Highlights
Wildlife
Kaikoura’s unique submarine landscapes are home to resident Sperm Whales and dolphins. At other times, you can spot Orcas and Humpback Whales. The Hauraki Gulf near Auckland is home to rare marine-life, such as the endangered Bryde’s Whale. Watch them whoosh out of the water – a spectacular sight to see. Other creatures include the flightless Kiwi Bird, sea lions, Fur Seals and three kinds of penguins: the Korora (Little Blue Penguin), the hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguin) and the Fiordland Crested Penguin, an extremely rare bird that builds nests in lush rainforest. Top wildlife-spotting locations include Marlborough Sounds, Stewart Island and the Otago Peninsula.
Outdoor Adventure
Compared with many other destinations, New Zealand has a delightfully remote feel and its eye-popping scenery makes a dramatic natural backdrop for non-stop outdoor fun. Take the area around Queenstown on South Island, best known as the ‘Adventure Capital’, where heart-racing thrills range from jet-boating to bungy-jumping and other dare-devil pursuits include sky diving, off-road driving, caving, zip-lining, rafting, canyoning, heli-skiing and zorbing.
Walking & Hiking
One of the best ways to really get to know this beautiful country is on foot, so if hiking is your thing (or ‘tramping’, as the locals call it), don’t forget to pack a pair of sturdy boots. There are heaps of routes to choose from, whether you fancy a leisurely amble along the meandering coastline or tackling one of the nine ‘Great Walks’. Regions picked for their staggeringly beautiful settings include Northland and Bay of Islands, Tongario National Park, Abel Tasman National Park, Canterbury, Wanaka and Queenstown.
Golf
Over 400 courses carpet New Zealand’s shores, fourteen of which have been graded with the exclusive ‘Marquee’ category. These emerald-green beauties offer challenging play amid some of the planet’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, their fairways carved in the valleys of cloud-topped peaks and alongside breath-taking coastline. Big names include North Island’s Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers and Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, as well as South Island’s Jack’s Point, The Hills and Millbrook Resort.
Other Landsports
New Zealand is criss-crossed with cycling paths and some seriously testing mountain-bike trails, promising outdoor fun in ever-changing scenery. Another hugely popular pursuit is fly-fishing – in fact, the country is possibly the best wild trout fishery on the planet, with anglers flocking from near and far to hook trophy fish. Our tip is to book a private fly-fishing trip by helicopter and find that dream isolated spot to fish in trout-laden waters.
Skiing
Imagine skiing on an active volcano! It’s possible on Mt. Ruapehu, North Island’s biggest ski area. On South Island, meanwhile, there are three main regions to choose from – Christchurch and Canterbury, Queenstown and Wanaka or Mount Cook Mackenzie, all offering terrific ski schools and stunning Alpine scenery.
Watersports
Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, cruising, diving, snorkelling, surfing and windsurfing – New Zealand’s North Island and South Island are ringed with thousands of miles of coastline, making it a paradise for water-based activities. There are lakes and rivers, too, which means there’s even more opportunities for watersports fun. For a true taste of luxury, a sail around the Bay of Islands aboard a sleek yacht is hard to beat.
Maori Culture
The Māori landed on New Zealand’s shores over 1,000 years ago and today makes up 14% of the local population. As you travel across New Zealand, particularly on North Island, you’ll witness the language and intriguing traditions and culture of this unique race. Look out for organised tours to their tribal meeting grounds (or ‘Marae’) in and around Northland, Auckland, Rotorua and Canterbury, where you’ll enjoy ‘hangi’ feasts and feet-stamping, plus tongue-wagging performances of the ‘haka’ war dance, internationally made famous by rugby champions, the All Blacks.
Food & Drink
New Zealand’s cool climate vineyards produce premium-quality pinot noirs and sauvignon blancs. Tour the wineries of North Island’s Hawke’s Bay or South Island’s Marlborough region, both famous for award-winning vineyards and restaurants. Following in their tracks are craft breweries and coffee shops, so you can pair your favourite tipple with new-world culinary classics. Expect sensational seafood, sweet, melt-in-the-mouth, lamb and fabulous seasonal fare at farmers’ markets. Follow our gourmet trail from top to toe and let your tastebuds drool over New Zealand’s rich pickings, including the areas of Northland, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington on North Island; Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury, Kaikoura and Central Otago on South Island.
Middle Earth
Thanks to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit Trilogy’, New Zealand is often called the ‘Home of Middle Earth’. Over 150 locations across the country were used during filming and fans can trace the steps of elves, wizards and other mythical characters. Enjoy a whimsical tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set and peak through the big round doors of the Hobbit-holes. Just for a while, you’re right there in Middle Earth, having your own fantasy adventure with Frodo and Bilbo. A must for J.R.R. Tolkien fans of all ages!