Discover New Zealand

North Island

You might like to spend a few days exploring New Zealand's largest city Auckland or its Geothermal Centre, Rotorua or perhaps the Bay of Island's beautiful beaches are more your scene, whatever takes your fancy, the North Island has something to please everyone.

Auckland's sub-tropical climate, sparkling blue waters and lush green hills, is a natural paradise. Yet it's also one of the great cities of the Pacific and a bustling centre of events, arts and culture. When you visit Auckland, you'll really appreciate how easy it is to jump from one kind of adventure to something totally different. One minute, you'll be standing in the city surrounded by skyscrapers and designer stores. A minute later, you can be afloat on the beautiful Waitemata Harbour heading for an island escape or a dolphin encounter. Forty-five minutes from your central Auckland starting point, you're in a country vineyard, or hiking through a rainforest surrounded by bird life. Auckland is full of surprises. It boasts three magnificent natural harbours and the vantage points of 50 volcanic cones.

The Bay of Islands is an area in the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. Located 60 km north-west of Whangarei, it is close to the northern tip of the country. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since American author Zane Grey publicised it in the 1930s. When you arrive in Paihia, find yourself a cruise or a charter boat and embark on a voyage of discovery around the islands.

The Coromandel is one of New Zealand's most popular and best-loved holiday destinations. When you visit it you will see why. A binoculars' view across the gulf from Auckland, it is everything that a big city isn't. Cloaked in native rainforest with dazzling white sand beaches, it is rustic, unspoiled and relaxed. Activities and attractions are plentiful. You might choose skydiving in Whitianga or a guided sea kayak tour around the coast. You could take a walk in the coolness of the pristine bush - the Coromandel is a walker's paradise - or simply sit and relax in a warm.

The lush greenery and mild climate make Hamilton a great destination. Located in the centre of the North Island along the Waikato River, Hamilton is an ideal location to explore the centre of the North Island. If you're a Lord of the Rings fan, drive east to Matamata and visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, or if surfing is more your style, then Raglan is the perfect spot for you with one of the longest left hand breaks in the world. For a different underground experience, drive south to the Waitomo Caves where the natural beauty of stalactites and stalagmites lit by the blue light of glowworms will take your breath away; or for those seeking more of an adrenalin rush, the blackwater rafting and abseiling are not to be missed.

The city of Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating landscape of geothermal activity, freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. Home to the Te Arawa tribe, it's a region steeped in Maori legend. Whether you want to explore amazing boiling mud pools and steam vents, relax in a natural hot pool or try your hand at trout fishing, Rotorua is the place to do it.Jump aboard the luxury catamaran Tuia for a cruise on breathtaking Lake Rotoiti. Visit the lakeside hot pools, learn to sail or simply lie back and enjoy the ride while taking in the lake's beautiful scenery.

Nestled between a picturesque harbour and forest clad hills, New Zealand's capital city is one of the country's most scenic. Wellington's museums, public galleries and civic spaces give the city an easy-living style. Boutique shops, chic cafés and restaurants are always busy. The compact city is a pleasure to walk around with a lively waterfront and bays all around the harbour to enjoy. Don't miss the chance to see some of Wellington's spectacular sights and take a short drive to the top of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city.

South Island

Head South and you'll find plenty to see and do. Two-thirds of the South Island are mountains, with dense rainforest and tumbling rivers caused by the air rising over the Southern Alps.

On the South Island you could hire a car and discover the Marlborough Region, famous for its wine and food, or for the more energetic, head to the West Coast and hike on a Glacier!

There is nowhere else in the world where, within two hours of an international airport, you can ski at a world-class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, raft, mountain bike, hot-air balloon, wind surf, whale watch and visit internationally-acclaimed wineries and gardens.

Whilst part of the central city of Christchurch is still cordoned off to the general public due to the impact of a series of earthquakes, the cordon is gradually receding as more of the city is deemed safe and open for business. There's still plenty to do in and around the city!

Nestled between forested hills at the base of the Otago Peninsula, Dunedin was New Zealand's largest city in the days of the Otago gold rush. Now a thriving artistic community and student city, Dunedin has preserved its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Encounter some of New Zealand's rarest birds and majestic native trees in the mystical cloud forest at Orokonui Eco-sanctuary, the largest area of native forest on the South Island mainland. Another great option is a guided tour of the city centre highlighting Dunedin's unique mix of heritage and modern culture.

The alpine village of Mount Cook, located in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, provides a range of accommodation from an international style hotel to motels, backpackers and camping.

The first glimpse of Aoraki Mount Cook across the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki is one that will last you a lifetime. There are 19 peaks in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park over 3,000 metres but at 3,754 metres, Aoraki Mount Cook dwarfs them. If you're a climber then this is one of the best climbing regions in Australasia but if you're inclined to less dramatic adventure there's hiking with mountain walks that lead to alpine tarns and spectacular glacier views.

Situated on the shores of a glacial lake at the foot of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is the perfect place to find pure inspiration and New Zealand's Adventure Capital! Renowned for its scenic beauty, the Queenstown area is also home to some of New Zealand's finest adventure tourism activities, wineries, and bars and restaurants.

Embark on a wine tour through the heart of Central Otago, famous for its Pinot Noir, and also enjoy the fresh and tasty local produce. If adventure is your thing, make sure to visit the Kawarau Bridge - the world's first commercial bungy jumping site. Take the 43-metre plunge down towards the river below.

Fiordland's uninhabited inlets are just a short flight or coach journey from Queenstown. One option for a day trip is Milford Sound - one of New Zealand's great natural wonders. Explore the secrets of the wilderness on a relaxing cruise or kayak ride against a backdrop of majestic mountains, tranquil rainforests, and awe inspiring waterfalls.

Doubtful Sound is comparable to Milford Sound in beauty, and is famous for its wildlife. Home to rainforest dwelling Fiordland crested penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and fur seals, a visit to Doubtful Sound is a nature lover's dream.