Small, remote and sparsely populated, the islands of New Zealand are blessed with outstanding scenery, excellent food and wine and stunning outdoor experiences. With views that photographs struggle to do justice to, the diverse landscape includes mountainous and volcanic peaks, age-old forests, rich green plains and glistening lakes, before reaching golden sandy beaches along the coastline. And with vibrant, celebrated Maori culture and heritage entwined through the land, you can expect a unique experience.
The North and South islands share many common features, but also differ in many ways. The North Island is rich and fertile, cloaked in dense forest and edged with spectacular coastlines. The South Island is less developed and more extreme, with the jagged Alps dotted with placid lakes cutting through it. Finally, tiny Stewart Island, a national park in its own right, is home to some of the country’s most treasured and protected wildlife.
New Zealand’s four seasons are opposite to ours, and generally mild and temperate. Summer, from December to March, is ideal for water activities, whereas spring, from September to November is comfortably warm and good for exploring. Autumn, with its turning leaves and gentle sun, is in April and May, and tends to be a little warmer than the spring. Winter, from June to August, is perfect for skiing.
North Island
In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki-Makau-Rau – ‘the maiden with a hundred suitors’. The city’s blend of harbour, islands, Polynesian culture and modern city environment has created a lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world.
On the east coast of the Northland lies a sand and rock coastline with almost 150 islands offshore – the Bay of Islands. Highlights include Ninety Mile Beach, the Lighthouse at Cape Reinga with views of the green Tasman Sea and the blue Pacific Ocean and the magnificent Puketi Forest. Country cafes, gourmet restaurants, kayaking, swimming with dolphins, touching history, walking coastal tracks, seeing Maori war canoes, game fishing, cruising, resting; Bay of Islands has an abundance of different kinds of experiences to connect with the people, culture, ocean and land.
With its unique volcanic landscape, Maori culture, natural hot springs, geysers and plenty of options for adventure, Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations.
Situated in the volcanic heart of the North Island, the Lake Taupo region is home to New Zealand’s largest fresh water lake, fascinating geothermal areas and the famous Huka Falls.
South Island
The city of Christchurch promises an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture. It’s an excellent base for exploring Canterbury. From the silvery beaches of the coast to the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps, the Canterbury landscape is impossible to ignore.
From crystal clear Lake Wakatipu across to The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown’s environment is majestic, awe inspiring and almost unbelievable.
In the Maori language, Stewart Island is known as Rakiura, which translates as ‘the land of the glowing skies’. This name probably refers to the aurora australis, an atmospheric phenomenon which is often seen in the southern sky. With just 15 kilometres of road, exploration is more often on foot, with several well maintained tracks that take visitors deep in to coastal forest searching out kiwis.
With a population of only 31,000 people, the West Coast retains the feeling of a pioneer frontier. It’s a wild place known for rivers and rainforests; glaciers and geological treasures. Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers so accessible. Heli-hiking is a fantastic way to visit the ice caves and other wonderful formations under the upper ice fall.
Kaikoura is known for its marine mammal encounters – whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining.
