New Zealand Travel Guide
New Zealand is the youngest country on earth - the last major landmass to be discovered. It has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both our Maori and European heritage. Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga (treasures), some dating back almost a thousand years, are a contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings. A walk around any New Zealand city today shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating country we have become.
Sky Tower
If it happens to travel in Auckland, you should not miss the Sky tower: it has an incredible height of 328 meters, and at the top of the tower there is a bar, a restaurant and a casino. It has four observation levels: the lower observation level, the main observation level, the outdoor observation level and the sky deck. From here you can have a dazzling view of the sunset. There is a super fast lift, so you don't have to make any efforts to reach to the top. If you are into extreme sports, you can jump with a bungee cord from the observation deck.
Auckland Zoological Park is the main zoo of Auckland,Auckland Harbour Bridge
The Auckland Harbour Bridge was officially opened on Saturday 30 May 1959, after many years in the making.
Kelly Tarltons
It snows everyday at Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World - to keep the penguins happy!
Auckland Museum
Auckland Museum is one of the top Auckland tourist attractions. It's a great day out for the whole family that you've just got to see.
Devonport
Devonport on Auckland's Northshore is a top Tourist Attraction and a really great place to live.
Auckland Art Gallery - Toi O Tamaki
Critic a giant selection of both traditional and contemporary art at Auckland Art Gallery.
Awhitu Peninsula
Venture to the stunning Awhitu Peninsula, with its sculpted west coast sand cliffs and its gentle eastern harbour bays and beaches.
Glenfern Sanctuary
Hear and admire these beautiful birds in their natural environment. The first pest free area in Auckland City.
Great Barrier Island
Great Barrier Island is renowned for its remoteness and rugged beauty and is accessible by Sealink car ferry or air
Tiritiri Matangi
One of the most successful conservation projects in the world, home to many rare and native bird species.
Waiheke Island
Take the ferry to Waiheke Island and explore this boutique island of vineyards, olive groves, cafes and famous restaurants.
The Whatipu area is a spectacular area of coastal dunes and wetlands. Mount Victoria Lookout
View panoramic sights of the city from the top of Mt Victoria, watch the Cook Strait ferries sail into the harbour and the planes go in and out of the airport.
Wellington Cable Car
One of Wellington's most popular tourist attractions. The cars run from Lambton Quay in the commercial heart of the city, tunnel under the corporate towers of The Terrace and emerges in Kelburn.
Weta Cave
Come and visit the Weta Cave in Miramar, Wellington. The Weta Cave screens a first-ever behind-the-scenes look at Weta and interviews with Weta co-founders Peter Jackson, Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Jamie Selkirk. We give you exclusive insight into the creativity and imagination that goes into crafting the art of Weta.
Museum Of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Te Papa is New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum and a recognised world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences. Entry is free, though charges apply to some short-term exhibitions and activities. New Zealand's geology and natural environment and the stories of New Zealand's indigenous people, the M?ori, are celebrated in Te Papa's permanent exhibitions, while Te Papa's Marae is a vibrant contemporary meeting house and a living communal centre, unique in a museum.
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is a"must see" if you are visiting New Zealand. It's one of the places renowned for having 144 islands, with many superb beaches and secluded bays and an abundance of marine life including marlin, whales, penguins and dolphins. It is regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand.
Mount Cook
The highest Mountain in New Zealand and a popular tourist destination. Mt Cook National Park located in the Canterbury region is another National Park that you must see. Mt Cook and its neighboring area is an alpine park that is part of the South Westland World Heritage area.
Kaikoura
Another must see destination is Kaikoura situated in the middle between Christchurch and Picton on the East Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Kaikoura overlooks majestic mountains which are snow capped for many months of the year. Kaikoura offers ultimate marine adventure such as Whale watching, dolphin and seal swimming.
Waitomok
Explore the labyrinths of Waitomo's many caves and be enchanted by the mesmerizing lights of thousands of glowworms.
Whakaari, White island
White Island or Whakaari is a premium New Zealand eco-tourism attraction and once you have seen this amazing spectacle of nature you will see why. White Island can be easily seen from Ohope Beach on most days. Everyone wants a closer look!
Cape Reinga
At the northern tip of New Zealand, visit the lighthouse and find out more about the Maori mythology of the area.
Kauri Coast
The often-overlooked west coast of Northland provides the chance to enjoy the majestic Waipoua Kauri Forest, rustic camping and sunsets over Kai-Iwi Lakes.
Mt Taranaki
Taranaki is located on the West coast of New Zealand's North Island, approximately equidistant between Auckland and Wellington. The Taranaki population is 105,000 people. The majority of these people are located in the city of New Plymouth, with a population of 50,000, and smaller towns such as Hawera, Stratford, Opunake and Waitara.
Taupo
With a stunning volcanic plateau as its backdrop, Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, offers visitors a huge array of activities including hiking, fishing, water sports, skydiving and much more.
Ninety Mile Beach
The giant sand dunes and windswept shores of this famous stretch of beach play host to sand-surfers and stranded cars alike.
Rosetown of New Zealand
Te Awamutu, the rose town' of New Zealand is a popular destination for horticulturists between November and April - 2,000 rose bushes and a November rose show every year.
Fiordland National Park
New Zealand is famous for it's national parks and there are heaps to explore, and the Fiordland National Park is a great example. A nominated World Heritage area on the south west corner of the South Island of New Zealand.
Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is famous for it's white sandy beaches with views across the clear pristine waters of the Tasman Sea. At the rear of the beaches, the national park is roofed in exotic Rainforest and Manuka Tea Tree a bushy shrub rarely more than 12 ft high.
Queenstown
Queenstown is New Zealand's most popular destination and regarded as New Zealand's adventure capital.
Rotorua
Rotorua is a very popular destination spot in New Zealand as it is famous for its thermal activity which includes geysers, steaming hot pools, mud pools and lakes. It is the spiritual home to the Maori. From the moment you enter Rotorua you know you are some place like no where else in New Zealand.
Westland National Park
Located in the South of New Zealand West Coast, famous for its diverse landscape, glaciers, Franz Joseph Glacier and Fox Glacier, it spectacular scenery and pristine nature.
Tongariro National Park
The Tongariro National Park, located in the Taupo region, is a World Heritage Park and one of the oldest National Parks in the world. The park contains three superb volcanoes - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. The park contains three superb volcanoes - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe. The area gets regular snowfalls in the winter as it is positioned at high height above sea level.
Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand's favourite destination. The Coromandel is unique in so many ways. At Coromandel there is what's called the "Hot water beach" - a beautiful white sandy beach surrounded by native pohutukawa trees where you can dig your very own hot pool. All you have to do is dig a hole in the sand and wait for it to fill up with water, and there you have it, your very own spa pool.
Lake Wanaka, Mt Aspiring
Lake Wanaka, Mt Aspiring National Park and the Hast Pass. My home town, Lake Wanaka lies in the heart of a world heritage park, Mt Aspiring National Park. Renowned for its wonderful recreational activities and diverse landforms - including glaciers, snow fields, rock bluffs, alpine meadows, forests and river flats.
Picton and Marlborough Sounds
The seaside town of Picton, is the starting point for walks, outdoor adventure, eco-tourism, boating and cruises in and around Queen Charlotte Sound. Picton is the ferry transit point from Wellington. Must see - The Marlborough Sounds, an unspoilt paradise for those who love the sea, freedom walking or outdoor adventure.
Stewart Island
Stewart Island/Rakiura is the third-largest island of New Zealand. It lies 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of the South Island, across Foveaux Strait. There are many species of birds on Stewart Island/Rakiura that thrive because of the isolation and protection from predators.
Aurora Australis
Aurora Australis is a natural light display in the sky, usually observed at night, this one taken from Bluff, on the South Island.
Hot Water Beach
Renowned for its natural hot-water springs bubbling beneath the sand, Hot Water Beach, is best reached from the town of Whitianga on the North Island.
Otago Rail Trail
Follow in the tracks of steam trains from yesteryear with a leisurely cycling holiday or walking trip in the golden region of Otago.
Punakaiki National Park
Towering mountain ranges and forest suddenly give way to the rugged coastline of the West Coast at the tiny settlement of Punakaiki.
Bungee, Kawarau Bridge
In the 1980s, kiwi entrepreneurs AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch started the world's first commercial bungee operation, with a jump from the historic Kawarau Bridge near the South Island alpine resort of Queenstown.
Arrowtown
A former gold mining town, its stunning red and gold autumn colours are celebrated in an annual autumn festival. The town is known for its historic mining site, boutique shops, restaurants and cinema, golf, fishing and close proximity to ski fields.
Farewell Spit & Golden Bay
Forming the northern side of Golden Bay, Farewell Spit is the longest and possibly the most beautiful sand spit in New Zealand. Access is restricted, although nearby bays allow visitors to see dramatic cliffs, blowholes, seals and birdlife.
Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers
Nowhere else do glaciers come this close to sea-level. Visit the Westland National Park to view these still-advancing glaciers up close. Heli-hike tours and ice-hiking tours are available from local operators.
Hanmer Springs
A popular weekend away, Hanmer Springs had relaxing thermal pools and host of activities including golf, hiking, horse-riding, quad-and mountain biking.
Lake Tekapo
In the heart of the Mackenzie country, the small township of Tekapo lies near a beautiful turquoise lake and offers the usual water-based activities, plus hot pools and an ice-rink.
Marlborough Wine Region
The largest wine producing region in the country, Marlborough is home to world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc and has New Zealand's sunniest and driest climate. Fine dining and wine-tasting throughout the region.
Mount Aspiring National Park
A paradise for walkers, (experienced) climbers and anglers. Short walks and longer hikes for freedom walkers or walking tours. Campsites and huts available. Jet boating trips also provide unique sightseeing opportunities.
Otago Peninsula
This renowned eco-tourism destination is home to an albatross colony, penguins, seals, sea and wading birds. Offering wonderful views, a round driving trip encompasses 64km.
Queen Charlotte Track
From the historic Ship Cove to Anakiwa, the track is 71km and undulates through lush coastal forest, historic bays and ridges. Available to freedom walkers and walking groups, accommodation, transport and pack transfers are available.