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Cycling near Lake Hayes. © Colin Monteath.

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Natural attractions

Lake Waikaremoana: hidden gem

The dense, luxuriant rainforest forms a handsome setting for the gem that is Waikaremoana, ‘the lake of rippling waters.' Read the story . . . 

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Activities

New Zealand Rugby Museum

There is only one true religion round here, mate, and that’s rugby union. Read the story . . . 

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Things to do

Mountain biking the Rameka Track: gut-busting fun

Mountain bikes are forbidden in the Abel Tasman National Park – all except for one section, the Rameka Track from Tākaka Hill down into the Rameka Gorge. Read the story . . . 

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Need accommodation? Earn AA Smartfuel discounts
Earn a 20 cents per litre AA Smartfuel discount for every $100 spent up to a maximum of $2.00 per litre when you book selected accommodation. More . . . 
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Things to do

Waitomo Caves: one of the wonders of the world

Set in a weird and wonderful landscape where weathered limestone and marble outcrops form outlandish shapes on the surface, the caves are one of the wonders of the world. Read the story . . . 

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Otago Rail Experience

Take a spectacular day-trip by train up the Taieri Gorge, or use the Taieri Gorge Railway to transport you to the start of the Central Otago Rail Trail. Read the story . . . 

Kāpiti Island: birds of paradise

Lying only 15 minutes off Paraparaumu by boat and only 90 minutes north of Wellington by road, Kāpiti Island is New Zealand’s most accessible offshore wildlife sanctuary. Read the story . . . 

 Kāpiti Island's interior is rugged and entirely clad in mature native bush. © New Zealand Transition

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Natural attractions

The Blue Pools of Haast Pass

Māori knew about the glacial defile between the coastal flats of South Westland and the high tussock-land surrounding the southern lakes from their expeditions in search of pounamu.  Read the story . . . 

Natural attractions

Cape Kidnappers: majestic gannets and more

Captain Cook had plenty to say in his log about Cape Kidnappers, the southern headland of Hawke’s Bay. Read the story . . . 

Natural attractions

Mount Tarawera: sleeping giant

Lake Tarawera, at the foot of the ruins of Mount Tarawera, is the site of New Zealand’s creepiest ghost story. Read the story . . . 

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Must-Do's around New Zealand...

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Things to do

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 . . . 

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Things to do

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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Things to do

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 . . . 

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Things to do

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 . . .