Punakaiki
Punakaiki is best known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. It is also the center for Paparoa National Park - about 74,000 acres of varied landscape from mountain tops to sea level. Punakaiki is one of the major tourist attractions on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Activities include: Horse Trekking, Canoe Hire, Caving, Guided walks, Westland black Petrel tours, rafting, and a variety of short walks. Day walks and overnight tramps are some options available to visitors wishing to spend some time in Punakaiki.
Omarama
Omarama is a small town fringed by dramatic mountain landscapes and waterways, known world-wide for its prime hang-gliding conditions and for the landscape of clay cliffs nearby.
Bay of Islands
Rich in legend and history, the Bay of Islands is New Zealand's cradle of European civilization, with many points of interest relating to early European and Maori settlement. There are many "firsts" associated with the Bay of Islands, such as the first European community, the oldest home and church in the country and the first capital of New Zealand, among others. Reserves have been established to protect what is left of the once vast native kauri forests with magnificent trees rivaling California's redwoods. Major sites in the Islands include historical Waitangi, Paihia, a subtropical marine resort popular as a starting point for bay cruises and fishing excursions, and Russell, one of the oldest towns in New Zealand known as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific”. Anglers still regard the Bay of Islands as a top fishing area, while residents cherish its unhurried pace, balmy climate and serenity. Other sights include Motukako Island, Kawhiti Caves, Maori Meeting House, and the Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park.
Auckland
Auckland is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world, with the cosmopolitan city centre complemented by great escapes within half an hour of downtown. Indulge in Auckland's shopping, nightlife and unrivalled cuisine and experience some of the many attractions and adventure activities on offer. There is never a shortage of things to do in the City of Sails. Sights to see include Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Zoo, and Museum of Transport and Technology.
Rotorua
New Zealand's premier destination on the edge of beautiful Lake Rotorua offers visitors so much to see and do the trouble is deciding what to do. From a quiet stroll through the magnificent Redwood Forest to an adrenaline rafting plunge over one of the world's highest commercially rafted waterfalls or an entertaining view of life on the farm at one of our award winning farmshows - Rotorua has it all. Famous for awesome geological forces, Rotorua has hundreds of gentle plopping mud pools, powerful erupting geysers, and intriguing geothermal lakes. Maori Culture is another unique facet to Rotorua's popularity. For more action try hiking down Mt Ngongatah, fishing for trophy-sized trout on one of Rotorua's many lakes, tandem skydiving, horse trekking, or off-road driving. Or just sit back, watch the world go by and enjoy the fresh, clean, picturesque atmosphere from one of many sidewalk cafes and bars. To end the day, soak away ailments in one of many thermally heated natural mineral spas.
Napier
The twin cities of Napier and Hastings, located within the region of Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of new Zealand's North Island, are quite unique. The area is blessed with a Californian-Mediterranean climate, boasting one of the highest sunshine averages in the country. The area is also dotted with colourful vineyards and orchards, with some of the most fertile farmland you will see.
In 1931 a two and a half minute earthquake destroyed the city of Napier. Rebuilding began almost immediately in the architectural style of the time - Art Deco. Napier is now classed as the newest city in the world, offering a marvellous, world-renown, collection of Art Deco buildings. Among the attractions in the area are the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers, the Hawke's Bay Aquarium, the Spanish Mission and Art Deco architecture, gardens and bush walks.
Wellington
Located at southwestern North Island, New Zealand’s capital city derives its character and charm from the wooded hills that curve like a green amphitheater around Wellington’s harbor. Commercial and government buildings rim the waterfront; nostalgic Victorian buildings mingle pleasantly with more modern structures and above the business district, dwellings precariously cling to steep slopes.
Wellington was the first settlement organized by the London-based New Zealand Company. Other sights include Kelburn Cable Car, Museum of Wellington, City and Sea, and National Museum and Art Gallery (Te Papa).
Nelson
Nelson province, in the Northwest corner of South Island, has the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand. Nelson City is within 37 miles of three major National Parks, Abel Tasman, Kahurangi, and Nelson Lakes, with the Marlborough Sounds being the Maritime equivalent with its many bays and coves. Young and old from all corners of the world visit Nelson to enjoy the pleasures of New Zealand's clean green image.
Queenstown
Queenstown hosts an outstanding collection of adrenaline inducing activities and spectacular scenery. From jumping from tall bridges or quiet fishing, this is New Zealand's number one adventure destination. Lake and river join towering mountain ranges to make Queenstown as popular in the winter as it is in the summer.
At the heart of the action are cafes, the entire spectrum of accommodation, boutique shopping, restaurants and the visitor services expected in a small town with a big reputation.
Te Anau
Te Anau is known as the "sightseeing and walking capital of the world". Fiordland National Park is one of the few areas in the world with World Heritage status. Attractions include scenic boat cruises, scenic flights, sea kayaking, diving, fishing, coach tours, golf, four wheel driving, hunting and more. Te Anau Glow Worm Cave is a rare example of a living cave still under formation. Te Anau is in the hub of the great southern rugged and splendid walking tracks. Lake Te Anau encourages water skiing, swimming, fishing and kayaking on the lake during the summer. During the winter, days are crisp and clear with frosty mornings and sunny days. Te Anau's Wildlife Park is 10 minutes walking distance from the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre on the Lakefront.
Invercargill
Invercargill - the southernmost city in the world - is gateway to some of New Zealand's most beautiful scenery in the Catlins, Fiordland and Stewart Island. A legacy the Scots left their descendants was a distinctive accent and charming tendency to describe things both large and small as 'wee'. This small city has many elegant buildings, neat gardens and tree filled parks. It has an excellent museum with a 'tuatarium' - home to the ancient and rare native tuatara. Central Queens Park features an aviary, small animal park, and rose gardens. A short drive from city center is Anderson, a beautiful Georgian-style home gifted to the city and used as an art gallery. East of Invercargill, on the Southern Scenic Highway from Dunedin, the Catlins Forest Park offers some great walks and magnificent scenery, including Cathedral Cove, blowholes, a petrified forest and Curio Bay, home to small Hector's dolphins.
Christchurch
Christchurch was founded in 1850 by members of the Church of England, who wanted a little bit of heaven on earth. They succeeded, and today the city takes great pride in its spacious layout and distinctive English-style buildings in elegant grey stone. The River Avon winds through Christchurch, along parks and gardens that cover one-third of the city.
Punakaiki is best known for its Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. It is also the center for Paparoa National Park - about 74,000 acres of varied landscape from mountain tops to sea level. Punakaiki is one of the major tourist attractions on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Activities include: Horse Trekking, Canoe Hire, Caving, Guided walks, Westland black Petrel tours, rafting, and a variety of short walks. Day walks and overnight tramps are some options available to visitors wishing to spend some time in Punakaiki.
Omarama is a small town fringed by dramatic mountain landscapes and waterways, known world-wide for its prime hang-gliding conditions and for the landscape of clay cliffs nearby.
Rich in legend and history, the Bay of Islands is New Zealand's cradle of European civilization, with many points of interest relating to early European and Maori settlement. There are many "firsts" associated with the Bay of Islands, such as the first European community, the oldest home and church in the country and the first capital of New Zealand, among others. Reserves have been established to protect what is left of the once vast native kauri forests with magnificent trees rivaling California's redwoods. Major sites in the Islands include historical Waitangi, Paihia, a subtropical marine resort popular as a starting point for bay cruises and fishing excursions, and Russell, one of the oldest towns in New Zealand known as the “Hell Hole of the Pacific”. Anglers still regard the Bay of Islands as a top fishing area, while residents cherish its unhurried pace, balmy climate and serenity. Other sights include Motukako Island, Kawhiti Caves, Maori Meeting House, and the Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park.
Auckland is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world, with the cosmopolitan city centre complemented by great escapes within half an hour of downtown. Indulge in Auckland's shopping, nightlife and unrivalled cuisine and experience some of the many attractions and adventure activities on offer. There is never a shortage of things to do in the City of Sails. Sights to see include Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Zoo, and Museum of Transport and Technology.
New Zealand's premier destination on the edge of beautiful Lake Rotorua offers visitors so much to see and do the trouble is deciding what to do. From a quiet stroll through the magnificent Redwood Forest to an adrenaline rafting plunge over one of the world's highest commercially rafted waterfalls or an entertaining view of life on the farm at one of our award winning farmshows - Rotorua has it all. Famous for awesome geological forces, Rotorua has hundreds of gentle plopping mud pools, powerful erupting geysers, and intriguing geothermal lakes. Maori Culture is another unique facet to Rotorua's popularity. For more action try hiking down Mt Ngongatah, fishing for trophy-sized trout on one of Rotorua's many lakes, tandem skydiving, horse trekking, or off-road driving. Or just sit back, watch the world go by and enjoy the fresh, clean, picturesque atmosphere from one of many sidewalk cafes and bars. To end the day, soak away ailments in one of many thermally heated natural mineral spas.
The twin cities of Napier and Hastings, located within the region of Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of new Zealand's North Island, are quite unique. The area is blessed with a Californian-Mediterranean climate, boasting one of the highest sunshine averages in the country. The area is also dotted with colourful vineyards and orchards, with some of the most fertile farmland you will see.
In 1931 a two and a half minute earthquake destroyed the city of Napier. Rebuilding began almost immediately in the architectural style of the time - Art Deco. Napier is now classed as the newest city in the world, offering a marvellous, world-renown, collection of Art Deco buildings. Among the attractions in the area are the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers, the Hawke's Bay Aquarium, the Spanish Mission and Art Deco architecture, gardens and bush walks.
Located at southwestern North Island, New Zealand’s capital city derives its character and charm from the wooded hills that curve like a green amphitheater around Wellington’s harbor. Commercial and government buildings rim the waterfront; nostalgic Victorian buildings mingle pleasantly with more modern structures and above the business district, dwellings precariously cling to steep slopes.
Wellington was the first settlement organized by the London-based New Zealand Company. Other sights include Kelburn Cable Car, Museum of Wellington, City and Sea, and National Museum and Art Gallery (Te Papa).
Nelson province, in the Northwest corner of South Island, has the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand. Nelson City is within 37 miles of three major National Parks, Abel Tasman, Kahurangi, and Nelson Lakes, with the Marlborough Sounds being the Maritime equivalent with its many bays and coves. Young and old from all corners of the world visit Nelson to enjoy the pleasures of New Zealand's clean green image.
Queenstown hosts an outstanding collection of adrenaline inducing activities and spectacular scenery. From jumping from tall bridges or quiet fishing, this is New Zealand's number one adventure destination. Lake and river join towering mountain ranges to make Queenstown as popular in the winter as it is in the summer.
At the heart of the action are cafes, the entire spectrum of accommodation, boutique shopping, restaurants and the visitor services expected in a small town with a big reputation.
Te Anau is known as the "sightseeing and walking capital of the world". Fiordland National Park is one of the few areas in the world with World Heritage status. Attractions include scenic boat cruises, scenic flights, sea kayaking, diving, fishing, coach tours, golf, four wheel driving, hunting and more. Te Anau Glow Worm Cave is a rare example of a living cave still under formation. Te Anau is in the hub of the great southern rugged and splendid walking tracks. Lake Te Anau encourages water skiing, swimming, fishing and kayaking on the lake during the summer. During the winter, days are crisp and clear with frosty mornings and sunny days. Te Anau's Wildlife Park is 10 minutes walking distance from the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre on the Lakefront.
Invercargill - the southernmost city in the world - is gateway to some of New Zealand's most beautiful scenery in the Catlins, Fiordland and Stewart Island. A legacy the Scots left their descendants was a distinctive accent and charming tendency to describe things both large and small as 'wee'. This small city has many elegant buildings, neat gardens and tree filled parks. It has an excellent museum with a 'tuatarium' - home to the ancient and rare native tuatara. Central Queens Park features an aviary, small animal park, and rose gardens. A short drive from city center is Anderson, a beautiful Georgian-style home gifted to the city and used as an art gallery. East of Invercargill, on the Southern Scenic Highway from Dunedin, the Catlins Forest Park offers some great walks and magnificent scenery, including Cathedral Cove, blowholes, a petrified forest and Curio Bay, home to small Hector's dolphins.
Christchurch was founded in 1850 by members of the Church of England, who wanted a little bit of heaven on earth. They succeeded, and today the city takes great pride in its spacious layout and distinctive English-style buildings in elegant grey stone. The River Avon winds through Christchurch, along parks and gardens that cover one-third of the city.
