1. Milford Sound
Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound the “eighth wonder of the world,” and if you visit this region of New Zealand, you’ll see why. Formed by glaciers during the Ice Age, the landscape around Milford Sound still bears evidence of its creation in the form of epic scenery: Cliffs rise from fjords crowned by mountains and waterfalls. The best way to see Milford Sound is via boat. Take a sightseeing cruise on the fjord to see waterfalls and wildlife such as dolphins and penguins. Or navigate the waters under your own steam on a kayaking tour. Once you’ve experienced the water from the surface, go underneath with a visit to the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory. This is the only floating, underwater observatory in New Zealand, and visitors can go more than 30 feet deep (while staying dry) and get a 360 degrees view of the underwater environment.
2. Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is one of the best places to go in New Zealand for fishing, sailing, and other watersports. The Bay of Islands is about three hours by car from Auckland. This gorgeous region is made up of 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. What’s there to do in the Bay of Islands? Try scuba diving with Paihia Dive's intro-to-diving course. You will be ferried far out into the bay to explore a whole new underwater world. Or, get up close and personal with the marine life in the Bay of Islands on a Fullers Great Sights Dolphin Eco Experience. You’ll get to view dolphins and whales from the boat and, if conditions allow, swim with wild dolphins. Don’t leave the Bay of Islands without seeing the Hole in the Rock, an opening in a rock formation that you can sail through when the tide is right.
3. Auckland
The greater Auckland region encompasses the city proper and the gorgeous surrounding towns and landscapes. It's rare that visitors restrict themselves solely to the city area. And why would you? There's plenty to see and do right in the heart of the city, but travelling further afield opens the opportunities considerably. You can't miss getting out onto the waters of the Hauraki Gulf and exploring its many islands. One of the closest to the mainland is Waiheke Island, home to emerald waters and world-class wineries. Further north lies Goat Island Marine Reserve, a thriving and accessible aquatic ecosystem. The natural delights on offer go beyond the area's beautiful waters. Rainforests, thermal springs, sprawling parks and volcanic cones are just the start.
Sky Tower
The impossible-to-miss Sky Tower looks like a giant hypodermic giving a fix to the heavens. Spectacular lighting renders it space age at night and the colours change for special events. At 328m it is the southern hemisphere's tallest structure. A lift takes you up to the observation decks in 40 stomach-lurching seconds; look down through the glass floor panels if you’re after an extra kick. Consider visiting at sunset and having a drink in the Sky Lounge Cafe & Bar.
>>> Hotels in Auckland
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is only a 45 minute ferry from Auckland CBD, however, you could be forgiven for thinking the boat had docked in Hawaii. With it's palm trees, white sand beaches and stunning coast it is the perfect way to experience tropical paradise without venturing too far. Not only is the island picture perfect but it produces some of New Zealand's finest wine which means a wine tasting session at one of it's vineyards is an absolute must. Each vineyard offers something different, from lawn games to spectacular views and, of course delicious wines which will ensure you will be hard pushed to pick a favourite. Lounging in the sun with friends, sipping on amazing wines while watching the sunset is pretty hard to beat, and a New Zealand experience which promises to be one of your best.
>>> Hotels in Waiheke Island
Goat Island Marine Reserve
Only 3km from Leigh, this 547-hectare aquatic area was established in 1975 as the country’s first marine reserve. In less than 40 years the sea has reverted to a giant aquarium, giving an impression of what the NZ coast must have been like before humans arrived. You only need step knee-deep into the water to see snapper, blue maomao and stripy parore swimming around. There are dive areas all around Goat Island, which sits just offshore, or you can snorkel or dive directly from the beach. Colourful sponges, forests of seaweed, boarfish, crayfish and stingrays are common sights, and if you’re very lucky you may see orcas and bottle-nosed dolphins.
Sky Tower
The impossible-to-miss Sky Tower looks like a giant hypodermic giving a fix to the heavens. Spectacular lighting renders it space age at night and the colours change for special events. At 328m it is the southern hemisphere's tallest structure. A lift takes you up to the observation decks in 40 stomach-lurching seconds; look down through the glass floor panels if you’re after an extra kick. Consider visiting at sunset and having a drink in the Sky Lounge Cafe & Bar.
>>> Hotels in Auckland
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is only a 45 minute ferry from Auckland CBD, however, you could be forgiven for thinking the boat had docked in Hawaii. With it's palm trees, white sand beaches and stunning coast it is the perfect way to experience tropical paradise without venturing too far. Not only is the island picture perfect but it produces some of New Zealand's finest wine which means a wine tasting session at one of it's vineyards is an absolute must. Each vineyard offers something different, from lawn games to spectacular views and, of course delicious wines which will ensure you will be hard pushed to pick a favourite. Lounging in the sun with friends, sipping on amazing wines while watching the sunset is pretty hard to beat, and a New Zealand experience which promises to be one of your best.
>>> Hotels in Waiheke Island
Goat Island Marine Reserve
Only 3km from Leigh, this 547-hectare aquatic area was established in 1975 as the country’s first marine reserve. In less than 40 years the sea has reverted to a giant aquarium, giving an impression of what the NZ coast must have been like before humans arrived. You only need step knee-deep into the water to see snapper, blue maomao and stripy parore swimming around. There are dive areas all around Goat Island, which sits just offshore, or you can snorkel or dive directly from the beach. Colourful sponges, forests of seaweed, boarfish, crayfish and stingrays are common sights, and if you’re very lucky you may see orcas and bottle-nosed dolphins.
4. Christchurch
Despite being rocked by four large earthquakes between September 2010 and December 2011, Christchurch has made a true comeback. Visitors to Christchurch will see evidence of the city’s rebirth everywhere, including new buildings made out of old shipping containers, such as the Re:START mall. Of course, many of Christchurch’s original attractions are still standing. One of the best places to visit is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a sprawling network of conservatories, walking tracks, and horticultural displays. The gardens also feature some of the largest, tallest, and oldest trees in New Zealand. Take in the new and the old of Christchurch from above with a journey on the Christchurch Gondola, lifting you on a scenic ride to the top of Mount Cavendish.
5. Wellington
On a sunny, windless day, Wellington is up there with the best of them. For starters it’s lovely to look at, sitting on a hook-shaped harbour ringed with ranges that wear a cloak of snow in winter. Victorian timber architecture laces the bushy hillsides above the harbour, which resonate with native birdsong. As cities go, it's really rather small but the compact nature of the downtown area gives it a bigger-city buzz and, being the capital, it's endowed with museums, theatres, galleries and arts organisations completely disproportionate to its size. Wellingtonians are rightly proud of their kickin' caffeine and craft-beer scene, and there's no shortage of beard-wearing, skateboard-lugging, artsy types doing interesting things in old warehouses across town. Sadly, windless days are not the norm for Wellington. In New Zealand the city's infamous for two things: its frequent tremors and its umbrella-shredding, hairstyle-destroying gales that barrel through regularly.
6. White Island
White Island is the most active volcano in New Zealand. Get up close and personal with White Island by taking a scenic helicopter ride. Your White Island tour won’t be a leisurely stroll; you’ll have to wear a hard hat and gas mask because this is a very active volcano. You may even see volcanologists monitoring the volcano. Although the volcano is commonly known as White Island, its full name is "Te Puia o Whakaari," a Maori name that translates to “The Dramatic Volcano.” The island was first called White Island by Captain Cook in 1769 because every time he sailed nearby, it appeared to be covered in a cloud of white steam. If a helicopter tour of White Island is not your thing, there are a number of other ways to explore the volcano. You can take a boat to White Island or get a bird’s-eye view of it on a scenic flight. You can even go scuba diving around White Island for a look at the volcano’s underwater vents.
7. Queenstown
Queenstown is as much a verb as a noun, a place of doing that likes to spruik itself as the 'adventure capital of the world'. It's famously the birthplace of bungy jumping, and the list of adventures you can throw yourself into here is encyclopedic – alpine heliskiing to ziplining. It's rare that a visitor leaves without having tried something that ups their heart rate, but to pigeonhole Queenstown as just a playground is to overlook its cosmopolitan dining and arts scene, its fine vineyards, and the diverse range of bars that can make evenings as fun-filled as the days.
Lake Wakatipu
Shaped like a cartoon lightning bolt, Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's third-largest lake. It reaches a depth of 379m, meaning the lakebed actually sits below sea level. Five rivers flow into it but only one (the Kawarau) flows out, making it prone to sometimes dramatic floods. The lake can be experienced at any number of speeds: the classic TSS Earnslaw steamboat trip, a spin with KJet, the water taxi, below decks in the Underwater Observatory, or a shark's-eye view with Hydro Attack.
Queenstown is as much a verb as a noun, a place of doing that likes to spruik itself as the 'adventure capital of the world'. It's famously the birthplace of bungy jumping, and the list of adventures you can throw yourself into here is encyclopedic – alpine heliskiing to ziplining. It's rare that a visitor leaves without having tried something that ups their heart rate, but to pigeonhole Queenstown as just a playground is to overlook its cosmopolitan dining and arts scene, its fine vineyards, and the diverse range of bars that can make evenings as fun-filled as the days.
Lake Wakatipu
Shaped like a cartoon lightning bolt, Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's third-largest lake. It reaches a depth of 379m, meaning the lakebed actually sits below sea level. Five rivers flow into it but only one (the Kawarau) flows out, making it prone to sometimes dramatic floods. The lake can be experienced at any number of speeds: the classic TSS Earnslaw steamboat trip, a spin with KJet, the water taxi, below decks in the Underwater Observatory, or a shark's-eye view with Hydro Attack.
Shaped like a cartoon lightning bolt, Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's third-largest lake. It reaches a depth of 379m, meaning the lakebed actually sits below sea level. Five rivers flow into it but only one (the Kawarau) flows out, making it prone to sometimes dramatic floods. The lake can be experienced at any number of speeds: the classic TSS Earnslaw steamboat trip, a spin with KJet, the water taxi, below decks in the Underwater Observatory, or a shark's-eye view with Hydro Attack.
8. Rotorua
Catch a whiff of Rotorua’s sulphur-rich air and you’ve already had an introduction to New Zealand’s most dynamic geothermal area. The Maori revered this place, naming one of the most spectacular springs Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters). Today 34% of the population is Maori, with cultural performances and traditional hangi (steam-cooked banquets) as big an attraction as the landscape itself. The pervasive eggy odour hasn't prevented ‘Sulphur City’ becoming one of the most touristed spots on the North Island. Some say this steady trade has seduced the town into resting on its laurels while its famous attractions perpetually hike up their prices. It's certainly true that Rotorua's dining and bar scene lags well behind nearby Tauranga and Taupo. While the urban fabric of ‘RotoVegas’ isn't particularly appealing, where else can you see steam casually wafting out of drains and mud boiling in public parks?
Te Whakarewarewa Gethermal Valley
No list of the best places to go in New Zealand would be complete without mentioning Rotorua’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. At nearby Te Puia, the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, you can get an authentic “steambox” meal prepared using ancient geothermal cooking techniques. You’ll also experience a Maori welcome ceremony and traditional song and dance performance. The Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley is also home to a number of active geysers, including Pohutu, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. Mud pools are another natural attraction in the geothermal valley.
Lake Rotorua
Lake Rotorua is the largest of the district’s 18 lakes and is − underneath all that water − a spent volcano. Near the centre of the lake is Mokoia Island, which has for centuries been occupied by various subtribes of the area. The lake can be explored by boat, with several operators situated at the lakefront.
Kuirau Park
Want some affordable geothermal thrills? Just west of central Rotorua is Kuirau Park, a volcanic area you can explore for free. It's a wonderful juxtaposition of genteel gardening and nature at its most unpredictable. Steam hisses and mud boils from fenced-off sections, while parents push strollers past duck-filled ponds and through the wisteria arbour. Occasional eruptions cover the park in mud, thwarting the best plans of the council's gardeners.
Catch a whiff of Rotorua’s sulphur-rich air and you’ve already had an introduction to New Zealand’s most dynamic geothermal area. The Maori revered this place, naming one of the most spectacular springs Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters). Today 34% of the population is Maori, with cultural performances and traditional hangi (steam-cooked banquets) as big an attraction as the landscape itself. The pervasive eggy odour hasn't prevented ‘Sulphur City’ becoming one of the most touristed spots on the North Island. Some say this steady trade has seduced the town into resting on its laurels while its famous attractions perpetually hike up their prices. It's certainly true that Rotorua's dining and bar scene lags well behind nearby Tauranga and Taupo. While the urban fabric of ‘RotoVegas’ isn't particularly appealing, where else can you see steam casually wafting out of drains and mud boiling in public parks?
Te Whakarewarewa Gethermal Valley
No list of the best places to go in New Zealand would be complete without mentioning Rotorua’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. At nearby Te Puia, the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, you can get an authentic “steambox” meal prepared using ancient geothermal cooking techniques. You’ll also experience a Maori welcome ceremony and traditional song and dance performance. The Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley is also home to a number of active geysers, including Pohutu, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. Mud pools are another natural attraction in the geothermal valley.
Lake Rotorua
Lake Rotorua is the largest of the district’s 18 lakes and is − underneath all that water − a spent volcano. Near the centre of the lake is Mokoia Island, which has for centuries been occupied by various subtribes of the area. The lake can be explored by boat, with several operators situated at the lakefront.
Kuirau Park
Want some affordable geothermal thrills? Just west of central Rotorua is Kuirau Park, a volcanic area you can explore for free. It's a wonderful juxtaposition of genteel gardening and nature at its most unpredictable. Steam hisses and mud boils from fenced-off sections, while parents push strollers past duck-filled ponds and through the wisteria arbour. Occasional eruptions cover the park in mud, thwarting the best plans of the council's gardeners.
9. Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, naturally illuminated by thousands of glowworms, are among the best places to go in New Zealand — and a visit to the caves is one experience you’ll be hard-pressed to duplicate anywhere else. You can take a boat ride through the caves to learn about the history and science behind the phenomenon. If you really want a unique adventure, try black-water rafting, which will float you on an inner tube down a subterranean stream. It will be pitch-dark, and you’ll get to do everything from jumping off waterfalls to rappelling down cave walls. There are also other caves in Waitomo: Aranui Cave features ancient cave decorations, whereas Ruakuri Cave has an awesome spiral entrance and unique limestone formations — and more glowworms — but in this cave, you can do a walking tour rather than a water-based excursion.
10. Napier
The seaside resort of Napier on North Island is known as the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand, thanks to a large amount of 1930s architecture built when the city suffered a large fire more than 80 years ago. After touring the city on foot for a guided or self-guided architecture tour, the best way to enjoy Napier is by visiting the National Aquarium of New Zealand. This enormous aquarium is home to everything from turtles to crocodiles, and the modern exhibits are truly world-class.
11. Glacier Country
Glacier Country is found on the Western Coast of South Island, and its jewel is the Westland National Park. In the park, you’ll have the chance to see the country’s two most spectacular glaciers: Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers on the planet, meaning that you can actually walk up to the glacier and even through the glacier valley itself. Guided tours give you a closer look at the expanding glaciers, and you can relax after a day of hiking by soaking in the incredible glacier hot pools.
10. Napier
11. Glacier Country
12. Tongariro National Park
The first national park of New Zealand, Tongariro is known for its surprises and extremes. The park’s diverse range of ecosystems includes tranquil lakes, active volcanoes, herb fields, untamed forests and desert-like plateaus. Start your trek at the Whakapapa Visitor Center, just a three hour hike from the stunning Taranaki Falls. The short hike will take you through scrubland and forest and across the lava line of volcanic eruptions from hundreds of years ago.
>>> Flights to Taupo (DOM)
>>> Flights to Rotorua (DOM)
>>> Flights to Hamilton
>>> Hotels in Tongariro National Park
13. Nelson
At the top of the South Island is Nelson, a spot known for having the greatest number of sunshine hours per year in all of New Zealand. This great climate and the fact that the city is surrounded by three national parks makes Nelson a fantastic spot for outdoor recreation. There is also an emphasis on local agriculture and the area’s wineries. Founder’s Park is an amazing spot in the city where you can dine on local farm-to-table cuisine, and soak up the sunshine right in the heart of an urban area. You can even do a day-trip to Abel Tasman National Park from Nelson using an early bus, which give you just enough time to enjoy the park.
14. Stewart Island
Stewart Island is the third-largest island of New Zealand, and it is found even further south than South Island. Most of the island is forested and undeveloped with over 80 per cent of the island is set aside as the Rakiura National Park, giving you the chance to explore the wild side of New Zealand. Most of the pastimes on Stewart Island have to do with the outdoors, including hiking, camping and birdwatching. One of the most popular treks on Stewart Island is the Northwest Circuit, which can take several days to complete for even the fittest hikers. However, the trek offer spectacular views and access to amazing wildlife.
15. Matamata
Matamata was just one of those pleasant, horsey country towns you drove through until Peter Jackson’s epic film trilogy The Lord of the Rings put it on the map. During filming, 300 locals got work as extras (hairy feet weren’t a prerequisite). Following the subsequent filming of The Hobbit, the town has now ardently embraced its Middle-earth credentials, including a spooky statue of Gollum, and given the local information centre an appropriate extreme makeover. Most tourists who come to Matamata are dedicated Hobbit-botherers. For everyone else there’s a great cafe, avenues of mature trees and undulating green hills.
>>> Flights to Hamilton
>>> Hotels in Matamata
>>> Hotels in Hamilton
Source: Lonely Planet; Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel; Megan Conway, Stuff NZ; Touropia
Sponsorship
12. Tongariro National Park
The first national park of New Zealand, Tongariro is known for its surprises and extremes. The park’s diverse range of ecosystems includes tranquil lakes, active volcanoes, herb fields, untamed forests and desert-like plateaus. Start your trek at the Whakapapa Visitor Center, just a three hour hike from the stunning Taranaki Falls. The short hike will take you through scrubland and forest and across the lava line of volcanic eruptions from hundreds of years ago.
>>> Flights to Taupo (DOM)
>>> Flights to Rotorua (DOM)
>>> Flights to Hamilton
>>> Hotels in Tongariro National Park
13. Nelson
At the top of the South Island is Nelson, a spot known for having the greatest number of sunshine hours per year in all of New Zealand. This great climate and the fact that the city is surrounded by three national parks makes Nelson a fantastic spot for outdoor recreation. There is also an emphasis on local agriculture and the area’s wineries. Founder’s Park is an amazing spot in the city where you can dine on local farm-to-table cuisine, and soak up the sunshine right in the heart of an urban area. You can even do a day-trip to Abel Tasman National Park from Nelson using an early bus, which give you just enough time to enjoy the park.
14. Stewart Island
Stewart Island is the third-largest island of New Zealand, and it is found even further south than South Island. Most of the island is forested and undeveloped with over 80 per cent of the island is set aside as the Rakiura National Park, giving you the chance to explore the wild side of New Zealand. Most of the pastimes on Stewart Island have to do with the outdoors, including hiking, camping and birdwatching. One of the most popular treks on Stewart Island is the Northwest Circuit, which can take several days to complete for even the fittest hikers. However, the trek offer spectacular views and access to amazing wildlife.
15. Matamata
Matamata was just one of those pleasant, horsey country towns you drove through until Peter Jackson’s epic film trilogy The Lord of the Rings put it on the map. During filming, 300 locals got work as extras (hairy feet weren’t a prerequisite). Following the subsequent filming of The Hobbit, the town has now ardently embraced its Middle-earth credentials, including a spooky statue of Gollum, and given the local information centre an appropriate extreme makeover. Most tourists who come to Matamata are dedicated Hobbit-botherers. For everyone else there’s a great cafe, avenues of mature trees and undulating green hills.
>>> Flights to Hamilton
>>> Hotels in Matamata
>>> Hotels in Hamilton
Source: Lonely Planet; Caroline Morse Teel, SmarterTravel; Megan Conway, Stuff NZ; Touropia
Sponsorship
Comments
Post a Comment