The Wairarapa is a picturesque rural region of holiday cottages and vineyards alongside a rugged coastline. Masterton is the main centre. Further south, the historic main street of Greytown offers an array of cute boutiques. Martinborough Wine Village is the epicentre of the region's wine-growing: an ideal place for a walking wine tour or wine tour by bike.

Regional Destinations

Martinborough Numerous vineyards surround the pretty village square.

Masterton Urban centre of the Wairarapa region.

Greytown Features a Victorian main street lined with shops and cafés.

Highlights

Browse the boutiques in quaint country towns. Take a cycle tour of the wineries in Martinborough Wine Village. Visit Pūkaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre.

Wine Country

Just one hour’s drive northeast of bustling Wellington yet fringed by mountains and rugged coast, the Wairarapa offers a diverse range of experience for lovers of great wine, gourmet organically grown food, astonishing wildlife and natural beauty. The area is particularly renowned as a wine-growing region, with out-of-the-way towns such as Martinborough boasting over 20 vineyards surrounding the village square. Wairarapa is also home to a wealth of other specialist food producers – from olive oils, fruits and vegetables, nuts and herbs to honey, traditional cider, boutique beer, cheeses and chocolate, this region is the perfect destination for those with an interest in culinary indulgence.

On the Wine Trail

Since grape vines were first planted around Martinborough during the 1970s, the local industry has boomed, and there are now more than 50 vineyards in the Wairarapa – most within a fairly handy distance for a cycle tour! Note though that some wineries are open only during summer months, so it pays to do a bit of research when planning your route.

Explore pretty rural villages, rolling green hills and tranquil oak-studded countryside, then venture underground to a remarkable cave network. The Waitomo Caves are world-famous and offer a wealth of activities to suit all visitors – from abseiling and black-water rafting to glow-worm spotting.

Around the Waikato & Waitomo Region

First impressions of the Waikato region are of a tranquil rural retreat and villages among the hills that invite exploration, whether you’re hunting for antiques or coffee. Hamilton is known for its gardens and riverside dining. It’s an easy drive southwest to Waitomo, where a cave network invites exploration of a different kind, from black water rafting to floating in a cavern studded with glow-worms.

Regional Destinations

Hamilton Main regional centre on the banks of the Waikato River.

Cambridge Quaint country town known for antiques and racehorses.

Raglan Laid-back surf town known for art and craft galleries.

Te Awamutu Rural centre and birthplace of the musically talented Finn brothers.

Otorohanga Kiwiana town featuring a pretty flower basket-lined main street.

Waitomo Village Small village atop an intricate underground cave network.

Te Kuiti Main service centre in the King Country region.

Tirau Small village boasting numerous cafés and shops.

Matamata The set of Hobbiton in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.

Highlights

Rent a surfboard and hit the beach at laid-back Raglan. Explore the themed areas at Hamilton Gardens. Browse the boutiques and antique shops in a rural village. Visit the Hobbiton set from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Gaze up at twinkling glow-worms in an underground cavern. Get wet sliding down an underground river. Laugh at the Billy Black Culture Show. Go hiking in Mount Pirongia Forest Park. Meet New Zealand icons at the Kiwi House in Otorohanga.

Underground Adventures

Waitomo is Māori for ‘the stream that flows into the hole in the ground’. The cave network is the setting for activities ranging from glow-worm spotting to the more extreme adventures of black-water rafting and abseiling.

Explore gold-mining history in rugged rainforest-clad gorges and snorkel in the sparkling waters off pōhutukawa-fringed beaches. This is a region rich in natural abundance and home to a thriving population of artists.

Around the Coromandel Region

With 400 kilometres of coastline, The Coromandel is the perfect place for a beach-hopping holiday. Rustic, laid-back and unspoilt, this is a place where you can fully relax – the most taxing decision will be which one-of-a-kind treasure to buy in a quaint craft gallery. Charter a boat in Mercury Bay, go mountain biking or explore gold rush history, and then recharge at a restaurant; this is the perfect place to unwind.

Regional Destinations

Thames Historic main centre and gateway to the region.

Coromandel Town Tranquil haven for artists and craftspeople. Whitianga Popular harbourside holiday town.

Hahei Tiny village surrounded by great beaches.

Tairua Cafés, restaurants and a surf beach. Pauanui Plush beach holiday resort.

Whangamatā Surfing, cafés and a forest park.

Paeroa Home of Lemon & Paeroa – New Zealand’s soft drink.

Waihi A working goldmine and gateway to Karangahake Gorge.

Highlights

Explore old gold-mining tunnels in the Karangahake Gorge. Take a photo of the giant L&P bottle at Paeroa. Drive the Thames Coast Road north to Coromandel Town. Visit a huge working goldmine at Waihi. Browse art and craft studios in and around Coromandel Town. Head east to often-deserted beaches such as New Chum’s and Otama. Visit the Coromandel Goldfield Centre and try panning for gold. Dig your own spa in the sand at low tide on Hot Water Beach. Pack a picnic and walk to Cathedral Cove. Learn to surf at Opoutere Beach. Mountain bike in the Tairua Forest just outside Whangamata.

An Illustrious History

In 1852 alluvial gold was discovered at Driving Creek by Charles Ring, but it was not until the 1860s that a discovery near Thames stimulated a major gold rush in the Coromandel. By 1868 the population of Thames had swelled to 18,000, making it the second most populous town in New Zealand at the time.

In the Taupō region you can base yourself on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake in the centre of an area that offers myriad outdoor activities in an unforgettable landscape. From hiking and fishing to culture and geothermal activity, there’s a lot to do!

Around the Taupō Region

An impressive lake is the lynchpin of a remarkable landscape. Taupō is an ideal base for exploring, but Turangi is a popular fishing retreat and further south are smaller towns with easy access to outdoor activities. Discover sights that will fix themselves in your memory: 220,000 litres of water per second pouring over Huka Falls, and the early morning sunshine sparkling on the great Lake Taupō.

Regional Destinations

Taupō Sparkling resort town and main centre of the region.

Turangi Trout-fishing capital and wintertime ski resort.

On the Shores of Lake Taupo

New Zealand’s largest lake dominates the centre of the North Island. The lake and surrounding area enable visitors to experience a wide range of activities, from thrills like skydiving or bungy jumping through to the relaxed pleasures of trout fishing or soaking in a thermal pool. The main centre of the Central North Island is Taupō, a lakeside resort offering an excellent range of accommodation, dining and activities. Lake Taupō is the focal point for the town. From swimming to boating and fishing, it offers a wealth of recreation options. The small town of Turangi on the southern shores of Lake Taupō is the hub of trout fishing in the region.

Highlights

Take a walk to the Huka Falls. Fish for trout with the help of a professional guide. Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Taupō. Explore Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park. Visit the excellent Taupō Museum. Skydive above New Zealand’s largest lake.

Big Fish Stories

Brown and Rainbow Trout were introduced to the Taupō region at the end of the 19th Century and quickly adapted, growing to good sizes in the new environment. Since the writer Zane Grey visited in the 1920s and wrote about his experiences fishing at Lake Taupō, the region has been world-famous for trout fishing. Today, Lake Taupō and the surrounding rivers offer world-class fishing throughout the year. Turangi, a small town on the southern shores of the lake, is a popular base for trout fishing. Numerous fishing guides and charters operate out of Taupō and Turangi. A licence is required to fish for trout in New Zealand; this can be organised by your fishing guide.

Go west to Taranaki and explore a special corner of New Zealand where the down-to-earth rhythms of rural life take place in a landscape that’s out of this world. The main centre, New Plymouth, is a cultured – and very appealing – place where you’ll find surprisingly sophisticated eateries and boutiques.

Around the Taranaki Region

Spectacularly beautiful, Taranaki is a region of rural landscapes, amazing surf beaches and a perfect cone-shaped mountain – Mount Taranaki – and it’s the perfect place for an inspiring road trip. The region’s main centre, New Plymouth, is a cosmopolitan town with great restaurants, galleries and boutiques.

Regional Destinations

New Plymouth Enjoying a beautiful coastal setting, with views to Mount Taranaki, and brimming with great eateries, gardens, shops and cultural attractions, New Plymouth is a cosmopolitan small city. On the waterfront is the museum, Puke Ariki, and just around the corner is the acclaimed Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. The TSB Bowl of Brooklands hosts numerous high-profile performers from around the world in its outdoor amphitheatre. 

Stratford The gateway to Mount Taranaki is also a monument to William Shakespeare, with a Glockenspiel clock from which Romeo and Juliet emerge several times daily. Take the turnoff to Dawson Falls at the foot of Mount Taranaki – departure point for walks. 

Opunake The tiny town of Opunake on coastal Surf Highway 45 has excellent surf and safe swimming.

Hāwera The service town of Hāwera in South Taranaki is home to an excellent museum featuring life-size dioramas depicting local history.

Highlights

Learn about local culture and heritage at the waterfront Puke Ariki centre. Watch Romeo and Juliet emerge from the Glockenspiel clock in Stratford. Wander (or cycle, or skate) along the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. Hit the road and check out the beaches along Surf Highway 45. Hike under the watchful eye of Mount Taranaki in Egmont National Park.

Mark Your Diary

Be sure to check the events calendar when you’re visiting Taranaki; despite its small size, New Plymouth regularly stages international concerts and great festivals.

South of Lake Taupo and overlooked by a triad of volcanoes, the high-altitude plateau setting of the Ruapehu region is a breathtaking location for myriad outdoor adventures. Explore the ski areas of Mount Ruapehu and the wilderness of Tongariro National Park, with its native forest and white-water rivers.

Around the Ruapehu Region

Mount Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Tongariro are the lynchpins around which the Ruapehu region pivots. The Desert Road (State Highway 1) passes east of the mountains from Turangi to Waiouru, and Tongariro National Park is on the western side.

Regional Destinations

Waiouru This busy little highway village marks the turnoff to State Highway 49 around the southern side of the mountains. It’s the site of New Zealand’s National Army Museum. 

Ohakune The pleasant little village of Ohakune is downright charming in winter, when all is coated with snow. It has accommodation and dining, and is a popular base for skiing. 

National Park New Zealand’s highest-altitude urban settlement, at 825 metres above sea level. It’s well positioned for hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or skiing Mount Ruapehu.

Whakapapa Village Located at the base of Mount Ruapehu and just 10 minutes’ drive from the ski area. The Bayview Chateau Tongariro hotel is an iconic local spot offering accommodation, dining and a bar. 

Taumarunui The main centre of the region is located northwest of the mountains. It’s a good base for exploring the National Park, tackling the 42 Traverse mountain bike trail or starting a Whanganui River Journey.

Highlights

Visit the National Army Museum at Waiouru. Spend a day hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Ski on a volcano! Brave the famous 42 Traverse mountain bike trail. Take a scenic flight over the other-worldly landscape. Go white-water rafting in Tongariro National Park.

Ski a Volcano!

It’s not everywhere in the world that you have the chance to ski on a live volcano, but the Whakapapa and Turoa skifields on Mount Ruapehu allow you to do just that. Ruapehu still rumbles on occasion – the most recent eruption was in 2007 – but is closely monitored by scientific authorities for any signs of increased activity.

Rotorua is an unforgettable place where other-worldly geothermal features, from geysers to boiling mud pools, are the backdrop for adventure activities and some of New Zealand’s most accessible Māori cultural experiences. World-class geothermal spa resorts ensure a well-balanced vacation!

Explore the Rotorua Region

Leave the ordinary world behind and explore a place where the hazards on the local golf course are bubbling mud pools. Watch a geyser erupt, pick your way around steaming hot pools, or visit one of the geothermal spa complexes for a relaxing soak or Māori massage. Then take in one of Rotorua’s many cultural experiences, from a soul-satisfying forest walk with a Māori guide to a stirring powhiri, or welcome,  followed by dinner cooked in a traditional hangi.

Regional Destinations

Rotorua Busy lakeside town with a deep cultural heart in a geothermal setting.

Lake Rotoma Peaceful lake popular with New Zealand campers.

Highlights

Visit a geothermal park to see active geysers and bubbling mud pools. Watch a kapa haka performance by local Māori. Soak away your evening in a hot thermal pool. See real kiwi birds at a wildlife park. Sample fun – and sometimes hair-raising – adventure activities. Fish for trout or go boating in a Rotorua lake.

Strange Land

Other-worldly features such as bubbling mud pools are commonplace in Rotorua. The region makes the most of these eye-catching natural features with a number of popular visitor areas that allow you to get up close to the region’s most spectacular geothermal wonders in safety.

In the Manawatū region, the landscape is dominated by rolling hills and dotted with villages that offer an authentic slice of New Zealand farming life; from the unpretentious university city of Palmerston North to country villages where you can join the gumboot-clad locals for a ‘couple of quiets’ at a pub that’s served the community for generations.

Around the Manawatū Region

Exciting outdoor activities and wilderness experiences abound in this region. The university town of Palmerston North is a bustling service centre with a wide range of shops and amenities, including plentiful accommodation. In the countryside beyond lie small towns such as Feilding and Shannon.

Regional Destinations

Palmerston North A bustling small city in the heart of the Manawatū region. As a university town, it also has a number of bars and pubs to keep the students busy by night. A temperate climate ensures that the local gardens are impressive and the surrounding landscape, intersected by the Manawatū River and overlooked by mountains, ensures there are plenty of outdoor activities. 

Feilding The pretty country town of Feilding, just outside Palmerston North, is a great place to experience country life – watch livestock being auctioned at the saleyard or browse one of the country’s best farmers’ markets. 

Mangatainoka This small rural town is home to the nationally famous Tui brewery, which has been operating in its distinctive brick building since 1889 and attracts over 40,000 visitors each year to brewery tours and its onsite brew bar and café.

Highlights

Visit the acclaimed Te Manawa museum, art gallery and science centre. Hike in the forest-clad Manawatū Gorge. Stop and smell the roses at The Esplanade by the Manawatū River. Experience adventure in the rugged Rangitikei region.

All Blacks Country

Manawatū has a proud rugby history and Palmerston North houses the New Zealand Rugby Museum, showcase of the nation’s national sport/obsession for well over a century. It holds an extensive collection of memorabilia, historical items, rugby information and of course, silverware!

Sample the finer things in life in Hawke’s Bay, a beautiful part of the country where a stunning Art Deco town (Napier) nestles between the blue Pacific and the sun-bleached hills of wine country. This region on the east coast of the North Island produces some of New Zealand’s very best red wines.

Around the Hawke’s Bay Region

Napier is a charming seaside city where the fresh whites of Art Deco buildings contrast with a blue sky. From Marine Parade, lined with Norfolk pines, to the café culture of the CBD, Napier is an appealing destination. Sunny and warm, Hawke’s Bay is the nation’s oldest wine-growing region and remains a top wine producer. Excellent hiking and mountain biking and a stunning cliff-top golf course complete the recipe for an unforgettable holiday.

Regional Destinations

Napier Extraordinary Art Deco architecture and fine wine.

Hastings Established wine- and fruit-growing region.

Havelock North Charming country village with great shopping and dining.

Highlights

Join a walking tour of Art Deco architecture in central Napier. Take a 4WD adventure to Cape Kidnappers gannet colony. Sample fantastic local wines at the cellar door. Rent a bike and cycle along the waterfront. Take in the view from Te Mata Peak.

The World’s Longest Place Name

Taumatawhakatangihangakōauauotamateapōkaiwhenuakitānatahu is located in Hawke’s Bay and translates to: ‘The place where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, who slid, climbed and swallowed mountains, known as land-eater, played his flute to his loved one’.

In Gisborne you can feel the very essence of New Zealand. Eastland is a charming and unspoilt part of the country where vineyards cloak the hills, white-sand surf beaches beckon and authentic Māori culture is alive and well and easily accessible to visitors. The East Cape is the perfect place for a soul-satisfying road trip.

Around the Gisborne & Eastland Region

Eastland rewards visitors with a taste of soothingly slow-paced life. A place where barefoot children ride two-up on ponies and marae are still integral for communities, Eastland offers an unpackaged glimpse into Māori culture. But don’t think you’ll be leaving contemporary comforts behind – Eastland’s sophisticated side is evident in vineyards producing New Zealand’s best chardonnay and in the main centre, Gisborne, where café and surf culture blend.

Regional Destinations

Hicks Bay Beautiful and remote bay popular for swimming and surfing.

Te Araroa Home of the largest pōhutukawa tree in the world, Te Waha o Rerekohu.

Tolaga Bay Historic wharf, swimming beach and start of Cook’s Cove Walkway.

Gisborne Surf and café culture combine in the main centre.

Highlights

Climb Mount Hikurangi to see the sunrise. Join a guided tour out to the remote lighthouse at East Cape. Wander along historic Tolaga Bay Wharf. Go on a multi-day hike in Te Urewera National Park. Taste Eastland chardonnay at a vineyard.

Mount Hikurangi

The summit of this Eastland peak, at 1,754 metres, is the first place in New Zealand (and therefore among the earliest places in the world) to see the sunrise each day.

The Bay of Plenty provides a chance to unwind and enjoy the sunshine in a stunning coastal playground that offers myriad outdoor activities on its endless beaches, out on the water, and in the bountiful hinterland with its forest-clad hills. Head offshore to circumnavigate White Island, an active volcano just off the coast.

Around the Bay of Plenty Region

The Bay of Plenty was named by Captain Cook in the 18th Century and the moniker remains apt. Renowned for its bounty of produce – including the famous kiwifruit – the region’s sunshine and mild climate are the perfect complement to the long arc of its coastline. Hit the beach or explore the hinterland with its forest walks, white-water rafting and fruit farms.

Regional Destinations

Waihi Beach Popular beach getaway boasting excellent surf.

Katikati The ‘mural town’ is a small arty village.

Tauranga Small but sophisticated harbourside city.

Mount Maunganui Beach resort renowned for great surf and sand.

Te Puke Kiwifruit capital of New Zealand.

Whakatāne Base for visits to Moutohora Whale Island.

Ōhope Popular summertime beach resort.

Ōpōtiki Relaxed beach town and gateway to Eastland.

Highlights

Climb to the top of Mauao (Mount Maunganui). Learn all about the iconic kiwifruit at Kiwi 360. Soak in the Mount Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools. Brave an exciting white-water rafting adventure on the powerful Wairoa River. Take a flight over Whale Island (Moutohora). Relax on the white sands of Ōhope Beach. Join a dolphin-watching boat cruise. Hike in the wilderness of Te Urewera National Park.

Dolphin Encounters

The Bay of Plenty is home to thousands of Common Dolphins. Join a dolphin-watching tour and experience the unforgettable thrill of meeting wild dolphins on their terms in the clear waters off Whakatāne. Migrating whales are often spotted in the region too, among them the mighty orca, minke and pilot whales.

Feast your senses on Auckland’s dazzling array of activities, plentiful dining and shopping options, and stunning landscapes in New Zealand’s biggest city; the cosmopolitan and culturally diverse ‘City of Sails’. With a unique location bordered by harbours and rainforest, Auckland also offers easy access to island escapes and back-to-nature hiking.

Around the Auckland Region

It’s the gateway to New Zealand for many, but it’s more than just a transit point – take time to explore this beguiling city. Fast-paced by New Zealand standards, the nation’s biggest centre covers 500 square kilometres. Centred between two harbours and bordered by rainforest, this city is unlike any other: a modern and multicultural Pacific centre.

Regional Destinations

Auckland City Urban life in New Zealand’s biggest city.

Waitākere Dramatic black-sand beaches and rainforest.

Kumeu Wineries and market gardens.

Piha West coast surf beach.

Muriwai Wild black-sand beach.

Orewa Bustling village on a beautiful golden beach.

Waiwera Soak in the hot pools.

Puhoi Living historic village.

Warkworth Gateway to beaches and wineries.

Matakana Wine country and white-sand beaches.

Leigh Swim at a marine reserve.

Waiheke Island Wineries and great beaches.

Rangitoto Island Iconic volcanic cone.

Kawau Island Quirky cultural history.

Tiritiri Matangi Island Bird sanctuary.

Highlights

Get out on the Waitematā Harbour – dotted with yachts and spanned by the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Climb a cone – there are 48 volcanic cones in Auckland and they offer great city views. Spend a night out at The Viaduct, Auckland’s favourite dining precinct, where restaurants and bars line the marina. Take in expansive views from the top of the Sky Tower. Dare to bungy jump off the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge. Visit the impressive Auckland Museum and the leafy Domain. Stroll around historic Parnell and shop ‘til you drop in the CBD.

City Hot Spots

The Auckland region is literally a hot spot! Hidden 100 kilometres beneath the city is an extra-hot mantle and from time to time over the past 140,000 years it has erupted as volcanoes. There are 48 volcanic cones around the city – the most recent to erupt was Rangitoto, about 600 years ago. Today the cones are pleasant green oases and great lookout points. Mount Eden (Maungawhau), One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) and North Head in Devonport are all excellent vantage points. 

From forest-fringed beaches to soaring mountains, the scenery of the South Island is an unforgettable backdrop to adrenaline-pumping adventure and indulgent relaxation. But did you know that in addition to its famous landscapes, the South Island is also home to rich cultural heritage and fascinating cities?

Exploring the South

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime – the South Island’s diversity is awe inspiring.

The South Island of New Zealand is renowned for its natural beauty, an untamed paradise dominated by a rugged and unspoilt landscape. No need to forgo the comforts of civilisation though – South Islanders like to balance the wilderness of their surroundings with the best of food, wine and accommodation. Whatever your budget, there is a multitude of accommodation options scattered against the wild backdrop.

Outdoor adventure aficionados will find themselves well served in the South Island. In the north the theme is maritime. Sheltered coves invite exploration by kayak, and coastal forest is ideal for a scenic walk. In the northeast, Blenheim is the centre of a wine-producing region, while Kaikoura is a base for wildlife encounters. Christchurch, where modern culture blends with historic atmosphere, is the South Island’s largest city.

Further south, the picture-postcard Mackenzie region is dominated by mountains and lakes. In Queenstown and Wanaka, you can dine in a world-class restaurant amid a panorama of mountains. In winter, the ski areas offer fantastic skiing. Dunedin, the other major city of the South Island, is set on a harbour. This is a city with strong roots in the past: historic buildings, including New Zealand’s only castle, are a must-see.

Take a trip to Stewart Island, the smallest of New Zealand’s three major islands, where you can explore untouched wilderness and see the abundance of wildlife. To truly experience the untamed beauty of nature, any visit must include the West Coast. From Karamea in the north through to Fiordland in South Westland, in this extraordinary region you’ll be spellbound by the lush rainforests and rugged scenery. 

The North Island combines natural beauty with city style in a mild climate; perfect whether you’re seeking a beach holiday, an authentic cultural experience or retail therapy. Many New Zealand journeys begin in Auckland, but take the time to explore a surprisingly wide range of destinations outside the big city.

Exploring the North

From Māori culture and cosmopolitan cities to enticing beaches and harbours. 
The North Island is the gateway to New Zealand for many international visitors. From the northern tip, where swirling seas form an eerie backdrop to Māori legend, to the culture capital of Wellington, this is an island where abundance knows no bounds.

Highlights range from amazing natural landscapes to high culture. The central North Island features astounding thermal activity, from geysers to mud pools and hot springs. In the Waitomo district, cave networks provide opportunities for adventure. Delve further into legend with an exploration of Māori culture – it is easily accessible to any visitor. Rotorua is a particular highlight for those interested in learning about the Māori people.

No visit to the North Island would be complete without setting foot in the native forests that drape the hills. Sample the bounty of rivers and lakes by fishing for trout. Offshore, swim with dolphins or explore underwater life on a diving expedition. The North Island is blessed with a huge variety of beaches, from golden bays to wild surfing breaks. Great places to enjoy New Zealand’s maritime treasures include the subtropical setting of the Bay of Islands and Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’.

To discover the latest in contemporary New Zealand culture, begin your adventure in Auckland or Wellington, the North Island’s largest cities. Auckland enjoys a unique setting on two harbours that are studded with islands, and features a large number of highly regarded restaurants, cafés and bars. Wellington has a style all its own. Set on a harbour and surrounded by hills, this is where New Zealand’s politicians get down to business. It’s also a place for unique fashion and art, and the country’s cutting-edge national museum.

Get ready to explore because from one end to the other, the North Island embraces a diversity of natural and cultural features that visitors find simply astonishing. 

Here for a good time, not a long time? Don’t sweat it – in New Zealand you’re never far from buzzing city life with its killer shopping, trendy cafés and exquisite dining options; quirky country towns; lush countryside and rugged landscapes.

With 28 regions and 13 cities to explore from Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island and on to the southernmost Stewart Island, there are highlights in every corner of New Zealand. Between the natural beauty of the wild West Coast, Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland and the tranquil glacial lakes of Queenstown and Lake Wanaka, Auckland’s bustling, big city metropolis, Wellington’s cosmopolitan capital of cool status, Christchurch’s exciting, post-quake rebuild vibe and Dunedin’s edgy fashion scene, you may find yourself having to play holiday roulette to fit it all in. Film buffs can relive their favourite flick by checking out the stunning locations of Taranaki (The Last Samurai), Southland (The World’s Fastest Indian), Eastland (Boy), Auckland (The Piano, Xena: Warrior Princess), Canterbury (The Frighteners, Heavenly Creatures, Z for Zachariah, Chronicles of Narnia), Wellington (King Kong) and Waikato (Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit). With all this going on (and much, much more) you’ll need to pack your sense of adventure.