Rotorua

Rotorua is a notable city on the North Island, New Zealand. It has been a very popular stop for both the locals and international travellers with engaging geothermal activity, spouting geysers, Maori culture and boiling mud pools. Te Puia is the topmost tourist attraction in Rotorua, which is considered to be the Maori cultural centre, containing the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and the renowned 30m-tall Pohutu geyser. Its Whakarewarewa Valley and several other places around this part of the country – including Hell’s Gate, Wai-O-Tapu and Orakei Korako – offer thermal mud pools, dramatic geysers, resorts and holiday parks with hot spring bathing facilities. Get a unique thermal spa experience at the lakeside Polynesian Spa. And do not leave the town without learning some Maori culture through exploring such Maori villages as Mitai, Whakarewarewa and Tamaki.

Waitangi

Waitangi, which literally means “weeping waters”, is a town in the North Island, New Zealand. It is one of the country’s most important historic places where the Declaration of Independence of New Zealand and the famous Treaty of Waitangi were signed in 1835 and 1840 respectively. Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the protected site of New Zealand’s founding agreement between the British Crown and the Maori people, is a chief highlight of the town with the Treaty House itself, a carved meeting house, an interior museum and a ceremonial canoe. Haruru Falls is another noteworthy attraction in Waitangi offering picturesque views and a delightful kayaking experience.

Hokianga Harbour

The Hokianga Harbour is located in the north of the Northland region of New Zealand. It has a weight in history since it was a nest for the Europeans as well as the Maori people. Though sometimes it is looked down upon as a tourist destination, it is a widely accepted alternative to the Bay of Islands, offering activities such as hiking, horse trekking, sand boarding and dolphin watching. Approaching the Hokianga region from the south is very rewarding as you will get the chance to drive through the Waipoua Forest, which is home to Tāne Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere, two of the largest living kauri trees.

Coromandel Peninsula

About 85 kilometres long and 40 kilometres wide, the Coromandel Peninsula is situated on the North Island of New Zealand. It is one of the most well-liked holiday destinations in the country due to its charming beaches, wonderful hiking trails, natural forests and relaxing environment. The Coromandel offers plenty of activities. You can wander or walk through the bushes, hike the Pinnacles Walk or Coromandel Coastal Walkway, get on your trail bike and cycle on the Hauraki Rail Trail. The sensational Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve with boat rentals and rock formations is a great site to spend some quality time. But if you just want to sit and relax, stop by the Hot Water Beach where you can dig to build up your own warm relaxing pool.

Tongariro National Park

Located in the heart of the North Island, Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park. It has been registered as a dual World Heritage area by UNESCO due to its cultural and natural importance. It is home to three active volcanoes such as Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, which are at the core of the park. The mountains along with some other sites within the park have great cultural and religious values to the Maori people. Over Mt. Tongariro is the world-famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best one-day hikes in the world. During the winter, the park offers exciting skiing options at Mt Ruapehu, which has two of the largest ski fields in New Zealand and at the ski fields of the Whakapapa or Turoa.

Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay is a coastal city in the North Island, New Zealand. With over 200 extensive vineyards, it is the country’s oldest wine-producing region. Apart from wineries, it is famed for its beaches, sunshine and exceptional Art Deco architecture. Napier contains more Art Deco architecture than any other main centre of Hawkes Bay simply because of the fact that it was rebuilt in this art form, after being hit by a serious earthquake in 1931. Some of the finest examples of this style include the Daily Telegraph Building and Municipal Theatre in Napier and the Hawke’s Bay Opera House in Hastings. The National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier with an underwater glass tunnel is a must for discovering a wide range of marine life. Do not miss the Cape Kidnappers, an extraordinary headland featuring spectacular cliff formations, a world-class golf course and the largest mainland gannet colony in the world.

Wellington

Wellington is the capital and second-most crowded city of New Zealand after Auckland. It is a classic small town, often called “the coolest little capital in the world”, to tour with sandy beaches, colourful timber houses and award-winning bars, restaurants and cafes. Get on the iconic Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay for panoramic views of the city and explore some of the highlights the city offers including the Cable Car Museum, Wellington Botanic Garden and Zealandia. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa or just ‘Te Papa’ is New Zealand’s most innovative and interactive national museum, which must be visited.

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park at the north edge of South Island in New Zealand. Consisting of numerous white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, sandstone cliffs and forested hiking trails, it is the perfect spot for relaxation as well as adventure. Walk the Abel Tasman Coast Track, a 60 kilometres long walking trail within the Park which is regarded as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Starting from the pleasant seaside village of Marahau in the south to Wainui in the north, the track leads you through lush native woodlands and along the stunning golden beaches. You should also get yourself involved in several coastal activities the park features like kayaking, sailing and scuba diving.

Kaikoura

The coastal town of Kaikoura is located on the South Island of New Zealand. It is the centre for all kinds of wildlife experiences, particularly, the whales. Whale Watch Kaikoura is a whale watching company that grants tourists an exciting close-up encounter with the whales in their natural habitat all year round. Similarly, Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura allows a unique experience of swimming with dolphins. Furthermore, the tour service of Seal Swim Kaikoura offers secure and delightful tours to swim or snorkel with the Fur Seals. If you are a bird person, you can take an Albatross or seabird watching tour for an extraordinary view of seabirds.

Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula

Near Christchurch, the Banks Peninsula is a scenic peninsula on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Comprising of several extinct volcanos, it has two extensive harbours, multiple petite bays, wonderful wildlife and fascinating historic villages. Akaroa, a French-infused town on the Banks Peninsula, should be visited at least once. It is home to Hector’s dolphins, the smallest, rarest and endangered marine dolphins in the world. The small Akaroa Museum contains comprehensive collections of archives, art, archaeology and so on, which depict the history of Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula. There are a number of dainty restaurants and cafes along the waterfront in Akaroa, where you can have your food and drink in great pleasure.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

In the heart of the South Island of New Zealand, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the world’s biggest of all and the southern hemisphere’s only dark sky reserve. The clear sky with controlled light pollution in the area makes millions of stars visible right before the eyes and therefore, stargazing is the most favourite activity in this region. Take an informative stargazing tour and get the experience of sky-watching like never before. The amazing views of the sky, stars and galaxies can surely make you feel connected to the history of the universe.

Queenstown

Queenstown is a picturesque resort town on the South Island of New Zealand. Sitting on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, it allows excellent landscapes and mountains views. You can literally spend hours staring at its gorgeous hills. For more spectacular views of the city, you can consider taking a cable car to the peak of the mountain. Widely recognised as the adventure Capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers the country’s best adventurous activities. You can do heart-stopping bungee jumping off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, get an exciting jet boating experience on the Shotover River or the Dart River and skiing is also available on the slopes of the Remarkables and Coronet Peak, but only during the winter season.

Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula

Dunedin is one of the well-preserved historic cities on the South Island of New Zealand. Encircled by dramatic hills, the city is specifically remarked for its Scottish and Maori heritage, great antique architecture, picturesque harbour and relatively high student population. The University of Otago, the iconic Dunedin Railway Station and a few old churches are among the architectural attractions of the city. Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest residential street until 2019, is a worth visiting highlight in Dunedin.

Take a ride to the neighbouring Otago Peninsula, one of the best eco-tourism travel destinations in New Zealand. It is home to numerous wild animals and birds including albatrosses, sea lions and some rare species of penguins. Stop by the grand Larnach Castle on the ridge of the Otago Peninsula, a fine example of Scottish baronial-style architecture.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is one of the largest national parks in the southwest of South Island, New Zealand. This scenic natural area contains dramatic ice-carved fiords, forests, mountains, lakes and canyons. Milford Sound, which is known for its towering Mitre Peak, is probably the most popular attraction of the park. Doubtful Sound is another fjord in Fiordland National Park which is counted by many as the second-most favourite attraction. For hikers, the famed hiking trail that is considered to be one of New Zealand’s great walks, Milford Track is a must. Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri are two of the most famous and beautiful lakes in this region offering plenty of activities including cruising, fishing, hiking and kayaking.

Stewart Island/Rakiura

Stewart Island/Rakiura is the third-largest island, just to the south of the South Island, New Zealand. The Māori term ‘Rakiura’ means ‘Glowing Skies’, indicating the sunsets or the aurora australis for which the island is renowned. Nearly 85% of this island is covered by the Rakiura National Park. It is the newest of the national parks in New Zealand, solely dedicated to the preservation of wildlife such as kiwis, seals and penguins. People visit this park mainly for hiking and birdwatching, which are two of the most popular activities in this region. The 32 kilometres long Rakiura Track in Rakiura National Park is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. It generally takes up to three days to hike this amazing walking trail.

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