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Sea Kayaks on Beach at dawn, Abel Tasman National Park © Photo Images NZ
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Cape Rēinga: where two oceans meet
Witness the majestic power of nature as the mighty Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea collide. Read the story . . .
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Te Paki sand dunes: seriously steep, seriously fun
As if the breathtaking glory of Ninety Mile Beach wasn’t enough, right at the northern end, near the Te Paki Stream, are some seriously steep and seriously fun sand dunes. Read the story . . .
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Tāne Mahuta: lord of the forest
Northland's famous kauri, Tāne Mahuta may be up to 2500 years old which is really getting on, even in tree years. Read the story . . .
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Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the Museum of Waitangi
Waitangi has a perfect mix of experiences – you can drown yourself in the historical aspects, and you can wow yourself with the amazing view. Read the story . . .
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Kororipo Heritage Park: embrace nineteenth-century Aotearoa
Embrace nineteenth-century New Zealand and discover the place where Māori and Europeans first lived side by side. Read the story . . .
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Hokianga Harbour: the most laid-back harbour hub imaginable
Relax and rejuvenate in the most laid-back harbour hub imaginable. Read the story . . .
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Bay of Islands: history, scenery and marine life
Marvel at pods of wild dolphins, migratory orca, seals and blue penguins in the pristine big blue yonder. Read the story . . .
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Waiheke Island: a self-contained bubble of pure pleasure
Feel a world away, retreat into lazy days and drift from vineyards to olive groves to beaches on Waiheke. Read the story . . .
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Climb Rangitoto: Auckland's most iconic volcano
Summit the city's youngest, largest and most iconic volcano. Read the story . . .
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Matakana Coast: markets, beaches and vineyards
Immerse yourself in a heady mix of arts, artisanal markets, boutique vineyards, olive groves, beautiful beaches and endless rolling hills. Read the story . . .
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Te Henga Walkway: a wild and wonderful west coast walk
Walk the rugged cliff top from Bethells Beach/Te Henga to Murawai and drink in the most epic views of Auckland's wild west coast. Read the story . . .
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Hot Water Beach: BYO spade
Just beneath the surface of the sand is a delicious, natural underground river that brings hot water to the beach almost on tap, so to speak. Read the story . . .
New Chums Beach: idyllic sandy seclusion
Walk through native nīkau and pōhutukawa forest to idyllic, sandy seclusion on the Coromandel Coast. Read the story . . .
Driving Creek Railway: a unique railway experience
Zig zag through lush native bush on New Zealand's only narrow-gauge railway. Read the story . . .
Karangahake Gorge: walk or ride a stunning trail
Follow the course of the Ōhinemuri River and walk or ride through jurassic-looking, bush-clad trails at the heart of the Coromandel's gold-mining history. Read the story . . .
Mauao Mount Maunganui: the view worth the climb
Savour the view from the summit or revel in the glorious beaches around the base track of this sacred maunga. Read the story . . .
Ōhope Beach: for any beach-related activity you can think of
Jump waves, body surf or swim, then dig your toes into the sand for tuatua on this long golden-sand stretch of loveliness. Read the story . . .
Hamilton Gardens: beautifully curated spaces inspired by the world
Savour native woodland and gardens of the world beyond through beautifully curated spaces inspired by Europe, India and Asia. Read the story . . .
Balloons over Waikato: a showcase of splendour and colour
They get to the point, in this part of the world, but the simple factual accuracy of the name of this event does not do justice to its colour, glamour and excitement. Read the story . . .
Surfing in Raglan: surfing mecca
Catch gentle waves at Ngārunui Beach or ride the long, glassy left-hand breaks that make this spot the surfing mecca it is. Read the story . . .
Waitomo Glowworm Caves: a cave aglow with lights
Glide along the Waitomo River under a magical, breathtaking canopy of thousands of glowworms. Read the story . . .
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Summer Must-Do's
Must-Do's
Things to do
Pōhutu Geyser: the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere
Feel the raw energy and explosive power of the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere at Te Whakarewarewa, a living thermal Māori village. Read the story . . .
Wai-O-Tapu: thermal wonderland
Experience a remarkably diverse geothermal amphitheatre thousands of years in the making. Read the story . . .
Spas and relaxation: natural hot springs in Rotorua
Soak in naturally heated mineral pools while you look out over the lake, take a twilight mud bath, or bathe under a waterfall in a natural hot spring. Read the story . . .
The Redwoods: 5500 hectares of glorious trees
Breathe in the fresh woody air of Whakarewarewa Forest as you explore the biking, walking or horse-riding trails or traverse the canopy of these mighty Californian coastal redwood trees. Read the story . . .
Pacific Coast Highway: the long way round
Lap up over 300 kilometres of pure road trip paradise from Ōpōtiki to Gisborne. Read the story . . .
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: one of the best one-day walks in the world
Walk through this World Heritage Area of volcanic giants, sheer beauty and alpine lakes to make memories you will treasure forever. Read the story . . .
Skydive over Taupō: the skydiving capital of the world
See the largest commercial drop zone in the world from the angle you're really meant to... Read the story . . .
Huka Falls: New Zealand’s most visited – and photographed – natural attraction
Witness thousands of litres of water squeezing and surging through a 15-metre rocky gorge into heart-stirring rapids and a waterfall you'll be hard-pressed not to photograph. Read the story . . .
Trout fishing: some of the best fly fishing in the world
Experience fishing at its very best in the wide, swift-flowing Tongariro River. Read the story . . .
The Goblin Forest: lush and fantastical forest
In the Goblin Forest, twisted kāmahi trunks lead the way through one of New Zealand's most epic, lush and fantastical natural spaces. Read the story . . .
Len Lye Centre: a remarkable building for a remarkable artist
Celebrate Modernist filmmaker, sculptor, painter and poet Len Lye in this striking single-artist gallery in New Plymouth's art and cultural precinct. Read the story . . .
New Plymouth's Coastal Walkway
The Coastal Walkway is a 12km journey to add to your own journey, a promenade par excellence that hugs the sea and grabs your senses all way along the New Plymouth coastline. Read the story . . .
WOMAD: a world of music, art and dance
New Plymouth has hosted WOMAD since 2005. And, to use a quaint and formal term, it goes off. Read the story . . .
Hawke’s Bay Wine Trails
In the Hawke’s Bay wineries seem to loom up at every beautiful turn: glimpsed behind ancient stone gateposts, or boldly front and centre, architecturally announcing their vinous delights. Read the story . . .
Napier Art Deco Festival: vintage colour and charm
Discover the largest concentration of sun-drenched charm and art deco in the southern hemisphere. Read the story . . .
Cape Kidnappers’ Gannet Colony: the exhilarating sight of 20,000 gannets
Traverse beautiful coastline, riverbeds, rolling pastures and native bush before taking in panoramic views and experiencing the exhilarating sight and sound of 20,000 gannets. Read the story . . .
Bridge to Nowhere: stunning walking in the Whanganui National Park
Reach the enigmatic Bridge to Nowhere via the Kaiwhakauka Track or navigating the Whanganui River to the Mangapūrua Landing. Read the story . . .
Pūkaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre: all that’s great and native in the avian category
Climb to the summit of Te Arapiki o Tawhaki for impressive views and experience New Zealand as it used to be on the way with wild kākā, kōkako, stichbird, takahē, kākāriki and ancient tuatara. Read the story . . .
Castlepoint Scenic Reserve: the views, the views, the views
Castlepoint has long, languorous beaches, exquisite sunrises, sheltered lagoons and fossil-rich reefs... and of course the prettiest lighthouse. Read the story . . .
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Cape Palliser: the wild southern tip of the North Island
Climb the steps of Cape Palliser lighthouse and immerse yourself in the rugged charm of the southernmost tip of the North Island. Read the story . . .
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Campervanning: the spontaneous way to travel
If the idea of a guided tour brings you out in spots, you’ll be wanting to bring yourself to the spots you most want to see. Read the story . . .
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Take in the spectacular beauty of the Cook Strait crossing
Enjoy the 70-kilometre rite of passage for any Kiwi through the Roaring Forties and one of the world’s most unpredictable stretches of water to the spectacular beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. Read the story . . .
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Te Papa Tongarewa: Museum of New Zealand
Explore this waharoa to our natural and cultural heritage, home to three rugby fields' worth of beautifully crafted space, untold treasures and fascinating stories. Read the story . . .
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Kāpiti Island Nature Reserve: an accessible island sanctuary
Reckon on a kākā landing on your shoulder or a weka scurrying over your feet, all to the calls of kākāriki, bellbird, robin and saddleback. Read the story . . .
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Zealandia: the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary
Explore the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with more than 30 kilometres of walking tracks and ample opportunities to spot tuatara, kiwi, hihi, saddleback and tūī. Read the story . . .
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The Beehive and Parliament Buildings: the heart of Aotearoa's Government
Get to the nub of it at all and join a free guided tour into the heart of New Zealand’s Government at the Beehive in the parliamentary precinct. Read the story . . .
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Homegrown: serving up local musical treats for a decade in Wellington
You’ve wandered among the wildlife at Zealandia, you’ve soaked up the citylife along the waterfront, observed bustling bureaucracy at the Beehive: now, you are ready to rock! Read the story . . .
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Queen Charlotte Track: camp, bike, walk... if you can tear your eyes away from the views
Walk or bike between Queen Charlotte and Keneperu sounds in this slice of paradise. Read the story . . .
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Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve: enchanting rocky gorge
Explore this enchanted, rocky gorge, an easy drive between Blenheim and Nelson, with its crystal clear river and towering, ancient forests. Read the story . . .
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The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival: sauvignon blanc on its home turf
Sip the exuberant and intense varietal in the sacred space that first introduced New Zealand wine to the world. Read the story . . .
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The Nelson market: homemade with heart and skill
Visit this pure, heartfelt celebration of the creative endeavours of the people of the region and their fine local produce. Read the story . . .
Kayaking the Abel Tasman: sheltered coves, crystal streams and exquisite beaches
The sand is a colour you simply have never seen before. The water is so blue it doesn’t actually look real. Read the story . . .
Te Waikoropupū Springs Scenic Reserve: spectacular freshwater springs
There is near-optically pure water at the sacred ‘Place of the Dancing Sands', the largest freshwater springs in the southern hemisphere. Read the story . . .
Farewell Spit: the longest natural sandbar in the world
Travel along the longest natural sandbar in the world, a sanctuary to over 90 bird species, including bar-tailed godwits, knots, curlews, whimbrels and turnstones. Read the story . . .
Camping in Golden Bay: a pristine paradise
Base yourself under canvas in a pristine paradise of golden beaches, alpine valleys, tranquil rivers and ocean as far as the eye can see. Read the story . . .
Awaroa Beach: the beach we all own
You may well not be aware of it, but we all own this beach. Well, kinda. Read the story . . .
Nelson Lakes National Park: New Zealand’s Lakes District
Nelson Lakes National Park lies at the head of the Southern Alps and features majestic mountain ranges and the breathtaking lakes of Rotoroa and Rotoiti at its very heart. Read the story . . .
Whale watching: close encounters on the water
The Hikurangi Trench off the coast of Kaikōura is home to a wealth of deep-sea marine life, including orca, blue and humpback whales. Read the story . . .
Denniston: a real ghost-town experience
Take a detour back in time to Denniston, a near-deserted mining town on a bleak, windswept 600-metre plateau, home to the infamous 45-degree Denniston Incline. Read the story . . .
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers: monuments to nature’s power and beauty
Experience Fox and Franz Josef – two of the 140 glaciers that flow from the Southern Alps. Read the story . . .
Pancake rocks and blowholes: 30 million years in the making
At Punakāiki, walk into an ancient world of pancake-shaped rock formations 30 million years in the making, along with mighty blowholes and a terrific surge pool. Read the story . . .
Great Coast Road: roadtripping at its best
Drive the length of the South Island, skirting the West Coast and traversing through the Southern Alps, and experience bountiful roadtripping at its very best. Read the story . . .
Ōpārara Basin: limestone caves with cathedral-like passages and magnificent arches
Discover pristine rainforest, limestone caves with cathedral-like passages and magnificent, magical arches at the Ōpārara Basin in Kahurangi National Park. Read the story . . .
World Buskers Festival: taking back the streets
This is a mixed-up mash-up of comedy, art, music and dance, with some heavyweight local and international performers. Read the story . . .
Hanmer Springs: soothe the soul at New Zealand's alpine sanctuary
Soothe the soul in world-class thermal pools nestled in a high-country spa village flanked by towering mountains. Read the story . . .
Akaroa: French heritage charm and the finest of foods
This is the place where sheltered harbour, French heritage, colonial architecture and a passion for fine food fuse perfectly together. Read the story . . .
Southern stars: see the rare but spectacular Aurora Australis
See the rare but spectacular Aurora Australis from the 4300-square-kilometre UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Read the story . . .
The Church of the Good Shepherd: the most photographed church with the best views
Visit this iconic church set above the shoreline and stunning views of Lake Tekapō. Read the story . . .
TranzAlpine: one of the best rail journeys in the world
Feast on one breathtaking view after another as you travel from Christchurch to Greymouth. Read the story . . .
Christchurch’s street art: an expression of solidarity
This isn’t a couple of cute billboard-type pieces put up in obvious places. This is a thing. Read the story . . .
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park: the iconic peak that is the snapshot of the south
Explore snowy mountainscapes, turquoise glacier-fed lakes and the snow tussock grassland of alpine valleys in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Read the story . . .
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The Hermitage: a haven for the adventurous
Not much has changed in the view from the Hermitage from the day it was opened in 1884. Jagged, snowy peaks in every direction and the fast-flowing Hooker River outside the front door. Read the story . . .
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The Grand Traverse: a spectacular flight of fancy
The Grand Traverse is a stunning scenic flight that explores the Aoraki Mt Cook and Westland Tai Poutini national park, covering about 200km of unforgettable scenery. Read the story . . .
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Ōamaru’s Victorian Precinct: the capital of all things steampunk
Slightly eccentric, Ōamaru is one of those not-as-it-first-seems places. The surprises are all good ones, though! Read the story . . .
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Fleur’s Place: as fresh as it comes
World famous in New Zealand, Fleur Sullivan's seafood restaurant is a must-do for anyone visiting Waitaki. Read the story . . .
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Moeraki Boulders: clamber over them for the ultimate selfie
Make the most of the photo op with these huge, marble-like boulders strewn along windswept Koekohe Beach. Read the story . . .
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Queenstown to Glenorchy Road: a drive to Paradise
Enjoy forty-five minutes of emerald lake water and bush-clad hills, against a backdrop of snow-touched mountains as you drive from bustling Queenstown to picturesque Glenorchy – via Paradise. Read the story . . .
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Bungy jump in Queenstown: test your limits
Pay homage at the home of contemporary, commercial bungy by strapping on a bungy cord and throwing yourself into the ether. Read the story . . .
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Arrowtown: a picture-perfect living museum
Autumn. That’s the time to visit. Much of this part of the South Island takes on a splendid glow at that time of year. None more so than Arrowtown which is, frankly, already right off the cutesy scale as it is. Read the story . . .
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Queenstown Hill Time Walk: a rocky delight
Queenstown Hill, just out of town, is more than worth a peek, and you can make its peak in an hour if you get a wriggle on. Read the story . . .
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Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
Cruise Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown aboard the elegant ‘Lady of the Lake’, the last remaining coal-fired steamship operating in the southern hemisphere. Read the story . . .
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Rob Roy Glacier Track: glaciers, waterfalls and thieving parrots
The drive to the start of the Roby Roy Glacier Track is almost as energy-sapping as the walk to the top of the glacier. But it's worth it to experience one of the region’s most stunning walks. Read the story . . .
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Otago Central Rail Trail: journey into an ever-changing heartland
The Otago Central Rail Trail is 150km from Middlemarch to Clyde and takes in just about everything that’s stunning about Central Otago. Read the story . . .
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Olveston House: how the other half lived
Designed by a London architect and built in 1904 – Dunedin's Olveston House is really something special. Read the story . . .
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Larnach Castle: a vision of past and present
Larnach Castle stands proud and bold on the highest point of the entire Otago Peninsula. Read the story . . .
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Cheese rolls: the sushi of the south
Come to Southland, or Otago and, more specifically Dunedin, and try one of these hot and tasty little blighters. You will be, from a cuisine perspective anyway, reborn. Read the story . . .
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Bluff Oyster Festival: unsophisticated and proud of it!
Where are the internationally renowned delicacy known as Bluff oysters likely to taste best? Bluff, did you say? You’re good at this! Exactly. Read the story . . .
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Southern Scenic Route: a different way of life
The Southern Scenic Route is a drive of unparalleled beauty and an almost contradictory mix of dense woodlands and wild, open southern coast. Read the story . . .
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Stewart Island Rakiura: a world away
New Zealand’s third largest island, Stewart Island is a unique, curious place that is well worth a visit. Read the story . . .