New Zealand

New Zealand, Land of Beauty and Contrast

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.

Top ten things to do in New Zealand

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.

1. Head for Hobbiton
   The quintessential Lord of the Rings experience allows you to get up close and personal with the Shire before quaffing an ale in the Green Dragon. One for the road Master Frodo?
2. Watch some whales in Kaikoura
   Kaikoura is New Zealand’s capital for cetaceans. Sperm whales are year-round inhabitants but in the summer months you could also spot pods of orcas as they patrol closer to shore.
3. Hot foot it to the Coromandel
   A bucket and spade day with a difference awaits you at Hot Water Beach near Cathedral Cove. Dig your own spa in the sand and relax as the sea water mingles with the scorching subterranean heat beneath your feet.
4. Descend to the stars
   Go deep underground in Waitomo’s Maori-owned caves before embarking on a magical water-borne audience with New Zealand’s most accessible glow worm colony.
5. Climb a volcano
   New Zealand is pockmarked with some incredible remnants of volcanic activity and none is more impressive than ocean hugging Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty, overlooking one of the country’s most impressive beaches and handily close to cricket’s Bay Oval.
6. Sniff out a hot spring or geyser
   For some, the scent of rotten egg might be a tad overwhelming but it’s definitely worth it for the unforgettably vivid azure and aquamarine pools and erupting geysers, like Wai-O-Tapu, which dot the Rotorua region.
7. Make the most of Auckland
   The City of Sails is surrounded by seafaring activities so you can scuba dive or surf to your heart’s content or simply take a leisurely ferry to one of dozens of picturesque islands. On land, keep the theme going with a visit to the Maritime Museum then scale the Sky Tower for stunning panoramic views.
8. Drink in the culture
   The Kiwis are masters of viticulture and you’ll find a veritable host of wineries predominantly along the sheltered eastern coast including Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay. If you’re in Auckland a 40 minute ferry journey (chic booze cruise) whisks you to the Island of Wine, Waiheke Island.
9. Cruise Milford Sound
   Take the cataraman tour through this natural wonder and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of some of the highest sea cliffs in the world replete with cascading waterfalls into unforgettable fjords.
10. Throw yourself into a void*
    It’s New Zealand. So where better to experience a bungy jump than where it all began. They don’t come any higher or more daunting/exhilarating than the 134m high Nevis bungy jump near Queenstown. *Wearing a harness and under supervision obviously

Auckland Attractions

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 Attractions

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.

Dunedin Attractions

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.

Hamilton Attractions

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.

Wellington Attractions

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 & Mount Maunganui Attractions

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.

Stopovers

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:

Hong Kong

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.

Dubai

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.

Singapore

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.

Bangkok

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.

Kuala Lumpur

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

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.