Opportunities to travel on the water in New Zealand are almost endless, from short inner-city commuter trips to island-to-island travel.

Cook and Foveaux Strait

Our most famous ferry route is from Wellington to Picton, on the Interislander or Bluebridge ferries. Both transport people and vehicles, have restaurants and movie theatres on board, and have bookable guest lounges or sleeper cabins.

Along with it being a practical way to travel between islands, the sights aren’t bad either, with a long weave through the Marlborough Sounds, and dolphin, whale and fur seal sightings are common.

Further south, the Stewart Island Ferry transports people across Foveaux Strait between Bluff and Oban.

City travel

Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch all have ferries linking different parts of the city.

In Auckland, ferry travel is easy as taking a bus, with services linking the city centre to as far south as Pine Harbour, as far north as the Whangaparoa Peninsula, and all the way out to Waiheke Island, Coromandel and Great Barrier Island.

In Wellington, ferries link the city with Day’s Bay, Seatoun, and the scenic Matiu Somes Island.

In Christchurch, a ferry can take you from Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour, as well as to the fascinating ex-quarantine station on Quail Island.

While it might not count as 'city' transport, one of the country’s coolest ferries transports vehicles and passengers from Rawene to Kohukohu in Hokianga. It takes 15 minutes and costs just $2 per person.

Sightseeing ferries

Scenic boat trips are dotted all around the country, with ferries ready to transport you across to some of the islands that dot our perimeter. Many of these are absolute highlights of any local holiday, like the wild Great Barrier Island or the bird-filled Tiritiri Matangi. 

Water taxis

Water taxis are smaller boats that are usually used to transport people to hard-to-reach places, like to the start of tramping tracks deep in a national park. Water taxis can take you all across the Abel Tasman and Queen Charlotte coasts, to the start and off the end of the Milford Track, and around Stewart Island, among many others.

Grab great New Zealand produce and classic Kiwi specialties at local food stores, sample Kiwi dishes at a restaurant, then browse markets, visit food festivals and take a cooking class!

Culinary Specialities

An abundance of high-quality fresh produce makes New Zealand cuisine sensational. Beef and lamb NZ Beef + Lamb are of the highest quality and exported around the world. Cheeses The abundance of wonderful dairy products includes renowned local blue cheeses. Crayfish Also known as rock lobster, delicious crayfish are harvested in coastal waters around NZ. Gourmet oils The local olive and avocado oils are fresh, tasty and herbaceous. Green lipped mussels These New Zealand native shellfish are farmed in the waters of the Marlborough Sounds, The Coromandel and Stewart Island. Hāngi Traditional Māori cooking method, slowly steaming food in an underground oven. Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Creamy ice cream with crunchy pieces of toffee is a national favourite. Honey Mānuka honey is produced from a native flowering shrub known for its health benefits. King salmon Fresh salmon is farmed in the Marlborough Sounds and the Mackenzie Basin, off Stewart Island and the South Island’s east coast. Kiwifruit A popular, succulent green-fleshed fruit with a furry brown skin that thrives in warmer parts of the country, most famously in the Bay of Plenty. Kumara This traditional Māori sweet potato is a Kiwi favourite that may be served roasted, mashed or as chips. Lemon & Paeroa (L&P) NZ sparkling soft drink originating from the small North Island town of Paeroa. Oysters Southland’s Bluff oysters are renowned. There’s a festival every year to celebrate the season’s start. Pacific and rock oysters grow in the north. Whitebait These tiny minnow-like fish are a delicacy and cooked as a fritter, fried in batter. They’re famously abundant on the West Coast of the South Island.

Indigenous Ingredients

Kumara (sweet potato) is the staple of Sunday roast dinners in many New Zealand homes and is found in every supermarket, but in recent years the rise of Māori chefs in local and international restaurant kitchens has seen traditional Māori foods such as Harore (mushrooms), Puha (a thistle), Pikopiko (fiddle-head fern), Horopito and Kawakawa (different types of pepper tree) start to adorn New Zealand plates. Chef Charles Pipi Tukukino Royal has championed the cause of Māori bush ingredients in contemporary cooking. With a background as a chef in the New Zealand Army and a stint in Air New Zealand’s kitchen, Charles uses his extensive knowledge for specialist events and food tours into the New Zealand bush and along the coastline. When it comes to seafood, kina (sea urchins) and shellfish, such as pāua (abalone) and pipi are delicacies widely collected by Māori.

Fusion Cuisine

Multicultural influences and a wide variety of ingredients to draw on make New Zealand a natural home for fusion cooking. Blending flavours from around the Pacific Rim, this style is internationally popular, and trend-setting Kiwi chefs such as Peter Gordon have played an important role in its development.

Learn to Cook

Cooking schools can be found in all major centres and they provide an insight into culinary New Zealand. Learn how to cook national dishes, match food and wine, and find out about indigenous ingredients! Renowned schools include celebrity chefs’ cooking schools like the Ruth Pretty Cooking School just north of Wellington. Another gem is the Akaroa Cooking School on Banks Peninsula (near Christchurch).

Buying Food & Wine

New Zealand cuisine dishes up delicacies ranging from cheeses and seafood to premium wines. You can buy these goodies at the cellar door and direct from the grower at many places around the country – look for roadside stalls in places like Hawke’s Bay, Nelson and Kerikeri and have some cash on hand to put in the honesty box! Also look for gourmet grocery stores such as Moore Wilsons in Wellington. Farmers’ markets are another great place to buy local produce. Fill your picnic basket with gourmet foods, artisan breads, whitebait and oysters, olive and avocado oils, local blue cheeses and fruit. In the beverage department there’s home-grown wines, distilled liqueurs, fresh fruit juices and organic craft beers.

How to Hāngi

A hole is dug in the ground and filled with hot stones. Baskets of vegetables and meat are placed on top and covered with earth to cook in their own steam.

In the 1990s, two Kiwis were looking for a new adventure challenge and came up with the idea of jumping inside a large inflatable ball and rolling around for fun! They gave it the name Zorbing, and it’s now a worldwide business with franchise agents in many countries.

Rotorua is home to the world’s very first Zorb site, and is in fact the only place in New Zealand where you can take part in the strangely bizarre activity. The Zorb Rotorua site is just outside the city centre and so if you don't have a car, you'll need to jump on the bus from town. It's only a short journey and you get dropped off directly outside the adventure site.

If you want to Zorb, there’s several options. Like, do you want to jump inside the 3m inflatable sphere alone, or with a few other companions? Do you want to be strapped down inside the ball, or simply fly around at the mercy of gravity? Oh, and do you want to have a bucket of water thrown in too, just for fun? That’s the Zydro Zorb option, which I plump for.

You also get a choice of a straight or zigzag track. After checking out both, my instinct lay with the more adventurous latter option. After throwing some warm water in to the ball, my instructor told me to simply dive head first through the hole, and in to the water! Terrified I was going to get stuck in the hole, with my head inside a huge inflatable ball and my legs kicking around outside, I was relieved when I made it through in one swift dive! Before I knew it, my entrance (and exit) in to the ball was zipped up and I realised there was just 60cm of air to protect me from the ground!

Stepping forward to get the ball rolling, I suddenly fell to my knees as the giant inflatable sphere started its descent down the zigzag track. To start with I tried to control myself, and was able to remain upright but after a few seconds I realised the whole experience would be heaps more fun if I just let go and went with wherever the ball wanted to take me. With each corner it rolled into, I too found myself rolling, from side to side, upside down and front to back, the whole time being splashed by water! I genuinely didn't stop laughing from the top to the bottom of the hill as I thought 'What on earth am I doing?!' It was hilarious, and while it didn't last nearly long enough, it was such incredible fun and well worth a visit with your travel buddies.

As the sphere bounced to a halt at the bottom of the track, the staff came over to release me and help me climb out, feet first! With such a small amount of water in the ball, I hadn't expected to come out as soaked as I did! Unfortunately for me, I hadn't prepared for that and so didn't take any dry clothes – on a cold day, it was pretty unpleasant, so I'd definitely recommend taking a spare set of clothes if you want to try the Zydro Zorb.

Like most activities in New Zealand, you are offered a chance to buy the ‘official’ photographs after your experience. While it’s never very pleasant forking out additional dollars after an activity, trust me, photos of you crawling out of a large blow-up ball, soaking wet, feet first, is not a sight your friends and family will see every day, and so I highly recommend buying the CD – it's certainly worth the laughs later on.

- Jeff Wells

Major airlines connect New Zealand’s cities and many of its smaller towns, as well as our surrounding islands.

National carrier Air New Zealand runs the widest network of flights around the country, and can take you as far south as Invercargill and as far north as Kerikeri. Book well in advance for the best prices, or keep an eye on grabaseat, where Air New Zealand has low-fare sales.

Jetstar offers another option when flying between our biggest centres, connecting Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin.

Sounds Air, a Picton-based airline, runs a national service flying between smaller airports. It links Wellington with Picton, Nelson, Blenheim, Westport and Taupō, as well as Paraparaumu with Blenheim and Nelson, and Christchurch with Blenheim and Wanaka. You’ll fly in Cessna Caravans, propeller aircraft which each hold 12 passengers, giving every passenger a fantastic window seat, or Pilatus PC12s, which are manufactured in Switzerland and each hold nine passengers.

Barrier Air flies the super-scenic route over the islands in the Hauraki Gulf between Great Barrier Island and Auckland (so you can avoid the often-rough three hour ferry trip), as well as connecting to the North Shore and Kaitaia.

Air Chathams flies the 800km route between the Chatham Islands and Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, as well as flying from Auckland to Whakatane, Whanganui, Tauranga, Napier and the Kapiti Coast. It’s also the only carrier flying direct from New Zealand to Norfolk Island.

Furthest south, Stewart Island Flights flies the 20-minute journey from Invercargill to a beautiful bush-surrounded runway near Oban, on Rakiura Stewart Island.

With more than 500 hostels throughout New Zealand, backpackers are spoilt for choice. Some offer only dormitories, while others also have private rooms. Bed linen and laundry facilities are often available for a charge. Bathroom, kitchen and living areas are usually shared. Hostel chains offer discounts for members and many have activity package deals.

The Youth Hostels Association of New Zealand provides budget backpacker accommodation that upholds international standards, including a number of five-star hostels. YHA New Zealand has a network of over 35 hostels, over half of which are independently owned and operated under the YHA brand. YHA membership gives access to discounts including camper rental, outdoor gear retailers, activities and restaurants.

Budget Backpacker Hostels of New Zealand has almost 300 independently owned member hostels around New Zealand. The BBH Club Card offers special ‘Frequent Sleeper’ rates and preferential online bookings.

BASE Backpackers have high-quality budget accommodation in main centres. Look for their starter packs and activity and bed combos.

New Zealand has been a breeding-ground for forward thinking individuals since its founding in 1840. Kiwis have contributed to a wide range of fields from human-rights to engineering and extreme determination has seen many New Zealanders winning awards and taking world-firsts.

In 1893, New Zealand became the first country in the world in which women won the right to vote, after a campaign led by suffragist Kate Sheppard.

On 31 March 1903 (more than half a year before the Wright Brothers!), Richard Pearse is reputed to have carried out the first powered flight.

Ernest Rutherford was one of the most influential scientists of the 20th Century. Best known for splitting the atom, he was awarded a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908.

In 1934 Rotorua-born Jean Batten broke records when flying solo from Britain to Australia in just 14 days, 22 hours and 30 minutes.

In 1953, beekeeper Sir Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay were the first people to summit Mount Everest.

Inventor and artist John Britten built the world’s fastest motorbike in his spare time and took the motoring world by storm.

Māori cultural experiences rate highly on the highlights reel of travellers to New Zealand, and no matter where you are in the country, it's likely a thrilling cultural experience is not far away.

Marae visits The marae (meeting place) is a central element of Māori culture. Visits must be arranged through a guide, who will brief you on correct protocol.

Cultural performances Based on traditional arts but incorporating contemporary elements, kapa haka is a popular performance art combining theatre and song.

Hangi The hangi is a social occasion where food is cooked in an underground oven: a hole is dug and the food (such as potatoes, pork and kumara) is placed in woven baskets and buried with hot rocks, so the meal cooks in its own steam.

Guided tours Māori people have a spiritual relationship with the natural environment. Go walking with a local guide for an insight into the land’s history and native flora and fauna.

Replica villages See how New Zealand’s tangata whenua (people of the land) lived in pre-colonial times, join in a hangi and watch performance art.

Arts & crafts Māori have developed powerful artistic forms, such as carving and weaving. You can admire stunning examples in museums, or see magnificently carved meeting houses and traditional canoes, or waka. Join a workshop to create your own work of art.

Māori Culture Around the Country

As a nation, New Zealand embraces the Māori element of its culture, and in recent decades there has been a resurgence of Māori language and culture.

Waitangi National Trust [Northland] Site of the Treaty of Waitangi signing in 1840.

Auckland Museum [Auckland] Over 2,000 Māori artefacts including the last great war canoe.

Hell’s Gate [Rotorua] Healing waters and mud used for over 700 years.

Te Puia [Rotorua] Māori artists at work and guided geothermal tour.

Whakarewarewa Thermal Village [Rotorua] Living village in a thermal heritage area.

Tamaki Māori Village [Rotorua] Traditional food and performance.

The Rotorua Museum of Art & History [Rotorua] History of Te Arawa Māori and Mount Tarawera eruption.

Waimarama Māori Tours at Hakikino [Hawke’s Bay] Cultural experience on ancestral lands.

Puke Ariki [Taranaki] Museum, info centre and library.

Te Papa [Wellington] Interactive displays of Māori culture and history.

Pataka [Wellington] World-class exhibitions of Māori art and culture.

Māori Tours Kaikōura [Kaikōura] Local Māori introduce visitors to the region’s history.

Ko Tane – The Māori Experience [Canterbury] Cultural experience, replica village and dining.

Kiwi Haka [Queenstown] Live show by a kapa haka group.

Check out our top 6 Maori cultural experiences.

Take only photos and leave only footprints – it’s an oldie but a goodie. New Zealand is famous for the beauty of its scenery, so make sure you’re doing your part to preserve the landscape for the next traveller.

Protecting New Zealand’s environment starts at the border, with biosecurity checks to prevent pests and diseases entering the ecosystem. Make sure you do your bit and fill out the forms accurately. When you’re travelling around the country, look for ways to be an eco-friendly traveller. Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle for road trips – or use public transport if you can. And when you’re selecting your accommodation, choosing from hotels and motels that have Qualmark accreditation ensures that you’re supporting operators who try to minimise environmental harm. Eating locally is easy in New Zealand! With so much beautiful, fresh produce to choose from, you won’t have to worry about food miles for a moment. In supermarkets, look for food origin labelling on fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood. For really local food, pick up supplies at a farmers’ market.

Green Travel Tips

Help keep New Zealand beautiful by choosing green options whenever possible. Share your rental vehicle with a group or use public transport; keep an eye out for Qualmark accreditation when choosing tour operators and accommodation; clear up your rubbish at camping spots – be a tidy Kiwi! Hiking is a great option – it offers you a close encounter with the landscape and doesn’t use any petrol. On the trail, stick to designated tracks to protect fragile plants and wildlife, and keep showers short and to the point (or go skinny dipping instead – but remember, no soap in rivers and lakes!). 

The New Zealand Cycle Trail project is a national initiative to build a network of cycle trails – Great Rides – throughout New Zealand.

Perhaps the most well-known of these is the Central Otago Rail Trail. This wonderful 150-kilometre cycleway introduces cyclists to gold-rush history in the dramatic landscape of Central Otago. Small towns offering accommodation and eateries along the way ensure that this trail can be experienced with as much indulgence as you choose.

The 42 Traverse in Tongariro National Park (Ruapehu region) is a more challenging prospect. Although it is only 46 kilometres long, the trail covers rugged and isolated countryside and, unlike the Central Otago Rail Trail, there are no eateries or accommodation along the way. Riders will need to carry their own food, first aid kit, warm clothing and tool kit (including a spare tube) for any repairs required along the way. It should only be attempted by those with a reasonable level of fitness.

Wine Tasting

A relaxing way to enjoy cycling in New Zealand is on a wine tour by bike. In wine regions such as Wairarapa and Marlborough, visitors may rent a bicycle and explore the vineyards independently or join a guided group tour around the region.

Self-guided and Guided Tours

Aside from vineyard tours by bike, a range of other self-guided and guided tours are the perfect way for visitors to explore New Zealand by bike. Ranging from short regional bike rides to multi-day road cycle tours from one end of the country to the other, there are options to suit cyclists of all abilities. An advantage with some guided tours is the option to have luggage transported by a bus or minivan, so cyclists don't have to carry it themselves. Mountain bikers can even take the opportunity to brush up their technical skills on a short course with an expert guide. Bear in mind that the first few days of cycling will be the hardest, as riders acclimatise to days spent in the saddle, so don't push yourself too hard!

Gear and Transport

New Zealand offers plenty of places to rent bicycles and gear. Mountain bikes, road bikes and even tandem bicycles are all available, along with child trailers, panniers and all manner of accessories (including essentials such as locks and repair kits!). Some operators offer one-way bike hires, with pick-ups and drop-offs by arrangement. Inter-island ferries, along with most airlines, trains and coaches, will carry bicycles for a fixed charge.

Cycle Safety

In New Zealand, cyclists must wear safety helmets at all times. During the hours of darkness, bikes must be fitted with functioning front and rear lights. It is also a good idea to wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing. When travelling on roadways, cyclists must adhere to New Zealand's road rules – keeping to the left, following the same rules as motor vehicles at intersections, and indicating stops and turns with hand signals at least three seconds prior. Cyclists may ride two abreast where space permits, but they must ride in single file when overtaking other vehicles. Cycle paths should be used whenever possible – they are indicated by signage. Riding on footpaths is prohibited.

The Canterbury Museum in Christchurch has a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition that’s a must-see for anyone with an interest in Antarctica. Created by the team behind Antarctic Heritage Trust in partnership with Canterbury Museum, Breaking the Ice: The First Year in Antarctica allows the public to see items such as a fruitcake and a watercolour painting left behind in two Antarctic expeditions: Carsten Borchgrevink’s one aboard the Southern Cross, and Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova.

After a lengthy and painstakingly process to conserve the artefacts, the items were held in a Canterbury Museum laboratory by a team of international experts from the Antarctic Heritage Trust. As well as the opportunity to look at objects that were used during the expeditions, the exhibition also has a historical element to it with the chance to learn about those who led them and where they were sailing from. Don't miss the chance to observe a selection of famous artefacts from the first buildings in Antarctica.

Breaking the Ice: The First Year in Antarctica
canterburymuseum.com

New Zealand is hugely popular among backpackers. It’s the perfect place for a road trip with friends or a backpacker bus tour to myriad fascinating places, choosing from an almost endless selection of varied activities to enjoy along the way.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the iconic activities that make this country famous! Hostels and camping grounds abound and the country’s major drawcard, its stunning and diverse landscape, is free for every visitor. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to explore rainforests, beaches, glaciers and geothermal fields. Inexpensive accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels to camping grounds complete with cabins and, sometimes, motel units, while a solid network of coach transport makes New Zealand cheap and easy to get around if you’d prefer not to drive. Renting a vehicle is an economical option if you’re travelling in a group, or if you’re flying solo you can buy bus passes or join a specialised bus tour for an unforgettable social experience. When it comes to saving money, there are lots of ways to make your money go further in New Zealand.

Freedom Camping

In New Zealand freedom camping is only permitted in fully self-contained campervans with toilet, shower and grey water storage. It is vital that you adhere to the freedom camping etiquette: make sure you only choose legal spots; never, ever leave rubbish behind; don’t pollute waterways with soap; and never use the great outdoors as a toilet. For more info, visit Camping Our Way.

From the pleasure of experiencing wilderness areas and feeling that you and your partner are the only ones in the world to the luxury of a romantic couple’s retreat in a boutique lodge, New Zealand offers plenty of ways to indulge your romantic side.

Start the day with a hot-air balloon flight followed by a champagne breakfast and spend the morning on an art trail. If you dare, brave a tandem bungy jump and in the evening dine in a romantic restaurant. If you’re about to take the next step, New Zealand is a popular location for weddings. From a traditional church ceremony to a unique setting such as a garden or a beach, you’ll find the perfect spot.

If you’re in New Zealand for any length of time, you may notice the nation has a slight obsession with the game of rugby and its national team!

Long a part of New Zealand culture, the internationally famous black jersey of New Zealand’s national team, the All Blacks (or as they are often known colloquially, the ‘ABs’), was formally chosen as New Zealand’s national playing strip in 1893, and was worn in the following year by the first NZRU-sanctioned national team to visit Australia.

New Zealand’s first test match was played across the Tasman in Sydney, against Australia, in 1903, and in 1904 its first test match on home soil was played against Great Britain – the All Blacks won 9 – 3. By the time they toured the United Kingdom, France and North America in 1905 and 1906, the All Blacks legend was immortalised. The team played 35 matches, losing just one. Now known as ‘The Originals’, this team contributed hugely to New Zealand’s cultural identity, and created a considerable sense of national pride. Since those days, the All Blacks have played in more than 500 test matches and have a success rate of more than 75%, which is among the ‘winningest’ records of any national sports team.

The inaugural Rugby World Cup was held in 1987, in New Zealand and Australia, and was won by the All Blacks. They then endured a long – and for many Kiwi rugby fans, frustrating! – dry spell in the tournament until winning again in 2011 (when the tournament was hold solely in New Zealand), beating France 8-7 in a very tense Eden Park final. The team then defended its title in Britain in 2015 and will try to do the same again in 2019 in Japan.

There are several ways to tap into the New Zealand rugby experience: the Super Rugby series runs from February to late June, with matches in main centres; the national provincial competition, the Mitre 10 Cup (breeding ground for the national team), runs from August to October, making it easy to catch a high-level game at most major cities around New Zealand (see the national schedule at mitre10cup.co.nz); or visit the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North (pictured is one of the museum's pieces; the jersey of Jock Richardson, captain of the All Blacks in 1924 and 1925). If there’s a game on and you’re not able to get to it, head down to the local pub at game time and you’ll find a keen crowd happy for company.

New Zealand has fondly adopted the kiwi bird as its national symbol, and there’s a lot to know about this weird little nocturnal bird that adorns many Kiwiana items, and is so well beloved that the people of the nation are proud to be known as “Kiwis” around the world. Don’t be confused – a “kiwi” is a bird or a New Zealander, not the fuzzy, green-fleshed fruit! In New Zealand these are known by the longer name of kiwifruit.

The kiwi is endemic to New Zealand and easily recognisable by its long beak with nostrils at the tip, tiny wings and shaggy brown feathers. Kiwis are flightless birds, and they spend their days sleeping in underground burrows. At night they sniff out worms, spiders and other insects in the undergrowth, also snacking on New Zealand fruits and plants. Kiwis lay giant eggs (the biggest in proportion to their body of any bird in the world) and the parents take it in turns to sit on the egg for 70 days until the chick hatches.

Species

There are five species of kiwi. The Brown Kiwi can be found in the North Island, while the Tokoeka lives in the southwest of the South Island and the Rowi inhabits the West Coast of the South Island. The Great Spotted Kiwi is found only in the northwest of the South Island, while the rare Little Spotted Kiwi exists only on offshore islands and in predator-free sanctuaries.

An Endangered Icon

Before humans arrived in New Zealand, the country was a predator-free paradise, and many flightless bird species evolved unmolested by carnivores. When humans introduced predators such as cats, rats and stoats, however, the kiwi population shrank drastically, and today they are a threatened species, with perhaps only around 70,000 birds remaining. New Zealand conservation workers are doing their best to protect New Zealand’s national bird through wildlife sanctuaries and breeding programmes.

Legend Has It…

A Māori legend tells the story of how the kiwi lost its wings. According to the myth, Tāne-mahuta, god of the forest, was worried about his children, the trees, as bugs and birds were eating away at them. He consulted his brother, Tāne-hokahoka, god of the birds, who asked his children to come down from the forest roof and live on the floor. But the tui was scared of the darkness on the forest floor, the pukeko didn’t like its dampness, and every bird had another excuse. Only the kiwi agreed to sacrifice his beautiful wings and feathers to live on the forest floor. As a reward, Tane-hokahoka made him the most well-known and best loved bird of all.

Meeting the kiwi

Thanks to conservation efforts, there are plenty of options for seeing kiwi forage in nocturnal houses. Some of the best places include: Whangarei Museum, Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park, the National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier, Wellington and Auckland zoos, ZEALANDIA in Wellington, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch, Kiwi Birdlife Park in Queenstown, and Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park and Kiwi Encounter in Rotorua. And if you’re lucky, you might just see a kiwi in the wild on the beaches of Stewart Island!

In Central Otago you can experience true solitude and spectacular vistas in an inspiring place where the fascinating cultural history tells a story of human endurance against a ruggedly beautiful landscape.

Around the Central Otago Region

Offering a true escape from urban hustle, Central Otago covers 10,000 square kilometres yet has fewer than 17,000 permanent residents. Central Otago is home to small towns where visitors can enjoy southern hospitality juxtaposed against a beautiful and harsh landscape of rugged hills and plains: this is New Zealand’s hottest, coldest and driest region.

Regional Destinations

Alexandra The service centre for surrounding orchards and vineyards, Alexandra is a good place for exploring gold-mining history or shopping for crafts. 

Clyde The site of an impressive hydro-electric dam. 

Cromwell This town on the shores of Lake Dunstan contains a quaint little historic quarter called Old Cromwell Town. There is a good range of accommodation and shopping. 

Ranfurly The main centre of Maniototo has Art Deco architecture dating back to the 1930s. Explore old gold-mining townships or watch curling at Naseby in winter.

Highlights

Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail. Soak up the atmosphere in Old Cromwell Town. Sample Pinot Noir. Explore the rugged Central Otago landscape on a four-wheel-drive tour. Discover old mine workings from the gold rush of the 19th Century.

Land of Extremes

The stark landscape of Central Otago is a place of extremes. Alexandra is both one of the hottest places in the country in summer, and one of the coldest in the winter, often enduring visually spectacular frosts. A point near the historic town of Cromwell, meanwhile, is 119 kilometres from the ocean. In island New Zealand, standing there is as far as you can ever get from the sea.