New Zealand in a nutshell

Set on what was the original site of several Maori villages and on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, Hamilton is a city in New Zealand’s North Island. One of the main attractions is the stunning Hamilton Gardens, a grand public park featuring beautiful themed gardens from all over the world. Waikato museum offers an insight into the city’s rich history, and excellent shopping areas as well as cafes and restaurants make this city a pleasant stop.

The odour of Rotorua’s sulphur-rich air certainly hasn’t stopped the city from becoming popular with tourists, having welcomed visitors for over 100 years. Set on a lake of the same name, the geothermal activity in the area is one of the most concentrated in the world, and mineral deposits line its shores bright orange and green. The naturally hot water lured the Maori to settle here, and the area still holds a large Maori population today making it an excellent spot to experience New Zealand’s culture and tradition.

The town of Taupo is the perfect base for exploring the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand’s largest lake. The size of Singapore and the starting point for the Waikato River, Lake Taupo is backed by the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park and is located in a geothermally active zone. The lake is known for its excellent fishing, boasting itself as being the rainbow-trout capital of the world, and is also popular with adrenaline-junkies, being home to activities from skydiving and bungee-jumping to white water rafting and waterskiing.

Surrounded by hills and a quaint harbour and with steep, winding streets and Victorian era architecture, New Zealand’s buzzing capital has something to offer for everyone. Home to a unique craft beer and coffee culture, as well as a vibrant arts and nightlife scene, the city hosts various festivals in addition to its many theatres, galleries and museums. Be sure to visit the renowned Te Papa museum and admire the city’s colourful rooftops from Mount Victoria before sampling one of Wellington’s excellent restaurants and bars.

Picton booms in the summertime, with visitors utilising the town’s location and arriving by ferry from Wellington in the North Island. The main traveller port connecting New Zealand’s North and South through the Cook Strait, it is a great base for those visiting the spectacular Marlborough Sounds and the Queen Charlotte Track. The view over the pretty harbour makes Picton a worthwhile stop when crossing between the two Islands.

Set in a stunning area of New Zealand’s South Island, Nelson is a vibrant city situated in close proximity to the region’s many national parks and beaches. It is home to a thriving creative scene, with an annual Arts Festival taking place every October, as well as many galleries featuring the work of local artists and craftspeople. One of New Zealand’s oldest, sunniest and most liveable cities, Nelson offers a diverse range of attractions for those looking to explore the surrounding nature or enjoy the culture.

Hokitika, gateway to the South Westland World Heritage National Park, is on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

The livelier neighbour of the quieter Fox Glacier, the village of Franz Josef is situated at the base of a spectacular World Heritage Area and is overlooked by Mount Cook. Due to the thinning ice the Glacier has retreated and now sits further inland, although it’s still accessible by a helicopter ride in order to experience the spectacular views. In addition to the glacier itself, the area offers impressive walking trails, hot pools and adventure sports as well as being surrounded by a number of lakes, rivers and waterfalls.

Widely known as the ‘adventure capital of the world’ and for good reason, Queenstown is a haven for adrenaline junkies. The birthplace of the bungee-jump, the city draws in visitors year-round to experience its exciting attractions. In spite of this, Queenstown offers something for everyone, boasting spectacular views from its harbour or from the top of Bob’s Peak which can be reached with the Skyline Gondola. By night, the compact centre offers excellent dining options as well as lively nightlife.

The gateway to New Zealand’s Fiordland and with a picturesque location on the shores of its second largest lake, the township of Te Anau is a destination in its own right. Surrounded by rugged snow-peaked mountains and remote forests, home to the rare Takahe bird, it also offers a decent range of restaurants and bars. The main stop en-route to Milford Sound, Te Anau is an ideal base for those travelling one of the most-visited and scenic areas of New Zealand.

The second largest city of the country’s South Island and with a recognisable Scottish heritage, Dunedin is a cultural hub. Known as The Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin prides itself on its history and friendly locals. Being a student city and home to New Zealand’s oldest University of Otago means that there is a lively atmosphere and vibrant arts scene within the heart of its compact city centre. Surrounded by a harbour and hills, remnants of an extinct volcano, as well as suburbs boasting sandy beaches, Dunedin is sure to charm its visitors.

Christchurch is a unique city that blends its rapid redevelopment and innovation with a vibrant culture and rich heritage. The largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch’s flourishing and pedestrianised city centre is filled with lush botanic gardens and trees, and is a gateway to explore the nearby epic nature. Just a short drive away are the hidden bays and beaches of the Banks Peninsula, as well as Arthur’s Pass and Lake Tekapo.