|
 |
|
New Zealand, or Aotearoa as it is called by the indigenous Maori, is one of the world’s best kept secrets!! Most people consider that New Zealand stands at the antipodes, but perhaps, we’ve all got it wrong. Perhaps, the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ (i.e. Aotearoa) stands at the centre of the world and we are all trying to get here as it has what most people are looking for. Unspoilt, spectacular countryside, pleasantly small cities, clean fresh air, unlimited tasty gourmet food and drink, friendly people and exciting activities, and the place is almost empty!! Similar in size to the United Kingdom, New Zealand is home to a mere 4.1 million residents, and outside of the major cities it is noticeable that the roads are less crowded, you can nearly always get a seat in a pub and there always seems to be a taxi waiting!!
From the first time a visitor enters New Zealand it is obvious that the country is like no other. People strike up polite and casual conversations, nothing seems to be too much trouble and most people are more than helpful!! Tourism is embraced by all New Zealanders and the tour operators and activity specialists run very professional organised businesses designed to make your stay better than your expectations. These tremendous attributes ensure that most visitors have an enjoyable holiday and leave with the intention of returning.
Comprised of the two main islands, that is the North and South Islands, New Zealand is not a large country and it is hard to envisage that something so small can pack such a punch. Perhaps it is its incomparable wilderness areas which are comprised of stupendous snow-capped mountains, huge untouched forests, deep fiords and glaciers. Or there again, maybe it’s the rugged windswept coasts, active volcanoes, miles of sandy beaches and its generally appealing landscapes. Whatever it is, the isolation is its saviour, as if New Zealand stood closer to the main populations of the world more people would visit and the country could lose its unique identity, its relaxed and carefree attitude and its appealing emptiness.
The two islands are centred around the capital of Wellington which is located at the southern tip of the North Island. From here all the roads in the North Island, and after a short ferry ride, all the roads in the South Island lead to every corner of this exciting destination. Easy to explore by car or campervan New Zealand is known for its breath-taking scenery and its extreme adventure activities. These include such things as climbing, skiing and jet boating, but are taken even further for the adrenalin junkies by offering bungy jumping, raft-caving, quad biking, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, white water rafting and game fishing!! Then of course there are the more traditional activities of trout fishing, tramping, touring, wine tasting and sightseeing. If tramping is your choice of activity, New Zealand has developed nine ‘Great Walks’ which are premier hiking tracks and traverse some of the best terrain and superlative scenery of the country, and if that is not enough there are countless scenic flights, using planes, helicopters and hot air balloons that can help visitors view this superb countryside from every angle. All the corners of this diverse country are filled with history and culture, be it Maori or European, and this can be experienced through its major cities - its many small towns and villages - its pubs, cafes, bars, hotels and nightclubs. It is a country pulsing with excited people from all corners of the world and gregarious locals all of whom are willing to share experiences and offer advice.
|
| |
|
| |
| |
| Locations | Regions | Accommodation | Activities |  |
| Akaroa |
 Located just 75 kilometres south-east of Christchurch on the Banks Peninsula stands the small village of Akaroa, that is home to approximately 550 residents some of which trace their heritage back to the days of early French settlement. This superb location on the banks of the beautiful Akaroa Harb... |
| Arrowtown |
 The historic and picturesque gold mining centre of Arrowtown transports its many visitors back to the mid 19th century through its authentic old wooden buildings that line Buckingham Street and the lanes and arcades around it. Located amongst the rolling hills of the Wakatipu Basin and the Southern... |
| Arthur's Pass |
 Arthurs Pass is a small alpine village of approximately 50 residents and is snuggled amidst the steep hillsides of the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island. The village is located 5 kilometres south of the pass, at approximately 740 metres above sea level, between Mount O’Malley and Avalanch... |
| Auckland |
 Auckland is the largest and most populated city in New Zealand, although not the designated capital, which is proudly held by the city of Wellington. Located in a beautifully scenic area on a narrow volcanic isthmus separating two harbours, the cosmopolitan and vibrant city/port of Auckland is loca... |
| Bay of Islands |
 The Bay of Islands is located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island as it stretches towards the Aupouri Peninsula, Ninety Mile Beach and Cape Reinga where the Pacific Ocean mixes with the Tasman Sea. It is one of the Northland Region’s most popular tourist destinations attracting local... |
| Blenheim |
 Blenheim is located at the confluence of the Taylor and Opawa Rivers in the north-eastern corner of the South Island. It is recognised as the main administrative, commercial and economic centre of the Marlborough region and is the area’s transport hub as the town stands at the junction of State Hig... |
| Christchurch |
 The friendly and welcoming university-city of Christchurch is often referred to as New Zealand’s ‘Garden City’, and is located just north of the midpoint on the east coast of the South Island. For air travellers Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and is situated in an ideal location as... |
| Coromandel Peninsula |
 The Coromandel Peninsula is one of New Zealand’s popular holiday and touring destinations. It offers 400 kilometres of picturesque coastline which is comprised of sandy beaches and sheltered bays that are backed by lush rainforest clad rugged hills, and is largely uninhabited except for a few small... |
| Dunedin |
 The historic city of Dunedin lies on the south-east coast of New Zealand’s South Island and is well known for its heritage architecture, beautiful gardens and fantastic location. It is the second largest city on the South Island being home to approximately 115,000 residents and is the principal cit... |
| Fox Glacier Village |
 Fox Glacier Village, or Weheka, is located at the foot of the Fox Glacier on the west coast of the South Island in the Westland National Park approximately 220 kilometres south Greymouth. It is a small village established by gold prospectors and pioneering families in the late 1860’s and is today a... |
| Franz Josef Village |
 Franz Josef Glacier Village, which was once known as Waiho after the river which flows from the glacier to the sea, is located approximately 5 kilometres away from the face of the Franz Josef Glacier. It is located on the west coast of the South Island in the Westland National Park approximately 19... |
| Gisborne |
|
| Greymouth |
 Greymouth stands on the west coast of the South Island, at the mouth of the River Grey as it enters the Tasman Sea. Named after the river, this small city of approximately 10,000 residents is the main population, cultural, commercial and economic centre of the region and an important transport hub, ... |
| Haast |
 Haast is located in one of the worlds’ most remote locations, adjacent to the beautiful and rugged Mount Aspiring National Park, in the heart of the South West New Zealand U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Area. It is a small community of approximately 300 residents that stretches over a 50 kilometre rad... |
| Hamilton |
 Hamilton is located at the centre of the Waikato Region, which lies on the mid west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, 130 kilometres south of Auckland. Hamilton was once the regional centre of a fertile and productive agricultural region and has, over the last few years, undergone a major change... |
| Hanmer Springs |
 The popular tourist destination of Hanmer Springs is a picturesque spa resort town which is located approximately 130 kilometres north of Christchurch and stands in a broad valley sheltered by wooded hills. Within this beautiful a rural area, the thermal springs were found by the first European in1... |
| Hastings |
 Hastings is located approximately 20 kilometres south and inland from the seaside city of Napier, on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. It is the largest urban area in the Hawke’s Bay Region with a population of 65,000 residents, and like Napier, is known for its early 20th century archi... |
| Hawke's Bay |
 The Hawke’s Bay Region is recognised as one the country’s popular holiday destinations. It offers a diverse landscape of fabulous beaches, sheltered coastal plains and tree covered mountains which are centred around the huge curve of Hawke Bay and enjoys a warm and dry, Mediterranean climate, the e... |
| Hokitika |
 The historic township of Hokitika is a seaside town and stands on the northern bank and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River on the west coast of South Island. Backed by the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps and adjacent to the pounding surf of the Tasman Sea, the town of Hokitika is a pop... |
| Invercargill |
 Invercargill is New Zealand’s southernmost city and Southland’s cosmopolitan hub. The city is known for its wide streets and historic buildings and prides itself on its hospitality. Invercargill is considered to be the gateway to the beautiful southern coastline and the surrounding areas which inc... |
| Kaikoura |
 The seaside town of Kaikoura is a popular ecotourism centre and is well known as one of the world’s best whale watching locations. It lies approximately 185 kilometres north of Christchurch on a narrow coastal strip of land between the sea and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. Off the coast of Kaikoura ... |
| Kapiti Island |
 Kapiti Island is located 5 kilometres off the Kapiti Coast which is part of the south-western coastline of New Zealand’s North Island. It stands approximately 50 kilometres north of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, and is the country’s largest predator free island at 1,965 hectares. Totally... |
| Lake Tekapo |
 The small community of Lake Tekapo, which is home to approximately 300 residents, stands on the southern shores of Lake Tekapo close to the Tekapo River, which is the main outflow of the lake. The village overlooks the unusual azure-coloured lake, the picturesque golden tussock covered rolling high... |
| Lyttelton |
|
| Martinborough |
 Martinborough is a picturesque and compact rural village of 1,300 permanent residents which is known as the capital of the Wairarapa Wine Region, in the south-eastern area of New Zealand’s North Island. This friendly and welcoming town, stands within easy walking distance of many vineyards and revo... |
| Masterton |
 Masterton is one of the oldest inland towns in New Zealand. The town stands on relatively flat ground and straddles the Waipoua River, and is the largest town in the Wairarapa area, a mostly rural and farming region in the south-east of New Zealand’s North Island. Masterton is located approximatel... |
| Matakohe |
 The small village of Matakohe lies close to the picturesque shore of the Kaipara Harbour which is located on the north-western coast of New Zealand’s North Island. This scattered rural community is surrounded by the scenic Kauri Coast, an area which is sparsely populated and formed of gently rollin... |
| Methven |
 Methven is a small country town of approximately 1,400 residents which stands on the western edge of the Canterbury Plains at the foothills of the beautiful Southern Alps. It is today a well known winter sports centre as its name is synonymous with Mount Hutt, which is often referred to as Methven/... |
| Milford Sound |
 The small village of Milford Sound, usually called Milford, is located at the head of the spectacular Milford Sound fjord, which lies on the south-west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. The Milford Sound fjord is one of New Zealand’s most famous tourist attractions and is part of the huge wilder... |
| Mt Cook Village |
 The Aoraki/Mount Cook Alpine Village is nestled amongst the stunning mountain scenery of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park which lies deep in the heart of the Southern Alps, and is part of the South West New Zealand U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Area. The village is located on the south-western slo... |
| Napier |
 The charming seaside town of Napier is the main city/ port of the Hawke’s Bay Region of New Zealand’s North Island. The city stands adjacent to Bluff Hill and overlooks Hawke’s Bay which is located on the mid-east coast, approximately 320 kilometres north-east of Wellington. The city is a popular ... |
| Nelson |
 The coastal city of Nelson is located in the northern reaches of the South Island of New Zealand, overlooking the Tasman Bay. It is the major economic, commercial and administrative centre of the region and is known as a popular holiday destination for local and overseas visitors due to its good we... |
| New Plymouth |
 The city of New Plymouth is located on the mid west coast of New Zealand’s North Island in the Taranaki Region which juts into the Tasman Sea and lies halfway between Auckland and Wellington. The city is well known for its proximity to the Egmont National Park which is home to the huge, dramatic, n... |
| Omapere |
 The small village of Omapere is located on the southern shore, and close to the mouth of Hokianga Harbour, in the Northland of New Zealand’s North Island. This rural region of the North Island is known for its sparse population and stunning scenery which is comprised of untouched and unspoilt count... |
| Omarama |
|
| Paihia |
 The small seaside town of Paihia is the main tourist centre of the Bay of Islands which lies on the east coast of New Zealand’s Northland region and is located just 260 kilometres north of Auckland. Standing on the inner reaches of the bay, Paihia lies immediately across the water from the historic... |
| Paraparaumu Beach |
 Paraparaumu Beach is part of the 30 kilometre long Kapiti Coast, which lies on the south-western coastline of New Zealand’s North Island between Paekakariki in the south, and Otaki in the north. Located just 50 kilometres north of Wellington, Paraparaumu Beach can be found due west of the Paraparau... |
| Pauanui |
 Surrounded by the rolling tree clad hills of the Coromandel Peninsula and located at the mouth of the Tairua River, Pauanui stands within the stunningly beautiful setting of golden ocean beaches and the sheltered, blue waters of Tairua Harbour. Overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Oc... |
| Picton |
 Picton is a small coastal town located at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound in the north-eastern area of New Zealand’s South Island. It is the main port of entry for inter-island ferries from Wellington, and as such attributes to Queen Charlotte Sound being the busiest of the waterways which ma... |
| Punakaiki |
 Punakaiki is a small settlement which is located on the rugged west coast of the South Island, and lies between Westport and Greymouth on the scenic ‘Coast Road’, that runs along the edge of the turbulent Tasman Sea. It stands on the southern boundary of the Paparoa National Park which protects a l... |
| Queenstown |
 The beautiful city of Queenstown is the ‘Adventure Capital’ of New Zealand. Standing on the banks of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the magnificent snow-capped Remarkable Mountains, this picturesque city is New Zealand’s premier holiday destination and offers an unlimited variety of outdoor advent... |
| Reefton |
| The sleepy gold and coal mining town of Reefton is located in the West Coast Region of the South Island. The town stands in the valley of the Inangahua River, between the Victoria and Paparoa Ranges, in the heart of the Victoria Conservation Park, the largest park of its type in New Zealand’s at 20... |
| Rotorua |
 Historically known as a spa town, the world famous city of Rotorua stands on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua and is part of the centrally located Bay of Plenty Region of New Zealand’s North Island. It is a busy, cosmopolitan tourist destination and is known as the heartland of the Maori culture... |
| Russell |
| The small, historic and charming village of Russell is located in the Northland region of New Zealand’s North Island, on a small peninsula which stands at the gateway to the Bay of Islands. It is a popular tourist destination as it offers an appealing relaxed atmosphere and is surrounded by beautif... |
| Stewart Island |
 Located approximately 30 kilometres south of New Zealand’s South Island can be found Stewart Island the third largest island of the nation. The island is only 75 kilometres long and up to 45 kilometres wide and supports a small resident population of 420 people. Many of these residents can trace t... |
| Taupo |
 The busy resort town of Taupo is the main centre of the Lake Taupo area which is one of New Zealand’s major tourist destinations attracting approximately 750,000 visitors per year. The area has been settled for centuries by the local Maori who were attracted here for the thermal springs, which toda... |
| Tauranga |
 Tauranga is the main centre of the beautiful Bay of Plenty Region, and is renowned for its mild climate, miles of golden sandy beaches and its notable eye-catching headland of Mount Maunganui. The city of Tauranga encompasses the popular beachside suburb of Mount Maunganui which is known for its fi... |
| Te Anau |
 Te Anau is a town of only 1960 residents and is located on the south-eastern shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in New Zealand’s South Island. The town is overlooked by Mount Luxmore and the Murchinson Mountains and lies on the eastern boundary of the Fiordland National Park, which is part of... |
| Thames |
 Thames is located on the eastern shores of the Firth of Thames and is known as the ‘Gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula’ which juts into the Pacific Ocean and forms part of the mid north coast of New Zealand’s North Island. The town stands on the western side of the peninsula, just north of the Wai... |
| Timaru |
 Timaru is a busy tourist destination located just 165 kilometres south of Christchurch and ideally situated for visitors travelling to the South Islands southern cities of Dunedin, Invercargill, the spectacular Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps and onward to Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau and the... |
| Twizel |
| Twizel is a small town which is located at the heart of New Zealand’s South Island. It lies in Mackenzie Country, a spectacularly beautiful sparsely populated area of treeless rolling grasslands, huge glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. The area extends for approximately 100 kilometres from t... |
| Waitomo Caves Village |
 Situated just 200 kilometres south of Auckland is the picturesque community of Waitomo Caves Village. It is a small rural village of approximately 500 residents which is famous for its limestone caves and glow-worm grotto. It is a busy tourist centre and the main hub for the ever popular Waitomo C... |
| Wanaka |
 The pretty lakeside town of Wanaka is located in the heart of the Southern Lakes District and is surrounded by snow capped mountains, ancient forests and pristine lakes and rivers. It is a small resort town of approximately 5,800 residents and stands on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka. It is th... |
| Wellington |
 New Zealand’s charming and compact capital city of Wellington stands on the shores of a picturesque and protected harbour and is surrounded by rolling green hills, and overlooks the Cook Strait and distant mountain ranges. It is a small city of only 380,000 residents and is located at the tip of th... |
| Whakapapa |
 Whakapapa is located within the boundaries of the Tongariro National Park and lies on the lower north-western slopes of Mount Ruapehu. Whakapapa is New Zealand’s largest area of patrolled ski field and offers world class natural skiing and snowboarding terrain, tobogganing and tubing, all of which ... |
| Whangarei |
 Whangarei is located on the stunning north-western coastline of Whangarei Harbour, just 30 kilometres west of Whangerei Heads which connects the harbour to the Pacific Ocean. It is a small modern city of approximately 50,000 residents and is surrounded by fertile farmlands, orchards and forests, an... |
| White Island |
|
| Whitianga |
 |
| North Island |
| The North Island of New Zealand is the smaller of the country’s two major islands. It is a land of contrasts when compare to the South Island as it has less mountainous scenery, it is warmer and drier, and it is more heavily populated. Home to an estimated 3.3 million residents, the North Island c... |
| South Island |
| The South Island of New Zealand is full of dramatic landscapes which are comprised of rugged coastlines and deep blue fiords, jagged snow capped mountains and alpine lakes, golden beaches, sparkling lakes, vineyards and open pastures. It is one of the wildest and untamed regions of the country, hom... |
|
Holiday Inn Auckland Airport
Auckland
 |  Situated a mere 5 minutes by shuttle from Auckland Airport and set in 10 acres of tranquil gardens, the Holiday Inn is a good choice for that overnight stay close to the airport. The staff are friendly, the hotel bright clean and comfortable, and with a gym, pool and broadband internet access, it ... |
Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel
Paihia
 |  Paihia Beach Resort overlooks Paihia's most picturesque beach and is located with walking distance of the Wharf, the departure point to discover the Bay of Islands. It is a luxurious resort in a beautiful part of New Zealand. It has a heated salt water swimming pool with 5 hot Jacuzzis, steam room... |
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Franz Josef Village
|  Te Waonui Forest Retreat is an eco friendly hotel surrounded by rain forest, nestled between the mountains and the sea. Great care has been taken to not only respect and preserve the environment around the hotel, but to celebrate and embrace the raiforest within the hotel's design. Throughout the ... |
Treetops Lodge
Rotorua
|  New Zealand, or Aotearoa, is a mythical land steeped in legend and mystery. The diverse landscape of Rotorua is where adventure abounds. Treetops Lodge offers the ultimate in world class luxury accommodation and is located in the heart of the trout fishing capital of the world and famed therapeutic ... |
Sebel Trinity Wharf Tauranga
Tauranga
 |  Sebel Trinity Wharf hotel has an enviable position on and over the beautiful Tauranga Harbour. The restaurant and bar offers sun drenched terraces, comfy lounges, and a chic yet casual water front position. Built over three piers and with parklands on one side, the hotel rooms have either a leafy ... |
Mercure Wellington Willis Street
Wellington
 |  The hotel is located in the Cuba Quarter of Wellington and is a short walk to the major attractions, shopping and restaurants. The hotel is not large and is situated in an older building. Car parking is available free of charge. Guests have access to Sports Wide Health and Fitness which is indepe... |
Hotel Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
Christchurch
|  The Novotel Hotel is situated right on Cathedral Square and offers guests a very central location. The tram stops right outside the hotel and most attractions are within easy walking distance as well. The hotel has a modern tower built alongside an historic heritage-listed building and sits on the... |
Archway Motel
Wanaka
 |  Archway Motel is centrally located at the gateway to the beautiful alpine resort town of Lake Wanaka and only a 5 minute walk to golf course, cinema, post office, shops, cafes and the lakeshore. The units are spcaious, self-contained, warm and comfortable and suitable for friends or family. All ar... |
Te Wanaka Lodge
Wanaka
|  Te Wanaka Lodge is a true ski lodge in the Winter months, with traditional Apres-ski during the evenings. During the summer it is a lovely B & B with an emphasis on friendly, personal service. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy their comfortable private rooms while still having the opportunity t... |
Kingsgate Hotel
Te Anau
|  Set amongst manicured gardens on the tranquil shores of Lake Te anau, Kingsgate Hotel is an ideal location, just 500 m from the village centre. As Te Anau is the gateway to the Fiordland National park there are many travellers using Te Anau as a base. |
|
|
Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch
Whale Watching
Kaikoura | Spend the day getting close to nature on a whale-watching day trip to Kaikoura, renowned for its variety of marine mammals. You'll enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, go on a whale-watching boat tour from Kaikoura, visit a seal colony and complete the day with ... |
Hukafalls Jet Boat Trip
Boating
Taupo |  Jet Boating is an amazing experience and one of the rides of your life. Hukafalls Jet boating is no exception. The exhilarating power of the jet boats, the 360 degree spins
travelling at 80 kilometres an hour as you slide past cliffs and trees all add up to a thrilling ridel. The maneuverabilit... |
Speight's Brewery Tour
Tour
Dunedin |  Speight's Brewery started in 1876 and it has a long and interesting history from the beginning when three employees of North Dunedin's Well Park Brewery resigned and set up a new brewery in a redundant building in Rattray Street, Dunedin. Speight's is still in the same location to this day and has ... |
Rangitaiki Scenic Rafting - Grade 2
White Water Rafting
Rotorua |  Enjoy spectacular scenery with cascading waterfalls tumbling into the river, beautiful forest views and sheer rock gorges clad in native bush. Ideal for families or those looking for a more relaxed rafting adventure, the Lower Rangitaiki Scenic trip offers gentle rolling rapids that never rise abov... |
TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise
Cruise
Queenstown |  Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-centurywith a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, the only fired passenger carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Affectionately known as the "Lady of the Lake", the TSS Earnslaw has a special place in the hearts of Queenstown pe... |
Adventure Puketi Forest Full Day Walk
Walking
Bay of Islands |  Your guide, Ian Candy and his team take pleasure in showing visitors through the tranquil natural beauty of the ancient Puketi rain forest in the Bay of Islands. Puketi boasts some of the most spectacular scenery that Northland has to offer.
Enjoy the subtropical rainforest and diverse flora and... |
Twin Passes Over-the-Top
Biking
Hanmer Springs |  For the ultimate mountain biking experience in Hanmer Springs, choose their twin passes deal! Travel to the top of Jack’s Pass (3000 ft) by shuttle where you adventure begins! Explore the unique South Island High Country between Jacks Pass and Jollies Pass. The views are magnificent – the ride winds... |
Alpine Safari Tour
Tour
Christchurch |  This tour has it all! Four types of transport, three unique adventures, two course cafe lunch, one entertaining Kiwi tour guide, this equals the ultimate Alpine Experience. The day begins with a scenic tour over the Canterbury Plains to the Waimak Gorge where you will board the famous Hamilton jet... |
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Boating
Te Anau |  Your Te Anau Glowworm Cave adventure begins with a cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau on board the catamaran Luminosa to the western side of the lake. On arrival there is time to view the interesting displays at Cavern House before our friendly guides accompany you underground in small groups.
... |
Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Cruise
Aerial
Wanaka |  View spectacular mountains and the dramatic landscape of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, part of South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. This area is known to Maori as Te Wahipounamu, meaning ‘the place of greenstone’.
The scenic flight includes the impressive Mount Aspiring, prist... |
|
|
|
|
|
| |