North Island
Auckland
Auckland, which is known as the 'City of Sails' for its many boating enthusiasts and weekend waters filled with yachts, has many great attractions, the main one being the Hauraki Gulf where there are numerous islands and good deep-sea fishing waters. Auckland has an extensive range of shops, cafes and restaurants, and you are never far away from the many beaches in Auckland.
Waitomo
Waitomo, which is situated beneath the rugged King Countryside, are weather-worn limestone outcrops in a vast and largely uncharted series of caves. Of the many caves in the area, three are supreme and together rank as one of the finest wonders in New Zealand. Waitomo Caves settlement evolved to serve the large numbers of visitors to the Glowworm Grotto with its myriad tiny bright lights dotting the cave ceiling and limestone formations of all shapes and sizes surrounding them.
Rotorua
Maori culture and traditions are at the heart of Rotorua – here you can see concerts and hangi. Rotorua's towering geysers and bubbling mud and silica terraces also draw many visitors to the area, which is often called the Thermal Wonderland.
Napier
Napier has plenty of vineyards and orchards amongst some of the most lavish farmland you'll ever see. Also known as the 'Art Deco' capital of the world, it is home of one of the largest Gannet colonies in the world at Cape Kidnappers.
Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, was formed by one of the biggest volcanic eruptions in human history. Evidence of the massive blast lies all around the volcanic plateau. Taupo holds expansive beauty: in the west, thick bush and waterfalls edge the isolated bays, in the east are small parklands, and in the south are a cluster of volcanic mountains which rise to 2,706m.
Palmerston North
Located on the banks of the Manawatu River and at the foot of the Tararua Mountain range, Palmerston North is a young and vibrant city, and is home to Massey University and an active student population. There are plenty of activities available, from the many walks and trails to museums, gardens and excellent bars and cafes.
Wellington
Wellington is the world's most southern capital city and is renowned for its wind. The parliament buildings are situated here along with New Zealand's largest museum, Te Papa. The city has a diverse mix of shopping, cafes, performing arts and activities to keep you amused whether you're on a short city break or planning a longer stay.
South Island
Picton and Blenheim
Picton and Blenheim are the towns that get the most sunshine and have plenty of vineyards. Picton is also the gateway to Wellington and the North Island via the inter-island ferry.
Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds
For some amazing scenery Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds are definitely recommended. Here you will find wildlife sanctuaries, walkways and a maze of secluded bays and beaches.
Kaikoura
World-renowned as the whale watching centre of New Zealand. Tours are available both by boat and air to view the giant Sperm Whale, migratory Humpback Whales, Orcas, Hector's Dolphins, Fur Seals and Royal Albatross. Visitors can swim with pods of dolphins, come face to face with fur seals, or scuba dive. There are also numerous local activities available on land.
Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is unique in the South Island being the only thermal resort situated at the base of the pristine Amuri mountain range just a short drive from Christchurch. The picturesque village is surrounded by hectares of native and exotic forests.
Christchurch
Christchurch, often referred to as the 'Garden City', is the largest of the South Island cities and is a major international gateway to the country. It has a very English nature and the Avon River twists through its heart of stone buildings. There is plenty to see and do in Christchurch from the lively entertainment scene to the award-winning gardens and excellent shopping facilities.
Arthur's Pass National Park
Arthur's Pass National Park an alpine village just a short drive from Christchurch or take the Tranzalpine Train to take in the scenic views. There are some amazing walks including the Bridal Path and drink the freshest water from the Devil's Punchbowl Falls, but watch out for the keas (cheeky native parrots)!
Mount Cook
Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest mountain and the area offers a wide range of activities. Day walks, skiing, heli-skiing, horse treks, flightseeing to name a few. The Hermitage Hotel is a popular place to stay and is located in a natural mountain amphitheatre.
West Coast
Over to the West Coast where you can view the booming blowholes and the extraordinary 'pancake' rock formations at Punakaiki. There is also plenty of history on the goldfields, forests and parks where you'll experience the wild, rugged granite mountains and beech forests.
Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
Nowhere in the world's temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as this famous pair that descend from crisp, clear snowfields into lush, temperate rainforest. Many tourists flock to the area annually to view this unique environment where there is an abundance of activities for all to indulge in.
Dunedin
Down to Dunedin where there is a very Scottish atmosphere, set between rolling hills and a rugged coastline. Dunedin has a unique combination of heritage and exotic wildlife. Taiaroa Head is the only place in the world where the giant Royal Albatross breeds on a mainland and is located only half an hour from the city centre.
Queenstown
Queenstown nestles around the sheltered bay of Lake Wakatipu and is set in the magnificent Southern Lakes alpine region. It originally sprang to life as a mining town when gold was discovered in Arrowtown. Now it is the adventure capital of the world and the base for some of New Zealand's most popular walks and tramps. Nearby are the Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski fields.
Lake Te Anau and Fiordland
Lake Te Anau is home to New Zealand's second largest lake and has an established reputation as the walking capital of the world. Te Anau has a range of fine restaurants, excellent shopping and a wide range of accommodation. From here, move onto Milford Sound from which rises the sheer glaciated slab of Mitre Peak. Be part of all this fantastic world heritage at the Fiordland National Park.
Stewart Island
The most southern of New Zealand's three main islands, Stewart Island is separated from the South Island by Foveaux Strait. The islands covers an area of around 165,000 hectares. Experience beach and bush walks in a temperate Podocarp rain forest. The ultimate unspoiled wilderness. |
