beautiful country
Add to the mix spectacular geothermal activity, renowned vineyards and Māori folklore, and you’ll see why this is one of our all-time favorite destinations to visit and explore.
The decision you need to make is less a matter of whether to go, but where and when. This list, put together by expert travel consultants, is a great place to start.
RIDE THE TRANZALPINE TRAIN FROM CHRISTCHURCH TO GREYMOUTH
Listed as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys by National Geographic, this four-and-a-half hour train journey will take you up and over the Southern Alps, snaking through alpine rainforest and passing by sapphire-colored lakes. On arrival, you can either take the beautiful journey back to Christchurch, or continue down the west coast to ‘glacier country’ to hike up the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
WHALE WATCH IN KAIKOURA
Sperm whales are permanent residents of the rich waters surrounding Kaikoura, but throughout the year they share them with a whole host of other species of whales, dolphin and birds. There are many whale-watching boat trips you can do, but for the most adventurous of people, taking a helicopter is by far the most exhilarating option. Soaring over these impressive mammals is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Kaikoura is also home to the best crayfish (literally, the name Kaikoura means ‘to eat crayfish’), so grab a bite to eat in the little town, or drive along the coast and you’ll find little pop up shacks where you can eat freshly caught crayfish by the sea.
GET TO KNOW MĀORI CULTURE
Whether you choose to spend the night in a marae (a Māori meeting house) or learn about Māori heritage at the Te Papa Museum in Wellington, there are many ways to get acquainted with New Zealand’s indigenous culture.
Rotorua is considered the heartland of Māori culture, and the perfect place to witness the power of the ‘haka’ war dance and indulge in a traditional ‘hāngī’ – a Māori feast cooked beneath the ground. After, the thermal pools will be calling.
WALK THE HOLLYFORD VALLEY WALK
A one-way 56km track located in the Fiordland National Park on the wild west coast of the South Island, winding through ancient wilderness and eventually ending up at the sea. Offering native birdlife, stunning vistas and a range of vegetation, it’s a great tramping adventure for those who like to be a little off the beaten track. This easygoing, low-alitude walk usually takes between four to eight days to complete.
DRIVE TO AKAROA
A couple of hours outside Christchurch is a little town called Akaroa. It’s a sweet little French town (in fact, it’s the only French town in New Zealand!) full of history, charm and delicious French food. The drive here from Christchurch is also one of the most stunning drives.
HIKE WITHIN THE CRATER OF MOUNT TARAWERA
This dormant volcano that erupted in 1886, expanding over 17kms in length. Not one for someone who’s afraid of heights, but it’s a pretty phenomenal walk with knowledgeable guides and an impressive scree slope to run down at the end.
DRINK LOTS OF WINE!
New Zealand’s known for it, so why not? Vineyards are scattered all across Marlborough and the Hawkes Bay region, so take a bike and follow the wine estates path for a day of wine tasting – just be careful as you go! If you’re a golfer, you definitely don’t want to miss out on this bucket-list golf course at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers near Hawke’s Bay which is ranked in the top 100 in the world.
GO FISHING ON NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST FRESHWATER LAKE
Lake Taupo, the large crater lake in New Zealand’s North Island, is an internationally-renowned fishing haven. You can try your luck at landing trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout in the lake itself or in the surrounding rivers and streams. The Taupo area is home to many passionate fishing guides who will help you discover the best local spots!
VISIT HOBBITON
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Matamata on a thousand-acre farm is the photogenic film set of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Hobbiton. A three-hour drive from Auckland, this place is not one to miss. The 44 intricately built ‘hobbit houses’ have been carefully pruned and manicured by a full-time set of gardeners. There’s even a pub to settle in and have a beer at the end of the tour!
GO TREKKING BY HORSE IN GLENORCHY
A mere 45-minute drive from Queenstown is the charming lakeside community of Glenorchy. Spend the day here in the saddle, weaving in and out of beech forests and crossing over the Dart River, its banks carpeted in colorful pink and purple lupins. It’s a pretty memorable riding experience. Glenorchy also has some of the best hikes in New Zealand, with endless walking trails and eye-spoiling views
