Bridge to Nowhere: stunning walking in the Whanganui National Park

The remote and rugged corner of the South Island’s south-eastern coast, known as the Catlins, is like a highlight reel of all the best bits nature has to offer.

At 39 metres, Waitonga Falls is Tongariro National Park’s highest waterfall. 

Roys Peak in Wānaka is instantly recognisable for its spectacular views. 

While now closed to vehicles, the Manawatū Gorge is busy with birdlife, bikers and people enjoying the native bush. 

Venture off the beaten track in northern Manawatū to discover the soaring caves at Limestone Creek Reserve.

Even visiting the vast swathes of ice that make up Franz and Fox Glaciers in peak summer, you’ll need your puffer jacket. 

Whether you’re clipped to a zipline, bouncing across a swing bridge or strolling along a 50-metre-high walkway, you’ll get a whole new perspective on native bush in Rotorua. 

Ancient gravels and millions of years of erosion have created one of New Zealand’s most spectacular geological sites at the Putangirua Pinnacles. 

While on a map it may look like it lies somewhere in the middle of the Cook Strait, the geographical centre of New Zealand is actually a hilltop just outside Nelson City. 

Just ten minutes from Whangārei City, Otuihau Whangārei Falls is both easily accessible and classically beautiful.