Highlights
Culture & Traditions
Tucked in the sunny north-west corner of New Zealand, Nelson is a great place to watch Maori, traditional and modern craftspeople at work, selling unique keepsakes in their studios and galleries. Next, head to the Otago Peninsula and the beautiful city of Dunedin. Built with mony from the Gold Rush, there are fine examples of Edwardian and Victorian architecture, framed by forests and sea. Dunedin is also New Zealand’s UNESCO Creative City of Literature and home to famous national writers.
Food and Wine
Expect culinary sensation and exquisite wine on your New Zealand adventure. The coastal and forested landscapes of Nelson are interspersed with rolling vineyards and hop farms making delicious craft beers. Enjoy informative tours and tastings, followed by fresh Nelson Bay scallops for lunch. At the top of South Island, the Marlborough wine region is famous for its zesty Sauvignon Blancs and sparkling wines made by the ‘methode traditionelle’. Around three-quarters of all New Zealand wine is produced here in some thirty award-winning wineries.
Christchurch
Explore the funky, garden city of Christchurch by bike, tram, or traditional punt boat. Just a few of many highlights to note in this charming city, take a visit to the Botanic Gardens, the Air Force Museum or the International Antarctic Centre. Explore further afield with a scenic drive to Akaroa, a French colonial town set round a pretty harbour – enjoy a wildlife cruise and look out for the endangered Hector’s dolphins. More marine-life congregates around Kaikoura, north of the city, with sperm whales, fur seals, penguins, dolphins and an armada of seabirds. Back in Christchurch, book window-seats on the TranzAlpine Express for a rail journey of mesmerising views to Arthur’s Pass National Park.
National Parks and Striking Scenery
Unrivalled in its natural beauty, New Zealand’s South Island boasts a variety of dramatic landscapes. Located on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu, close to Queenstown, Glenorchy is dwarfed by the most extraordinary alpine scenery, aptly known as ‘Middle Earth’. Set aside a day to explore the Otago Peninsula. The coastal scenery is spectacular as is the wildlife, with the chance to spot a colony of royal albatrosses, fur seals, sea lions and the rare yellow-eyed penguin. Discover the dazzling beaches of Abel Tasman National Park by foot, water taxi or sea kayak, or take daytrip to Milford Sound fiord, described by Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’.
Outdoor Adventure
Queensland is the place for ultimate, adrenalin-pumping adventure in New Zealand. Nestled between towering alpine peaks and the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu, the scenery is splendidly unspoilt. Enjoy sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking, river rafting, heli-cycling, mountain biking, skiing and more! North of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka offers a picture-postcard backdrop for tranquil outdoor pursuits. There are plenty of hiking trails, including gentle walks around the lake and more vigorous tracks through the surrounding mountains. Glenorchy is a haven for lovers of the great outdoors and is a gateway for superb fishing, climbing, kayaking and walking – popular routes include a hike to nearby Routeburn National Park.
Stewart Island
Dubbed ‘The Land of Glowing Skies’, thanks to the frequent and natural spectacle of ‘The Southern Lights’, Stewart Island is another great spot to meet locals and birdlife alike. Walking trails interweave across the island, attracting hordes of hikers and birdwatchers – look out for little blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins, the delightfully shy brown kiwi (or Tokoeka) and two species of parrots, the Kaka and the Kea.