New Zealand is once again open for business and now is the perfect time to plan a visit to this incredible country of contrasts. People come for its incredible scenery, vibrant culture and outdoor lifestyle and the unique geothermal activity that has shaped the land.
North Island
Most visitors arrive in Auckland, a waterfront city lying on the Hauraki Gulf on the North Island, with regular flights via North America, the Middle and Far East. With the beautiful islands of Waiheke and the distinctive volcanic dome of Rangitoto resting just offshore, and wild beaches to discover alongside it’s urban experiences, it’s a great arrival point. The North Island is incredibly diverse and whilst many visitors skip south at speed, it’s deserving of your time. Take the opportunity to explore properly and you’ll find a wealth of treasures.
Bay of Islands and Northland
In the far north, the Bay of Islands and Northland is a place of dramatic coastlines, vast kauri forests and a rich, long-lasting Maori culture, it’s also where the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s founding document was signed. Head south and beautiful hidden wonders such as the rainforest-clad Coromandel Peninsula lie in wait. Follow in the hairy-toed footsteps of hobbits in Hobbiton and see the island’s ever-present geothermal activity and cultural heritage, first hand in Rotorua.
Hawke’s Bay
Wine-lovers should include Hawke’s Bay, home to some of the finest vineyards and wineries in New Zealand, it’s also a place to discover one of the most complete collections of Art Deco buildings in the world in Napier. Take a sky dive over Lake Taupo, a lake the size of Singapore, and undertake the Tongariro Crossing, arguably one of the world’s finest one-day walks, in the UNESCO World Heritage Tongariro National Park. Last but by no means least the small but perfectly formed capital city of Wellington lies tucked at the bottom of the island. It’s a very cool, compact city best explored on foot.
South Island
The South Island is dramatically different to its North Island counterpart. The top of the island boasts the highest hours of sunshine in the country and is where you’ll find the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, if you’ve come over on the ferry from Wellington, you’ll see this first hand as the sailing comes in through this labyrinth of waterways. It’s also where you’ll find the world-class vineyards of Marlborough and the magnificent Abel Tasman National Park. The Abel Tasman track is an exceptional way to hike and/or kayak through the park.
West Coast
The West Coast of the island is punctuated by dense rainforest, a wild, rugged coastline and two of the oldest glaciers in the world; Franz Josef and Fox, before eventually the road turns inwards through the Southern Lakes. This stunning region offers epic, cinema-worthy landscapes, with rugged mountains and glacial lakes, the alpine towns of Wanaka and Queenstown and a wealth of exceptional experiences. It’s also where you’ll find the dramatic scenery of Fiordland, take boat trips on Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, soar over them on a scenic flight or stay overnight, for a truly memorable experience after the visitors have left.
East Coast
The east coast of the South Island is renowned for it’s marine life, in particular Kaikoura, which translates to ‘where the whales are’ known for whale watching and dolphins and much further south, the Otago Peninsula, home to penguins and albatross. In between the two the city of Christchurch is rebuilding stronger than ever after the devastating earthquake in 2011 and is a diverse and intriguing place to spend a few days.
Getting Around
New Zealand may look small but don’t underestimate the distances and time involved to travel between places. A self-drive is the ultimate way to explore with a vast range of accommodation options to suit all budgets from self-catering apartments to boutique hotels and B&B’s to luxury lodges. Hiring a motorhome is another popular choice and New Zealand does ‘camp sites’ very well, it’s also still possible to freedom camp and you’ll often find beautiful places to overnight without another visitor in sight. If you prefer to let someone else take the wheel, then an escorted tour is a great way to see the country with plenty of activities included as well.
More From The Expert – Catherine Blackburn
Visit my website at Catherine Blackburn Travel, follow me on Facebook, or give me a call on 01295 231525
Further Reading From Catherine
- Canada
- Eastern Canada
- Atlantic Canada
- Canada: Gold Rush Pioneers
- Australia
- Scandinavia
- South Africa & Safari
- Caribbean
- Alaska The Last Frontier
- Escape the Winter
- The Evolving Landscape of Travel in 2024: Exploring New Horizons, Sustainability, and Adventure
- California
- Christmas in Lapland
- Florida
- East Coast Cities of the USA
