Where to go in New Zealand
Introduction
New Zealand offers such a vast array of experiences, it's perhaps hard to know where to start. That's where our specialists come in. They've travelled the length and breadth of the country, taking in all of the excursions and itineraries we recommend while constantly seeking out new adventures that showcase the very best of this spellbinding country.
Perhaps you'll focus your attention on the North Island, where volcanic landscapes share the headlines with everything from historic vineyard to the sub-tropical beaches of the Bay of Islands. For hiking enthusiasts, it's hard to look past the iconic Tongariro Crossing, a perfect pairing with a stay in the shores of beautiful Lake Taupo. The North Island is also home to New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, and its capital, Wellington, home to the famous Te Papa Museum.
Then, across the Cook Strait in New Zealand's South Island, the dreamy landscapes of Marlborough Sounds give way to the sandy bays of Abel Tasman to the west and Kaikoura to the east, where dolphins and whales play in the Southern Ocean swells. Towering above it all, the mountain range known as the Southern Alps, stretches south to Queenstown, where the likes of jet boating, skydiving and rafting offer plenty of adrenaline-fuelled fun. And, it doesn't end there. Be sure to thttps://www.wexas.com/holidays/australasia-and-pacific/wellingtonake in the sheer beauty of Milford and Doubtful Sound, then head north up the coast to explore the always-spectacular Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.
Of course, for the full experience, you might decide to combine both islands in your holiday. Either way, speak to our New Zealand specialists, who'll be on hand to tailor you a truly bespoke holiday.
Map
List of regions
The clean, green and serene South Island is an ideal destination for independent travel, with spectacular drives and access to dramatic wilderness areas containing giant glaciers, lakes, rivers, rugged peaks and a stunning coastline.
With the modern cities of Auckland and Wellington, and scenery that ranges from rugged coastlines and ancient kauri forests to spurting geysers and bubbling hot springs, the North Island is as exciting as it is varied.
The North Island’s central region is shaped by millennia of volcanic activity. Summit volcanic peaks and dive down into tranquil troughs and sandy beaches as you take in a world of geothermal delights, from hot-spring beaches to hikes among still-smoking calderas.
Spectacular Queenstown bustles year-round with thrill-seekers looking for that ultimate adrenaline rush. Meanwhile, nearby Wanaka offers all the same beauty, but with more of a laid-back vibe.
Fiordland is one of New Zealand's most iconic wilderness regions. Immersing yourself in these magical surroundings – whether by foot on the celebrated Milford Track or on board an overnight or daytime cruise – is a defining Kiwi experience.
You're never far from the water in Auckland, a city that has more recreational boats per capita than any other city in the world, earning it the name the ‘City of Sails'. Head out from its bustling harbour to discover islands and wineries in the Hauraki Gulf.
Vast flooded valleys characterise the South Island’s northern tip – the imposing front to rolling vineyards, national-park beaches and historic towns. Expect adventure aplenty, coupled with amazing seafood and, in Marlborough, some of Australasia's finest wines.
Explore wild west coast of Northland and the beautiful Bay of Islands – a region of rich Maori culture, spectacular beaches, historic townships and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Extreme climate and extreme geography are the hallmarks of the west coast of New Zealand, a narrow strip of land hemmed in by the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps, the backbone of the South Island.
Discover the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, from whale and dolphin watching in Kaikoura to wild walks in Akaroa and Christchurch's English-urban charms.
