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Regional information

Stuck on how to plan your trip? We have a variety of ideas on how you can spend your holiday - if you'd prefer, AA Travel has created numerous regional itineraries to further assist your planning process.

Whether you’ve hired a rental car or caravan, jumped on a tour bus or taken a short flight to one of New Zealand’s towns, there are plenty of suggestions on how to spend a day or two, or even a week exploring each region. Merge itineraries if you want to travel around various regions or pick out ideas from each to form your very own Great Kiwi Road Trip!

Northland

Home to the Bay of Islands, a stunning aquatic playground and New Zealand’s premier holiday destination, Northland is filled with early New Zealand history, beautiful scenery and wild west-coast beaches and forests, encompassing numerous experiences for all traveller types.

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Auckland

A culture-rich, fast-moving city with idyllic islands just a short ferry ride away, Auckland (aka the City of Sails) is the home of one-third of New Zealand’s population and will not leave you short of things to see and do while visiting.

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Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is New Zealand’s slice of untouched paradise. You’ll reach sparkling white-sand beaches after travelling through ranges covered in lush native rainforest. As well as its scenic beauty, the peninsula has much history and heritage, as well as a thriving art scene. Read more at AA Travel.

Bay of Penty

A popular holiday spot for many Kiwis and international visitors, the Bay of Plenty is known and loved for its beaches, low-key seaside suburbs and cultural attractions, as well as its adventure activities, wildlife encounters and excellent golf courses. Read more at AA Travel.

Eastland

Not only is it first to see the sun each day, Eastland has a number of magnificent beaches, produces excellent chardonnay, and has great historical significance to New Zealand. Explore Eastland along the Pacific Coast Highway; it will lead you to all the essential attractions the region has to offer. Read more at AA Travel.

Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s leading food and wine region – there are more than 40 wineries scattered across the region. More than 2200 hours of sunshine annually and a collection of great beaches make it a leading holiday destination too. Read more at AA Travel.

Waikato

Home to the ‘Kiwiana’ capital, Otorohanga, and our very own ‘Hobbiton’ in Matamata, Waikato is blessed with beauty both above and below ground. The Waitomo Caves showcase the spectacular limestone formations and glowworms, a must-see attraction! Read more at AA Travel.

Rotorua

New Zealand’s own geothermal paradise really does know how to get hot and steamy. Not only does steam rise through vents and cracks in the footpaths, but Rotorua has numerous traditional Maori culture attractions, luxurious day spas and golf courses and is an adrenalin-junkie’s heaven!

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Taupo

Taupo is encompassed by bush-clad mountains, geothermal hot spots, and stunning volcanic terrain – due to a huge eruption thousands of years ago. The popular holiday destination is on the northern shore of Lake Taupo, is the biggest lake in Australasia and is roughly the size of Singapore!

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Taranaki

During the winter months, skiers and snowboarders flock to Mt Taranaki, the heart and soul of the Taranaki region; many keen hikers are regular summer visitors. Not only is it mountainous, but Taranaki is also known and visited for its famous surf breaks, parks and gardens and the fantastic museum, Puke Ariki. Read more at AA Travel.

Manawatu

Prime farmland, laidback rural towns and the tremendous mountain ranges epitomise the Manawatu region. Palmerston North displays resonant New Zealand culture with the New Zealand Rugby and Te Manawa Museums, plus several spectacular theatres. Read more at AA Travel.

Wellington

Wellington, the political capital of New Zealand, is located at the southern end of the North Island and is jam-packed with things to do and see. Among these are intriguing art galleries, interesting Regional museums (including New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa) and theatres, as well as great cafés and restaurants. Read more at AA Travel.

South Island

Marlborough

Famous for its breathtaking beauty and premier wine region, Marlborough has Picton, the Cook Strait ferry’s point of entry to the South Island; Blenheim, one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand and capital of the region; as well as the Marlborough Sounds, ideal for sailing, kayaking, fishing and diving among the tranquil coves. Read more at AA Travel.

Nelson

Nelson is the perfect holiday destination for all traveller types. Surrounded by three national parks, Nelson city itself is an upbeat, stylish city, which takes pride in its thriving arts scene. Visiting Abel Tasman National Park to experience the dazzling golden bays and beaches is a must-do! Read more at AA Travel.

West Coast

The West Coast is spread along 600km of coastline and is a wonderland of raw natural beauty with many all-season outdoor activities – some of New Zealand’s best tramping tracks, wildlife colonies and fishing spots are here. Read more at AA Travel.

Canterbury

Canterbury is divided into many districts, each offering something completely different. Watch whales and dolphins out of Kaikoura, relax and bathe in Hanmer Springs, seek adventure in Ashburton or sip on award-winning wine in the Waipara Valley wine region. Read more at AA Travel.

Central Otago

Central Otago has some of New Zealand’s most diverse scenery, with rocky brown hills, tussock, deep valleys and gorges. The Otago Central Rail Trail is an essential experience to participate in while in the region. Conclude your visit by sampling wine from the award-winning wineries from Central Otago. Read more at AA Travel.

Otago & Southland

To explore Otago and Southland, follow the Southern Scenic Touring Route and discover the impressive natural attractions, such as fossilised forest, beaches and waterfalls as well as unusual rock formations and wildlife. Read more at AA Travel.

Queenstown

Queenstown’s intense alpine scenery and exceptional skiing and snowboarding opportunities are just some of the reasons it is known as the Adventure Capital of the World. Alongside the adventure, Queenstown has a vibrant nightlife and a long list of things to see and do once you get there!

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