These destinations gained much fame during the filming of Lord of the Rings, but
New Zealand – the land of the long white cloud – has always been in a special class of its own. Perfectly nestled between the warmth of Australia and the icy frontiers of Antarctica, New Zealand is a hugely diverse and richly beautiful territory, with thrilling cities, sun-filled beaches and snow-capped mountains.
Auckland City
Starting a holiday in Auckland provides a great introduction to New Zealand. Rife with culture and history and surrounded by fantastic scenic wonders, visitors can explore the city sights, which include the Auckland Museum, Auckland Zoo and Skycity, or take a day tour to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the Waitakere Ranges or Kumeu Wine Country.
Great Barrier Island
Just like Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, New Zealand has its own Great Barrier Island! A place of untouched beaches and lush rainforests, the island is perfect for kayaking, diving and fishing, as well as walking, cycling and fine dining. Tourists can catch a ferry to the island from Auckland, which takes a few hours and is a charming journey.
Bay of Islands
North of Auckland sits the beautiful Bay of Islands, a popular holiday destination for travellers and a frequent stop on cruises itineraries. The Bay of Islands offers gorgeous coastlines, colourful towns and a wealth of marine life including whales, penguins and dolphins.
Rotorua
A unique experience is to be had at the Rotorua geothermal hot springs. Dubbed ‘Nature’s spa of the South Pacific’, visitors can indulge in the healing waters of the hot springs for a truly relaxing holiday. Other activities here include fishing, kayaking and boating on the lakes, partaking in volcanic safaris and exploring the Maori culture.
Queenstown and Wanaka
Adventure holidays are popular on the South Island, thanks to its excellent alpine environments. Many people travel here each year to participate in skiing, sky diving, bungee jumping, white water rafting, river surfing and mountain climbing. In both Queenstown and Wanaka, you'll also find a wealth of art galleries, restaurants, museums and vineyards to explore.
Dunedin
On the east coast of the South Island, the port town of Dunedin is characterised by its Scottish heritage and stunning architecture. Visitors keen on history should check out Larnach Castle and the historic home at Olveston. Wildlife tours to the Otago Peninsula are also common here and tourists can encounter penguins, dolphins, seals and albatrosses as well as take a ride on the Taieri Gorge train.
Contact your local Travellers Choice agent to book your next New Zealand holiday.
