aotearoa inland explorer

There’s more to Auckland than you might think – the region offers access to world-class luxury accommodation, award winning wineries, vibrant culture and unique experiences making it a hot spot for kiwis. The City of Sails sprawls over volcanic hills and around twin harbours, offering an exhilarating mix of natural wonders and urban adventures.

It is the largest Polynesian city in the world, and with over 180 different ethnic groups, Auckland has blossomed into a multi-cultural hub of culture and art making it a bustling, cosmopolitan and vibrant city.

Set in the heart of the North Island, Taupō offers incredible beauty, outdoor adventure, and relaxation – a classic holiday destination no matter the season. Where Northland has its beaches and Auckland its great waterfront restaurants, Lake Taupō is the centrepiece of a region of spectacular volcanic cones and boasts the largest fresh water lake in Australasia (roughly the size of Singapore), making it the perfect spot for water lovers to enjoy sailing, water skiing, or kayaking.

But it is not just about the great lake; Taupō is also the gateway to the Tongariro National Park where you can take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often said to be one of the best one-day walks in the world, and a must for adventurous travellers.

Tongariro is the oldest national park in New Zealand, set at the heart of North Island, just south of Lake Taupō. It encompasses three active volcanoes – Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Tongariro, and Mount Ruapehu (one of the most active volcanoes in the world) – that have great religious significance to the local Maori people. This fascinating, ancient cultural importance has awarded the area UNESCO status. The raw beauty of the environment also draws a high number of visitors and is the reason much of the famous Lord of the Rings movie trilogy was filmed here. There are numerous activities to look forward to, from scenic cruises to whitewater rafting, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing in winter. Families will enjoy the shorter treks on offer, such as the three-hour walk to spectacular Taranaki Falls.

Located at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island, the Lonely Planet names Wellington as “the coolest little capital in the world”.

As well as being a ‘cool little capital’ and the seat of government, Wellington is compact and easy to get around, locals often say you can walk anywhere in under 30 minutes. On most visitors list of places to visit is the National Museum, also known as Te Papa, meaning ‘our place’; one of the world’s best interactive museums. A ride on the city’s cable car takes you up the hill to Kelburn and the city’s botanical gardens, from here you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the city and across the sea.

Wellington is well known as the country’s culinary capital, home to some of the New Zealand’s best award-winning restaurants, great bars and some wonderfully quirky cafes, great food trucks, day and night markets. Almost everything about Wellington, the mix of history, culture and creative energy epitomise the diversity, colour and inclusiveness of this city surrounded by water and hills.

If you’re a food and wine lover, Blenheim is the place for you!

The area holds international acclaim for being one of the finest wine regions in the world producing amazing sauvignon blanc while Blenheim has many superb restaurants providing a wide variety of cuisine. Relaxed lunches and dinners at the regions wineries are not to be missed either – having a driver for the day or taking part in a guided group is well advised!

Situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, the vibrant city of Christchurch is the largest city on the island. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it is known for its many lush green spaces and possesses a multicultural charm with an added dash of Victorian flair.

The city offers a fabulous array of activities, including punting down the Avon River, helicopter tours, hot air ballooning, whale and dolphin watching. Enjoy a stroll around the beautifully sculptured parks, visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and browse numerous art galleries. 

Mount Cook Village (also known as Aoraki) is located near the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand. This retreat - lying within the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park - is an absolute must for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering an outstanding wilderness experience. The national park, which has been given UNESCO World Heritage status, is home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, its longest glacier its darkest night skies. In addition to hiking trails to suit all fitness levels, the area also offers boat tours along Terminal Lake (the end of the Tasman Glacier), 4x4 adventures, and world-renowned stargazing opportunities, while the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre boasts a 3D theatre and a planetarium.

Tucked between rugged schist mountains in the Central Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, Gibbston Valley unfolds along the dramatic Kawarau River gorge between Queenstown and Cromwell. Known as the “Valley of the Vines,” it is celebrated for boutique vineyards producing elegant cool-climate pinot noir. The landscape is strikingly austere yet beautiful: golden grasses ripple in the wind, vines trace the valley floor, and snow-dusted peaks rise in the distance. Visitors cycle the Gibbston River Trail between cellar doors, sample wines in rustic tasting rooms, or explore historic gold-mining remnants scattered through the hills. While facilities are small-scale rather than bustling, the valley rewards travellers with serene scenery and an intimate taste of Central Otago’s wine culture.

Nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the Lake Wakatipu, and with a reputation as the adrenalin capital of the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown is a sophisticated resort destination like no other.

The gateway to the Fiordland National Park, the town is surrounded by mountains, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options.