NORTH ISLAND
WELLINGTON
Wellington is known as the world’s ‘coolest little capital’ and has a vibrant artistic culture, a large number of walking and cycling tracks, beautiful scenery and a vibrant cafe scene. Visit the interactive national museum Te Papa, Mount Victoria where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and harbour, Wellington Botanic Gardens, and the Carter Observatory.
From Wellington visit Hutt Valley’s seaside communities and some of the region's best walking and mountain biking trails; Wairarapa at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail; Kāpiti with its beautiful beaches and famous nature reserve, Kāpiti Island; Porirua where you will find contemporary New Zealand and Maori art; and Marlborough, home to one fifth of New Zealand's coastline.
AUCKLAND
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and there are plenty of opportunities to explore, whether you’re interested in shopping, gourmet travel or outdoors activities. Auckland is situated between the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean, the low Hunua Ranges, the Manukau Harbour and the Waitakere Ranges and the region has 48 volcanic cones which have become popular hiking and picnic areas, offering great views of the city and surrounds. You will also find an array of wineries, beautiful beaches and unspoilt forests, just waiting to be explored. With its culture and history, you will have no problems finding things to do when on holiday in Auckland.
ROTORUA
Rotorua is a popular tourist destination for adventure sports enthusiasts, geothermal areas, spa rejuvenation and to gain an insight to the Maori culture. If you’re after something fun to do, there are plenty of walks, mountain bike trails and hikes that will take you through some magnificent scenery. You can also visit one of a number of art galleries, and explore historic buildings, including the Blue Baths, The Landmark, one of the few historic homes that still remain in Rotorua, and the Te Runanga Tea House which was originally built as a tea pavilion. Rotorua also has a vibrant nightlife.
MT RUAPEHU
Mt Ruapehu is located on the Central North Island is a popular destination for skiing with two popular ski fields Turoa and Whakapapa, set amongst open plains, rivers and mountains, as well as an active volcano. Whakapapa is on the north-west side of Mt Ruapehu and has more than 65 trails across 1,050 hectares. Turoa is on the south western and is where you will find Australasia's longest vertical descent and New Zealand's highest lift.
LAKE TAUPO
Lake Taupo is a popular destination for travellers to New Zealand and is the largest lake in the country and a great place for fishing, with the best trout fishing in the world, relaxing and an array of water sports. At Lake Taupo you will be amazed at how blue the water and how fresh the air is. Take a day walk across the Tongariro Crossing and visit Huka Falls – the most visited natural feature in all of New Zealand. Visit one of many geothermal areas, climb volcanoes or relax at one of the popular cafes or bars.
DON'T MISS NEAR ROTORUA
The Whakarewarewa Forest
Rotorua City Walkway
Motutara Recreation Reserve
Whananaki village
Hamurana Springs
Tarawera Falls
MUST VISIT
Coromandel Peninsula
White Island – the country’s only active marine volcano
Waitomo Caves and Ruakuri caves
Hawkes Bay wine region
Tongariro National Park with the volcanic peaks - Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro, made famous in Lord of the Rings
Bay of Islands to see the "Hole in the Rock" and visit Waitangi National Park