Kiwi Gems

Te Paki Coastal Track: a taste of the Far North

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

Get away from it all at Kai Iwi Lakes

Summer camping at Northland’s Kai Iwi Lakes is a quintessential Kiwi experience. Read the story . . .

Spend the day on Urupukapuka Island

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. Read the story . . .

Climb Mount Parihaka

Rising 241 metres above Whangārei, Mount Parihaka is a significant Māori pā site, with spectacular views across the city. Read the story . . .

Auckland Region

Immerse yourself in art at Sculptureum

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

Climb the soaring sand dunes at Lake Wainamu

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

Raft the rapids in Manukau City

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

Spend the day at one of Auckland's beautiful regional parks

From ancient lava flows to tidal estuaries and pōhutukawa-fringed coastlines, there are many landscapes to explore in the 27 regional parks around Auckland. Read the story . . .

Surround yourself with birdsong on Tiritiri Matangi Island

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

Family fun

Enchant your inner child at Whoa! Studios

Combine a live theatre experience, a film studio, an excellent restaurant and possibly the best playground in New Zealand and you’ve got a recipe for a great family day out. Read the story . . .

Coromandel Region

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Walking > Free things to do > Cycling > Kiwi Gems

Hike or bike The Coromandel Coastal Walkway

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

Get outdoors > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Head to the hidden kauri stand and waterfall in The Coromandel

A short walk from The Coromandel’s inland 309 Road will take you to a majestic grove of kauri trees and the nearby Waiau Falls are a popular summer swimming spot. Read the story . . .

Activities > Kiwi Gems

Watch marine life from above in The Coromandel

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

Climb the Pinnacles in The Coromandel

Climb to the top of the Pinnacles in the heart of the Coromandel Forest Park for panoramic views of the peninsula. Read the story . . .

Travel through native bush via train or zipline in The Coromandel

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. Read the story . . .

Bay of Plenty Region

Meet the exotic residents of Katikati Bird Gardens

On the edge of Tauranga Harbour you can wander through beautiful gardens with exotic birds for company. Read the story . . .

McLaren Falls Park: full of family fun

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

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Walking > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Explore the primordial bush in Whirinaki Forest Park

Wild, untamed and precious, the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park deep in the Bay of Plenty is a rugged jewel of the North Island. Read the story . . .

Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Take to the skies with Bay of Plenty's Classic Flyers

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. Read the story . . .

Get outdoors > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Relax on secluded Ōtarawairere Beach

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

Waikato Region

Discover New Zealand’s most beautiful waterfall in Waitomo

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

Hit the race track at Hampton Downs

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

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Find a fantastical world of foliage in Hamilton

At Hamilton Gardens you can have a real-life Alice in Wonderland experience. Read the story . . .

Get outdoors > Kiwi Gems

Go on an underground adventure at Nikau Cave

Head deep into the countryside at the northern edge of the Waikato, and you’ll discover one of the prettiest glowworm caves in New Zealand. Read the story . . .

Free things to do > Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Find gold-mining heritage in the Waikato

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

Rotorua Region

Te Ara Ahi: geothermal by bike

In Rotorua, you can have the unique experience of cycling through active geothermal fields. Read the story . . .

Get up close with native falcons in Rotorua

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

Heritage and history

Find archaeological relics at the Buried Village

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

Admire the vibrant hues of Hamurana Springs

Rotorua’s Hamurana Springs are the deepest natural freshwater springs in the North Island. Read the story . . .

Lake Taupō Region

Helm your own Doughboat on Lake Taupō

One of the latest and most striking additions to the Taupō waterfront are Doughboats – inflatable doughnut-shaped boats with room for up to six people to cruise the inner reaches of the Great Lake. Read the story . . .

Squeeze into an enchanted world in Taupō

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

Ride around New Zealand’s largest lake in Taupō

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

Soak in the free hot springs at Otumuheke Stream

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

Ruapehu Region

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Activities > Free things to do > Cycling > Kiwi Gems

Ride from the mountains to the sea

Beginning on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu and winding for 231km to the wild west coast at Whanganui, the Mountains to Sea Cycle trail is one of the North Island’s most dramatic rides. Read the story . . .

Walking > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Take an alpine walk to Taranaki Falls

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

Activities > Kiwi Gems

Catch the Sky Waka to New Zealand’s highest café

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

Whanganui Region

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Kiwi Gems > Art and culture

Get hands-on with molten glass in Whanganui

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

Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Cruise the Whanganui River on a heritage vessel

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. Read the story . . .

Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Experience historic tunnels and towers in Whanganui

Tunnels and towers are fascinating. Whanganui has both, and even better, they are joined together by a historic elevator. Read the story . . .

Manawatū and Rangitīkei Regions

Art, science and rugby in Palmerston North

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

Take on the Rangitīkei River at your own pace

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

Walk or cycle the He Ara Kotahi pathway in Palmerston North

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

Get a glimpse of rural New Zealand at the Feilding Sale Yards

Bustling, noisy, smelly and fascinating, the Feilding Sale Yards provide a dynamic insight into the workings of New Zealand’s farming industry. Read the story . . .

Taranaki Region

Wander amongst the blooms at Pukeiti Gardens

Taranaki’s expansive Pukeiti Gardens have one of the largest and most varied collections of rhododendrons in the world. Read the story . . .

Tawhiti Museum: immersive history

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. Read the story . . .

Pukekura Park: flora, fauna and festivals

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

Visit one of New Zealand's fastest-changing beaches in Taranaki

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

Eastland Region

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Get outdoors > Kiwi Gems

Surround yourself with exotic trees in Gisborne

Eastwoodhill, the National Arboretum of New Zealand, is home to 135 hectares of beautiful exotic and native trees Read the story . . .

Activities > Cycling > Kiwi Gems

Take to the rails on a Gisborne Railbike Adventure

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

Walking > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Wharfs and walks at Tolaga Bay

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

Hawke's Bay Region

Explore the unique geology, wildlife and waterfalls of Boundary Stream

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

Food and drink

Sample the best of food and wine in Hawke's Bay

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. Read the story . . .

Try cable wakeboarding in Hawke’s Bay

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 Read the story . . .

Get wet at New Zealand’s only water theme park

A never-ending river, a water-fuelled pirate fortress and a tangle of twisting slides can all be found at New Zealand’s only water theme park in Hawke's Bay. Read the story . . .

Wairarapa Region

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Free things to do > Family fun > Kiwi Gems

Queen Elizabeth Park: family-friendly fun

Explore one of New Zealand’s best family-friendly parks in Masterton. Read the story . . .

Walking > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Drink in the spectacular views on Wairarapa’s Deliverance Cove Track

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

Get outdoors > Kiwi Gems

Absorb the legends of Aotearoa with Te Hīkoi o Pūkaha

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

Wellington Region

Matiu / Somes Island: New Zealand’s Alcatraz

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

Go behind the scenes at Weta Workshop

Weta Workshop is world-famous, but in Wellington, you can have your own hands-on experience of cinematic craft. Read the story . . .

Food and drink

Eat and drink your way around Wellington City

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. Read the story . . .

Find Wellington’s largest fur seal colony at Turakirae Head

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. Read the story . . .

Marlborough Region

Food and drink

Sip and cycle your way around Renwick

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. Read the story . . .

Take a family-friendly walk around Wairau Lagoons

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

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Walking > Free things to do > Cycling > Kiwi Gems

Walk or ride Marlborough’s Nydia Track

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. Read the story . . .

Activities > Kiwi Gems

Help deliver the mail in Pelorus Sound

Cruise Marlborough’s Pelorus Sound on the Mail Boat as it makes its daily deliveries to secluded bays, hidden coves and isolated islands. Read the story . . .

Activities > Kiwi Gems

Kayak Queen Charlotte Sound

The Marlborough Sounds are made up of more than 1,500 kilometres of intricate waterways. The inlets, islets, capes and coves here are best explored by water on a sea kayak. Read the story . . .

Nelson Region

Brook Waimārama Sanctuary: Nelson’s nature reserve

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary on the outskirts of Nelson City is the largest fenced preserve for endangered wildlife in the South Island. Read the story . . .

Ride one of the world’s longest flying foxes in Nelson

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. Read the story . . .

Discover the wild and windswept Wharariki Beach

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. Read the story . . .

Go canyoning in Abel Tasman

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

Canterbury Region

Marvel at the magnificent lakes of the Mackenzie District

Canterbury’s Mackenzie District is home to some of New Zealand’s most famous and photogenic lakes. Read the story . . .

Hit the trails at Christchurch Adventure Park

Not only a mecca for mountain bike enthusiasts, Christchurch Adventure Park, on the outskirts of the city is home to New Zealand’s longest zipline. Read the story . . .

Swim with seals in Kaikōura

Off the coast of Kaikōura you can frolic in the sea with friendly fur seals. Read the story . . .

Paddle around Akaroa Harbour at night

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

Discover another side of Christchurch City on the Avon Loop

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

Discover rocky outcrops and rare plants at Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area

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. Read the story . . .

Free things to do

Take a trip back in time at Burkes Pass

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

Soak and slide at Hanmer Springs

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. Read the story . . .

Otago Region

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Get outdoors > Kiwi Gems

Ōmarama: Clay Cliffs and Hot Tubs

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

Activities > Kiwi Gems

Swim at St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool

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. Read the story . . .

Activities > Free things to do > Cycling > Kiwi Gems

Ride the cycle trails of Central Otago

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

Scale the ancient pyramids of Okia Reserve

Did you know that we have our very own pyramids in New Zealand? Read the story . . .

Free things to do

Go back in time in Ōamaru's Victorian Precinct

The most remarkable aspect of Ōamaru is the whitestone heritage architecture, forged from local limestone in the Victorian era and still standing today. Read the story . . .

Southern Lakes Region

Float above Queenstown in a hot air balloon

With Sunrise Balloons, you can experience hot air ballooning while drinking in bird’s eye views over some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes. Read the story . . .

Loop around Queenstown's Moke Lake

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

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Activities > Kiwi Gems

Zoom down the slopes at Cardrona Alpine Resort

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

Walking > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Find serenity at Bob's Cove

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. Read the story . . .

Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Take an off-road adventure to an abandoned gold-mining town

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

Visit a lake on an island in a lake in Wānaka

On Wānaka’s Mou Waho Island, you can have the surreal experience of swimming in a lake on an island on a lake. Read the story . . .

Free things to do

Arrowtown Chinese Settlement: multi-cultural heritage

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. Read the story . . .

West Coast Region

Walk to Cape Foulwind

Cape Foulwind does not live up to its name. Read the story . . .

Head into the wilderness of Haast on a jet-boat safari

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

Relax in the soothing natural pools at Maruia Hot Springs

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. Read the story . . .

Walk above the treetops in Hokitika

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

Fiordland Region

Go underground with glowworms in Te Anau

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

Get lakeside at Manapōuri

At 444 metres, Fiordland’s Lake Manapōuri is the second deepest lake in New Zealand. Read the story . . .

Southland Region

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Walking > Kiwi Gems

Adventure in style on the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track

Explore the southern coast of Southland on the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track. Read the story . . .

Get outdoors > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Waipapa Point: wild and windy

Right at the bottom of the South Island, the remote and rugged coastline at Waipapa Point is home to one of the last wooden lighthouses built in New Zealand. Read the story . . .

Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Browse one of the world’s largest automotive museums in Invercargill

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. Read the story . . .