Staying a little longer? New Zealand is an adventurous mecca with so many awesome things to see and do!
Rotorua’s geothermal activity makes it seem like another world. Here you’ll find Pohutu, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest geyser. Get muddy in the hot mud pools at Hell’s Gate, or soak in the thermal waters at Polynesian Spa or Waikite Valley Hot Pools. Photo by @petiteloudy(opens in new window) on Instagram.
One of New Zealand's favourite vacation spots, the Coromandel Peninsula south of Auckland has a gorgeous coastline. Don’t miss the natural hot pools at Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. Also south of the big city is Mount Maunganui where you can surf, swim, dine or simply relax and soak up the views. Two hours north of Auckland is the spectacular Tutukaka Coast – mile after mile of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Head from here to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Photo by @miss.nikki.maree(opens in new window) on Instagram.
Few things compare to the view from the top of Mount Maunganui.
Bring your appetite, because you’re going to need it. With the freshest seafood and locally grown ingredients you can sample amazing food across New Zealand. Delicious and affordable choices are always close at hand and whether it’s the local fish and chip shop, our vibrant street-food scene or a traditional Maori Hāngī, you’re sure to fall in love with the taste of New Zealand. Photo by @tobyandtamar(opens in new window) on Instagram.
Indulge in a Ferg Burger with a view.
One amazing thing about New Zealand is how accessible walks are, even to major cities. Whether you want a leisurely day walk or something a bit more substantial, there’s always something to suit. In Nelson Tasman, The Abel Tasman National Park features stunning coastal tracks, including the famous Abel Tasman Coastal Walk. In Wellington, the beautiful Mount Victoria loop is a quick walk from the CBD while further south the famous Kaikoura Ranges offer stunning bird’s eye views of the spectacular coastline. Photo by @yaawn.nik(opens in new window) on Instagram.
The Abel Tasman National Park features stunning coastal tracks, including the Abel Tasman Coastal Walk - a New Zealand Great Walk.
From Tongariro, to the Abel Tasman to Fiordland and dozens of others. New Zealand’s National Parks and their stunning scenery have to be experienced to be believed. Whether you want to go hiking across the magnificent Tongariro Alpine Crossing, bike or kayak the scenic Abel Tasman or chase waterfalls in Milford Sound, it’s all waiting for you. Photo by @ian_smithers(opens in new window) on Instagram.
With stunning fiords, spectacular waterfalls and snow-capped peaks, kayaking in Fiordland National Park is a one of a kind experience.
Whatever kind of night you’re looking for, whether it’s a quiet meal, pub crawl, clubbing or catching a gig, you’ll find it here. Kiwis know how to party and from beachside bars in Mount Maunganui to snowy pubs in Queenstown; there’s always something kicking off. In Auckland, the main action happens in the Viaduct, Fort St and Ponsonby in the city centre. Or tune in to the Lantern and Laneway Festivals, some of the many epic outdoor festivals that rock the city every year. In Wellington, head for Cuba St – it boasts an eclectic collection of bars, clubs and venues all within a couple of minutes’ walk. Photo by @reecey1988(opens in new window) on Instagram.
From festivals to concerts and buzzing bars, take in the best of Auckland's nightlife.
Experience our stunning sea life. From swimming with dolphins in the Bay of Islands to meeting the masses of fish at Goat Island, there’s natural beauty from coast to coast. And whether you kayak Nelson’s idyllic bays, visit the seal colonies of Dunedin or dive the jaw-dropping Poor Knights Islands, you’ll get up close and personal with some of the world’s most beautiful aquatic creatures. Photo by @dennisbuurman(opens in new window) on Instagram.
Swim with some of New Zealand's friendliest creatures.
New Zealand’s surf pumps. Just 40 minutes out of Auckland you can be paddling out at the West Coast beaches of Piha, Karekare, Bethell’s or Muriwai. A couple of hours south are the world-renowned point breaks of Raglan on one coast, and The Coromandel on the other. Other surf-rich spots are Taranaki, Gisborne and the cooler waters of Dunedin. Photo by @jordentuslly(opens in new window) on Instagram.
Taking in the surf break at Bethell's, one of Auckland's many west coast beaches that attract surfers from near and far.
If you’re an adrenalin junkie, you can get a fix anywhere in New Zealand. Whether you want to go diving in the Bay of Islands, jump from Auckland’s Sky Tower, tearing down the luge or zip-lining in Rotorua, bungy jumping, jet boating or any of the host of crazy things to do in Queenstown.
Take the plunge at the original bungy in Queenstown - the historic Kawarau Bridge.
Discover the Bay of Islands, home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and the historic town of Russell, or Rotorua’s famous Maori villages and Wellington’s Te Papa Museum. New Zealand is a country rich in history and culture. Take the time to meet the local people and explore what makes this nation one of the world’s most unique and you’ll leave richer for the experience. Photo by @te_puia(opens in new window) on Instagram.
A local chef prepares food in a traditional Maori oven.
