It has a boundless range of tourist attractions and activities, located throughout the country. Whether you are looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure, or a relaxing game of golf, there is an activity or attraction to suit everyone’s tastes, age, culture and budget in New Zealand. It is a country of spectacular and diverse natural beauty: spiky mountains, rolling pasture land, filled lakes, raging rivers, scenic beaches, and active volcanic zones.
When To Go & Weather
It sits smack-bang in the Roaring Forties, which means it gets ‘freshened’ by cool, damp winds blowing in from the Tasman Sea and is consistently slapped by the winds whistling through Cook Channel. The warmer high-season months (November to April) are ripe for outdoor exploration. Summer (December to February) is also when Kiwis crank up the food and wine festivals, concerts and sports events. December in the far north can be rainy, however. If you’re a snow bunny, visit when the powder is thickest – June to August is skiing high season.
PLACES TO VISIT
Auckland
New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland is placed on the picturesque Waitemata Harbour. The Polynesian culture pours through the city like a fresh breeze, creating a harmony between busy city activity and coastal lifestyle. There’s plenty to do in Auckland: visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum and gain insight into Maori culture, climb to the vertiginous heights of Sky Tower or take a ferry ride to Waiheke Island or Devonport.
Waitomo
Waitomo, New Zealand is world renowned for its glowworm caves, Black Water Rafting, rappelling, cave eco-tours and landscapes. Waitomo’s eco-tourism and caving adventures are associated with its world famous limestone caves. For the adventurous there’s cave abseiling or rappelling, Black Water Rafting and caving adventures. There are also fabulous free attractions from caves to coast.
Rotorua
Rotorua’s distinctive experiences will capture your heart and elevate your soul. Rotorua is the place where you can notice authentic culture and explore physical pursuits. Experience Maori culture, geothermal earth forces, spa rejuvenation, thrills and adventure, some of the world’s best mountain biking trails or fantastic trout fishing – Rotorua delivers it all!
Christchurch
The largest city in the South Island has long been signaled as one of New Zealand’s most striking, known for parks and gardens, Gothic revival stone buildings and the calm Avon River in the central city. Glide down the Avon River on an Edwardian punt. Swim with the dolphins at Akaroa. Hike in Arthur’s Pass National Park, an alpine wilderness area. Visit a wildlife park to see native and exotic animals.
Queenstown
Remarkable Queenstown, the most popular holiday destination in New Zealand for international visitors, offers an incredible range of things to do no matter what the season. Queenstown, with its variety of accommodations, activities, places to eat, and entertainment is accessible to all ages. Throughout the year Queenstown plays host to a number of events, including the Queenstown Winter Festival and Central Otago Wine and Food Festival.