What's Hot New Zealand spent five minutes with Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaine, whose 16-metre tall sculpture VAKA ‘A HINA, will take up residence in Christchurch's Rauora Park by the end of 2019.

What was the inspiration behind your sculpture VAKA ‘A HINA? VAKA 'A HINA was inspired by the legend of Hina and her many voyages to the moon. In Moana Nui pantheon, Hina is the goddess of the moon, tapa-making, weaving, and sharks. She is the matriarch of the famous Maui clan and the guardian of night-time navigation.

Did you always intend to create a sculpture of this scale, or did it start out as something different? Every new sculpture seems to be slighter bigger than the one before. The last sculpture was 2 metres shorter in height and 1 metre narrower in overall width. For this one, there has been no change in the original size since its inception.

How long have you been working on this project? Since March 2017. It is about two years to this unveiling.

How has your experience and rich cultural environment influenced the sculpture? Very highly influenced. I would be denying it if I say it does not. The path I have walked will continue to influence the decisions I make.

You have experience across a number of multi-media disciplines, including architecture and sculpture. Is there any discipline you prefer or find yourself dedicating more time to? This is a tough one. My cultural background dictates that all my disciplines will be under the genre ‘Art’, which are all governed by work of art being useful, meaningful and beautiful. If I was an accountant, when the ledger is balanced as a form of art that it is useful, meaningful and beautiful. At this point in time, I would say, I am enjoying the discipline of architecture as a challenge in both practice and academic.

Do you have any projects you’re currently working on? Yes, there are a number of new exciting projects I am working on.

What's your favourite piece of art currently in the city? A few. To choose just one, it would be ’STAY’ by Antony Gormley.

What's currently on high rotation on your playlist? 2pac 'Only God Can Judge Me'. It shows my age.

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The tranquil, beautiful Taranaki region has joined such locations as The Azores in Portugal, Choquequirao in Peru and The Tuamotus, French Polynesia, in being named amongst travel bible Lonely Planet's top 10 rising international destinations.

The fertile volcanic region in the west of the North Island was hailed by the publishing giant in 2017 as an underrated gem they labelled “New Zealand's secret paradise”. Lonely Planet was effusive in its praise of both the region's cultural and natural charms, singling out regional centre New Plymouth for its events calendar, Puke Ariki museum, Len Lye Centre and Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, and excellent dining scene, and the surrounding region for its superb hiking, surfing, and of course the majestic Mount Taranaki itself, among other off-the-beaten-track attractions.

Read more on the unique charms of this special part of New Zealand here.

Want to see the whole country? You’ll need at least two weeks to get the best picture of both North and South Islands, and four is even better! A popular option is to arrive in Auckland, travel south by road and finish in Christchurch before flying back to Auckland.

Minimum Length Four weeks
Highlights Waitangi Treaty Grounds; Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga; Waitomo Caves; White-sand beaches; Māori culture; Art Deco architecture; Wine tasting; Historic cities; Wildlife; Glaciers and national parks.

The journey starts in New Zealand’s biggest city before heading north to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Explore history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and discover great beaches on the way north to Cape Reinga. Heading south along the west coast takes you through the Hokianga and along the Kauri Coast back to Auckland. Head south to Hamilton, in the Waikato. From here, take a detour to the Waitomo Caves and its underground adventures. Passing back through Hamilton, head north to The Coromandel. Further east, in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is a buzzing coastal city.

It’s an easy drive from here to Rotorua. Set in a geothermal wonderland, this is also a hotspot for Māori culture. Further south is lakeside Taupo. When you’ve had your fill of adrenaline, drive to Art Deco Napier. Take a tour of architectural highlights and explore the vineyards before travelling to Wellington. Now say goodbye to the North Island and catch a ferry to Picton.

On arrival in Picton, explore the idyllic Marlborough Sounds before heading to Blenheim. Then drive to Nelson and soak up the local culture before heading to Greymouth, mid-way point of a breathtaking drive down the West Coast to Franz Josef. Leave the West Coast behind and cross through Haast Pass to Wanaka and Mount Aspiring National Park. Further south is Queenstown, adventure capital. Travel west to Te Anau, base for exploring Fiordland.

The next leg takes you to Invercargill, Bluff and Stewart Island. Continue to Dunedin and take a guided tour to see the historic architecture. Head north to Oamaru to see more historic architecture – and penguins. Inland is Mackenzie with its stunning blue lakes. Out of the mountains and on the Canterbury Plains, Methven is a centre of outdoor activities. Further north are Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura. Drive south to finish your ultimate New Zealand adventure in the city of Christchurch.

New Zealand has been on the professional theatre touring circuit since the 1860s. In the 1960s, Downstage Theatre in Wellington was established and other theatres soon followed.

Downstage has since folded, although independent companies regularly stage shows in its former theatre, the Hannah Playhouse. Circa, on the Wellington waterfront, similarly is a home for independent productions. Christchurch’s The Court Theatre, Palmerston North’s Centrepoint and the Auckland Theatre Company all now offer vibrant work from a full company. Amateur dramatic and operatic societies and repertory theatres can be found in main and smaller centres. Niche theatres abound, with children’s theatre, improvised comedy (theatre sports) and experimental theatre all finding an audience.

Even if you’ve only got a short time to do a bit of backyard tourism, there’s always time to enjoy some of the best of what the country has to offer. Whether you’ve got a long weekend or a couple of weeks off to do some tiki touring, we’ve got some suggestions for making the absolute most out of a short trip.

Aotearoa Essentials

Minimum Length Two weeks
Highlights Waitomo Caves; Historical sites; Wildlife experiences; Wine tasting; Milford Sound; Glaciers.

Ever feel like international visitors have seen more of the country than you have? Tick off the essential New Zealand highlights in this fast-paced journey around the North and South islands. You’ll brush up on your New Zealand history, taste the best of our local wine, and see enough unforgettable landscapes to be the envy of all your Insta followers.

Scenery Galore

Does the natural beauty of wild landscapes send you weak at the knees? Prepare to get very wobbly indeed on this journey around the very best of our postcard-perfect scenery. Along the way you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get amongst it; hiking, boating or encountering rare native wildlife.

Natural Wonderland

Minimum Length One week
Highlights Geothermal activity; Lake Taupo; Caving adventures.

This journey shows you around some of the most unique of our natural wonders. From an enormous lake to a triad of volcanoes on a barren plateau, from bubbling mud pools and geysers to an intricate cave network, you’ll be reaching for superlatives every step of the way.

Far North

Minimum Length Four days
Highlights Bay of Islands; Ninety Mile Beach; Cape Reinga.

The subtropical far north of New Zealand is easily accessible from Auckland, making it an excellent place to explore on a long weekend (you might need to hold out for Easter!). Combining glorious maritime landscapes, rich culture and history, and an abundance of outdoor activities, it’s a perfect mini break that will feel irresistibly holidayish.

Southern Splendour

Minimum Length One week
Highlights Mount Cook; Adventure activities; Glaciers.

Ideal for North Islanders who’ve never spent much time in the south, this quick encounter with the South Island’s highlights will take you to some of the best landscapes New Zealand has to offer.

Wildlife & Wellbeing

Minimum Length Four days
Highlights Wildlife encounters; Thermal spa; Wine tasting.

An ultra-quick trip that puts you on the fast track to relaxation, this itinerary offers the life-highlight experience of encountering marine wildlife in Kaikōura and the indulgence of bathing in geothermal hot pools at Hanmer Springs.

The South Pacific’s largest city, Auckland, is the arrival point for many to the North Island, a place of endless natural beauty and fascinating South Pacific culture. There’s plenty to do in the big city, but so much more on offer out around the island’s regions and towns as well.

Minimum Length Three weeks
Highlights Waitangi Treaty Grounds; Gold-mining history; Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach; Māori culture; White Island; Art Deco Napier; Lake Taupo; Tongariro National Park; Wairarapa wine country; Whanganui River; Mount Taranaki; Waitomo Caves.

Kick-start your adventure with a scenic drive north from Auckland to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Discover an island-studded paradise and visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Take a trip to Cape Reinga before heading south. Back in Auckland, recharge the batteries with retail therapy, dining and a harbour cruise, and then travel to Whitianga; enjoy a host of water activities and hit the beach. Continue to the coastal settlements of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

Next on your itinerary is Rotorua, hotspot of Māori culture and geothermal activity. After you’ve had your fill of hāngi and hot pools, drive to Gisborne. Get up early to watch the sunrise from New Zealand’s easternmost town and enjoy the mix of surf and café culture. Further south is Napier, famous for Art Deco architecture and fine wines. Back inland, at Taupo, choose from outdoor activities such as fishing or visiting the Huka Falls. From here, drive the Desert Road to a slice of provincial life in Palmerston North, an ideal place to break the journey.

The next leg takes you east to the vineyards of Wairarapa on the way to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Take a tour of Parliament, browse museums and explore the many shops, cafés, restaurants and bars in this cosmopolitan city! When you finally tear yourself away, head along the Kapiti Coast to Whanganui and explore the river. Travel northwest to Taranaki. In New Plymouth, under the gaze of Mount Taranaki, are cultural attractions and outdoor activities, complemented by shopping and dining.

Drive north to the Waitomo Caves and take your pick of caving experiences, then head to Hamilton before the easy drive north back to the gateway city of Auckland.

Explore the spectacular scenery and discover the amazing wildlife of the rugged South Island – but take time to enjoy the fascinating cities and get into action-packed adventure as well.

South Island Adventure

Minimum Length Three weeks
Highlights Winter skiing in the Southern Alps; Mackenzie Country lakes; Mount Cook; Wildlife encounters; Historic architecture; Milford Sound; Outdoor adventures; Glaciers; Breathtaking wild places and national parks; Marlborough wine country.

Once you’ve explored Christchurch, head south along Inland Scenic Route 72 to Methven, a skiing Mecca in winter! Journey inland to Lake Tekapo and enjoy the stunning lake. Take to the air for views of Mount Cook before heading to Oamaru, with its architecture and penguins.

More wildlife encounters are on offer on the Otago Peninsula – albatrosses, seals and dolphins are just some of the natives. The region’s main city, Dunedin, offers museums, historic buildings and fashion. From Dunedin, continue southwest to Invercargill. Departing from nearby Bluff are ferries to Stewart Island. Continue north to Te Anau, base for exploring Milford Sound with its waterfalls, wildlife and rainforests.

Drive through mountains and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, centre of an outdoor playground with activities like bungy jumping. Next, head to Wanaka with its outdoor activities on the lake or in Mount Aspiring National Park. Travel through Haast Pass to the West Coast and Fox and Franz Josef glaciers; rivers of ice nestled amid rainforest! After exploring the glaciers, enjoy the drive north to Greymouth. Further north, turn inland and drive east to Nelson. Taste local wine and visit art galleries.

From Nelson, travel to Blenheim, the heart of Marlborough wine country. On the coast south of Marlborough is the marine wildlife Mecca of Kaikoura. Stop at Hanmer Springs to soak in the thermal hot pools before arriving back in Christchurch.

New Zealand has 10 significant wine-growing regions. The largest are Marlborough, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne in Eastland, but Central Otago is rapidly growing as a producer of Pinot Noir, and Canterbury’s Waipara Valley is getting a name for its Reislings.

Northland: The country’s warmest ripening conditions make Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay the varieties of choice.
Auckland: Look for superb Chardonnays, particularly from Waiheke Island, but Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also popular. Matakana, north of Auckland, produces Merlot, Syrah (Shiraz), Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
Bay of Plenty: A small but growing wine-producing region with an emphasis on Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Gisborne: The Chardonnay capital of New Zealand consistently produces delicious examples of this popular wine.
Hawke’s Bay: This region has one of the longest traditions of winemaking in New Zealand. Local Chardonnays are stunning, as are the reds, particularly those from the celebrated Gimblett Gravels area. Look for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Pinot Noir.
Wairarapa: This small but significant wine-growing area produces premium examples of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Gris.
Marlborough: Many consider this the Sauvignon Blanc capital of the world – hot, sunny days and crisp nights intensify flavour. The region also produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling, and is developing a reputation for Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines.
Nelson: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir are best suited to this region’s cooler growing conditions.
Canterbury: The crisp climate makes for good Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Central Otago: Home to some of the southernmost vineyards in the world, here the emphasis is on Pinot Noir, with some Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling also produced.

Classic New Zealand Wine Trail

A must-do for wine lovers in-country, the self-guided Classic New Zealand Wine Trail takes you through New Zealand’s biggest wine-growing regions, from Hawke’s Bay via Wairarapa to Marlborough.

The best-known hiking trails are New Zealand’s Great Walks. Administered by the Department of Conservation, these popular trails are maintained to a high standard.

Bookings are required during the summertime peak season for the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks, and year-round for the Lake Waikaremoana, Heaphy and Abel Tasman Coast tracks. Bookings open on 1 July each year (you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your inquiry) and all walkers must purchase a Great Walk Pass or Great Walk tickets in order to use hut and campsite facilities along the trail.

Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk Discover the remote and wild beauty of Te Urewera National Park on a three-to four-day walk through dense rainforest along the shores of Lake Waikaremoana.

Tongariro Northern Circuit This remarkable trail passes through an unforgettable range of stunning other-worldly volcanic landscapes as it winds around Mount Ngāuruhoe in the Ruapehu region.

Whanganui Journey Travelled by canoe rather than by foot, the Whanganui Journey is included with the Great Walks due to its significance as a national treasure. Visitors are able to rent a canoe and set out on an independent, multi-day river adventure.

Abel Tasman Coast Track Perhaps the gentlest of the Great Walks and one of the most popular, this 51-kilometre coastal track combines an intriguing blend of native coastal forest and sandy beaches.

Heaphy Track This hugely popular track passes through a diverse range of landscapes in Kahurangi National Park, from alpine tussock meadows to West Coast rainforest.

Routeburn Track This popular track links Mount Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, passing waterfalls, pristine native forest and lakes along the 32-kilometre journey.

Milford Track New Zealand’s most widely known walk is in Fiordland National Park, where forested valleys abound. Walk independently or join a guided group.

Kepler Track Located in Fiordland National Park, this 60-kilometre track offers a varied landscape of forest, alpine areas and a glacial valley, and can be walked in three or four days.

Rakiura Track Located on Stewart Island within Rakiura National Park, this 32-kilometre coastal track can be walked all year round in just three days.

Paparoa Track New Zealand’s newest Great Walk crosses the West Coast’s Paparoa Range. It takes you through alpine tops, limestone karst landscapes and thriving rainforests, and provides breathtaking views. The 55-kilometre track can be walked in three days.

Whatever you’re into, New Zealand has something especially for you! Align your New Zealand trip with your own particular interests by planning to take in special interest features and highlights ahead of your visit.

Culture & Art

Rotorua is a well-known destination for those seeking to sample from a range of exciting cultural activities. Waitangi, in the Bay of Islands, is another must-visit region – the site where European settlers forged their earliest relationships with the indigenous population.

Wine

For lovers of fine wine, the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is a great starting point for planning. This signposted 380km touring route links the major wine-growing areas of Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa in the North Island before crossing to Marlborough.

Action & Adventure

The South Island is widely known for its adventure activities; visit Queenstown for a choice of adrenaline-pumping adventures like bungy jumping or jet boating; go for memorable alpine experiences in Wānaka, Mount Cook and Methven; give ice climbing a go at the West Coast's glaciers.

Wildlife

Incredible wildlife experiences are part of what makes the South Island unique. Here are some highlights: go on a whale- or dolphin-watching cruise in Kaikōura; see Little Blue Penguins return to shore at dusk in Oamaru; see albatrosses at Kaikoura or on the Otago Peninsula.

New Zealand offers some of the world’s best skiing, with a huge number of fields ranging from the clubbies to the fully equipped commercial fields, all of them set against stunning scenic backdrops.

Every local has their favourite, and you could spend a lifetime getting to know everything our snowsports scene has to offer – especially around Queenstown, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Hutt. If you’re not sure where to start, try any of these hot (or cold) spots on for size.

North Island

Whakapapa / Tūroa (Ruapehu)

Mount Ruapehu is home to New Zealand’s two largest ski areas, Whakapapa and Tūroa, and not only that, it's also a unique opportunity to ski in a World Heritage Area. Family-friendly Whakapapa is home to New Zealand’s premier beginners’ area, Happy Valley, as well as more than 30 groomed trails that intermediate skiers and boarders love. For the more adventurous, try the black and black diamond runs and the lift-accessible Black Magic backcountry area.

Tūroa offers up Australasia’s longest vertical descent and New Zealand’s highest lift, a great tobogganing area for the kids, and easy access to spectacular backcountry areas and an ever-changing range of natural terrain features to play on.

Lift passes provide access to both ski areas. For best value, pick up a multi-day pass, find some accommodation in Ohakune, National Park or Whakapapa Village, and explore both of these fun and friendly fields.

Snow Planet (AUCKLAND)

Skiing all year round! Snow Planet is New Zealand's only indoor snow park, with over 8000 square metres of snow to ski, snowboard, tube and play on. There's a beginner's area and lessons if you're new to the snow, and for the more advanced riders, there's a terrain park with jumps and features that change every four to six weeks. If you don't fancy strapping on your skis or snowboard and just want to have a good wintery time, the family-friendly Winter Wonderland area has great tracks for snow tubing and toboganning. Littlies can get their time in the snow with Kindy Group Snow Fun, and Snow Planet also has full gear hire available.

South Island

Mt Hutt (Canterbury)

One of the country’s largest ski fields, the world-class Mt Hutt is under two hours’ drive from Christchurch and has the whole package: the big mountain experience for skiers and snowboarders, and a family-friendly environment great for first-timers. The network of terrain parks includes a jump line ranging from 30 to 60ft in Gunners Alley, and Jib Garden's skate and surf-inspired features. The field's snow-making setup means you can usually get on the white stuff earlier in the season, and keep going back for longer as well.

The Remarkables / Coronet Peak (Otago)

Both Queenstown fields The Remarkables and Coronet Peak have a reputation for all-round good times, and they’ve both been added to the exclusive Mountain Collective, a network of the world’s best ski resorts. A visit to either makes it easy to see why: 45 minutes from Queenstown, The Remarkables lives up to its name with plenty of space for beginners, sunny slopes, and some of the best and most accessible off-piste skiing anywhere in the country. Even closer to Queenstown (25 minutes’ drive), Coronet Peak has the terrain variety and stunning views to keep both novices and experts happy.

Mt Lyford Ski Area (Canterbury)

For an un-intimidating initiation to New Zealand’s club fields, head to Mt Lyford, just outside of Hanmer Springs. It has a great learners’ slope, fantastic groomers accessed by two pomas and a T-bar, and some one of the friendliest communities of local skiers anywhere in the country. If you’ve never used the famed and feared nutcrackers before, Mt Lyford will ease you in.

Broken River (Canterbury)

For skiing with a unique New Zealand flavour, it’s tough to go past this fantastic club ski field located deep in Arthur’s Pass. Fantastic terrain combines with uncrowded slopes, rolling bowls and steep chutes and a welcoming, chilled-out vibe. The club’s lodge has the Southern Alps' most glorious sundeck, where you can watch the action while drinking the field’s very own specially-brewed craft beer.

Cardrona Alpine Resort (WĀNAKA)

Cardrona not only has the widest and most scenic learner trail in the region, it's also a great place to start learning tricks, with a bunch of features at the terrain park ideally suited for beginners. This field is famous for its terrain park facilities, so you know this is where to come to see up-and-coming Kiwi shredders and established X Games athletes throwing tricks on the jumps. boxes, rails, half pipes and massive 85+ ft Big Air jump. The field has high-powered snow-making equipment which means it’s a reliable ride season-long, and its fully-licensed childcare centre and kids’ ski and snowboard school make it a top ski destination for families.

Porters Alpine Resort (Canterbury)

Super close to Christchurch and swinging past the legendary Sheffield Pies on the way, Porters has got some awesome runs for advanced skiers and boarders, including the famous Bluff Face and Big Mama. The Porters Mountain Park offers playful and creative terrain and a great platform to progress your freestyle skills, while the ski mat carpet lift makes progression for beginners easy, and the platter lift services one of the best intermediate slopes for skill development in the country. Stay on field at the Porters Lodge, just five minutes below the base car park.

Treble Cone Ski Area (WĀnaka)

Treble Cone is the closest field to Wanaka and the South Island's largest, known for its long (try 4kms long!), uncrowded slopes, legendary off-piste terrain, and stunning views. The Snow Sports School and gentle beginner facilities are designed to ensure learner skiers can work their way up to more challenging terrain as they grow more comfortable. For adventure seekers, the Saddle Basin is the winter playground of your dreams, and also provides access to some of New Zealand’s most magical backcountry skiing.

1642 Abel Tasman anchors at Golden Bay.
1769 NZ is sighted by Captain James Cook aboard the Endeavour.
1840 The Treaty of Waitangi is signed.
1854 NZ’s first Parliament sits in Auckland (it later moves to Wellington).
1868 The first Maori MPs, Frederick Nene Russell and Tareha Te Moananui, are elected to Parliament.
1884 The first representative NZ rugby team tours New South Wales in Australia.
1893 NZ becomes the first country in the world where women win the right to vote.
1908 Ernest Rutherford wins the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
1931 The Hawke’s Bay earthquake destroys much of Napier and Hastings, killing over 250 people.
1945 Charles Upham, NZ’s most decorated soldier, is awarded a Victoria Cross and Bar for services in WWII.
1947 Independence from Britain is formally proclaimed.
1953 Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay conquer Mount Everest.
1974 The Commonwealth Games are held in Christchurch.
1981 The Springbok rugby tour sparks countrywide protests against apartheid.
1987 The New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament and Arms Control Act is passed into law, establishing New Zealand as a nuclear weapon-free zone.
1999 Filming of The Lord of the Rings starts.
2004 Maori Television begins broadcasting.
2010 An earthquake shakes Christchurch.
2011 Another major earthquake strikes Christchurch.
2011 Rugby World Cup is held in New Zealand.
2012 The Hobbit film premieres in New Zealand.
2013 Kiwi songbird Lorde's track Royals hits #1 in America.

If you would prefer not to drive, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Buses, trains and ferries offer convenient and economical travel around New Zealand, while domestic air travel will give you more time at your destination.

Fabulous Finds

Paua The iridescent shell of the Paua (Abalone) is polished and fashioned into beautiful jewellery. Carved jewellery Contemporary or traditional Māori designs carved in greenstone (pounamu), bone or wood. Wool Fine wool in hand-knitted jerseys or sumptuous sheepskins. Possum fur Blended Merino wool and Possum fur crafted into soft and wearable hats, gloves and many other accessories. Ceramics and sculptures Beautiful artisan pieces in ceramic, wood, glass and metal. Gourmet foods Including homegrown wines, olive and avocado oils, chocolates and distilled liqueurs. Quirky cultural icons The Buzzy Bee pull-along toy, a much-loved New Zealand cultural icon, makes a great gift. Original art Purchase an original New Zealand painting or limited-edition print.

Designer Clothing

Top New Zealand fashion designers, such as Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper and Zambesi, are lauded worldwide for their unique take on high fashion. A few others to watch for are Untouched World, Sabatini, World, Andrea Moore, Starfish, Workshop and Helen Cherry, but there are many more that are well worth discovering. Take a look at www.fashionz.co.nz to preview the latest collections. New Zealand Fashion Week, held in September each year, is a celebration of New Zealand fashion and some events are open to the public.

Tax-free Shopping

Although NZ does not have a GST refund scheme, visitors can shop tax free at many retailers. Show your international plane ticket at a registered GST-free retailer and your items will be sent to the airport to collect on departure.

Buying the Essentials

Outdoor Gear

The ultimate camping and outdoor equipment store is Kathmandu. It’s not always the cheapest option, but it’s worth splashing out on a good sleeping bag, waterproof shoes or rain jacket to keep you warm and dry – and they do have great sales on a pretty regular basis. The Warehouse is a discount store for just about everything from cooking equipment to towels, tents and torches. Pop into Briscoes for cooking equipment, sheets and towels.

Supermarkets

There are several big supermarket chains, including Pak ’n’ Save, New World, Countdown and Fresh Choice. Dairies Convenience stores (called ‘dairies’) – some of them open 24 hours – will provide you with essentials like milk and bread.

Chain stores

Pick up good-value clothing at Glassons (for women) and Hallensteins (for men). Farmers is the largest department store.

Post shops

Want to send a postcard home? You’ll find a post shop in all major centres as well as most small towns.

Banks

Like most places in the world, New Zealand has embraced online banking – but you can still find ‘bricks and mortar’ banks in cities and towns. Many are closed on weekends though – look for branches in malls if you need Saturday or Sunday services.

New Zealand’s musical tradition dates back to the nation’s earliest settlement, and in recent times local artists have mixed popular international styles with Māori and Pacific influences.

Scribe, Split Enz, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Bic Runga, the Flight of the Conchords and Lorde have struck a chord (pardon the pun!) with audiences worldwide, while songstress Hayley Westenra has made an impact on the classical music charts and Kiri Te Kanawa remains an operatic force even in retirement. Picking up a few CDs and watching a live band is a great way to sample local culture.