Discover the roots of New Zealand’s human history in Northland, a region blessed with a spectacular range of coastal scenery and bathed in subtropical warmth. A wealth of activities are available, ranging from sailing to the thrill of sand-tobogganing.

Around the Northland Region

From ancient forests to a coastline etched with quiet coves and white-sand beaches, Northland is a place of contrasts. It’s tranquil and unhurried – a place where you can spend days sailing amid unpopulated islands and then dine at a marina restaurant. In a region dense with history, the line between past and present thins in forests that have stood for millennia and on harbours where some of the first people to arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand first dipped paddles many centuries ago.

Regional Destinations

Mangawhai White-sand beaches just 90 minutes’ drive from Auckland.

Waipū Country village with a Scottish flavour.

Whangārei NZ’s northernmost city.

Tutukaka Gateway to the Poor Knights Islands.

Kawakawa Famous for its Hundertwasser-designed public toilets.

Paihia Base for exploring the Bay of Islands.

Opua Main marina in the Bay of Islands.

Waitangi Home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Kerikeri History, fresh produce and craft galleries.

Kaitāia Last major town before Cape Reinga.

Ahipara Southern end of Ninety Mile Beach.

Omapere & Opononi Hokianga villages popular for beach holidays.

Dargaville Main centre on Northland’s west coast.

Matakohe Visit the Kauri Museum.

Highlights

East Coast Cruise to the Poor Knights Islands – one of the world’s best dive sites. Soak up Scottish history in Waipu Village. Ride the surf on the Tutukaka Coast. Beach-hop along the white sands of Bream Bay. 

Bay of Islands Watch an authentic Maori cultural show at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Go swimming with dolphins in the warm coastal waters. Catch the passenger ferry from Paihia to Russell. Follow the Kerikeri Art & Craft Trail to find hidden treasures in artists’ studios. Take a boat cruise through a flotilla of islands to the Hole in the Rock. Skydive over blue water studded with green islands. 

Far North Join a 4WD tour to the tip of Cape Reinga. Sand-toboggan down massive dunes at Ninety Mile Beach. Discover gum-digging history at Ahipara. Eat fish ’n’ chips at the famous Mangonui chip shop in Doubtless Bay.

West Coast Visit Tāne Mahuta, a 1500-year-old kauri tree in Waipoua Forest. Explore local history in the Kauri Museum at Matakohe. Visit the statue of ‘Opo the Friendly Dolphin’ at Opononi.

Place of Spirits

Cape Reinga offers astonishing coastal views. Far below (290 metres, to be precise), the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet in a turbulent clash, producing waves up to 10 metres high in a phenomenon known as the Columbia Maelstrom. According to Māori legend, this is where departing souls leave to travel back to the ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. The 800-year-old pohutukawa on the cliff is sacred to Māori and should be left well alone.

The South Island’s West Coast is an unforgettable land where blue-white glaciers, dense rainforest, moody rivers and quaint towns are bounded by forest-clad mountains and endless stretches of pounding surf. Get active in the great outdoors or experience local hospitality in a cosy pub.

Around the West Coast Region

Journey into New Zealand’s pioneer heartland; the West Coast is a rugged region boasting an astonishing variety of landscapes, rich human history and abundant wildlife. Sandwiched between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, this region is home to five national parks protecting New Zealand’s highest mountains, longest caves and, most famously, its lowest glaciers. Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, nestled among rainforest, are truly unforgettable.

Regional Destinations

Fox Glacier and Franz Josef villages Picturesque base villages for trips to the glaciers.

Greymouth Historic main commercial centre of the West Coast.

Haast Wildlife paradise in the heart of South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

Hokitika Once a booming gold-rush town, now a peaceful town known for pounamu (greenstone) and its Wild Foods Festival.

Westport Busy port town and gateway to Buller Gorge adventure activities.

Reefton Small village offering outdoor adventures such as hiking and fishing.

Lake Brunner Hiking and fishing in a tranquil alpine landscape.

Karamea Gateway to the Heaphy Track and northernmost town on the West Coast.

Highlights

Hike the Heaphy Track north of Karamea. See the waves crash at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Experience a range of adventure activities including jet boating, hiking and a flying fox ride in the Buller Gorge. Explore pioneering history at Shantytown. Experience the thrill of glacier walking on a guided tour. Soak in a soothing hot pool surrounded by green rainforest. Take a helicopter ride to see the glaciers. Drive the spectacular road from Haast to Jackson Bay. Explore the wild Haast River on a river safari.

Glacier Country

The southern part of the West Coast is a breath-taking region of immense natural beauty, from spectacular glaciers nestled in bush-clad valleys to pristine rainforests. Just a few kilometres from Franz Josef Glacier, the Franz Josef village is an ideal base for exploring, and has a range of accommodation and eateries. Activities include glacier adventures, hiking, rafting and wildlife encounters. The smaller village of Fox Glacier has a range of accommodation and cafés, as well as a general store. From here, visitors can embark on scenic flights, heli-hikes and glacier walks. If you’re planning to experience the West Coast’s glaciers, here’s a quick guide to understanding some of the lingo. Crevasse: Crack in the glacial ice. Dead ice: Left behind after the glacier retreats. Kettle lake: Formed when the dead ice melts. Moraine: Debris formed at the glacier’s side or end.

Waitaki District combines historic whitestone architecture and unforgettable wildlife encounters in a beautiful natural landscape of rolling hills and sparkling rivers.

Around Waitaki DISTRICT

Famed for its dramatic landscape, classical architecture, heritage and its strong links to New Zealand’s pioneering past, the Waitaki District has something for everyone. Its wealthy past, combined with an abundance of limestone, gave rise to Oamaru’s precinct of impressive stone buildings – now New Zealand’s most complete Victorian streetscape. As well as its yesteryear charm, spectacular scenery also abounds in this district, particularly in the Waitaki Valley linking North and Central Otago.

Regional Destinations

Oamaru Known for its historic downtown precinct and buildings constructed out of limestone. Take a walking tour to find galleries, boutiques and antique stores. There’s a penguin colony right on the town’s doorstep where visitors can watch a nightly procession of little blue penguins.

Moeraki This tiny fishing village is famous for the huge spherical boulders that are scattered across its sandy beach – and for fresh seafood!

Waitaki Valley Inland from Oamaru is the Waitaki Valley, an alternative route through to Central Otago. As well as fishing and walks, the valley is home to the Vanished World Centre, showcasing the fascinating fossil discoveries made in the region, and several significant Māori rock drawing sites. 

Omarama Rightly famous for its optimal gliding conditions.

Highlights

Watch little blue penguins come ashore at dusk in Oamaru. Eat fish ‘n’ chips on the beach and contemplate the spherical Moeraki Boulders. Explore the galleries and streets of Oamaru’s historic precinct. Hike in the ruggedly beautiful Waitaki Valley. Fish for salmon in the Waitaki. Take to serene skies in a glider at Omarama.

Ancient Past

Waitaki is known for its striking geology, which includes notable formations and fascinating features like the Moeraki Boulders and has also revealed many secrets about New Zealand’s ancient past. At the Vanished World Centre in Duntroon, you can explore a world that vanished some 20 to 30 million years ago through displays and the fossils of ancient whales, dolphins and invertebrates.

Superb outdoor adventures, unforgettable wildlife encounters and warm southern hospitality await in Southland, a ruggedly beautiful landscape at the far south of New Zealand. Visit Invercargill and explore the surrounding landscape, then travel to Rakiura Stewart Island for a true off-the-beaten track adventure.

Explore the Southland Region

In the deep south of New Zealand, Southland offers breathtaking scenery – from waterfalls to emerald-green hills – combined with a famously warm southern welcome. Invercargill is the region’s hub, and it’s known for its excellent eateries and museum. Get further off the beaten track with a visit to Rakiura Stewart Island. With much of the island protected in Rakiura National Park, New Zealand’s third-largest island is a uniquely unspoilt wilderness bursting with native wildlife.

Regional Destinations

Invercargill Cultured main centre of the Southland region.

Bluff Mainland New Zealand’s southernmost settlement, famous for Bluff oysters.

Oban Stewart Island’s main settlement.

Riverton Coastal settlement and home of the Riverton Rocks.

Highlights

Fly to the wilderness of Stewart Island and land on a deserted beach. Hike to a picturesque waterfall deep in Catlins Forest Park. Visit the oddly spherical Riverton Rocks. Rent a mountain bike and explore Sandy Point. Fish for trout in a sparkling Southland river. Check out the Tuatara colony at Southland Museum. Catch a water taxi from Stewart Island to Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary. Watch wild kiwi foraging on a sandy beach at dusk. Hike on a rainforest trail in the wilderness of Rakiura National Park.

Te Punga o Te Waka

‘The Anchor Stone of Māui’s Canoe’ – the Māori name for Stewart Island refers to the legend of Māui fishing up the mighty Te Ika-a-Māui (the fish of Māui) from his canoe (the South Island).

A premier holiday destination, Queenstown is an outdoor adventure playground set against a stunning scenic background of tranquil lakes and rugged mountains. This is the original home of commercial bungy jumping, but it’s not all about adrenaline – great nightlife, spas and wineries complete the picture.

Around the Queenstown Region

Tucked into the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by jagged peaks, the magical feel of this town hits before your plane touches down. One of New Zealand’s best-known visitor destinations, Queenstown is a stunningly beautiful lakeside resort surrounded by towering mountains. The original home of commercial bungy jumping, Queenstown is famous for its outdoor activities – from the extreme to the more laid-back – against the backdrop of a rugged natural setting. During winter, it’s a popular base for skiers and snowboarders, but Queenstown is a busy destination all year round. Just a short drive away, Arrowtown is a quaint little village rich with gold-mining heritage, great shopping and eateries.

Regional Destinations

Queenstown It has a big reputation for outdoor adventure activities such as bungy jumping, skiing and jet boating, but Queenstown offers a wide range of experiences. Great shopping, dining, day spas and golf courses are relaxing alternatives for passing the time. Its popularity ensures that accommodation is plentiful and the selection of restaurants, bars and boutiques is nothing less than superb. 

Arrowtown The historic village of Arrowtown is a 20-minute drive from Queenstown and is a must-see with its cobbled main street, old stone buildings and gold-mining history. There are good dining options, boutiques and several galleries. 

Glenorchy 45km from Queenstown, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, is the tiny outpost of Glenorchy – departure point for several significant hikes as well as 4WD adventures. The settlement has a pub, a couple of cafés and limited accommodation.

Highlights

Get your adrenaline pumping with canyon swinging, bungy jumping, rafting and much more in this adventure capital. Take a boat cruise across Lake Wakatipu to visit a working high country station. Join a 4WD adventure at Glenorchy and head into the backcountry. Browse the boutiques and indulge at a day spa in Queenstown. Mountain bike hill trails in unforgettable scenery. Pan for gold in the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown.

Gateway to Fiordland

When you’re visiting Queenstown, it’s well worth going the extra mile to visit Fiordland. One of New Zealand’s most remarkable wilderness areas – internationally recognised as a World Heritage Area – Fiordland is a spell-binding landscape of deep fiords, waterfalls, mountains and rainforest. Fiordland’s main gateway, Te Anau, is two hours by road from Queenstown. Milford Sound is another two hours beyond, at the end of a road so visually stunning that it’s best to join a guided tour so that you can sit back and enjoy the scenery. A number of Fiordland operators offer options departing from Queenstown for precisely this reason. Book a tour and you’ll be collected from your Queenstown accommodation and driven to Fiordland in perfect comfort. At the other end of Fiordland’s wilderness is Glenorchy. It is 40 minutes’ drive from Queenstown, at the head of Lake Wakatipu, but you’ll need your hiking boots to get to Fiordland from here. This tiny outpost is the departure point for several well-known hikes into eastern Fiordland – the Routeburn, Caples and Greenstone Tracks. An alternative option is to join a flight-seeing tour of Fiordland. From direct transfers by fixed-wing plane from Queenstown to Milford Sound, to helicopter adventures that include glacier landings, there are options for a range of budgets and schedules.

The Nelson and Abel Tasman region offer New Zealand as paradise. Take your time and explore natural golden-sand beaches lapped by turquoise water and national parks where alpine lakes nestle between forest-clad hills – it’s little wonder this region is a very popular destination for New Zealanders and overseas visitors alike.

Around the Nelson & Abel Tasman Region

Known for superb beaches – from golden-sand bays to coves where the forest grows right down to the water – this region also offers rugged inland landscapes, much of them protected in the Kahurangi and Nelson Lakes national parks. The combination of beautiful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere has clearly proved inspirational for many; you’ll find an abundance of studios and galleries.

Regional Destinations

Nelson This regional city enjoys a pretty coastal setting and is well served with shops and eateries. A magnet for creative types, Nelson is home to The Suter, a renowned art museum. Outdoors, the white-sand beach of Tahunanui is popular.

Richmond Satellite town offering fruit stalls, galleries and a relaxed shopping precinct on the edge of the region’s main wine-growing area. 

Motueka The small town of Motueka, an easy drive northwest of Nelson, is the last major shopping outpost before Abel Tasman National Park. 

Kaiteriteri This is a lovely little village alongside a glorious sweep of golden-sand beach. Departure point for water taxis into the national park. 

Mārahau A tiny outpost just beyond Kaiteriteri, Mārahau is the last settlement before the national park. 

Tōtaranui The northern gateway to the national park is accessible by road from Takaka in Golden Bay.

Escape to Nelson Lakes

Nelson Lakes National Park was established in 1956 to protect 102,000 hectares of the northernmost Southern Alps. Aside from the lakes, the area encompasses forest and mountains, and the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project protects 5000 hectares as a predator-free sanctuary. St Arnaud is the gateway to Nelson Lakes National Park.

Exploring the Abel Tasman Region

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s most visited national park, and it’s no surprise when you consider its combination of golden beaches and forest extending down to the water’s edge in a region enjoying generous sunshine hours. The Abel Tasman Coast Track winds its way around the waterfront – hike all or part of the trail (water taxis can drop walkers partway along). Accommodation for walkers ranges from campsites to lodges. Another popular way to explore is by sea kayak. Overnight guided kayaking tours are hugely popular; paddle across sparkling water by day and camp at a secluded beach by night.

Treasures in Golden Bay

On the other side of Takaka Hill is Golden Bay, a part of the Nelson region that is further off the beaten track but very much worth the journey. Small towns offer a mix of quirky cafés and craft shops, and adventure activities include 4WD trips to Farewell Spit, a nature reserve and the world’s longest sandbar. It’s a part of the country that’s wild and pristine – nowhere more so than at Te Waikoropupū Springs, which are thought to be the clearest freshwater springs in the world (don’t be tempted to swim because the springs could easily become contaminated). The town of Takaka is the largest centre. At the other end of the bay is Collingwood, a tiny village where trips depart to Farewell Spit and hikers set out on the Heaphy Track to the West Coast.

Highlights

Swim at beautiful Tāhunanui Beach, just out of Nelson. Tour the local art and craft galleries. Hike in forest-clad Nelson Lakes National Park. Taste local seafood at a Nelson restaurant. Join an overnight sea kayaking trip in Abel Tasman National Park. Stop for coffee and browse the boutiques in Motueka. Spot seals from the deck of a water taxi. Skydive above stunning scenery. Buy fish ‘n’ chips at Kaiteriteri and eat them on the beach. Spot a huge variety of wild seabirds on a 4WD tour of Farewell Spit. See the 178-metre Harwoods Hole – deepest sinkhole in the Southern Hemisphere. Wander to the sparkling Te Waikoropupū Springs.

From hiking to flight-seeing, discover an extensive range of outdoor activities in a stunning natural landscape of jewel-blue lakes and soaring mountain peaks. The stuff of postcards, it’s home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, and a national park punctuated with ice-white glaciers.

Around the Mount Cook and Mackenzie DISTRICT

This is an incredibly scenic place of blue glacial lakes and tussock-clad hills, lorded over by Aoraki Mount Cook – New Zealand’s tallest mountain. Get close to the mountain with a visit to Mount Cook Village, a hiking expedition in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park or a flight-seeing adventure. Further east, small towns offer a slice of rural life. Spend your days fishing, hiking and skiing (during winter), and your nights stargazing or soaking in a hot pool.

Regional Destinations

Mount Cook Village Historic alpine hamlet, base for exploring Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Lake Tekapo Pretty lakeside village known for its Church of the Good Shepherd.

Fairlie Northern gateway to the Mackenzie, set amid rolling green farmland.

Omarama Small settlement known internationally for its near-perfect gliding conditions.

Twizel Main regional town, well served with amenities and offering a range of activities.

Land of Lakes & Mountains

Mackenzie Country is a spectacularly beautiful region of blue lakes, rolling hills and soaring mountains. Iconic Aoraki Mount Cook, the tallest peak in Australasia, watches over the area, and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park contains numerous glaciers, including the immense Tasman Glacier with its remarkable glacier lake.

Highlights

Hike in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Ski or snowboard during winter months. Stargaze under clear skies at Mount John Observatory. Gaze at astonishingly blue lakes.

Marlborough has much to offer. Delight in cruising pretty waterways, hiking through pristine native forest and sampling the Sauvignon Blanc at internationally renowned wineries in a very special corner of New Zealand’s South Island.

Around the Marlborough Region

From the forests and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds to plains criss-crossed with grape vines further south, Marlborough is a region blessed with natural abundance. Bathed in sunshine, it invites exploration year-round, whether your tastes run to swimming with dolphins or the laid-back pleasure of selecting a favourite among more than 100 wineries. For visitors arriving by ferry, the Marlborough Sounds are their first glimpse of the South Island, and what a first impression it is! Forest-cloaked hills surround tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, and the town of Picton nestles against the shore.

Regional Destinations

Havelock The village of Havelock is the gateway to Pelorus and Keneperu sounds – charter boats and water taxis leave from the marina. It’s famous for its Greenshell Mussels.

Renwick Heart of the Sauvignon Blanc wine industry and an ideal place for a winery tour by bike.

Portage Tiny outpost on Kenepuru Sound. There’s a hotel, and boats and bikes to rent. Portage is accessible by road – take the turnoff at Linkwater on Queen Charlotte Drive.

Picton The main centre in the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an excellent base for beginning an exploration of the region. Situated at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, it’s a departure point for inter-island ferries across the Cook Strait to Wellington, as well as boat cruises and kayak adventures.

Blenheim The region’s main centre, Blenheim has a big reputation for beautiful wines – particularly Sauvignon Blanc – but it is also the gateway to outdoor adventure. The town is the commercial hub of the region and offers a range of eateries and accommodation. Surrounded by vineyards, it enjoys a beautiful setting and sunny climate. 

Anakiwa This small settlement at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound is popular for swimming and water sports. For most people, it marks the end of the Queen Charlotte Track.

Highlights

Take a cycle tour around the famous local wineries. Tour a remote high country station by 4WD. Indulge in a vineyard lunch in the Blenheim sunshine. Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. Walk a section of the Queen Charlotte Track and stop for a swim. Join a dolphin-watching boat cruise in tranquil waterways. Feast on Greenshell Mussels after visiting a mussel farm in Havelock. Experience a sea kayaking adventure around hidden coves. Mountain bike along the Queen Charlotte Track.

How the Marlborough Sounds Were Formed

No, they’re not actually fiords – a clue to the origin of the fiord-like waterways of the Marlborough Sounds lies in the steep, bush-clad hills surrounding them. The Sounds are essentially drowned river valleys, a mountainous region that slowly sank over thousands of years due to geological activity, allowing the sea to gradually flood the once-forested valleys.

The dramatic blue lakes and rugged mountain ranges of the Wānaka region form a spectacular backdrop to a superb range of outdoor adventures and indulgences. This is the gateway to the pristine wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park and its superb hiking opportunities.

Around the Wānaka Region

The pretty lakeside town of Wānaka is an inspiring place for relaxation. This region also offers an amazing range of adventure activities from horse riding in rugged foothills to awe-inspiring scenic flights among the frosted white peaks of soaring mountains. West of Wānaka, Mount Aspiring National Park (the nation’s third largest) is renowned for the diversity of its landscapes, from forests to meadows.

Regional Destinations

Wānaka Tucked along the southern shores of Lake Wānaka, this vibrant town has a fantastic array of amenities in a stunning natural setting. It’s an excellent base for experiencing a wide variety of outdoor activities in the surrounding landscape. Proximity to Mount Aspiring National Park makes Wānaka popular with hikers, and fishing, skiing, mountain biking and boating are just a few of the other activities available.

Lake Hawea Just up the road from Wānaka, Lake Hawea is a tiny settlement on a picturesque lake. Popular for fishing and boating, it offers a handful of accommodation options.

Highlights

Go hiking in the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park. Stop for a meal at the historic Cardrona Hotel. Picnic on the shores of picturesque Lake Wānaka. Try the thrill of white-water rafting on a wild river. Cross-country ski during winter.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Home to New Zealand’s only peaks over 3000 metres outside of 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. There are numerous short walks suitable for most levels of fitness, as well as more strenuous multi-day options.

Kaikōura is a region blessed with unforgettable marine life in a coastal playground. The iconic whale-watching activity it provides is amongst New Zealand’s most famous experiences.

Around the Kaikōura Region

At Kaikōura, rugged mountains drop to the ocean, where you can encounter marine wildlife from albatrosses to seals and whales, and feast on local seafood such as crayfish.

Regional Destinations

Kaikōura Famous for its abundant marine wildlife and encounters and kaimoana (seafood).

Kekerengu A tiny coastal locality that’s a favourite of campers and home to a popular pit-stop café by the Pacific.

Highlights

Take an unforgettable whale-watching boat trip to see these giants of the deep. Go kayaking amongst playful wild seals with an expert guide. See magnificent albatrosses in their natural environment. Taste delicious crayfish fresh from the sea at a seaside caravan. Experience Kaikōura’s Māori culture on a guided tour.

Nature at its Best

Drive along the Kaikōura Coast and you may be transfixed by the pounding surf, or on other occasions the sight of soft mist hanging over an ocean that can appear as flat and shiny as a 50 cent coin. It’s an otherworldly atmosphere that makes it easy to imagine behemoth whales surfacing offshore and seals and dolphins cavorting in the kelp forests.

In Fiordland you’ll explore a place where legends and myths mingle with the overwhelming presence of an awe-inspiring landscape – one that features endless green rainforest and tranquil fiords punctuated by massive waterfalls. Fiordland is a region that will fulfil all your fantasies of a pristine wilderness.

Around the Fiordland Region

Fiordland is a dramatic landscape carved thousands of years ago as glacial rivers ground valleys through granite mountains. One of the largest national parks in the world, Fiordland is also part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area in recognition of its precious status.

Regional Destinations

Milford Sound Beautiful Milford Sound is a destination that has any visitor reaching for superlatives. A magnificent fiord surrounded by sheer cliffs clad in green rainforest and punctuated by waterfalls when it rains, this is a place where the landscape is the main attraction. Even the journey to get here is an unforgettable experience. Milford Sound is the only one of the fiords accessible by road, and the Milford Road is a spectacular highway. There is only very limited accommodation so, unless joining an overnight boat cruise or multi-day hiking adventure, most visitors explore the area on day trips from Queenstown or Te Anau. 

Te Anau Regional centre and base for exploring Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park.

Manapouri Tiny Manapouri is the departure point for trips to Doubtful Sound. Fishing and kayaking on Lake Manapouri are also popular. Amenities in Manapouri include cafés, a restaurant and some accommodation. With no road access, Doubtful Sound does not have as many visitors – this serene and beautiful fiord can be explored by kayak or on a boat cruise.

Highlights

Relax and enjoy a guided coach and boat tour to Milford Sound. Take a hike in the spectacular wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Go fishing for trout in the quiet waters at Manapouri. Visit the West Arm Underground Power Station. Cruise across Lake Te Anau to see the glow-worm caves. Kayak in the serene surroundings of Doubtful Sound.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest (and one of the world’s larger national parks) and contains several very popular hiking trails including the Milford, Kepler and Routeburn tracks, all three of which are amongst the country’s selection of 10 Great Walks. The Milford Track passes by the spectacular Sutherland Falls, one of the world’s highest at 581 metres.

The city of Dunedin and the coastal Otago region offer an unforgettable blend of natural and human heritage – world-class wildlife encounters on the coast and beautiful historical architecture in the city itself.

Around the Dunedin & Coastal Otago Region

This is a region of remarkable natural beauty overlaid with a fascinating cultural history. Rich with historical architecture, this is the perfect place to explore New Zealand’s heritage. Yet this is only part of the story. The architecture and the well-regarded Otago University forms a backdrop to Dunedin’s vibrant modern culture, known for its designers and student vibe, and world-renowned wildlife experiences in a rugged landscape.

Regional Destinations

Dunedin Home to many noteworthy historical buildings, from Larnach Castle and Olveston House to New Zealand’s oldest university and the Dunedin Railway Station – one of New Zealand’s most photographed buildings. Dunedin is renowned for its shopping, and has a particular reputation for cutting-edge fashion. It also offers lively nightlife.

Portobello Tiny village on the Otago Peninsula.

Port Chalmers Quaint fishing port with charming colonial buildings.

Highlights

Experience the thrill of spotting wild dolphins, seals and penguins. Listen to ghost stories at Larnach Castle – New Zealand’s only castle! Shop for locally designed fashion in Dunedin. Ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway to Middlemarch. Take a scenic walk on the Otago Peninsula. Visit the tiny village of Portobello near Dunedin.

Scottish Legacy

In the 1830s a whaling station was founded in the Otago Harbour, and by 1848 the area was settled by a predominantly Scottish population, with Dunedin given the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. New Zealand’s first university was founded here in 1869, and the statue of Scottish bard Robbie Burns in The Octagon celebrates this heritage.

Southern Fashion

Dunedin has a big reputation for producing world-class edgy, innovative fashion. Up-and-coming designers exhibit their creations during iD Dunedin Fashion Week – at any other time of the year, you can find their work for sale in boutiques around the city.

Treat yourself to a host of experiences in Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city and a perfect base for exploring a region packed with adventures. Regularly appearing on 'top places in the world to visit' lists, Christchurch has changed a lot since the earthquakes of late 2010 and early 2011. It offers a wealth of things to do – and a one-of-a-kind glimpse at a city rebuilding.

Around the Christchurch & Canterbury Region

The largest city in the South Island has long been heralded as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful, known for parks and gardens, Gothic revival stone buildings and the tranquil Ōtākaro  Avon River in the central city. In late 2010 and early 2011, however, the city was subjected to earthquakes that damaged many of the famous heritage buildings and atmospheric shopping precincts. But Christchurch has come a long way in rebuilding the central city, with new laneways full of high-end boutiques and fabulous eateries. The Crossing is a magnet for fashionistas and provides easy access to retail icon Ballantynes. The Terrace and the SALT District in particular are home to a smorgasbord of venues for dining and socialising. In the surrounding landscape, you can experience mountain biking, swimming with dolphins at French-flavoured Akaroa and skiing near Methven.

Regional Destinations

Christchurch The ‘Garden City’ is New Zealand’s second-largest centre.

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. 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. 

Arthur’s Pass Mountain village high on the doorstep of Arthur’s Pass National Park. 

Ashburton Relaxed rural service centre. 

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. 

Methven Outdoor adventures abound in the landscape around this wintertime ski resort.

Oxford Village in the foothills known for its café and cooking school. 

South Canterbury Predominantly a rural area, South Canterbury is home to big skies and stunning patchwork plains (best seen from the air) that roll towards the Southern Alps, from which majestic braided rivers flow towards an ever-changing coastline. 

Waipara Valley The centre of Canterbury wine-growing, located in a sheltered microclimate.

Highlights

Glide down the Ōtākaro Avon River on an Edwardian punt. Swim with the Hector’s dolphins at Akaroa. Hike in Arthur’s Pass National Park, an alpine wilderness area. Take a penguin colony safari to Pohatu Bay. 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. Indulge in gourmet local food products in Geraldine. Browse craft studios and art galleries dotted around the region. Enjoy a luxurious soak in the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa.

The Great Plains

Rent a car and head out of town to the wide expanse of the Canterbury plains, where smaller centres are worth exploring. West Melton, on the western edge of Christchurch, has vineyards and wineries open for lunch and wine-tasting. Tai Tapu, on the road to Akaroa, is another popular wine-growing area.

Online guide

For a destination guide of the best things to see, do, eat, drink and shop in Christchurch, check out cityscape.co.nz, or pick up a copy of Cityscape magazine at businesses and malls around town.

From high in the rugged hills of Whanganui National Park, where the Whanganui River begins its long journey, to the charming historic town of Whanganui nestled between river and sea, this region invites you to get off the tourist trail and create your own authentic New Zealand experience, whether it’s a canoe journey on a sacred river or an afternoon at one of Australasia’s top contemporary art galleries.

Around the Whanganui Region

The rugged hills of Whanganui National Park, pleasant river town of Whanganui and the quintessentially Kiwi small town of Taihape (famous for its annual Gumboot Day) all have their own charms to offer in this peaceful and relaxing region that is steeped in history.

Regional Destinations

Whanganui Great eateries and a renowned art gallery on the Whanganui River.

Taihape Small country town in the Rangitikei.

Highlights

Visit the acclaimed Sarjeant Art Gallery hewn of Oamaru stone. Whether by paddle steamer or canoe, take a boat trip on the Whanganui River. Ride the historic Durie Hill Elevator in urban Whanganui. Visit the haunting Bridge To Nowhere.

Māori Culture

The region around the mouth of the Whanganui River was a major area of Māori settlement, and today a deep sense of culture pervades the Whanganui region. Several marae are dotted along the Whanganui River, deep in the Whanganui National Park.

New Zealand’s much-loved political and cultural capital of Wellington lies on a sparkling harbour at the bottom of the North Island, not far from forest-clad hills and a delightful wine-growing region. Explore urban precincts, each with their own distinct character, then take to the harbour and the hills for outdoor experiences on the edge of the city.

Around the Wellington Region

The cultured urban life in New Zealand’s capital is capable of indulging all the senses. Wellington steals hearts; set on a stunning harbour, with bush-clad hills all around and old wooden houses alongside sparkling glass towers, it’s utterly unique. Shopping, dining and culture abound.

Regional Destinations

Paraparaumu Main centre of the Kapiti Coast, with easy access to beaches and forests.

Upper Hutt City at the base of the rugged Remutaka Hills.

Lower Hutt Satellite city across the harbour in the Hutt Valley.

Porirua Major retail precinct and home of a renowned art gallery.

Wellington Political and cultural capital of New Zealand.

Highlights

Take a guided tour of the historic Parliament Buildings. Learn about New Zealand culture at one of the many museums including Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand. Step into the past with a ride on the heritage cable car. Watch live theatre, music or dance after dinner in a city restaurant. Shop till you drop in the heart of Wellington City. Encounter native wildlife at a protected nature reserve.

Wellywood

Wellington, the home of director Sir Peter Jackson, has been the nerve centre for New Zealand’s recent notable participation in the international film industry. Special effects wizards Weta are based there, and the city also houses Sir Peter’s Stone Street Studios, used for filming such Hollywood blockbusters as The Hobbit films, the remake of King Kong, and James Cameron’s smash hit Avatar.