Queenstown, New Zealand. Photo credit: Samuel Ferrara
Queenstown
The ultimate destination where you can experience exciting adventure activities amidst spectacular natural scenery. Iconic experiences include taking a Gondola up Bob's Peak, to the Skyline complex. From the top enjoy a spectacular 220-degree panorama, with breath taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu.
Soak in hot pools at a day spa or follow the Queenstown Wine Trail to indulge in local wines and food.
The Queenstown Cycle Trail takes you past the spectacular scenery of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, to Arrowtown, the Kawarau bridge bungy jump and past a cafes and wineries. Arrowtown, established during the gold rush of the 1860s, is home to the Lakes District Museum - the best small museum in New Zealand, a preserved gold rush village, an international golf course and 4WD scenic tours. It is also the centre for most walking and cycling tracks in the Wakatipu.
Less than an hour from Queenstown is beautiful Glenorchy. Set against a background of native beech forest and towering mountain ranges, it is home to filming locations from the Lord of the Rings.
Auckland, New Zealand. Photo credit: Samuel Ferrara
Auckland
A combination of metropolitan delights and natural landscapes. Less than an hour from the City are the wild west coast beaches. Visit Muriwai Beach to see the impressive clifftops or head to Piha, a popular surf beach.
The island, Rangitoto is one of 48 dormant volcanic cones just off the coast from the central city. Take a short ferry from the city to the summit for spectacular views, or glide across the harbour via paddle power on a sunset kayak tour.
Waiheke Island is the ultimate island retreat, only a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown. Known as the 'island of wine' for its many wineries and vineyards, a wine tasting tour is a must. Enjoy a day trip and explore the beaches, restaurants and other activities on the island. Matakana’s beautiful beaches, vineyards, local arts scene and picturesque village and superb farmers' market are well worth a visit.
Try a Sky Jump from the iconic Sky Tower, or walk it's edge - 192 metres above ground level! Head to the Auckland Harbour Bridge for New Zealand's only Bridge Climb or bungy into the Waitemata Harbour.
Mount Maunganui in Tauranga, New Zealand
Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty region is home to spectacular beaches, juicy kiwifruit and New Zealand's only active marine volcano.
Enjoy your freedom on the Dunes Trail as you cycle through natural sand dunes and enjoy stunning panoramas of the Pacific Ocean coastline and East Cape.
Take a Waimarino Glowworm Kayak Tour and paddle through the tranquil water of Lake McLaren at sunset as you make your way to hidden canyons where native glowworms fill the night with thousands of twinkling lights.
Swimming with wild dolphins in their natural habitat is an experience to remember. Take a tour with Dolphin Seafaris and encounter the pods of dolphins that frequent the open waters just off Tauranga.
Reconnect with nature and take a journey to Moutohora, Whale Island. Home to a range of rare flora and fauna, endangered native species like the Kakariki, Kiwi and Tuatara now flourish in this protected wildlife sanctuary. Explore with an experienced guide with Whale Island Tours; ending the tour at beautiful Hot Water Beach.
Mitre peak at Milford sound
Milford Sound
Situated on the west coast of the South Island, Milford Sound is a fusion of spectacular natural features which can be enjoyed any time of the year. Described by author Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. The fiord's cliffs rise vertically from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards from as high as 1000 metres. When it rains in Milford Sound, and it often does, those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect.
Boat cruises, taking place during the day or overnight, are the best way to experience the Sound. If you’re adventurous, you might also like to head out sea kayaking, diving or flightseeing. To learn more about the local marine life, visit the underwater observatory at Harrison Cove and be amazed by at the black coral, 11-legged sea stars and delicate anemones.
Depart from Queenstown or Te Anau and enjoy an afternoon cruise around the dramatic fiords, spectacular waterfalls and snow-capped peaks.
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand Photo credit: Tobias Keller
Tekapo
Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing, about three hours drive south-west of Christchurch. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water.
On the shores you'll find the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. The church was built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district, and it's a popular photo spot for visitors.
Under the green hills of Waitomo lies a maze of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. The caves were carved by underground streams pushing through soft limestone over thousands of years. Many have stalactites growing down from the ceiling and stalagmites growing up from the cave floor. The cave walls are also decorated with galaxies of native glow worms. The best way to see the caves is with a walking or boat tour.
Wellington, New Zealand.
Wellington
Museums, galleries, nature reserves and a vibrant street culture make Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, a great destination to visit. Enjoy fantastic city and harbour views from Mount Victoria, go people watching in the city’s bohemian Cuba Quarter, or indulge yourself with a gelato on the city’s stunning waterfront.
Te Papa is the innovative national museum and a world leader in interactive experiences andis the most visited museum in Australasia. Big bang science meets Maori mythology at Carter Observatory, located in the Botanic Gardens. Make your way here on the famous Wellington cable car which climbs the hill from downtown Lambton Quay.
Visit Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience, just 10 minutes from downtown Wellington. Northwest of Wellington is the Kapiti Coast, where you can enjoy great beaches and a gourmet lifestyle. If you’re interested in conservation, then visit the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve, one of New Zealand’s leading conservation islands, which is just off the coastline.