The Mackenzie offers some of the best stargazing in the world. Besides the big sky, there’s blue lakes, sweeping vistas and, of course, the magnificent Aoraki/Mount Cook. The region’s attractions and activities are all about the spectacular natural environment.

Do & Discover

Sacred to Māori, parts of the Aoraki/Mount Cook area were protected in reserves from as early as 1887. In 1953, the national park was established. It is a place of superlatives – New Zealand’s highest peak lords over the area at 3,724 metres tall, but the region contains 19 other peaks over 3,000 metres. The park also contains New Zealand’s largest glaciers. Every visitor can get out into the landscape on a scenic walk, but if you’re planning a longer hike, seek advice from the DOC Visitor Centre as weather can change rapidly. Learn more about the mountains at Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Mount Cook Village, or for a guided adventure talk to Alpine Guides or Alpine Recreation. Get out onto the ice with Glacier Explorers, or take the hard work out of your trek with Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking. Hit the snow slopes at Ohau Snow Fields. Partial to stargazing? Then a visit to the Dark Sky Project astronomy centre at Mount John is a must due to the exceptional clarity of the Mackenzie sky, which has been designated the Southern Hemisphere's only, and the world's largest, Dark Sky Reserve. If you prefer to get up in the sky, get a view from above by taking a flight-seeing tour with Air Safaris or Tekapo Helicopters, or for relaxing options, cruise Lake Tekapo with Cruise Tekapo or relax at Tekapo Springs thermal pools and day spa.

Food & Drink

Big country meets big flavours – there’s a surprisingly wide range of excellent dining options to be found in this largely rural district. Fuel up in ambient surrounds at Old Mountaineers Café, Bar & Restaurant in the Mount Cook Village, or dine on organic fare at Poppies Café in Twizel. Astro Café at Mount John and Eat Deli & Bar in Fairlie are also popular options. Heading out for the night? Sip a cold drink at Chamois Bar & Grill at Mt Cook Lodge & Motels in Mount Cook Village or Grappa Lounge Bar at Shawty’s Restaurant in Twizel. When you’re ready for dinner, try Jasmine Thai Restaurant in Twizel or Kohan Restaurant in Lake Tekapo. Within Mount Cook Village, The Hermitage Hotel's Alpine Restaurant and Panorama Room are both popular.

Accommodation

Whether you’re looking for the seclusion of your own private cottage or a touch of luxury in magnificent surroundings, the Mount Cook and Mackenzie region has your accommodation needs covered. Seek out affordable lodgings at Glentanner Park Centre in Mount Cook, and cosy motel and home-style options at Twizel's Braemar Station, Lake Tekapo Holiday Homes, and Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort. Hotel and lodge options include MacKenzie Country Inn in Twizel, The Hermitage Hotel at Mount Cook Village, Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge, Lake Ohau Lodge, and Peppers Bluewater Resort at Tekapo.

Local Knowledge

Richard Pearse Airport in Timaru, less than 1 hour from Fairlie, has daily flights to Wellington, but Christchurch has the nearest international airport. If you're on a road trip Fairlie, northern gateway to Mackenzie, is 2 hours, 45 minutes from Christchurch. From Fairlie, Mount Cook Village is a further 2 hours and the area is connected by coaches and regional shuttles. When you're there, visit the Twizel Visitor Centre in Market Place or DOC Aoraki/Mt Cook Visitor Information Centre, 1 Larch Grove, for more information.

Marlborough is wine country! You simply must experience some of the delicious drops that have made this region world famous. Another must is getting out on the water and exploring the jaw-dropping islands and scenery of the sparkling Marlborough Sounds.

Do & Discover

Why is the wine so good here? On the Wairau Plains, the soil is free-draining and the climate continental, with lots of hot sun during the day, cool nights, and not much rain when the grapes are ripening. Wineries to try include Brancott Estate and Wither Hills. Take a tour with Marlborough Wine Tours or Wine Tours By Bike. Explore culture and history in Blenheim at the Marlborough Museum, Millennium Art Gallery, and Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, find something delectable at Makana Confections Blenheim, or get a bird's-eye view of the region with Windhawk Helicopters. In Picton, get closer to nature with Dolphin Watch Ecotours, at the EcoWorld Aquarium, or trekking with QueenCharlotteTrackNZ.com. Explore the Marlborough Sounds with Beachcomber Fun Cruises, the Greenshell Mussel Cruise, Sea Kayak Adventures and Wilderness Guides Marlborough Sounds.

Food & Drink

Marlborough offers a lively café and dining scene, as well as some unique, characterful and sometimes remote spots to enjoy a tipple. In Blenheim get your caffeine fix from CPR or Café Velvet. Stop for coffee in Picton at Café Cortado or Gusto. In Havelock, try the Sneaky Beach Café. Restaurants to try in Blenheim include Hotel d’Urville and Raupo Riverside Café & Restaurant, which features contemporary cuisine in an architecturally designed building. Out of town, try Hans Herzog Estate or Cork & Keg Old English Pub, a lovely old English-style pub. Popular restaurants in Picton include Le Café and The Chartroom Restaurant. In Queen Charlotte Sound, visit Punga Fern Restaurant & Bar or feast on the local delicacy in Havelock at The Mussel Pot. Wanna kick on? The Flying Haggis is a lively spot with regular live music, or experience The Furneaux Bar – although you’ll have to get there by water taxi or by walking the Queen Charlotte Track!

Accommodation

Blenheim offers the variety of accommodation you’d expect in a sizeable regional hub, while many of the accommodation options in the Marlborough Sounds offer lodgings among some of the most majestic natural surroundings you could ever hope to find. In Blenheim, try the Blenheim Top 10 Holiday Park or The Grapevine backpackers for budget-friendly options. Boutique offerings include Old St Mary’s Convent Vineyard Estate or Hotel d’Urville while hotels worth checking into include Chateau Marlborough and the Marlborough Vintners Hotel. For luxury accommodation try Timara Lodge or the Vintners Retreat. In Picton and the Marlborough Sounds, good cheap options include Fat Cod Backpackers and Picton Top 10 Holiday Park, or check the family into the Ferrylink Motel or Apartments on the Waterfront. Picton House B&B is a home away from home, while choice selections among the many lodge-style accommodation options in the Sounds include Aldan Lodge, Furneaux Lodge, Pelorus Lodge, and Raetihi Lodge.

Local Knowledge

Marlborough Airport is the main airport servicing Marlborough, with domestic flights to Auckland and Wellington with Air New Zealand. Sounds Air offers flights from Blenheim or Picton to Wellington. Road trippers will find Blenheim 4 hours from Christchurch and 1 hour, 30 minutes from Nelson. It is a 30-minute drive from Blenheim to Picton. Coaches and shuttles service the area, while KiwiRail operates a service from Christchurch to Picton. Out on the water Interislander and Bluebridge ferries depart from Picton to Wellington several times daily, with water taxis providing another transport option. When you're there, tap the brains trusts at Picton i-SITE at The Foreshore and Blenheim i-SITE, 8 Sinclair Street.

Manawatū's main centre, Palmerston North, houses the cultural home of New Zealand rugby, but adventure also awaits outside the city itself.

Do & Discover

In Palmerston North, you can educate yourself on the nation's sporting obsession at the New Zealand Rugby Museum, or explore art, science and history at Te Manawa. For non-urban adventures, head to Taihape in the Rangitikei, surrounded by hills and gorges that are the setting for adventure activities such as rafting and horse riding with River Valley Lodge.

Food & Drink

Palmerston North has a bustling drinking and dining scene. Aqaba is one of the highlights.

Accommodation

There’s a range of accommodation available in Palmerston North to suit varying requirements and/or budgets. Try Fitzherbert Castle Motel or Distinction Palmerston North.

Local Knowledge

Palmerston North Airport has flights to Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch and Nelson. Palmerston North is 2 hours, 10 minutes from Wellington and 7 hours, 40 minutes from Auckland by road. It's also on the main line from Auckland to Wellington. Find out more at the Palmerston North i–SITE in The Square.

The lakeside town of Wānaka is a hugely popular destination year-round. During winter, it offers easy access to a number of ski areas, and in summer Mount Aspiring National Park and the region’s lakes are enticing outdoor playgrounds.

The natural assets provided by Lake Wānaka and the Mount Aspiring National Park are the centre for many of the region’s most appealing activities. Skiers will also be in paradise in the winter months, with a number of excellent fields within easy reach, while Warbirds Over Wānaka is an annual Easter airshow, with an associated museum, that draws huge crowds from the region and beyond. Home to New Zealand’s only peaks over 3,000 metres outside Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park is a huge and rugged wilderness area encompassing mountains, glacial valleys, alpine tussock meadows and native beech forests. Ancient Māori trails cross the park, centuries-old trading routes for West Coast pounamu, and today walking trails are a main drawcard.

Do & Discover

There are numerous short walks suitable for most levels of fitness, as well as more strenuous multi-day options. Contact Adventure Consultants or Aspiring Guides for guided walks or climbs. Wanna hit the slopes? Wānaka is a perfect wintertime base for skiers and boarders, offering a great range of terrain and fantastic scenery. Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone are big ski areas with a range of facilities, while Snow Farm offers cross-country skiing. Or perhaps you're after something more unusual? In and around Wānaka there are a number of interesting attractions to keep you busy. Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World combines a Great Maze with the incredible Illusion Rooms – even their toilets are worth a look. The Warbirds & Wheels Museum contains a collection of aircraft honouring Kiwi fighter pilots from WWI and WWII. Next door, the National Transport & Toy Museum houses 50,000 antique toys. Those looking for an outdoors adventure are spoiled for choice: canyoning with Deep Canyon, heading out on the lake with Lake Wānaka Cruises, flight–seeing with Aspiring Helicopters, or taking the plunge with Skydive Lake Wānaka. Visitors wanting to take things easier can check out the sights with Southern Lakes Sightseeing, or watch a film at the impossibly quirky Cinema Paradiso, where you can kick back on comfy sofas and eat delicious homemade cookies!

Food & Drink

Being a popular area for both local and international visitors means that Wānaka has developed a dining and drinking scene that belies its small size. Being in the mountains doesn't mean missing out on coffee! Try Cheeky Monkey Café, Kai Whakapai, or Relishes Café, a laid-back establishment. Wanna kick up your heels? Wānaka is a popular getaway for Kiwis, and that means there is plenty of after-dark action. Look for Barluga, Trout Bar, and Lalaland, or head out of town to the Cardrona Hotel. Dining options are plentiful; for good value, try Red Star Luxury Burgers.

Accommodation

Plenty of visitors are drawn to the natural playground of Wānaka, and the town and surrounding area provide a range of accommodation options to suit their range of requirements. Those on a limited budget should check out Wānaka Kiwi Holiday Park, Matterhorn South Lodge and YHA Purple Cow Backpackers. For motel accommodation try Archway Motels, Fairway Motel and The Moorings, or for something a little more luxurious see Edgewater and Mountain Range Boutique Lodge.

Local Knowledge

The closest major airport is Queenstown Airport, which offers domestic flights and some trans-Tasman services. If you're hitting the road, Wānaka is 6 hours, 30 minutes from Christchurch and 1 hour, 30 minutes from Queenstown. You can travel to the West Coast via Haast Pass, with the drive to Haast taking just over 2 hours. Coach services operate regularly between Wānaka and Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill, while a local bus service operates between Wānaka and Queenstown. To find out more, swing by the Lake Wanaka i–SITE at 100 Ardmore Street.

The image of whales surfacing off the coast of Kaikōura is one of New Zealand’s most iconic sights. Situated in a remarkable natural setting alongside mountains that rise dramatically from the coast, Kaikōura is a hugely popular visitor destination.

There are plenty of ways to get out and explore the great outdoors, from wildlife encounters to hiking, surfing, horse trekking and 4WD adventures. Kaikōura also has a long history of Māori settlement – join a tour with a local Māori guide to learn about the region’s cultural history. The popularity of the town ensures it’s well served with accommodation, shops and restaurants.

Do & Discover

A chance to get up close with the magnificent marine life of the region is what draws many to Kaikōura, but there’s adventure and culture awaiting onshore, as well. To get out among the region's abundant wildlife, try Dolphin Encounter, whale watching with Kaikōura Helicopters, getting up close with some flippered friends with Seal Swim Kaikōura, or heading out with the award-winning Whale Watch Kaikōura. Away from the animals, you can head off-road with Glenstrae Farm 4 Wheel Adventures, paddle with Kaikōura Kayaks, take a stroll with Kaikōura Wilderness Experience, or explore the culture and history of the region with Māori Tours Kaikōura.

Food & Drink

You owe it to yourself to try crayfish before leaving Kaikōura! Seafood fans will be right at home, but there are a range of other options as well. The Māori word ‘kaikōura’ literally means ‘meal of crayfish’ and the famous delicacy can be sampled at a smart restaurant – or purchased from one of several seaside caravans and devoured beside the sea. For a caffeine fix, hit up Café Encounter on the Esplanade for a beachfront café serving local fare including fresh seafood. For something more substantial there are several good restaurants to choose from including gastro-pub The Whaler, Hislops Wholefoods Café, and The Pier Restaurant.

Accommodation

Set yourself up right next to the ocean or the golf course, or opt for a unique treehouse stay with Kaikōura’s often-surprising range of accommodation offerings. These include backpackers and holiday parks like the Kaikōura Top 10 Holiday Park, comfortable hosted accommodation including The Fairways at Ocean Ridge, Waves on the Esplanade Luxury Apartments and the White Morph Motor Inn, or lodge accommodation at Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses.

Local Knowledge

Kaikōura's airstrip offers access to scenic flights and charters, with the nearest international airport in Christchurch. If you're travelling on the road, Kaikōura is 2 hours, 45 minutes from Christchurch and 2 hours, 15 minutes from Picton. The 370-kilometre Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route links Kaikōura, Hanmer Springs and the Hurunui, with Hanmer Springs just over 2 hours from Christchurch, and Amberley (in the Hurunui) being 50 minutes from Christchurch. The region is well-served by coaches and shuttles, and Kaikōura is on the Coastal Pacific line between Picton and Christchurch. When you're there, swing by the Kaikōura i-SITE at 29 West End.

Hawke’s Bay’s Art Deco capital of Napier is a sophisticated coastal town full of fascinating architecture. The abundance of Art Deco-style buildings is due to a devastating earthquake in 1931. What followed was an intensive rebuilding programme that created one of the world’s greatest collections of Art Deco buildings. Māori motifs incorporated into the classic designs make it unique.

Discover these impressive buildings on a guided walking tour or grab a brochure from the i-SITE and explore at your own pace. Don’t miss the Daily Telegraph Building on Tennyson Street, the ASB Bank on Hastings Street and the National Tobacco Company in Ahuriri.

Do & Discover

Take a leisurely winery tour and dine at the vineyards and then, when you’re feeling a bit more active, stroll among Napier’s Art Deco precincts or enjoy action on the water, land or air. There are more than 70 wineries in Hawke’s Bay, and you can’t leave without experiencing its wines! Try Black Barn Vineyards in Havelock North, Church Road Winery in Taradale, Napier's famed Mission Estate Winery, or Trinity Hill in Hastings. For the ultimate European experience pedal your way around with On Yer Bike Winery Tours. Not thirsty just now? Seek thrills in Hastings with 0800 Skydive or stay in the air with Early Morning Balloons. Back on the ground there's golf links at Cape Kidnappers Lodge & Golf Course at Te Awanga, and touring with Gannet Safaris Overland, Absolute de Tours, or Takaro Trails. For water action on the land, head to the National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier or Splash Planet Theme Park in Hastings. You may also wish to experience the area's diverse culture and architectural legacy with guided walks from the Art Deco Trust, a visit to MTG Hawke’s Bay, or by taking a trip with Waimārama Māori Tours.

Food & Drink

Tuck in to Hawke’s Bay’s outstanding produce, beautifully prepared, at the region’s excellent restaurants and cafés, or settle in for the evening at one of the Bay’s often surprising little night spots. Try new gourmet culinary experiences in Hastings at Arataki Honey, Rush Munro’s (ice cream), or The Strawberry Patch in Havelock North. While you're there get great coffee at Bay Espresso or, if in Napier, head to Cappadonna or Opera Kitchen. For a meal to remember matched with premium wines, dine at Mission Estate Winery Restaurant in Napier. Other places in the city worth hunting out include Restaurant Indonesia, or Pipi in Havelock North. Hit the town at the Rose & Shamrock Village Inn, Havelock North, or The Gintrap and The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant in Ahuriri.

Accommodation

Get into the spirit of the Art Deco Bay with comfortable accommodation couched within the surroundings of impressive character architecture. Save on your accommodation costs at Napier's Criterion Art Deco Backpackers or the Eco Lodge Pākōwhai Backpackers in Hastings. Go boutique at the Art Deco Masonic Hotel in Napier. For comfy motor-lodge style accommodation, try Ballina Motel in Taradale or Napier's Bella Tuscany Motor Lodge or Motel De La Mer. Treat yourself at the Scenic Hotel Te Pania in Napier or The Crown Hotel at Ahuriri.

Local Knowledge

Ten minutes from central Napier, Napier Airport has direct daily flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Flights to smaller North Island destinations are also available. Napier is 2 hours from Taupo by road and 4 hours, 30 minutes from Wellington via Palmerston North. The Napier-Taupo Road is a 142km highway through a mountain range. In parts it is steep and winding, and is sometimes closed due to snow. Check nzta.govt.nz for road conditions. Coaches provide regular services and shuttles operate locally, with wine tours a speciality. Find out more about transport options at either the Hastings i-SITE, corner of Russell Street and Heretaunga Street, or Napier i-SITE at 100 Marine Parade.

Like exploring? Then you’ll love Dunedin and Coastal Otago with its proud eco-paradise cred, rich history and buzzing arts scene.

Do & Discover

Easily accessible from downtown Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula is an eco-paradise with an international reputation. See the area from the water on a cruise and spot dolphins, seals, penguins and other seabirds in their natural habitat, or explore the area by car. Highlights include Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle, the Royal Albatross colony at Taiaroa Head and the Marine Studies Centre. The tiny village of Portobello has a handful of accommodation options and eateries, but the region is within easy reach of Dunedin. Meet the locals with Elm Wildlife Tours, Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours and at Nature’s Wonders, NZ Marine Studies Centre, Penguin Place, Royal Albatross Centre and Orokonui Ecosanctuary. Head out into the great outdoors and catch a wave with Esplanade Surf School or go horse trekking with Hare Hill, explore the coastline in a kayak with Wild Earth Adventures or unwind at the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool. Flower fanciers have the Dunedin Botanic Garden and Dunedin Chinese Garden to explore. Tap into the region's rich history with a train tour on the Taieri Gorge Railway, a visit to Larnach Castle, or dropping by the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, the Otago Museum or the Otago Settlers Museum. For a culture fix, swing by the Dunedin Public Art Gallery and catch a sporting event or concert at the covered Forsyth Barr Stadium. Catch a film at Hoyts Cinema, Metro Cinema or Rialto Cinemas. Indulge in a spot of retail therapy at Meridian Mall or head to Dunedin Casino for a flutter. For a taste of the region, head to the Otago Farmers' Market.

Food & Drink

Caffeine lovers rejoice – it’s easy to get a fix in Dunedin. Because it's a university city, it’s also well-served with nightspots. The region is also home to some seriously fine dining and casual restaurants. Kick start your day at The Good Oil, a local favourite that offers quality organic coffee. Also look out for Governor’s Café, Modaks, Nova Café, Potpourri Vegetarian Café and The Perc. Starfish Café & Bar is worth seeking out at St Clair Beach. Grab a good-valued bite at Angusburgh, Dost Turkish Café or Saigon Van. For smart casual dining, try No. 7 Balmac. Out of town, try 1908 Café or Carey’s Bay Hotel. There are also a number of excellent fine dining restaurants in Dunedin. Some top picks include Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant and Plato. Bars and clubs to try are Carousel and Pequeno. For a relaxed pub, try Speight’s Ale House.

Accommodation

Accommodation options in Dunedin and Central Otago include the opportunity to stay in a castle (seriously!) along with the more regular lodgings like hotels, motels, B&Bs, holiday parks and backpackers. For hotel stays choose between Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City and The Brothers Boutique Hotel. Reservation-worthy guested and hosted options include Albatross Inn, Grandview Bed & Breakfast, Kaimata Retreat and Larnach Lodge. For motel and apartment lodgings check in at 315 Euro, Adrian Motel, Asure St John’s Court or Manor Motel. At the more wallet-friendly end try Aaron Lodge TOP 10 Holiday Park, Portobello Village Tourist Park, McFarmers Backpackers, On Top Backpackers and YHA Dunedin, Stafford Gables.

Local Knowledge

Dunedin Airport is located 30 minutes from the city with domestic flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Trans-Tasman flights to Brisbane are available. Behind the wheel Dunedin is 5 hours, 10 minutes from Christchurch; Oamaru is 3 hours, 20 minutes from Christchurch; and Cromwell, in Central Otago, is 6 hours from Christchurch, 3 hours, 15 minutes from Dunedin, and 50 minutes from Queenstown. Coaches service the area while the Taieri Gorge Railway connects Dunedin and Middlemarch. Visit an i-SITE Visitor Information Centre at Balclutha, 4 Clyde Street, and Dunedin in The Octagon.

The largest city in the South Island and the second-largest in New Zealand, Christchurch is a cosmopolitan and cultured centre. Founded on the wealth of 19th Century high country sheep farmers, Christchurch was carefully planned by city forefathers and many of the buildings were built in stone, leaving a legacy of architecture – although much was damaged in the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

Christchurch Today

On 22 February 2011, Christchurch was struck by an earthquake that damaged many of the city’s best-loved heritage buildings. Damage from the earthquake has been extremely localised, however, and it’s life as usual in most neighbourhoods. Hagley Park, with its old oak trees and green lawns, is still the city’s beautiful heart. Some areas, such as the shopping district of Riccarton and the bars of Merivale, are busier than ever. And in the central city, Project Re:START has seen a pop-up shopping precinct built out of shipping containers in Cashel Mall. It’s a must-see new ‘icon’ of Christchurch: the shipping containers have been lovingly transformed into bright boutiques complete with chandeliers and lots of floor-to-ceiling glass. The CBD isn’t the only place where shipping containers have been put to good use: look for pop-up ‘container bars’ dotted around the city. The Porthole in Lyttelton (the South Island’s main port) is one example; another is Cargo Bar in Addington.

You’ll find that some iconic Christchurch businesses and activities are reappearing in new locations. Much-loved, The Court Theatre – once a stalwart of the Arts Centre – has found a new home at ‘The Shed’ in Bernard Street, Addington, while the popular Arts Centre restaurant and bar Dux de Lux has reinvented itself with a split identity as Dux Live in Addington (Lincoln Road) and Dux Dine in Riccarton. Outside the city, other activities are also operating as per usual. Wildlife is still on show at Orana Park and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, and the International Antarctic Centre still offers an unforgettable glimpse of life on the southern continent. The Air Force Museum and Tanks for Everything are open, and visitors can still play golf, go white-water rafting or swim with dolphins in Akaroa. Further afield, an easy day trip from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura, Methven or Arthur’s Pass can have you soaking in a hot pool, spotting whales, dolphins, seals and albatrosses, skiing or hiking in a national park.

Neighbourhoods

Downtown The Container Mall on Riverside (formerly Re:START) in Cashel Mall has served to draw many visitors back into the CBD after the quakes. It’s colourful, fun, and well worth a visit. Other iconic attractions are still open for business as usual, including Canterbury Museum, the Botanic Gardens and the Antigua Boat Sheds.

Addington On the southwest edge of the CBD, Addington is shrugging off its industrial heritage to become the new ‘it’ district of Christchurch. Bars, restaurants and cultural institutions such as The Court Theatre have migrated from the central city and taken up residence here.

Merivale North of the city centre is the suburb of Merivale. There is a row of shops on the high street, and the small mall is home to designer fashion and homeware. Merivale is also popular as an after-dark eating and drinking spot.

Riccarton West of the city centre, Riccarton is a busy suburban area with high street shopping and indoor shopping centre with cinema and food courts. There are many motels along the main road, particularly on the street blocks facing the mall.

Sumner Seaside Sumner feels quite distinct from Christchurch and with a number of good cafés, restaurants and shops, it makes for a worthwhile visit.

Around the Region

Akaroa New Zealand’s only French settlement is an enticing getaway of white picket fences, cottage gardens and French bakeries in a stunning natural setting. Accommodation is plentiful – look for boutique hotels and B&Bs – as are good quality eateries. But it’s not all about laid-back indulgence. Akaroa Harbour is home to the world’s smallest dolphin, the Hector’s Dolphin, and visitors can take a boat trip to swim with them. Highlights: Stock up on delicious French patisseries and picnic by the sea. Join a boat trip to swim with the tiny Hector’s Dolphins. Wander around a fragrant herb farm or cottage garden. Take a penguin colony safari to Pohatu Bay. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise to spot the local wildlife on Akaroa Harbour.

Hanmer Springs & Hurunui The alpine spa resort of Hanmer Springs is home to a landscaped thermal pool complex in a beautiful alpine setting. It offers a range of therapeutic treatments for a complete spa experience. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking and 4WD adventures. South of Hanmer Springs, Waipara is the centre of Canterbury's wine-growing. Highlights: Enjoy a luxurious soak in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa. Sample local wine at the cellar door. Brave a jet boating adventure in a rugged gorge. Horse trek in the North Canterbury foothills

Methven Methven (also known as Mount Hutt Village) is a peaceful rural village that’s an ideal base for experiencing outdoor adventures from jet boating and skydiving to mountain biking and fishing. It’s popular year-round, but particularly in winter when it transforms into a busy après ski centre for skiers and snowboarders. Nearby Mount Hutt boasts the longest ski season in the country and is one of New Zealand’s most popular ski areas. Highlights: Go jet boating in a rugged river gorge. Ski or snowboard during the winter months. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting. Try skydiving with the mountains as a scenic backdrop. Mountain bike in the foothills of the Southern Alps.

South Canterbury South Canterbury is a predominantly rural region tucked between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. It’s home to a series of small towns, each with its own unique flavour. Geraldine is a pretty country village well known for its gourmet food producers and craft shops, and Timaru is a larger centre with a range of accommodation and eateries, and a landscaped piazza. Highlights: Indulge in gourmet local food products in Geraldine. Browse craft studios and art galleries dotted around the region. Discover ancient Maori rock art. Brave the white water of the Rangitata River on a thrilling rafting expedition.

Technically part of Canterbury, with so much going on in Kaikoura and Mount Cook & Mackenzie, they have been given their own sections.

Do & Discover

Get back to nature, soak up the culture, tackle a white-knuckle adventure or simply investigate a city on the rebuild in Christchurch. Culture vultures are in for a treat, head to Air Force Museum, Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery [Currently closed but due to reopen 2014] and Ko Tane at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for an impressive display of Maori Culture set among a wildlife park. Other options include renting a canoe from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds and Café and exploring the Avon River, embracing the chill factor at the International Antarctic Centre, working on your swing at the Russley Golf Club or browsing for a bargain at the bustling Sunday Riccarton Markets. Test your nerves and raise the heart rate with a visit to Adrenalin Forest in Spencerville or join a cycling tour with Mountain Bike Adventure Co, tackle the whitewater with Rangitata Rafts, get behind the wheel of a tank at Tanks for Everything or skim over rivers in a jet boat with Alpine Jet. Meet the local wildlife with Black Cat Cruises and (with some imports besides) at Orana Wildlife Park and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Those looking to take in the sights with a tour should look out for Christchurch Sightseeing Tours, Hassle-free Tours and KiwiRail. For a night out, try Christchurch’s much-loved theatre company The Court Theatre, which relocated from the Arts Centre to new it-district SOMO [South of Moorhouse (Avenue)] or the Christchurch Casino in the CBD.

Discover Akaroa Harbour's myriad wildlife with Akaroa Dolphins, Black Cat Cruises and Pohatu Penguins/Plunge NZ, or see the French-themed sights with Destination Akaroa and Eastern Bays Scenic Mail Run. Explore by foot with Banks Peninsula Track and Tuatara Tours, or on horseback with Onuku Heights Horse Treks. Swing by Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum before catching a movie at Cine Café. In the adventure township of Methven, you can hit the slopes with Methven Heliskiing and Mt Hutt Ski Area, go jet boating with Discovery Jet, freefall with Skydivingnz.com or go golfing, hunting and/or skiing at Terrace Downs Resort – indulge in some pampering at their Spa at Terrace Downs Resort or take in a movie at Cinema Paradiso. Get cultured in South Canterbury at the Aigantighe Art Gallery, South Canterbury Museum, and at Te Ana Maori Rock Art. Explore by saddle with Peel Forest Horse Trekking or brave the whitewater with the team at Rangitata Rafts. Sample local produce in Geraldine at Barkers food store, the Geraldine Farmers' Market and The Tin Shed, and catch a movie in the delightfully retro Geraldine Cinema. For centuries the thermal pools at Hanmer Springs were used by Maori travelling through the area. The first bathhouse was built in 1883. Today, the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa is a lovely landscaped complex and day spa. For something more active try Hanmer Adventure and Thrillseekers Adventures. During winter hit the slopes at Hanmer Springs Ski Field and Mt Lyford Alpine Resort.

Shopping & Style

Boasting everything from suburban malls and department stores through to designer boutiques, quirky collections and pop-up offerings, you can literally shop till you drop in Christchurch and Canterbury. The Colombo: This stylish Sydenham boutique mall in the SOMO (South of Moorhouse Avenue) precinct has brought a new level of cool to the older suburb of Sydenham, and houses chic fashion, homeware and beauty offerings, as well as some trendy eateries. The Tannery: The new 'it' destination in Christchurch shopping is a former (wait for it) tannery building in Woolston magnificently restored as a wrought-iron wonderland arcade with plentiful helpings of old-world glamour. The Tannery is home to a wide range of boutique retailers including fashion outlets, design stores, health shops, and gourmet food makers, and also houses a popular brew-bar and acclaimed restaurant. Merivale Mall: This style-conscious shopping plaza in the upmarket suburb of Merivale, close to the city centre, is home to over 40 designer boutiques, lifestyle stores, and chic restaurants and bars, and has plenty of offerings to tempt any shopaholic. The mall itself and the wider Merivale area immediately beyond collect together some of the city’s most prestigious and exclusive fashion boutiques, including the designer European women’s wear of Victoria Black, NZ fashion label gurus Plume, exclusive footwear specialists Issimo, fine shoes, bags and accessories from Briarwood, mens’ style at Working Style and Sergios, as well as Robin Pierre (shoes), and Rouche (women’s fashion) within Merivale Mall itself. Re:START: A unique post-quake Christchurch attraction on Cashel Street in the city centre, this upmarket mall full of quality retailers is a colourful cavalcade of shipping containers. Anchored by the Ballantyne’s department store, a Christchurch icon, it also contains gift stores, gourmet food, books, several leading fashion retailers and plenty of great food offerings, and has become a hub of weekend activity in the central city.

Food & Drink

Kiwi ingenuity abounds as Christchurch rebuilds; here you’ll discover quirky shipping container bars and cafés alongside fine dining eateries and trendy bars and clubs. In the CBD, the popular Antigua Boat Sheds and Café is situated in the historic Antigua Boat Sheds. Order a picnic basket and eat al fresco in the Botanic Gardens. There are new cafés popping up all over town, but some to try are: the highly acclaimed Addington Coffee Co-op (named one of the top 12 places in New Zealand to visit by Lonely Planet), Three Six Three Café & Bar at The Colombo, C1 Espresso, Café Lumes, Black Betty, Oddfellows Cafe, Under the Red Verandah, Beat Street, Ris’Tretto and Vic’s Café. In seaside Sumner, try Joe’s Garage or Underground Sumner. For casual dining Tutto Bene Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria is very popular with locals, and another Christchurch Italian favourite is Café Valentino. Other places for relaxed, low-key dining include Bodhi Tree, Burgers & Beers Inc, Lone Star and Winnie Bagoes. For more upscale dining, try Edesia, contemporary Asian cuisine at King of Snake, Cook‘n with Gas, and Saggio Di Vino. Sumner's Clink and The Cornershop Bistro also enjoy excellent reputations.

The SOMO district is the city's new hotspot for after-dark action. Look for Cargo Bar, Dux Live, The Pedal Pusher and Morrell & Co. in Addington. Further north in the CBD, Victoria Street has been an area of major rebirth, and offers a wide range of establishments with different characters including Smash Palace, Revival, Mexicano’s, Tequila Mockingbird and Harlequin Public House, the latter three of which also offer excellent dining. Elsewhere in the recovering CBD are the Italian charms of Baretta, the sophistication of the The Monday Room, craft beer capital Pomeroy’s Old Brewery Inn and, naturally enough, CBD, while Vespa is leading the charge back into a redeveloping High Street. In Riccarton, look for the popular Fox & Ferret, as well as craft beer lounge Volstead Trading Company. Merivale is another popular nighttime district. Look for The Brewers Arms, No. 4 Bar & Restaurant and other bars around Merivale Mall. Over the hill in Lyttelton, Civil & Naval exudes effortless cool, and no-one should leave the port without investigating the famed quirkiness of the legendary Wunderbar.

In Selwyn refuel at Original Sheffield Pie Shop, The Wobbly Kea Café & Bar or Arthur’s Pass Café & Store. En route to Akaroa be sure to call into Barrys Bay Cheese, and once you're there brush up on your culinary skills at The Akaroa Cooking School. Good coffee is easy to find in Akaroa; L’Escargot Rouge is a good first stop, while good restaurants include Bully Hayes, The Little Bistro and Vangionis Trattoria & Bar. Methven's Arabica Licensed Café joins cosy dining options Mt Hutt Restaurant & Bar, The Blue Pub, The Brown Pub and The Last Post Café, Bar & Restaurant. When is South Canterbury look for Arthur Street Café in Timaru, an atmospheric café with a cool soundtrack and a variety of dining spaces, Legends Café in Pleasant Point, original home of the famous Denheath Custard Squares, and Geraldine's Verde Café housed in a restored historic villa amidst cottage gardens. While away the evening at Ginger & Garlic Restaurant, Monteith’s Bar or ZEST in Timaru. Over in Geraldine, try Taste Restaurant & Bar or Village Inn Sportsbar. When travelling to Hanmer Springs & Hurunui from Christchurch, stop for lunch at the acclaimed Nor’Wester Café in Amberley. For a winery lunch, explore the cellar doors at your own pace (with a designated sober driver, of course) or join a wine tour at Pegasus Bay Winery or The Mud House Winery & Café in Waipara. In Hanmer Springs try Powerhouse Café & Restaurant, Monteith’s Brewery Bar and No 31 Restaurant & Bar, while Jollie Jacks, recipients of the New Zealand Beef & Lamb Award on several occasions, has established itself as an eatery of note in Hanmer Springs. Renowned for great service, fine food and a selection of Canterbury and Marlborough wines. Situated in the heart of Hanmer Springs, with garden bar and fine views of the Alps. Both lunch and dinner menus available.

Accommodation

Christchurch accommodation options ranging from luxury lodges and 5-star hotels through to B&Bs, backpackers and holiday parks. For the ultimate escape a stay at Sir Heaton Rhodes' former manor – now ultra-luxe Otahuna Lodge at Tai Tapu – offers an indulgent break. For notable hotel stays make reservations at Ashley Hotel, Copthorne Hotel Commodore, Peppers Clearwater Resort, Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport, The Chateau on the Park and The George Hotel. For a B&B break try Airport Guesthouse, B&B on Rattletrack, Lavender Towers, Orari Bed & Breakfast and Thistle Guest House while motel lodgings include 298 Westside Motor Lodge, Airport Gateway Motor Lodge, Amross Court Motor Lodge, Avonhead Lodge Motel, Best Western Camelot Motor Lodge, Country Glen Lodge, Purple-Der House Accommodation, Tower Junction Motor Lodge and Tudor Court Motel. Budget-friendly stays include Christchurch Top 10 Holiday Park – Meadow Park and Rangiora Holiday Park while backpacker options include At The Right Place, Jailhouse Accommodation, Kiwi Basecamp and YMCA Christchurch.

When staying in Selwyn check in at Arthur’s Pass Alpine Motel, Bealey Hotel, Flock Hill Lodge, Mountain House YHA Backpackers & Cottages and Springfield Hotel & Backpackers. Akaroa offerings include Akaroa Dolphin Backpackers, Akaroa Top 10 Holiday Park, The Grand Hotel and Tresori Motor Lodge. Looking for a place to stay in Methven? Try Alpenhorn Chalet, Big Tree Lodge Methven, Brinkley Resort, Mount Taylor Lodge and Terrace Downs. In South Canterbury you'll find lodgings in Timaru at Avenue Motor Lodge, Panorama Motor Lodge and Timaru Top 10 Holiday Park, with Rawhiti Backpackers in Geraldine. When in Hanmer Springs look for Alpine Garden Motel, Hanmer Springs Scenic Views Motel, Heritage Hanmer Springs, Mountain View Top 10 Holiday Park, Tussock Peak Motor Lodge and Village Lake Apartments.

Local Knowledge

Christchurch International Airport offers flights to numerous domestic destinations throughout the North and South Islands, as well as direct international flights to Australia, the Pacific Islands and Asia. Christchurch is a 5-hour drive from Picton and a 5-hour, 10-minute drive from Dunedin. There are regular coach and shuttle services, and there is a comprehensive metropolitan bus service within the city. KiwiRail operates the Coastal Pacific train service from Christchurch to Picton and the TranzAlpine service from Christchurch to Greymouth. Swing by i-SITE Visitor Information Centres at Christchurch Airport, Botanic Gardens on Rolleston Avenue and Kaiapoi at Raven Quay. Otherwise you can find out more at the Akaroa Visitor Information, 120 Rue Jolie, Hanmer Springs i-SITE at 42 Amuri Avenue West, Methven i-SITE, 160 Main Street, Ashburton i-SITE on East Street, Geraldine i-SITE at the corners of Cox and Talbot Streets, Timaru i-SITE at 2 George Street or DOC Arthur’s Pass Visitor Information Centre on State Highway 73.

Attractions and activities around Gisborne and Eastland make the most of the region’s natural charms, deep cultural history and seaside lifestyle.

The Pacific Coast Highway winds its way around the coast of Eastland. From Opotoki in the eastern Bay of Plenty, the road winds northeast to Te Kaha. This former whaling settlement is surrounded by lovely beaches. Further on is remote Hicks Bay; at the eastern end is Onepoto Bay with a beach safe for swimming. Nearby is Te Araroa, where you can join a tour to East Cape – the easternmost point of mainland New Zealand. Mount Hikurangi, near Ruatoria, is 1,754 metres tall and its summit is the first place in New Zealand to see the sunrise. Tolaga Bay is famous for its historic wharf. Tatapouri offers fishing, diving and surfing, and Wainui Beach, just north of Gisborne, offers swimming and surfing.

Do & Discover

With a long history of Māori settlement, and significance as Captain Cook’s first landing place in New Zealand, this area contains a number of interesting historic sites. Follow the Tairawhiti Heritage Trail and pay a visit to the Tairawhiti Museum for a good introduction to local heritage. You can relax and unwind at Morere Hot Springs or in the peaceful surroundings of Eastwoodhill Aboretum, or explore offshore with Dive Tatapouri.

Food & Drink

Check in at these local Gisborne dining favourites for a great bite to eat, or blend in with the relaxed local pace by sitting back over a cup of coffee. Café Ruba is an award-winning local favourite that reliably serves up good food and coffee. USSCo Bar & Bistro provides great bistro dining, with a menu based around simple, seasonal and tasty food.

Accommodation

In Gisborne and Eastland you’ll find plenty of excellent, comfortable accommodation options available for visitors at varying budget levels. At the budget end there's the likes of Flying Nun Backpackers in Gisborne, while families might head for an apartment at Marina View Apartments or Hicks Bay Motel Lodge, while those looking for more luxurious digs might end up at the likes of Waihirere's Knapdale Eco Lodge or the Emerald Hotel in Gisborne.

Local Knowledge

Gisborne Airport offers services from Auckland and Wellington with Air New Zealand. Flights to smaller North Island destinations are available with Sunair. The Pacific Coast Highway winds around the edge of Eastland on its way from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay, while SH 2 offers a more direct route from the Bay of Plenty through to Gisborne. A couple of coach lines operate between Gisborne and Auckland, and there are regional shuttle and bus services. Many parts of the region are remote, so renting a vehicle may be a good option. To find out more call into the Gisborne i–SITE at 209 Grey Street.

Named for the 14 fiords that carve into its coastline, Fiordland contains some of the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand.

It’s been an internationally renowned destination for decades. Rudyard Kipling called it the “eighth wonder of the world” and American author James A. Michener described it as “the most stirring sight in the Pacific”. The Fiordland area is home to the nation’s largest National Park and was designated a World Heritage Area in 1990. It is also the setting for some of New Zealand’s best-known hiking trails, including the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn tracks, and walking is a popular way to experience the unspoiled wilderness. Boat cruises are another great way to see the landscape.

Do & Discover

Cruise, cycle, kayak or hike through Fiordland, a magical place where legends and myths mingle with awe-inspiring landscapes of forests and fiords. Get out on the water with Deep Cove Charters, Real Journeys, Rosco’s Milford Kayaks, or Southern Discoveries. To explore on foot and experience some of the world's greatest walking tracks, talk to the helpful crew at Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre in Te Anau. You can also catch a film at Fiordland Cinema, view the unique sea life of the Sound at Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves with Real Journeys, or get in the saddle with Wild Rides.

Food & Drink

When you’re done drinking in the jaw-slackening views, Fiordland lays claim to a collection of pretty special cafés, bars and restaurants. In Te Anau, Redcliff Café is a delightful local favourite where you can dine on fresh local produce (including wild game). Sip a drink with the locals at The Ranch Bar & Grill. In Milford Sound, try Blue Duck Café & Bar, popular with visitors. There are several good restaurants in Te Anau. Try The Fat Duck or Café La Dolce Vita, a stylish spot serving Italian cuisine.

Accommodation

Set in one of New Zealand's most scenic locations, Fiordland accommodations are rooms with a view. Try Fiordland Hotel & Motel in Te Anau, Kepler Mountain View in Manapouri, Milford Sound Lodge, or Te Anau Lodge B&B.

Local Knowledge

The closest domestic airports to Fiordland with scheduled services are at Queenstown and Invercargill. Queenstown has domestic and trans-Tasman flights, while Invercargill provides domestic flights only. If you're behind the wheel, Te Anau is on SH 94. It is 2 hours from Queenstown and 2 hours from Invercargill. Regular coach services operate. It is a two-hour drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Find out more at the Fiordland i-SITE on Lakefront Drive.

Central Otago – affectionately known as ‘Central’ – is home to welcoming rural outposts where you can enjoy the famous southern hospitality in the utmost comfort.

Enjoy a cold beer at a historic pub on a scorching summer’s day, or a warming glass of the local Pinot Noir wine before a stone fireplace on a winter’s evening while you plan your next adventure – playing a round of golf at one of 11 regional golf courses, experiencing a 4WD escapade, trying the ancient winter ice sport of curling, or just relaxing away from cellphone coverage.

Do & Discover

Built along a disused rail trail from the Gold Rush era, the 150km Otago Central Rail Trail is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders. With great scenery, history and accommodation along the way, this outdoor adventure is highly recommended. This is one of New Zealand’s youngest wine-growing regions, but it is establishing itself as a producer of excellent Pinot Noir. Most wineries are in the Cromwell Basin, but there are others further south, near Alexandra and Clyde. Wineries to visit include Carrick Wines or Mt Difficulty Wines. You can also explore Central Otago's heritage at the Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in Alexandra, or on the road with Central Otago Motorcycle Hire. Try winter sports at the Naseby Indoor Curling Rink or Naseby Ice Luge, or head upriver with Goldfields Jet.

Food & Drink

The options might be limited around these parts, but Central Otago’s cafés and restaurants punch well above their weight. Grab yourself a coffee at The Bank Café in Clyde, E-Central Café while in Ranfurly, or Grain & Seed Café, housed in a former grain store in Old Cromwell Town. There are some very appealing restaurants in the region, too. Try Black Forest Café in Naseby, or Thai Crom, in Cromwell. Shaky Bridge Vineyard Café is also worth seeking out for dishes prepared from local ingredients and served in a spectacular setting.

Accommodation

From lakeside lodgings to country retreats, cottages and hotels – there’s plenty of places to rest your head in Central Otago. Try comfortable motel-style accommodation at Alexandra Heights Motel, Asure Central Gold Motel, or Lake Roxburgh Lodge, settle in at Cromwell Top 10 Holiday Park, rent one of the Wedderburn Cottages, or if you're looking for a hotel, try Danseys Pass Coach Inn, The Gate Cromwell, Olivers Central Otago in Clyde, or the Vulcan Hotel at St Bathans.

Local Knowledge

Look up an i-SITE Visitor Information Centre in Alexandra, 21 Centennial Avenue, Cromwell, in The Mall, or Ranfurly at 3 Charlemont Street East.

Straddling two harbours and draped over 48 volcanic cones, Auckland occupies a stunning natural landscape. Known as the ‘City of Sails’, when the Waitemata Harbour is dotted with yachts it’s easy to see why. Beyond the harbour is the North Shore, bordered by white-sand beaches, while to the west of the city is Waitakere, where the city gives way to wineries and rainforest.

Neighbourhoods

Downtown Queen Street is shopping central and you’d be hard pressed not to find what you’re looking for among hundreds of boutiques and chain stores. Explore the laneways running east from Queen Street up to High Street – excellent restaurants as well as some of the best New Zealand fashion can be found here. The Britomart precinct is the hippest central-city destination for shopping, restaurants and bars.

Waterfront At the foot of Queen Street is Queens Wharf. To the west of Queen Street is one of the city’s most popular after-dark playgrounds. In Viaduct Harbour, a marina crammed with yachts and launches is surrounded by restaurants and bars. By day, stroll the walkways and sip coffee al fresco, and at night enjoy dinner or hit the dance floor. Harbour cruises, ferries and sailing adventures depart from this area. West of Viaduct Harbour is Wynyard Quarter, home to several attractions including night markets and live music.

Parnell East of the city is Auckland’s oldest suburb. Parnell is famous for boutiques, art galleries and colonial villas that have been restored into cafés, restaurants and shops. Explore quaint Parnell Village and visit Dove-Myer Robinson Park. On the other side of Parnell is the beautiful Auckland Museum and Domain. Stay in Parnell for dinner because this area has some seriously good restaurants.

Newmarket Here, the boutiques of over 40 top designers rub shoulders with chain stores in Westfield mall and on the buzzing high street of Broadway. Nuffield Street is home to a selection of popular al fresco cafés, restaurants and bars.

Ponsonby West of downtown, Ponsonby Road is one of the city’s hippest strips, jam-packed with cafés, bars and restaurants. It also offers good shopping, particularly for the fashion-forward. The narrow surrounding streets are full of picturesque old villas, many of them restored to their former glory as the area has been gradually gentrified.

North Shore Easily accessible via the Harbour Bridge or a relaxing 10-minute ferry ride across the harbour, North Shore is a beautiful part of the city. Here you’ll discover Pohutukawa-lined white-sand beaches, lively cafés and restaurants, a thriving arts scene and spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Auckland Regions

Heading out West West of Auckland, the Waitakere region is bordered by dramatic black-sand surf beaches such as Piha and Muriwai and framed by the lush forest-clad Waitakere Ranges. The wild landscape is the perfect setting for outdoor adventures from surfing to hiking and canyoning. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, there are numerous wineries, as well as art and craft galleries to explore.

North of the Harbour Bridge The Hibiscus Coast is a popular beachside holiday spot or day-trip destination. Safe for swimming, beautiful Orewa Beach lies in the heart of the area, bordered by the cafés and shops of Orewa.

Matakana Wine Country With a good range of amenities in a pretty riverside setting, Warkworth is the gateway to Matakana Coast Wine Country, a beguiling region offering a blend of beautiful beaches, wineries, farmers’ markets and a marine reserve.

Hauraki Gulf & Islands Hauraki Gulf is dotted with more than 50 islands, many of which are easily accessible by ferry from downtown Auckland. Each island has its own unique character: Waiheke offers wine-tasting and great beaches, Tiritiri Matangi is a wildlife sanctuary, and Kawau is home to historic Mansion House.

Do & Discover

Whether you’re after a day’s sailing on its iconic harbour, visiting wine country, in need of a culture fix at one of its numerous galleries or a spot of pampering at a day spa, Auckland never disappoints. Get out on the water in the City of Sails with 360 Discovery, America’s Cup Sailing, Auckland Jet Boat Tours, Fergs Kayaks and Fullers Ferries & Island Tours. Get cultured at the city's Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Auckland Museum at the Auckland Domain, Museum of Transport and Technology in Western Springs or the New Zealand Maritime Museum down at Viaduct Harbour. Rest and relax at Chuan Spa at the Langham Auckland or East Day Spa at SKYCITY. Check out iconic sights at Manurewa's Auckland Botanic Gardens, the Sky Tower, and the Stardome Observatory at One Tree Hill Domain. Get adventurous at Auckland Bridge Climb & Bungy, SkyJump or SkyWalk 360. Other activity options include Auckland Zoo, Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life, Otara Market and theme park action at Rainbow’s End in Manukau.

Heading out West Walkers should hike the Hillary Trail at Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Also popular is biking at Woodhill Mountain Bike Park. Go canyoning with Canyonz or try surfing with Muriwai Surf School. Wineries in West Auckland include Coopers Creek and Kumeu River.

North of the Harbour Bridge At Puhoi Historic Village you can paddle on the Puhoi River with Puhoi River Canoe Hire. Also popular is Snowplanet, an indoor ski slope.

Matakana Wine Country To explore the wineries, join a guided tour or pick up a trail map at Matakana and hit the road. Ascension Wine Estate and Brick Bay Wines at Snells Beach are worth a look. Explore the Goat Island Marine Reserve at Leigh with Glass Bottom Boat or Goat Island Dive. Other things to do include the Matakana Village Farmers’ Market, Sheepworld or riding with Pakiri Beach Horse Riding.

Hauraki Gulf & Islands Pay a visit to Kawau Island Mansion House or Stony Batter Historic Reserve. Go kayaking with Auckland Sea Kayaks. Exploring the Waiheke wineries is a popular pastime. Try Goldie Wines or Saratoga Estate.

Food & Drink

With buzzing bars and clubs and international cuisine offerings, Auckland’s restaurant and bar scene is one of New Zealand’s finest. Enjoy unique culinary experiences at the Auckland Fish Market and Big Foody Tours. Time for a coffee? In Ponsonby, try Agnes Curran and Dizengoff. Over in Newmarket, Crackskull’s Coffee and Books satisfies caffeine fiends and bibliophiles alike. In Kingsland, which has established itself as a must-visit destination for coffee lovers, head to The Fridge. Back in the central city, Revive Vegan Café is good for healthy lunches.

Restaurants You’ll find rich concentrations of excellent eateries in a number of very different parts of the city – the best part is that each area has a flavour all of its own, so you can enjoy a unique dining experience every night of the week. For inexpensive fare, try Asian-inspired cuisine at Satya in Newton or Wagamama in the city. Spend a bit more at Degree, a popular eatery down at the Viaduct. Other CBD options include Mediterranean/Israeli cuisine at Ima or Asian fare at Monsoon Poon. Parnell is a hotspot for eateries. For a blend of European and Pacific Rim flavours try Non Solo Pizza for superb Italian, or Oh Calcutta for incredibly good Indian. Ponsonby is another foodie haven, with iconic spots including Ponsonby Road Bistro, Prego and Thai restaurant Sawadee. At the top end of the market, try Peter Gordon's The Sugar Club at SKYCITY or The Grove in Wyndham.

Bars & entertainment For major stage events, look up the Aotea Centre, The Civic, Auckland Town Hall and Aotea Square. Also look for world-class events at SKYCITY Theatre and big-name concerts at Spark Arena in Parnell. See the latest on the big screen at Academy Cinemas or Event Cinemas Queen Street. For a night out sipping wine and/or cocktails, the Bellini Hilton Auckland is a good pick. Suitably swanky, Bellini occupies an enviable location. Other cool spots to try include Agents & Merchants at Britomart and The Churchill, a gin and champagne bar on the rooftop of the new Four Points by Sheraton. Hungry? For late-night eats, get along to celeb chef Peter Gordon’s Bellota Tapas Bar at SKYCITY. The tapas menus are also good at Dida’s Wine Lounge & Tapas Bar in Herne Bay and Mezze Bar. If you’re after something more substantial, try gastro pubs Northern Steamship Co or The Postman’s Leg for hearty food and gourmet brews. Night-spots renowned for live music include Cassette Number Nine. If you’re after full-on dance energy, head to Ink & Coherent on Karangahape Road (or ‘K Road’ as it's known to the locals).

Shopping

Queen Street, in the central city, is lined with chain stores (and is home to iconic department store Smith & Caughey’s), but head down the little lanes running east to High Street, O’Connell Street and Chancery Square to seek out one-of-a-kind boutiques and designer fashion. Look for Kiwi fashion at Britomart – try Karen Walker, Zambesi and the treasure trove that is WORLD. Ponsonby is another hotspot for fashion; it’s also good for home furnishings and cool gifts. On the other side of the CBD, Newmarket is also renowned for fashion – from international brands to local legends. Head to Parnell for galleries and jewellery. Up on K Road, comb the quirky boutiques for street fashion and Pacific-inspired art.

Accommodation

From swanky five-star hotels and boutique lodgings through to B&Bs, holiday parks and backpackers, there’s an Auckland accommodation option to suit everyone. Choice Auckland hotels include Amora Hotel Auckland, Auckland City Hotel – Hobson St, Hilton Auckland, Hotel Grand Chancellor, SKYCITY Grand Hotel, SKYCITY Hotel, Sudima Auckland Airport, and The Quadrant Hotel Auckland. For guest and hosted options, investigate Stafford Villa at Birkenhead Point and The Great Ponsonby Arthotel, or if you're after good self-contained and serviced providers, there's Ellerslie International Hotel and Conference Centre, Quality Hotel Parnell and Quest Newmarket. For good cheaper options, look to the Auckland North Shore Motels & Holiday Park or centrally located backpacker operators Base Auckland, Nomads Auckland or Fat Camel Backpackers.

Heading Out West In Piha, try Black Sands Lodge for apartments or Piha Beachstay for backpacking. At Muriwai, try Muriwai Beach Campground.

North of the Harbour Bridge Look for hotel, motel or B&B accommodation in Devonport, Takapuna and Orewa. In Takapuna try the Emerald Inn, Takapuna Beach Holiday Park or The Spencer on Byron Hotel. In Orewa there's Pillows Lodge, which also has backpackers accommodation.

Matakana Wine Country Leigh Sawmill Café is popular with backpackers, otherwise there's Matakana Motel or Sandspit Holiday Park.

Hauraki Gulf & Islands On Waiheke Island, try Lavender Hill, The Boatshed Boutique Seaside Hotel at Little Oneroa or The Sands Waiheke Island apartments and villas. On Great Barrier Island, try Earthsong Lodge or Orama Oasis for backpacking and holiday park facilities.

Local Knowledge

Auckland International Airport has direct international flights to and from 35 destinations (with services provided by 20 passenger airlines) and domestic flights to most New Zealand centres. Get to and from the airport with SkyBus or Super Shuttle, catch a taxi with Auckland Co-op Taxis or go luxe with Hallmark. On SH 1, Auckland has a comprehensive motorway system. Coach companies provide regular services and local buses are frequent, operating out of a central depot at Britomart Transport Centre in Queen Street. Local buses are operated by AucklandTransport, and the Link is one of the most useful bus routes. See the sights with a hop-on, hop-off pass on Auckland Explorer Bus. KiwiRail offers daily rail services to Wellington, with the train station at Britomart, where a metropolitan rail service is also based. Ferry services to Devonport, Hauraki Gulf islands and other seaside suburbs depart from the waterfront. Explore by sea with Sealink (Great Barrier ferry) or Half Moon Bay (Waiheke ferry). Looking for a taxi or shuttle on Waiheke and Great Barrier Islands? Try Island Taxis or Great Barrier Travel.

For more information out West, visit the Arataki Visitor Centre on Scenic Drive, Oratia. If you're north of the Harbour Bridge, talk to the friendly folk at Devonport Information Centre at 15 Victoria Road. When traversing the Matakana Wine Country, swing by the Matakana Information Centre in Matakana Village or the Warkworth Information Centre on Baxter Street.

So you’ve landed in Auckland. You’ll need more than a couple of days to explore New Zealand’s largest city. Don’t forget that beyond the bustle of the inner city there are lots of other things to see and do in the Auckland region.

Head out west to the Waitakere Ranges and go hiking through pristine rainforest or visit stunning surf beaches; head north to Matakana Wine Country and sample the local wines; or jump on a ferry and explore a few of the many islands dotting the Hauraki Gulf.

Auckland & Northland

Set on three glittering harbours and draped over 48 volcanic cones, Auckland occupies a stunning natural landscape and definitely demands a few days’ exploration. Heading out of Auckland, take a trip around the beautiful twin coasts of Northland. While you’re there, visit the Whangarei Growers’ Market, where you can buy the freshest and best local produce the area has to offer. And if you like good food, head to Bay of Islands Food & Wine Festival. Swing by and visit the birthplace of New Zealand at Waitangi. Head up to the spectacular northernmost point of the country and sample the culture and cuisine and then, on your way back down the west coast, stop for a visit to the Kauri Museum at Matakohe.

Wellington & Top of the South Island

Wellington is the home of cafés, theatre, arts, culture and film. It’s also just a short hop away from the spectacular beauty and attractions of the Wairarapa, Marlborough and Nelson regions. There are so many things to see and do in Wellington. If you like art and design, the World of WearableArt™ Awards Show is a fashion extravaganza, the likes of which you’ve never seen before. Visit Te Papa and the City Gallery in Wellington to see the history and artistic tradition of New Zealand and the Pacific. And in the city that brought you The Lord of the Rings, King Kong and The Hobbit, immerse yourself in the Weta Cave. While you’re in the capital, you can’t miss the chance to pop across the Cook Strait. Marlborough and Nelson are famous for their world-class wines so go on and indulge!

West Coast, Central Otago & Southland

The South Island is a land of amazing contrasts: stunning mountains, rugged coasts and vast patchwork plains. There is so much to see and explore. Start your journey in Blenheim with great local food and wine, or in Nelson, where boutique local beers add a refreshing twist. Then (no drinking and driving!) hop in the car and wind your way down the wild West Coast where you can indulge in one of New Zealand’s real delicacies, whitebait. Head south to Queenstown where you can experience the many and varied attractions and outdoor activities on offer in Queenstown, Wanaka and Central Otago. Further south still, you can head down SH 94 through the heart of Southland to experience real southern hospitality and fine foods, including the famous Bluff oyster.

Dunedin, Canterbury & Marlborough

Start your trip in Dunedin, that most Scottish of New Zealand cities. Indulge in fine local hospitality and then get out on the famous harbour to meet the local wildlife up close. Then head north from Dunedin with side trips along the way to see Te Ana Ngai Tahu Maori Rock Art Centre and, for the stargazers, Mount John’s Dark Sky Project at Lake Tekapo. Stop off at Methven to try your hand at outdoor adventure activities, head up to Mount Hutt to go hiking, or take a boat cruise on a glacier lake. Christchurch is a must-see. Getting back on its feet following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch is an exciting and unforgettable destination. Where else do you get the chance to see a city rebuild itself after a major civil emergency and yet be able to enjoy comfortable accommodation, excellent restaurants and plenty of activities? Driving north, stop in at the seaside town of Kaikoura for the finest and freshest seafood and take a trip with the world-famous Whale Watch Kaikoura. Then continue north to the celebrated Marlborough wine and cuisine at Brancott Vineyard before you head by ferry to Wellington.

The Life, Loves & Lore of Māori

You cannot visit New Zealand without, in one form or another, coming across the unique culture and heritage of Māori. Māori are the tangata whenua (“people of the land”) of New Zealand. Their culture permeates every part of our society. Throughout the country you’ll find events celebrating the stories, traditions, contemporary arts and culture of Māori. And with only a couple of hours or so between cities in the North Island, there’s much to grab your attention. In Wellington, visiting Te Papa is a must, while, half an hour north, in Porirua, Pātaka is a fantastic celebration of Pacific culture. If you’re in Auckland, take a cross-city walk with a Māori guide and make sure you visit Auckland Museum. Rotorua is, of course, a must-see. Visit a replica Māori village to experience cultural performances, a hāngi meal and Māori history told by the descendants of New Zealand’s original settlers. While in the Bay of Plenty, plan a visit to one of the local marae; and if you’re in Taranaki, visit Puke Ariki museum for the stories of the local people and their home at the foot of beautiful Mount Taranaki. The East Coast is a place where Māori culture is at the heart of the community. It’s here that the tangata whenua first met Captain James Cook in October 1769.

What's Hot New Zealand hits the road in the all-new Mercedes GLA 250 to road-test swanky Queenstown restaurant The Grille by Eichardt’s in an exclusive, luxe escape.

Sunlight strobes into the cabin as we pass a stand of trees, glinting off the chrome details of the GLA 250’s futuristic matte black instrument panel as the postcard perfection of Lake Tekapo’s tranquil turquoise waters come into view. We might be on a road trip, but we kill the tunes via the Apple CarPlay and embrace the silence courtesy of the GLA’s super sporty multi-tasking design – which also adds a whisper-quiet drag coefficient to its muscular physique – and watch in awe as well-stuffed clouds scud across an impossibly blue sky above and are mirrored below on the lake’s surface, all framed by the jagged backbone of the Southern Alps.

Epitomising precision German engineering, Mercedes’ first compact SUV is out to impress, and rocks some serious TARDIS-like qualities along with its exceptional good looks. The interior feels deceptively large given the vehicle’s compact credentials, while exterior side sill panels add a razor sharp dynamic to the sleek profile – in people-speak the GLA is ‘ripped’. But it’s not all for show; agile and responsive, our low-slung carriage allows us to enjoy effortless tight cornering around the lake’s shores as we hug the road’s surface, while a turbocharged 208-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine responds swiftly – especially when we engage the ‘Sport’ driving mode as Lake Tekapo fades in the rear vision mirror.

If ever there was an occasion to make an entrance, it’s rolling into the perennial alpine adventure resort/party town of Queenstown, and the GLA’s handsome carriage ensures we arrive in fitting style as guests of The Grille by Eichardt’s. We glide past the new lakefront five-star restaurant, catching our reflection in the slick glass frontage where – impossibly – a car park once stood on the prime real estate, which now also houses Louis Vuitton and WORLD boutiques and super-luxe $10,000-a-night accommodation offering, The Penthouse, en route to checking in at The Spire Hotel. Combining contemporary chic with next level service, The Spire’s 10-suite boutique offers a stylish, designer respite in the heart of the town, where everything is within walking distance. The room is resplendent with an Eames lounge chair and ottoman beside a black glass and chrome coffee table, white chaise lounge, a white stone fireplace, a well-appointed bathroom stocked with Molton Brown and a spacious balcony. It all revolved around a super king luxe bed that promises one of the best sleeps of your life. We spruce up and snack on the complimentary fruit and mineral water from the mini bar before heading into town.

It’s hard to not fall in love with Queenstown. There’s always something new to see at this multi-box-ticking lakeside resort, set amid a killer scenic backdrop of tranquil lakes and ragged, towering mountains. White-knuckle outdoor adventure activities join super fine dining, excellent nightlife, relaxing spas, wineries, skiing, international shopping and primo golf courses. Even a simple lakeside stroll in this part of the world is an Instagram-worthy pursuit! Photos taken, we return to our accommodation and then head to The Grille by Eichardt’s, the premier dining destination in Eichardt’s Private Hotel, which has been seriously trending and buzzing on social media since opening. We meet up with The Grille’s sommelier and mixologist extraordinaire Stevie Gaut for a pre-dinner cocktail masterclass in the swank surrounds of the venue’s slinky cocktail lounge, where polished industrial chic meets New York cool, and rows of glittering bottles proudly display premium labels. Stevie has an easy-going, laddish quality, which is perfect for imparting his knowledge and helping us to re-create two signature cocktails – The Owner’s Margarita (created in collaboration with owner Andrew Cox) and The Imperium, inspired by the famous bar in Milan. The cocktails are equal parts strong and stunning (so big ticks all round), and are poured into fittingly old-school, chunky glasses. The margarita takes things to the next level with the addition of celeb fave Patron Silver tequila, while The Imperium marries Kraken black spiced rum with Heradura Reposado tequila, freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and the kicker – which prevents me from successfully replicating it at home – an airy, spiced pineapple mousse, and is straight up addictive. Class over and sufficiently primed, we move into the restaurant.

Perfectly positioned and perched on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, the first thing you notice is the jaw-slackening, uninterrupted vistas across the lake to The Remarkables beyond, where, over the course of the evening, the famous mountainscape is washed in the pinks and greys of the fading night sky. And while it’s easy to get caught up/hypnotised by the view, there’s much more going on in the bustling surrounds to tear you away, including an open kitchen where cured meats hang from hooks and head chef and all-round culinary alchemist Will Eaglesfield ensures his visionary celebration of locally sourced, home-grown and free-range produce is represented on the plate. Glistening cutlery sits atop dark wood tables, antique metal lamps hang from the ceiling, and buttery leather booth seating channels top-end bistro chic.

We’re ushered into exclusive private dining space The Wine Room, which is true to its name – gently boiling condensation-frosted flutes of Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2006 await and rows of the finest Central Otago and New Zealand wines, along with a carefully curated selection of international vintages, line the walls. Will, an affable Englishman whose international culinary repertoire saw him arrive at The Grille via stints in kitchens in London, the French Alps and the Mediterranean, has created an off-the-chart menu that infuses locally foraged produce and distinctly Queenstown flavours with a splash of worldly indulgence.

Mercifully, our grazing menu offers a chance to sample a bit of everything. We start with the fresh, grapefruit tingle of ceviche and singularly fried crisp West Coast whitebait with preserved lemon, which both expertly highlight the natural flavours of the hero ingredients and pair beautifully with the creamy richness of the Moët, while the venison liver and pinot noir paté intoxicates with its nuanced earthiness, and the delicate gamey notes of the Romesco-crusted little rabbit hot-pots delight.

As we move into mains territory, the big meaty dishes the restaurant’s name suggest come to the fore via a meltingly tender, smoky seared blushing Angus eye fillet with a sublime café de Paris butter, and an exceptional Havoc pork shoulder resplendent with a feisty homemade black pudding and precision-roasted crackling. However, it’s The Grille’s now legendary whole BBQ Cardrona merino lamb shoulder that steals the show with its decadently moist, fall-apart, dark finely grained meat offering just the right amount of rendered fat and gentle notes of lanolin, ensuring short work is made of the large serving. Shoestring fries are all crunchy exterior and fluffy interior (and served alongside a high-voltage aioli that really ought to be served in a larger vessel), while sautéed spinach, smooth and buttery mash and roasted field mushrooms with wild thyme and garlic round out exceptional sides.

Dessert sees an explosion of delicacies and fine pastries that could easily be from the best French patisseries arrive at the table, including airy profiteroles with vanilla cream and a dreamy chocolate and salted caramel sauce, macaroons, housemade chocolates and a selection of local cheeses and homemade crackers and relishes. If that wasn’t enough, a baked Alaska, which is a literal flavour bomb, makes an appearance. A brisk walk over to The Spire where that king-size bed awaits, and it’s back to Christchurch in the morning. Sure it’s a fleeting but super luxe visit – and the good news on the way home is spending another six hours cocooned in the comfort of the GLA!

Vehicle supplied by Armstrong Prestige (mbchristchurch.co.nz), What's Hot New Zealand was a guest of The Grille by Eichardt’s (eichardtsdining.com) and The Spire Hotel (thespirehotel.com).

The perfect introduction to the sounds of Aotearoa/New Zealand, our playlist boasts over 10 hours of solid Kiwi tunes ranging from those that you’d crank out at a get-together to those that would feature on your roadie playlist. This playlist will easily become one of your go-tos while in-country, and a soundtrack to your memories once you are back home.

Tap the playlist here and check out some of our favourites from it below. The playlist was specially curated by Christchurch DJ Craig Shaw, who has played sets at top Kiwi festivals Rhythm and Alps and Electric Avenue Music Festival, and even opened for Fat Boy Slim (twice).

Hit The Road

The ultimate roadie beats.

'Wandering Eye' Fat Freddy's Drop, Based On A True Story

There’s just something about this banger from Fat Freddy’s Drop (or FFD to those in the know) that makes us want to salute the epic good times with a bunch of our closest pals. ‘Wandering Eye’ is one of those staple songs that you can play on repeat and never get sick of. The song cemented the seven-piece band as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry and the band has gone on to produce some of the slickest reggae-infused, rootsy-dub songs that will grace your ears.

'Groove Again' Katchafire, On The Road Again

The lads from Katchafire not only have some serious street cred to their name, they’re also bound to feature on many a playlist thanks to their 10/10 reggae and funk beats. Their hit ‘Groove Again’ off their 2010 album On The Road Again is a true roadie classic – in fact that whole album is a godsend for when you’re tasked with DJ duties in the car and are unsure of what to play next. Chuck it on when you’re boosting it on the open road for guaranteed good times.

'Don't Forget Your Roots' Six60, Six60

What would a roadie be if it didn’t have a bit of Six60 on there? The Dunedin natives have taken the world by storm since they broke onto the music scene with their song ‘Don’t Forget Your Roots’. It’s a fitting title for their song as the five-piece formed while attending the University of Otago and subsequently took on the name Six60 after their flat’s address. The band try to frequent their old stomping ground as much as possible (while they’re not off tearing up the stages abroad) and Dunedin always holds a special place in their heart, as does the aforementioned song in our hearts.

Throwin' It Back

Get your nostalgia on.

'Slice of Heaven' Dave Dobbyn, Footrot Flats - The Dog's Tale

For any Kiwi, as soon as Dave Dobbyn’s seminal 1986 song ‘Slice of Heaven’ hits the airwaves, a sense of nostalgia is tapped to take over. The song is from the soundtrack to a film based on popular cartoon strip Footrot Flats, which captures rural New Zealand in all its guts and glory. Give ‘Slice of Heaven’ a few listens and you’re sure to be taken over by the sweet melodies of Dobbyn’s tune and will soon be belting out the three titular words like the best of us.

'Victoria' The Exponents, Prayers be Answered

If your name is Victoria, you can feel pretty special knowing that 1. It is the title of The Exponents 1983 classic and 2. Heartthrob Jordan Luck repeats it over and over in his deep husky voice. This is one of those anthemic songs where in concert the singer can leave the chorus to the audience to complete. ‘Victoria’ is a classic and without fail can always get a room up and dancing.

'Gutter Black' Hello Sailor, The Sailor Story 1975 - 1996

Hello Sailor’s ‘Gutter Black’ found favour among Kiwi crowds when it became the opening song on one of the best New Zealand TV series, Outrageous Fortune, and it ultimately became synonymous with the antics of the motley West family. It’s a song that we believe is worthy of a feature on our throwbacks because 1. It was released in 1977 (serious throwback material) and 2. We love it. Enough said.

Feel Good Friday

Cruise into the weekend.

'How Bizarre' OMC, How Bizarre

We don’t know about you, but as soon as we hear OMC’s ‘How Bizarre’, we get this insatiable urge to stop what we’re doing and jam out to this iconic ’95 tune. Cemented as one of the greatest New Zealand songs of all time – straight fact thanks to the Australasian Performing Rights Association – the song also won the award for Single of the Year at the 1996 New Zealand Music Awards.

'Poi E' Patea Maori Club, Poi E

Written by Maori linguist Ngoi Pēwhairangi and performed by the Patea Maori Club, ‘Poi E’ was a No.1 stunner on the Kiwi music charts in 1982 and was a way to promote pride among Maori youth in a popular format. The hit also found favour among the Brits when Patea Maori Club toured the big UK – 3 minutes and 57 seconds of pure Kiwi music bliss.

'Always On My Mind' Tiki Taane, Past, Present, Future

One of the OG members of Kiwi band Salmonella Dub, Tiki Taane has been experimenting, performing and producing music for the better part of two decades. No stranger to the music scene, he’s credited with bringing a powerful live performance to his gigs. Fun fact, he’d start the first part of the gig mixing the set then jump on stage to perform in the latter part. His 2008 album Past, Present, Future went double-platinum on Recorded Music New Zealand and the hit tune ‘Always On My Mind’ served some serious ‘lax vibes. We can’t help but smile when those opening bars start to play.

We Be Vibin'

Tunes to get your groove on to.

'My House' Kids Of 88, Sugarpills

This one’s for those Gen-Y/Millenials among us. This song is a banger so shout out to Kids Of 88 for creating a hit tune among the younger gen and for making getting paint thrown on you while dancing in slow motion cool. If you were wondering what the duo were up to, so are we. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

'Yellow Flicker Beat' Lorde, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

The Lorde doth come and slay the music industry with her hauntingly beautiful ‘Yellow Flicker Beat’, which served as the lead single from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. Praised for its seamless blend of electropop melodies and metaphorical lyrical content, the track also got a tricked up version by Kanye West, with the pair co-producing.

'Everything' P-Money, Vince Harder, Everything

Peter Wadams aka P-Money is a renowned Kiwi hip-hop DJ and producer whose most notable work includes collaborating with artists Scribe and Akon. However it’s his collab with Vince Harder on their 2008 hit ‘Everything’ that upped the ante and cemented him on the music map. If you haven’t seen the accompanying music video to the song – trust us, it’s a goodie – you’ll want to get that on your radar stat and have a groove.