built in 1876, the second largest timber building in the world. Wellington combines the sophistication of a capital with the warmth and personality of a village.
Marahau is a small tourist settlement located close to the southern entrance of the Abel Tasman National Park. As the gateway to the park, this lovely little hamlet is the starting point for many outdoor adventures - from sea kayaking and horse riding to water taxi rides. The village itself is a little piece of paradise, with its golden sand beaches offering safe swimming and sheltered waters and a lovely cafe serving up delicious hearty food (while providing gorgeous panoramic views of the beach and picturesque national park). The village is surrounded by charming rural farms and lush native forests which provide shelter for a wide variety of birdlife.
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.
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 25km 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 crevisses 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.
Wanaka is a popular tourist resort on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka on the South Island of New Zealand. This resort is known for being a prime access-point to the unique Southern Alps’ Mount Aspiring National Park - featuring rich bird life, enormous mountains and many astounding glaciers - and which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Area of Te Wahipounamu. The Cardrona Valley near Wanaka was the scene of a small goldrush in 1862. Prior to 1940 the settlement of Wanaka, the town was known as Pembroke and it has retained the flavour of a typical New Zealand holiday town, in comparison to Queenstown which has become an international resort. Wanaka is now mainly a tourist resort surrounded by mountain scenery and a ski resort in winter.
When it’s warm, enjoy water sports like kayaking and canoeing on Lake Wanaka, as well as hiking, rock climbing and 4x4 routes; while, in winter, you can go skiing and snowboarding on the white peaks of Snow Farm, Treble Cone or Cardonia (all within a 40-minute drive from Wanaka), and extreme sport enthusiasts even have the opportunity to heli-ski.
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.
The name Te Anau is probably more correctly rendered in its original Maori form - Te Ana-au - which means 'Cave of the Swirling Water'. Te Anau is now a major resort area in the Fiordland/Southern Lakes district and is situated on the shore of the South lsland's largest lake of the same name.
Te Anau is known as the gateway to the unique geographical attractions of Milford Sound (with its rich marine life and spectacular views), and the Fiordland National Park (with the excellent Kepler, Routeburn and Milford trails to enjoy). Active travellers can enjoy water sports on the lake, such as kayaking, canoeing and sailing, while gentle boat cruises offer a relaxing way to enjoy the fiords. Trout fishing is a popular activity in the area, and the incredible Te Anau Caves feature glow-worms and an underground waterfall.
Dunedin is nestled in the hills that lie at the end of Otago Harbour. The city has a rich and diverse history, with Maori explorers the first to settle in the region, followed from the mid 1800s by whalers, Scottish immigrants and gold miners. As an early centre of European commerce and culture, the city features grand Edwardian and Victorian architecture, as well as New Zealand’s first university. The University of Otago remains a major seat of learning in New Zealand and provides the city with a vibrant youth culture that, in turn, adds to Dunedin’s strong arts and cultural influence. The city is also a gateway to Otago Peninsula, whose rugged rocks and sandy beaches are home to a wide range of rare wildlife.
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.
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.
