Known for rugged, river-filled and mountainous landscapes, cosmopolitan cities, vibrant culture, exhilarating adventure and breathtaking scenery, New Zealand’s highlight list is right up there with the best. This country is all about getting out there, whether on foot or by boat, road, train or sky and immersing yourself into everything on offer. All the while enjoying its world-class food and wine and welcoming hospitality.
Auckland, on the country’s North Island, is a cosmopolitan hub of restaurants, exhilarating outdoor adventures and a vibrant arts and culture scene, 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.
The Bay of Islands is on most travellers’ bucket lists when it comes to exploring New Zealand, famous for its stunning beauty and history. An approximate 30-minute flight from Auckland, brings you to this 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. Plus, lunch at the iconic Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russel is a must to appreciate the historical beauty of this lovingly restored establishment.
The North Island city of Rotorua is well known for its showcase of Māori culture in addition to its geothermic landscape which is responsible for the rejuvenating natural hot springs and mineral mud pools in the area. Whakarewarewa Village provides visitors with a unique and unforgettable experience as you are guided through this living Māori village, home of the Tuhourangi and Ngāti Wahiao people. Located on a geothermal plateau, you will learn and see how the residents use this sustainable resource for everyday living and even enjoy a thermally cooked steam box lunch! In Rotorua lush land provides ideal pastoral farming, and you can visit a working farm to learn about the inner workings of pastoral farming here and how agriculture plays a significant role to New Zealand’s economy.
New Zealand is synonymous with world-class wine production, thanks to its array of idyllic wine growing regions, one of these being the famous Hawkes Bay, also home to the city of Napier. The architecture of this city is stunning with beautifully restored Art Deco buildings providing a streetscape like something out of a 1930’s film. Of course, no visit to this region is complete without a visit to a cellar door for a tasting of some superb red and white varietals and gourmet platter of local produce to match. Try Church Road Winery, Elephant Hill Winery or Black Barn Vineyards and enjoy a rich merlot, pinot noir, crisp sauvignon blanc or oaky chardonnay for the region’s best.
Click here for our exclusive Best of New Zealand flightseeing holiday or contact Holidays of Australia and the World on 1300 854 897 or enquire at www.holidaysofaustralia.com.au.
Image credit: New Zealand Tourism
