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- Alex Schultz
- Auckland. One of the best places to live in the world in terms of quality of life, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and the first point of entry for most people.
- Christchurch. A delightful city that is the largest in the South Island, Christchurch is currently being rebuilt after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes that devastatingly struck, destroying so many of its buildings.
- Queenstown. In addition to its stunning location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the spectacular mountains surrounding Queenstown make for one of the most beautiful scenes in the whole country.
- Rotorua. Lying on the shores of the lake after which it is named, Rotorua is renowned for its fabulous hot springs and geysers that are absolutely everywhere.
- Elen Turner
- Auckland. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and contains the country's busiest international airport. It's not the capital city though (that's Wellington).
- Wellington. Wellington is New Zealand's capital, and with a population of around 420,000 in the greater urban area, it's the second-largest city. New Zealand went through a few capitals in the early decades of European settlement.
- Christchurch. New Zealand's third-largest city (population 400,000) is the biggest on the South Island and has the second-busiest airport in the country.
- Dunedin. If your time is very limited and you can only spend time in one South Island city, make it Dunedin. The South Island's second-largest city (population 120,000), Dunedin is a charming place with Scottish-inspired colonial-era architecture and a large and well-respected university.
May 10, 2022 · Discover the diverse attractions of New Zealand, from geothermal features and Maori culture to skiing and wine regions. Explore the North and South Islands, their cities, beaches, national parks, and more.
- Elen Turner
- Queenstown
- Coromandel
- Abel Tasman National Park
- Fiordland National Park
- West Coast
- Mackenzie Region
- Rotorua
- Napier
- Bay of Islands
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Best for adventure activities New Zealand’s adventure capital is a favorite with visitors and for good reason. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Queenstown’s location makes it one of the country’s most sought-after places to work and play. There are three good ski hills (called “ski fields”) and an equally envi...
Best for beautiful beaches If you’re after a beach holiday, head to the Coromandel Peninsula, on the east coast of the North Island. While the iconic Cathedral Cove area is currently more difficult to access due to damage from 2023’s storms (you’ll need to take a boat or kayak tour to get there), there are countless other stunning beachesin the reg...
Best for hiking and kayaking The South Island’s Abel Tasman National Park is an unspoiled natural environment replete with native bush, crystal-clear bays and white sandy beaches. You can access it on a day trip from Nelson, but this is a destination that demands more time if you can afford it. The Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand's Grea...
Best for epic landscapes On the edge of the South Island, Fiordland National Park is home to one of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, the majestic Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where visitors can see plunging waterfalls along the fiord and rare marine wildlife, including Fiordland crested penguins and Hector’s dolphins. There are also several hiki...
Best for glaciers The rugged western coastline of the South Island is a raw juxtaposition of dense rainforests, craggy rocks and ancient glaciers. The major drawcards of this wild and remote region are the majestic Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, offering visitors a unique chance to witness rivers of ice that flow almost to sea level. Take guided gla...
Best for stargazing Around two hours’ drive from Christchurch is the Mackenzie Region, a peaceful place with some of the country’s loveliest scenery. The region is an International Dark Sky Reserve with minimal light pollution, so be sure to keep an eye on the forecast. When you have a clear night, head to the observatory to see the stars through a...
Best for geothermal activity and Māori cultural experiences At the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal action, Rotoruais the place to go to see bubbling mud pools, geysers and steaming rivers. Then, finish the day by taking a relaxing soak in a thermal mud bath. Rotorua is just as renowned for its geological wonders as it is for its immersive cultura...
Best for architecture After a devastating earthquake in 1931, Napier was rebuilt almost completely, embracing the art deco style that was popular at the time. Today, it has one of the most extensive collections of art deco buildings in the southern hemisphere. Visitors who want to get their Great Gatsby on can immerse themselves in Napier’s history...
Best for Māori history The Bay of Islands, with its shimmering waters and myriad islets, is as pretty as it is important to the culture and history of the country. The Waitangi Treaty Groundsmark the place where a foundational document was signed between Māori chiefs and British representatives, forming modern-day New Zealand. If you visit between ...
Discover the natural beauty and diversity of New Zealand with these top destinations, from adventure capital Queenstown to glacier-carved West Coast. Whether you're looking for beaches, hiking, kayaking, stargazing or wildlife, you'll find it here.
- Abel Tasman National Park. This stunning National Park is one of the top places to go on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s home to the most accessible of New Zealand’s great walks, the Abel Tasman Coast Track.
- Marlborough Wine Region. Be prepared to be spoilt for choice as you explore the largest wine region in New Zealand. Accounting for 85% of New Zealand’s wine exports, Marlborough is home to around 35 wineries that are open to the public.
- Nelson. This quaint little city finds itself sandwiched between the Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough Wine Region on the South Island. This combined with beautiful surroundings, a funky art and restaurant scene topped off with lashings of sunshine make it one of the most liveable cities in New Zealand.
- Kaikoura. For those interested in wildlife this is surely one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. After a devastating earthquake in 2016 transport in and out of Kaikoura was a challenging and time-consuming affair whilst the coastal highway was rebuilt.
Jan 22, 2024 · What are New Zealand's best cities? Find out the population of New Zealand cities and discover which ones are the best for visitors.
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Aug 8, 2023 · Discover the best places to visit in New Zealand, from the Bay of Islands to Milford Sound, with tips on activities, culture, and cuisine. Find out why Auckland, Waiheke Island, and Christchurch are among the top destinations in this beautiful country.
