New Zealand may be remote, but if its remoteness is matched by anything, it is its stunning natural beauty. A country of dynamic geological diversity with spectacular scenery and wildlife, it offers outdoor adventure aplenty, spliced with vibrant cultural and culinary experiences, enhanced by the hospitable nature of the locals. This small country certainly earns its reputation as one of the world’s most satisfying travel destinations.
Here are some of our top picks for New Zealand’s best attractions and activities but there are dozens more. From the adventurous south to the cosmopolitan north there’s so much going on in the Land of the Long White Cloud.
Surrounded by sparkling water, abounding with harbours and marinas, the sea is never far away in the ‘City of Sails’. There are dozens of enticing Auckland beaches, with Mission Bay and Kohimarama ideal for swimming, Piha and Muriwai perfect for surfers. You can bag quality shopping in Auckland’s trendy Britomart and Parnell districts, or pick up bargains in the flea markets of Otara and Avondale. For some culture, Auckland Art Gallery is definitely in the frame with 15,000 artworks including paintings by Picasso and Cézanne.
Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. From lush vineyards and wild coastlines to sky-piercing mountains and pristine glacial lakes, Canterbury is a region of remarkable contrasts and a haven for those seeking incredible scenery and adventure. From Christchurch city, you’ll find the sparkling Pacific Ocean, the majestic Southern Alps and an ancient volcanic peninsula all within driving distance.
Christened after the ancient name for Edinburgh, Dunedin retains a very Scottish feel. Combining natural beauty with a thriving cultural scene, it’s also home to the spectacular Otago Peninsula, and boasts some of the steepest streets in the world, where the locals stage a chocolate Jaffa race every year. Head for Signal Hill for the best views, Dunedin Railway Station or Larnach Castle for eye-catching architecture and Speight’s Brewery for the best beers.
With close to 230,000 inhabitants, Hamilton is a bijou city with a busy, bustling heart. It boasts all of the benefits of Kiwi life – a vibrant and sophisticated café culture and restaurant scene teamed with superb local beers and wines. Surrounded by rolling hills and bountiful farmland, you’ll also find natural and cinematic wonders in the shape of steaming geysers and Hobbit film sets. Adventure also abounds with opportunities to make the most of the mighty Waikato river, which runs through the city.
Chic, cosmopolitan Wellington is New Zealand in miniature. Perfectly blending culture and nature, you’ll find a café serving top-notch coffee on most corners, a sensational view at the end of every street. Top Wellington attractions include a behind the scenes look at all things Hobbit and bars brimming with the local brew. Throw in internationally renowned cuisine and nearby wineries, and it makes for a perfect stop off on your tour of the cultured North Island or embarkation point for the adventurous South Island.
Tauranga is harbour side and is the largest city in the Bay of Plenty and one of the fastest growing population centres in the country. It is loved by English visitors and has a lovely cricket ground. Central to Auckland is Rotorua and Hamilton, and just a 15 minute drive from one of New Zealand’s most popular beach towns Mount Maunganui where the cricket takes place the Bay Oval.
Taking a flight to New Zealand can be a gruelling 24-hour journey with little respite. Why not break the journey and do a little sightseeing at the same time and stop over in the Middle East or the Far East. Here are some examples of places that you can visit en-route:
Self-titled as ‘Asia’s World City’, Hong Kong has so much to offer that you may want more than just one night to experience this dazzling metropolis. Whether you are a shopaholic or a culture vulture, you will find that there is something for everyone in Hong Kong. Browse the bargains at the Ladies Market; dine out in trendy Lang Kwai Fong; take the public ferry across Repulse Bay for stunning views of Hong Kong Island or have a flutter on the Horse Racing at Happy Valley. These are just some of the many highlights Hong Kong has to experience.
The most well-known and visited Emirate in the UAE has plenty of sights and activities to occupy visitors. You are almost guaranteed warm sunshine in Dubai, and where better to soak up some rays then Jumeirah Beach, which has become synonymous with a vast variety of luxury accommodation including the famous Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, arguably the most luxurious hotel in the world. There is also the world’s tallest skyscraper of the Burj Khalifa, which of course offers the most stunning views from its observation decks.
Multi-cultural Singapore is a heady mix of modern urban sprawl and colonial splendour. A natural stop-off point on a long journey to Australasia, with lots of attractions to entice visitors to stay a day or two. Discover some of the best shopping, bars and restaurants in Singapore at Marina Bay, Clarke Quay or Little India. Treat yourself to colonial-style luxury with a stay at the famous Raffles Hotel, which has become one of Singapore’s most important landmarks.
When conjuring images of the Far East, the sights of Bangkok will often come to mind. This vibrant and lively city is a unique mix of glitzy shopping malls, impressive temples and an infamous red-light district. Explore the city from the Chao Phraya River and waterways, and include a trip to the bustling Floating Market. Then take a stroll down bohemian Khao San Road, where travellers and backpackers from every corner of the world like to mingle.
Malaysia’s capital is perhaps lesser known than other Far Eastern cities, but there are some excellent reasons to stop off and see what this gleaming city of skyscrapers has to offer. Going to the top of the Petronas Towers is one good reason, as they are the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers. Another good reason is the abundance of gastronomic delights to found; from the numerous hawker stalls to world-class restaurants serving every imaginable type of delicacy.
New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country. New Zealand’s climate is dominated by two main geographical features: the mountains and the sea. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, inland alpine areas of the South Island can be cold with minus 10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter.
New Zealand’s average rainfall is between 640mm and 1500m, (25.19 – 59.05 inch) and evenly spread throughout the year. Most places in New Zealand receive over 2000 hours of sunshine a year, with the sunniest areas receiving over 2350 hours.
Weather supplied by World Weather & Climate InformationNew Zealand Local Time
+12 Hours GMT
Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond your stay.
No Visa required but you must have an onward (i.e. return) ticket.
Highest Average: 18°
Lowest Average: 9
The Basin is New Zealand’s most historic cricket ground, full of memories and mystique.
The Bay Oval, situated on Blake Park, Mount Maunganui, is the premier cricket ground of the Bay of Plenty Region.
Auckland’s magnificent Eden Park has welcomed not just cricketers but everyone from the Queen Mum to the Dalai Lama.
The first recorded match on the ground was in 1867, when Canterbury cricket team hosted Otago cricket team
Hamilton’s pretty Seddon Park can hold up to 10,000 punters but still exudes a village-green atmosphere, its grassy banks perfect for picnics.
Westpac Stadium or The Cake Tin, as local cricketing fans call it, is one of New Zealand’s newest and swankiest cricket grounds.
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