City Splendour

Welcome to New Zealand’s largest city! To get in as much Auckland shopping, cafés, restaurants and bars as you can in one place, wander along High St to the Britomart area, swing past the bars along the waterfront of the Viaduct and onto Wynyard Quarter. All of these areas are in the central city and there’s plenty to explore.

From downtown, you can catch a ferry to Waiheke Island, a great place for a relaxing day trip to excellent vineyards. Another day trip destination is Piha Beach, hidden in the Waitākere Ranges nearby. Saturday mornings you’ll find delicious food at the French Markets in Parnell and if you’re visiting in summer there are plenty of festivals and free activities to enjoy.

Wellington has an intimate and creative vibe, with a compact central city that’s simply bursting with amazing cafés, clothing stores, restaurants and unique bars. From Cuba St to Courtney Place, you’ll find a whole range of diverse eateries.

They say nowhere beats Wellington on a sunny day, so if the weather’s good, hire a bike and pedal along the beautiful waterfront. You’ll pass Te Papa museum, which is always full of innovative exhibits. While you’re on that vibe, take the Wētā Workshop Tour to see how they made the costumes, characters and landscapes of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies come alive.

Since the earthquake of 2011, the South Island's largest city Christchurch has undergone an exciting transformation. Heritage attractions mix with innovative cafes, restaurants and bars, and a range of epic outdoor experiences. Enjoy some of the city's iconic attractions such as heritage trams, punting on Avon and the timeless botanical gardens. Or spend your time browsing boutique shops and open-air markets in Christchurch's shopping precincts. 

If you’re after a day trip, head through the tunnel to the trendy portside suburb of Lyttelton or visit Akaroa where you can meet some of New Zealand's friendly wildlife.

Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and that’s not just because of the huge range of outdoor activities to do – the buzzing town and cranking nightlife will keep you on your toes too.

This South Island gem is simply stunning year-round, with the lake and the mountains forming a beautiful backdrop as you explore the village. When you're not enjoying the huge array of adventure activities on offer, from bungy jumping to jet boating, Queenstown also has plenty of places for relaxation and socialising. Small lanes and staircases hide amazing bars and restaurants where you can sink into a chair with a cocktail by the open fire.