natural new zealand

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. 

The quaint west coast town of Franz Josef has a few hundred permanent residents, with numbers swelling during the holidays to around 2000 visitors per day. This is glacier country and Franz Josef glacier (after which the town is named) and Fox Glacier, some 23 kilometres further south, are the main attractions. The town offers a myriad of options for cozy accommodation, especially after the snow and ice activities on offer. Combine a helicopter tour with a guided walk on the glacial terrain to view ice caves, and spectacular crevasses and pinnacles. Helicopter tours over the two glaciers are also available, with a stop off at the head of either glacier so you can experience the frozen landscape up close.

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. 

Picturesque Picton is sandwiched between the lush green rolling hills of the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island and the calm, tranquil waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. This peaceful seaside town is known as the gateway to the greater Marlborough area and makes an excellent base for exploring the Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track or the wonderful wine region around Blenheim. The town’s favourable location in a sheltered harbour makes it the perfect spot for boat cruising, fishing, dolphin watching or sea kayaking. Less energetic travellers can enjoy browsing local craft markets, exploring the floating maritime museum or simply watching the world pass by at one of the numerous cafés and bars lining the waterfront.

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.

The popular tourist city of Napier on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island is one of the country’s most likeable regional centres. The inner-city streets are lined with palm trees and the sculpted Marine Parade is sprinkled with numerous lush parks, landscaped gardens and grand memorials, giving the water’s edge its unique character. Arriving in Napier gives the distinct feeling of stepping back in time, owing to its unique concentration of remarkably well preserved 1930s art-deco buildings, built after much of the city was destroyed in a massive earthquake in 1931. The city is also known for its gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers and its abundance of world-class wineries on the surrounding plains. This is the place to enjoy a Mediterranean climate, an excellent variety of restaurants and cafes and the air of an affluent English seaside resort.

Step into a unique landscape of utter beauty; a region offering authentic Maori cultural encounters, thrilling adventure, and bubbling mud pools.

Rotorua is known for showcasing our fascinating Maori culture, mud pools, shooting geysers, and natural hot springs as the seething power of inner earth comes to the surface. Boasting 18 incredible lakes, three major rivers, and the mighty Mount Tarawera; these treasured natural assets are all part of Rotorua’s allure.

The region is host to some incredible fishing locations with trophy trout to be had year round on the lakes, rivers and streams. Adventure is right around the corner on the Kaituna River, with White Water Rafting on the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall; or perhaps you are tempted by the soothing powers of the regions many natural hot springs. Whatever your inclination, you’ll be wishing you had more time!

Hahei is located on the Coromandel Peninsula on the northern shore of New Zealand’s North Island. This small village situated within Mercury Bay makes a fantastic holiday destination with its white sandy beaches, spectacular rock formations, geothermal springs and marine wildlife preserves to explore. There is much to see and do in Hahei, but key activities include the Cathedral Cove Walk (which passes beneath an enormous limestone arch), the Gemstone Bay Snorkel Trail, with descriptions of sea life attached to floating buoys to enhance your experience and swimming at Hot Water Beach, where two hot springs warm the ocean water.

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.