New Zealand is overflowing with must-do experiences, spectacular countryside scenery and natural wonders. Filled with world-class food, wine & welcoming hospitality, New Zealand is known for rugged, river-filled, and mountainous landscapes, cosmopolitan cities, vibrant culture, exhilarating adventure, and breathtaking scenery. This country is all about getting out there, whether it’s on foot or by boat, road, train, or sky and immersing yourself into everything it has offer.
AUCKLAND
Auckland is on the country’s North Island - a cosmopolitan hub of iconic food & wine, exhilarating outdoor adventures, vibrant arts & culture, encompassed by spectacular surrounding landscapes. Take the time to explore this waterfront city’s Museum and Art Gallery, superb dining precincts and markets, or take a 220m ride up the elevator to the top of the Sky Tower for stunning 360-degree panoramic views. It’s also a great base for venturing further afield to rustic vineyards, the charming rural town of Matakana or the nature aquarium that is Goat Island Marine Reserve just to mention a few.
CHRISTCHURCH
Christchurch remains a firm favorite known for its uniqueness, heritage, innovation, and hidden gems and being a wonderful base from which to explore the surrounding Canterbury region.
WELLINGTON
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is loved for its food scene, shopping, museums, and iconic Cable Car. The city also houses its own inner-city beach, Oriental Bay, great for swimming, walking, or cycling and very popular with both locals and visitors. Enjoy cosy lunches on cold days in the town that boasts a compact area full of wooden cottages and art deco masterpieces. As Wellington is easy to explore on foot, discover the city’s night life by exploring the outdoor festivals, epic events and treats nearby on the main streets.
MILFORD & DOUBTFUL SOUND
Famous for the unbelievable New Zealand vista of majestic mountains and cascading waterfalls, Fiordland National Park homes the stunning Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. The Fiordland wilderness region is not only a recognised World Heritage Area, but it is also a famed sightseeing and walking hotspot of the world. Consisting of 14 fiords spanning 215 kilometres of coastline, there are some excellent walking trails which can be explored independently or as part of a tour and range from short walks up to multi-day treks, catering for all fitness levels. The beautiful lakeside town of Te Anau is here, nestled on the edge of the striking Lake Te Anau and is the closest town to Milford Sound. The town of Manapouri sits on the shores of Lake Manapouri and Waiau River, housing some equally picturesque walking trails and is the gateway for excursions to Doubtful Sound. Fiordland National Park is dramatic, pristine, wild, and free to visit, plus it’s one of New Zealand’s absolute must-sees.
BAY OF ISLANDS
The Bay of Islands is on most travellers’ bucket lists when it comes to exploring New Zealand. Famous for its stunning beauty and history, it is approximately a 30-minute flight from Auckland and brings you a natural wonderland of pristine and rugged beaches, rivers and subtropical rainforest. Learn of the region’s important history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where in 1840 The Treaty of Waitangi document was signed, and browse this award-winning destination’s museums, galleries, visitor centre and lush native landscape.
DUNEDIN
This town wears its Scottish heritage with pride. Surrounded by dramatic hills at the foot of a long, picturesque harbour, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Dunedin's heritage extends to a real castle, high on the hills of the Otago Peninsula. Larnach Castle is New Zealand's only castle and a much-loved piece of Dunedin history. Full of unique landscapes and fascinating cultural history, this is not an opportunity you want to miss out on!
MARLBOROUGH
Marlborough is a region of New Zealand, at the north-eastern tip of the South Island. It’s well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds - an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands. The Marlborough wine region is world famous for its Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir production. It is a fantastic experience not only for the incredible and abundant wine tasting but also for its picturesque vineyards and the fact it is an absolute foodie’s dream. Here you can drive or ride a bike and sample your way along the Marlborough Wine Trail, with over 140 boutique and larger scale wineries in the region to visit.
WANAKA BLUE POOLS
Located in the serene Mount Aspiring National Park, an easy walk that starts at the car park on State Highway 6 near Makarora just north of Muddy Creek, you’ll find Wanaka Blue Pools. This iconic location leads through silver beech/tahina to a swing-bridge overlooking the pools at the mouth of Blue River, where you’ll discover some of the clearest waters in the world. Reached via an easy walk from the car park, the Wanaka Pools’ colour is achieved due to the reflecting light off the small particles of rock flour, which is created by the glacier as it grows and crushes the rock in its path. The water here is so clear, you can spot large rainbow and brown trout swimming along and feeding in the pools.
New Zealand provides a truly magical holiday, especially when experienced through immersive cultural experiences. Sold on New Zealand? Why not see for yourself.
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