New Zealand Destination Guide

New Zealand is synonymous with natural splendour, extreme sports and fabulous wine. From north to south, the country is incredibly verdant, enjoys perfect weather, is blessed with long, wide stretches of golden beaches, and vast hillsides planted with vineyards.

So where to begin? Start in the north island where farmland and active volcanoes merge with mud pools and golden sand beaches. Here you find Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand where there are infinite tourist attractions like the Skytower Observation Deck, the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, and the quaint Parnell Village area, packed with lovely boutiques, galleries and cafés.

Not far from Auckland are the scenic Hauraki Gulf and Lake Taupo where there are many good jet and cruise boat rental places.

In the south of the island it's surprisingly different. The landscape shifts from volcanoes to large mountains, glaciers, beech forests and fjords. You find a lot of beautiful beaches here and interesting cities like Christchurch, otherwise known as the gateway to Antarctica; and Dunedin, a city proud of its chocolate factories and Scottish heritage.

If you have the time, visit some of the offshore islands. Chatham and Stewart Islands are quiet and full of wonderful wildlife expeditions and have a good selection of lodges and self-catering accommodation.