Discover our Kiwi Gems

Following the rugged coastline of Cape Rēinga, the Te Paki Coastal Track takes in some of the best beaches in the Far North Region. 

Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands is ringed by dreamy white sand beaches, warm, clear water for snorkelling, beachside campsites and walking tracks winding through long grass.

One of the world’s most successful conservation projects can be found just off the coast of Auckland’s Whangapāraoa Peninsula. 

Experience sprawling world-class sculpture gardens, multiple art galleries and a fine dining restaurant on the outskirts of Matakana.

In Auckland’s Manukau City you can raft down the world’s highest artificial waterfall. 

Hidden behind the towering black sand dunes near Auckland’s Te Henga / Bethells Beach is a freshwater lake, ideal for safe summer swimming. 

Picture a secluded beach made from crushed seashells that you can only get to on foot or by kayak. 

Celebrating the history of aviation in New Zealand, Classic Flyers Museum in Mount Maunganui showcases heritage aircraft, both on the ground and in the skies.

McLaren Falls Park is a 190-hectare swathe of lakeside parkland on the outskirts of Tauranga, that’s brimming with activities. 

Imagine being able to experience one of New Zealand’s most famous marine reserves without getting wet. 

At Driving Creek on The Coromandel Peninsula, you can choose between chugging through native forest on New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway or zooming above it via zipline. 

Explore the northern tip of The Coromandel Peninsula on foot or mountain bike along the spectacular Coromandel Coastal Walkway. 

Unleash your inner racer on the go-kart track at Hampton Downs in Waikato

Explore the remnants of gold-mining history in the Waiorongomai Valley on the outskirts of Waikato’s Te Aroha. 

In the heart of the Waitomo District, you’ll find Marokopa Falls – one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand. 

Discover New Zealand’s most famous archaeological site at the Buried Village in Rotorua.  

At Wingspan, New Zealand’s National Bird of Prey Centre, you can get up close to our native falcons, or kārearea.

Where the Waikato River meets Otumuheke Stream in Taupō you’ll find free outdoor hot pools.  

An 83km, one- to three-day grade three ride, the Great Lake Trail forms part of the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trail. 

Wriggle your way through a narrow rock crevice to find a naturally-heated waterfall, deep in the bush on the outskirts of Taupō.

Take New Zealand’s longest gondola ride to the highest café in the country.

Taranaki Falls are one of the Tongariro National Park’s most impressive and accessible waterfalls. 

He Ara Kotahi means ‘the path that brings people together’ which is a fitting name for Palmerston North’s newest walkway. 

In Palmerston North, you can visit the first-ever public museum devoted to rugby.

While whitewater rafting is undoubtedly an adventurous activity, on the Rangitīkei River you can choose to raft at a much more leisurely pace. 

Take a leisurely trip up the Whanganui River on one of two historic boat cruises – the MV Wairua or New Zealand's only coal-powered paddle steamer, the Waimarie.

In Whanganui, you’ll find the only open-access glass studio in New Zealand.  

One of New Zealand’s best and most innovative private museums, Tawhiti Museum in South Taranaki recreates the region’s history in vivid 4D detail. 

Tongapōrutu Beach in northern Taranaki is one of New Zealand’s most rapidly evolving pieces of coastline. 

Right in the heart of New Plymouth you’ll find the multi-faceted Pukekura Park. 

Find Hawke’s Bay’s highest waterfall, rare birdlife and intriguing geology at the ‘mainland island’ of Boundary Stream.

It’s no secret that Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its fine wine and vineyard dining but there are plenty of other unique options for eating out around the region, too. 

Backpaddock Lakes in Central Hawke's Bay is a purpose-built lake equipped with two cable and pulley systems that mean you can have a go at wakeboarding, boat-free

Just outside Gisborne you can cruise along a coastal railway line – by bike. 

Gisborne’s Tolaga Bay Wharf is the second-longest in New Zealand. 

Take a short, family-friendly walk on the Deliverance Cove Track to discover some of the most interesting coastline in the Wairarapa region.

At Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre you can have an immersive experience that is both ecological and cultural. 

Visit the intriguing Matiu/Somes island in the middle of Wellington Harbour.

With a stellar collection of superb cafés and restaurants, most within easy walking distance, plus an abundance of boutique brew bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Wellington. 

Wellington’s Turakirae Head at the southern end of the Remutaka Range is a unique habitat for native birds, reptiles and most notably kekeno, or New Zealand fur seals.

With its high sunshine hours, minimal rainfall and more than 20,000 hectares of vines, Marlborough is the biggest wine-producing region in New Zealand. 

Following the shoreline of the Wairau Lagoons, take a flat, family-friendly walk to spot seabirds and a shipwreck. 

Running from Kuiama Bay near Havelock, to Duncan Bay in Tennyson Inlet, the Nydia Track is one of the lesser-known walks in the Marlborough Sounds. 

You may have seen photos of the iconic archway rocks at Nelson’s Wharariki Beach, but actually experiencing this wild and windswept stretch of coastline is something quite remarkable. 

Imagine climbing, scrambling, sliding and swimming your way through some of New Zealand’s loveliest landscapes. 

The Skywire at Cable Bay Adventure Park is a thrilling 300-metre-high, 1.6km return trip that sees you shoot across the treetops at up to 100 km/h. 

Wind your way around the new pedestrian and cycle-friendly sections of the Avon Loop through Central Christchurch.

With soaking pools, rock pools, mineral pools, sulphur pools and serious waterslides, the range of thermal swimming options at Hanmer Springs is designed to cater to every mood and aquatic preference. 

Imagine floating around the tranquil Akaroa Harbour atop a stand-up paddleboard, in the dark. 

Not only home to striking geological features, Kura Tāwhiti Conservation area or Castle Hill in Canterbury’s Waimakariri Basin also has some of the rarest plants in New Zealand. 

Burkes Pass is a tiny heritage village in Canterbury’s Mackenzie Region, with a whole heap of character. 

Alongside New Zealand’s most consistent surf break, Dunedin’s St Clair Beach is also home to one of the country’s few heated saltwater pools.

With wide open landscapes, gold mining heritage and winding rivers, Central Otago is a great spot for cycling.

Experience the otherworldly rock formations and a luxurious outdoor soak in Ōmarama. 

Unlike the ubiquitous mountain vistas on many of the walks around Queenstown, Bob’s Cove is a short, family-friendly stroll that explores the lower terrain around Lake Wakatipu. 

On a rugged 4WD safari tour you can explore the heritage of Macetown, a unique historical site near Queenstown, rich with gold-mining relics.  

On the outskirts of Queenstown you’ll find Moke Lake – a serene and scenic spot surrounded by mountains. 

Wānaka’s Cardrona Alpine Resort offers a range of adventurous activities to suit all seasons. 

Arrowtown is so rich in multi-cultural history, it has been named Tohu Whenua – a site that is of special significance to New Zealand because of its links to the past and the unique stories that can be discovered here. 

Whether you’re visiting Maruia Hot Springs for the day or staying overnight, you can immerse yourself in the mineral-rich water amongst the mountains, or be pampered with a day spa experience. 

Climb the Hokitika Tower – one of the tallest human-made structures on the South Island’s West Coast. 

Take a cruise up the Waiatoto River in Haast to discover some of the region’s most remote and pristine landscapes.

Take a scenic cruise on Fiordland’s Lake Te Anau to discover an underground wonderland.

A caravan serving coffee, art and automata are all part of the curious collection at Southland’s Lost Gypsy. 

Transport World, in Invercargill, is a testament to the late Bill Richardson’s passion for motoring memorabilia, and is the biggest private automotive museum of its type in the world.

Ulva Island, a 266-hectare island sanctuary is set in Paterson Inlet, just off the north-eastern coast of Stewart Island.