New Zealand is famous for some of the most picturesque countryside and stunning landscapes in the world thanks to The Lord of the Ring and The Hobbit movies, which were filmed there. A holiday to
New Zealand will be jam packed with adventures and activities, and it is just a three and a half hour flight from Sydney, making it a great family holiday destination.
The North Island
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and it has a fun and vibrant atmosphere thanks to the student population. The city sits at the bottom of the North Island and has a beautiful harbour.
There is so much to discover in Wellington, from the countries rich Maori heritage at the Museum of Wellington to the lively café culture surrounding the downtown area. Take a trolley ride up the mountainside, and spend an afternoon exploring the Wellington Botanic Garden.
Auckland has the highest population density in the country, with 32% of the total population living in the city. It is a beautiful city that looks and feels like Sydney, but with a twist. The rich Maori heritage makes Auckland a must-see city when travelling to New Zealand, and there is plenty to see and do including visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum or bungee jump from the top of the Sky Tower!
The north of New Zealand is also home to the Bay of Islands, where stunning blue oceans flank around 150 islands. Opportunities to swim with wild dolphins or kayak around the islands are popular here, but if you prefer to admire the ocean from land, the townships of Paihia and Russell are excellent tourist destinations. Here you can head out and indulge in some fine food and local wine.
The South Island
Nelson offers travellers something a little bit different. Being the sunniest location in New Zealand combined with beautiful landscapes, phenomenal beaches, mountains and forests, Nelson is a stunning attraction for a relaxing and unique city escape. The scenery, relaxing activities and artistic culture set it apart from anywhere else in New Zealand.
The stunning waters of the Fjordland National Park will leave you breathless, and a cruise here is a must. Your ship will pass by vistas that rise steeply from the depths of the fjords to the summits high above. While on board, keep an eye out for crested penguins, fur seals and bottlenose dolphins swimming through the waters.
Beautiful, historic Christchurch is New Zealand’s Garden City. Christchurch boasts a diverse range of attractions and activities, from whale watching and dolphin spotting tours to skiing adventures, hiking trails or just some good old dining and shopping. If you’re keen to explore the waters, though, seek out a cruise or tour that will take you to nearby islands like Ripapa and Quail.
Queenstown is a vibrant ski resort town, and has an abundance of activities that cater for all different interests and ages, although it is famous for its adrenalin packed activities! Try bungee jumping over the Nevis River, or try the Shotover Canyon swing. For those who like something slightly calmer, try white water rafting or jet boating along the Shotover River.
From Queenstown you’ll have access to four of New Zealand’s best mountains. For those who are just beginning on the slopes, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Cardrona are for you, whilst intermediate skiers should try Cardrona or Coronet. For the more daring and advanced try Treble Cone - 90% of the runs here are intermediate or advanced.
For those who are after more than just skiing, Queenstown is great. Situated on the picturesque Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by snow peaked mountains, just sitting and having a coffee will be something to remember! Walking through town you’ll come across numerous bars and restaurants as well as information and activity centres where you can book activities and excursions. Catch the gondola to the top of Queenstown, for the best view around, and choose between two luge tracks to come back down the mountainside – the kids will love it!
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