About New Zealand

NORTH ISLAND

Northland Region

Cape Reinga is one of the most northern points of New Zealand. The calm blue Pacific Ocean and the turbulent green Tasman Sea meet just below the Cape Reinga Lighthouse in a boiling, chaotic battle of the waters. This is a place of great spiritual importance to the Maori culture it's believed that from here the spirits of the dead took a last rest before beginning the long journey back to their ancestral homeland, Hawaiki.

Much of Northland's extensive coastline remains unspoilt – an aquatic playground for adventure activities and relaxation. Drive up Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga – it's recommended to take one of the experienced guided coach or 4 wheel drive tours. Along Ninety Mile Beach, surfers take to the waves where giant sand dunes line the shore.

The region of Northland and the Bay of Islands stretches north from Auckland, towards the warm waters of Polynesia, the ancestral home of New Zealand's first in habitants. The Bay of Islands is well named as it has 144 islands and many secluded bays. It is a marine park and the marine life includes marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. Visitors flock here during the summer months for spectacular sightseeing, water sports and exploring the history of New Zealand. The area is filled with stunning, unspoilt natural beauty. The relaxed, sunny lifestyle of Northland springs from its subtropical climate and the myriad of beautiful islands, bays and beaches around the coastline. The people of the north have a passion for water sport – surfing, boating, game fishing, sailing and diving. Whangarei and Opua are renowned throughout the Pacific as attractive havens for yachts. Enjoy fine Northland harvested food and wine and arts and crafts right across the region. To make the most of the bays and beaches, explore Northland by rental car or campervan.

Northland's history is rich and interesting with a deep appreciation of the region's fascinating Maori and European history. It is believed that the first Polynesian voyagers landing place was The Hokianga Harbour during the 11th century, but it wasn't until after the landing of the British sea voyager Captain Cook in 1769 that missionaries, whalers and traders arrived. Russell was New Zealand's first capital and the Treaty of Waitangi – the document that founded bicultural New Zealand – was signed in the Bay of Islands in 1840. You'll find that Maori culture is still very much alive in this region (32 percent of the population are Maori)

Main tourism centres at the hub of the Bay of Islands include:

• Kaitaia – the most northern major town in New Zealand
• Kerikeri – producers of art and fruit
• Paihia – gateway to the Bay of Islands
• Whangarei – New Zealand's northernmost city
• Dargaville – heart of the Kauri Coast

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Upper North Island

Auckland Region

Discover why Auckland is one of the best places in the world to live and visit. Auckland provides an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen attractive holiday islands. Our sunny climate attracts those who have a passion for outstanding food and wine, great shopping and a vibrant rhythm of Polynesian culture.

Auckland is the most populous city in New Zealand. Auckland's region stretches from the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in the North down to the Bombay Hills in the South. It stretches from extensive wild west coast beaches in the Tasman Sea, to the east coast white sand beaches where it meets the Pacific Ocean. Often called “the City of Sails” Auckland city is a superb location for those who love to involve themselves in marine sports. Auckland is also the commercial hub of New Zealand and a good entrance point for those wanting to explore the whole country as it has many entertainment options and places of interest for travellers to explore. Auckland has the largest international airport in New Zealand. Two domestic terminals allow frequent and accessible flights throughout the country.

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Coromandel

There are many beautiful places in the world – only a few are special. For those who have spent a holiday in the Coromandel memories conjure up pictures of beautiful sandy sheltered beaches, bush-clad slopes, gold-mining history and getting away to a different world. Be seduced by the Coromandel's unspoiled beauty, its quiet sophistication and towns with an air of old fashioned charm.

The Coromandel Peninsula lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Hauraki Gulf and the fact that it is only an hour and a half's drive south east of Auckland adds to its appeal as a holiday destination for Aucklanders. In the early years settlers on the peninsula were attracted by gold mining, logging and gum digging. The discovery of gold at Coromandel town in 1852 spurred New Zealand's very first gold rush and evidence of this “golden past” can be found nearly everywhere you look but particularly in charming colonial architecture and historic buildings. The inspirational natural beauty of the Coromandel has led to the area becoming a haven for artists and crafts people. Take time to discover the many galleries and studios.

Main centres in the Coromandel region include:

• Thames – largest town on the Peninsula and gateway to the Coromandel
• Whitianga – holiday resort offering great water sports, fishing and diving
• Coromandel Town – known for its relaxed lifestyle and arts community
• Whangamata – another popular holiday resort
• Paeroa – the home of a famous New Zealand beverage
• Waihi – centre of gold – past and present

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Waikato

The Waikato is a region of lush, green hills, bush and farmland, with exceptional surf on the West coast. The Waikato region is about 90 minutes from Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua and is famous for the glowworm caves at Waitomo, a tourist attraction which has drawn thousands of visitors to the Waikato District for many years.

The area takes its name from the Waikato River which flows through the city centre of Hamilton. Hamilton, the centre of the rich farming Waikato district in the North Island is the largest inland city in New Zealand and the fourth largest city in New Zealand. Fine cuisine and cafés, culture and attractions, themed gardens and a number of parks can be enjoyed here. The city has become increasingly well known as an educational centre with the growth of the Waikato University situated in the city. Also situated along the riverbanks is the museum and art gallery.

The settlement of Hamilton grew beside the Waikato River and the first settlers had to depend only on the river for transport and communication. Now State Highway One, which is the main highway running from the north to the south of New Zealand, runs through the centre of Hamilton. The Hamilton Airport connects to all popular destinations around the country and several in Australia.

The quirky West Coast beach town of Raglan is known throughout the international surfing community for its amazing left-hand break. As a result, the local township is laid back, crafty and well furnished with good eating places.

Main centres in the Waikato region include:

• Hamilton – New Zealand's fourth largest city
• Cambridge – antiques, arts and crafts
• Waitomo Caves Village – home of thrilling caving and adventure activities
• Matamata – thoroughbred horse racing centre of New Zealand
• Te Aroha – relaxing hot mineral pools

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Bay of Plenty

Located on the East Coast of New Zealand's beautiful North Island, the Bay of Plenty offers so much choice. From rolling surf beaches and stretches of never ending coastline to sumptuous cuisine and adrenalin-pumping activities, the Bay of Plenty is just waiting to be discovered.

Tauranga can be reached in only two and a half hours' drive from Auckland. Tauranga is a beautiful oceanic city with a safe harbour and miles of white sandy beach stretching from Mount Maunganui to Papamoa. The climate in Tauranga is sub-tropical and we are one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand. Beyond the harbour bridge is Mount Maunganui where you can laze on the beautiful sandy beaches or walk around the base of “the Mount” – the dormant volcanic cone known as ‘the Mount’.

If you're an adrenaline junkie, the region has plenty of thrilling activities on offer – paragliding, skydiving, jet skiing, white water rafting, 4WD safaris, gliding, jet boating or swimming with dolphins. Launches or helicopters take visitors to land at White Island, which lies 50 kilometres off the Bay of Plenty coast. A flight over the island is an exciting experience as steam pours from the huge crater. There is intense thermal activity on the island with steam and natural gas vents, holes of sulphuric acid and boiling pools. Captain Cook called the island White Island ‘because as such it always appeared to us’.

The harbour has huge appeal for boaties, and two large marinas hold over a thousand yachts and launches. Charter boats offer game fishing trips beyond the harbour to fish for marlin off Mayor and White Islands. Nature lovers can choose among under-water diving, horse trekking, sailing, numerous unspoiled nature walks, freshwater and marine fishing, farm and orchard visits and lots of sun, sea and surf.

Main Centres in Bay of Plenty include:

• Tauranga – major centre of the Bay of Plenty
• Mount Maunganui – a popular holiday spot well-known for its surf, swimming beaches and fun
• Te Puke – The Kiwifruit capital of New Zealand
• Katikati – New Zealand's Mural Town
• Whakatane – main town of Eastern Bay of Plenty, and base for boat trips to White Island, an active offshore volcano

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Gisborne

Gisborne is located on the East Coast of the North Island and is one of the sunniest places in New Zealand. It is the first city in the world to see the sun rise each day. The Maori name for the district is Tairawhiti which means “The coast upon which the sun shines across the water”.

Gisborne has been called the Chardonnay capital and the area is competing with Hawke's Bay and Marlborough in exporting wine. The Gisborne district generally has warm summers and mild winters.

The Poverty Bay region is comprised of the Tolaga Bay Coast and the Mahia Peninsula to the south and extends to the hills of the East Cape in the West.

Poverty Bay owes its name to Captain Cook. This was the first place he touched the soil of the land and came into contact with the local Maori. The first meeting between these two peoples was not a success. Skirmishes with local tribesmen led to the death of 6 Maori. Cook left the area without replenishing his stocks and dubbed the place Poverty Bay as, ‘it did not afford a single item we wanted, except a little firewood’. The name does little justice to the area as the fertile alluvial soil and the climate provide ideal condition in which to grow fruit, vegetables and grapes.

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Central North Island

Rotorua

Rotorua is situated in the central North Island on New Zealand and is one of the original tourist destinations in New Zealand – it has been welcoming visitors for more than 200 years. The seething power of inner earth comes to the surface in Rotorua. The distinctive smell of sulphur together with lazy drifts of steam escaping into the air let you know you are in Rotorua. This region is centred on the geothermal resort city of Rotorua.

Rotorua's reputation as a natural spa destination dates back 160 years and is fast becoming known as nature's spa of the South Pacific. Traditional mineral pools, or a selection of therapeutic spa and massage therapies, so relaxing after a day of sightseeing or adventure, are still firm favourites. Rotorua is the heartland of New Zealand Maori culture, and visitors have the opportunity to experience the warm spirit of Te Maori. Although most of the Maori population live in the urban areas, there are about 35 marae (meeting grounds) in the Rotorua district.

The Rotorua region is also one of New Zealand's prime trout fishing spots – you're practically guaranteed a catch, especially if a local professional guide is hired. Many of the volcanic crater lakes are home to a plentiful stock of trophy-sized rainbow trout.

Rotorua District has four major thermal areas:

Whakarewarewa – The village of Whakarewarewa is one of Rotorua's best known and most active thermal areas and can be reached on foot from the city centre. Pohutu geyser, which erupts about twenty times a day and can spout up to 100 feet, is a popular attraction at Whakarewarewa. There you can also see hot bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and a Maori pa.

Waimangu – The Inferno Crater with its powder blue steaming water and sheer crater walls can be seen at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley.

Waiotapu – Close to Waimangu, is the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, with the reputation of being the most colourful thermal area with the famous champagne pool, the bridal veil falls, and large steaming craters. If you time your visit for 10:15 a.m., you'll see the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser.

Hell's Gate – Hell's Gate, as its name suggests, has impressive thermal activity. Visitors find that there is nothing more relaxing than soaking in a hot mineral pool.

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Taupo

A few thousand years ago Lake Taupo itself was created by the largest volcanic eruption of the past 5,000 years, it was so big records say the sun went hazy in China. Today, what remains is a lake the size of Singapore and the largest fresh water lake in Australasia. Lake Taupo is situated in the central North Island of New Zealand. Only 1 hour's drive from Rotorua.

It is renowned internationally for its trout fishing, but is also well known as a centre for events such as the November cycle race which attracts over 10,000 cyclists. The fact that more than 730,000 overnight visitors annually stay in commercial and private accommodation proves the area is a favourite destination for holiday makers and visitors. Many are drawn to the area by Tongariro National Park and the Whakapapa ski area. Visitors have a wide range of activities to choose from – sky dive over the lake, four wheel drive on volcanic farm land, taste prawns that have been geothermally bread, learn about local authentic Maori culture and myths, play golf on internationally acclaimed golf courses, enjoy a flight over a world heritage area, ski on an active volcano or even bungy jump over New Zealand's largest River – the Waikato.

If relaxation and rejuvenation are what you require, take a cruise to the famous Maori Rock carvings at Mine Bay, find a secluded beach, indulge in many of the boutique shops, soak in a thermal hot spring, enjoy delectable cuisine at one of the many restaurants, cafés or indulge in a cocktail at one of the groovy lounge bars.

Turangi, at the southern end of Lake Taupo on the banks of the Tongariro River, is the second largest township in the Taupo District and is famous for its trout fishing. A few minutes south of the Lake is the Ruapehu District which is home to the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. It was created in 1887 when its three magnificent volcanoes, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, were gifted to the people of New Zealand by the Ngati Tuwharetoa people.

Mt Ruapehu is the North Island destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. Surrounding towns and villages have their own unique flavour and provide visitors with an excellent range of places to stay plus shops, cafés, restaurants and bars.

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Hawke's Bay

Located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, Hawke's Bay wine country is New Zealand's leading food and wine region. It is the country's oldest winemaking region and is its leading producer of award winning red wines. With over 2200 hours of sunshine, it attracts visitors all year round.

Hawke's Bay is loved for its sunny climate, fabulous beaches, sheltered coastal plains and long-established vineyards. It is also one of the country's largest pip fruit growing areas. Hawke's Bay is also well known for Art Deco architecture, a lively arts scene and a rich Maori culture.

Activities in the region include visiting the National Aquarium of New Zealand, swimming with dolphins, view one of only two mainland Gannet colonies in the world at Cape Kidnappers, jet boat trips, cycle between wineries, hot air ballooning, surfing at Mahia, paraglide off Te Mata Peak, go hunting in the ranges, fishing for brown and rainbow trout or play a game of golf at one of the 20 local courses.

Main Centres in Hawke's Bay:

• Napier – Art Deco city
• Hastings – explore and enjoy the bay's wine country attractions
• Havelock North
• Wairoa – centre of the northern Hawke's Bay
• Waipukurau – southern Hawke's Bay countryside

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Napier

Napier, the main city of the region, has one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world. The city is filled with fun entertainment and activities for everyone. Vineyards are all within a short distance of Napier and Hastings in the region. Wine tasting is welcomed at more than 30 vineyards in the region. Beaches stretch for miles and make for a great holiday destination. Shoppers can enjoy the antique shops, art galleries, studios of potters, wood turners and craftsman and many more.

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Hastings

Hastings is one of those ‘must see’ places in the Hawke's Bay. The long hot summers and mild winters of the Hastings district, provide the perfect stimulant for a wide variety of delicious fresh produce. Orchards are abundant and the climate is also perfect for grape growing. Hastings vibrant inner city square is regularly used for community performances, fairs and events and the central city is home to an impressive display of public art works.

If you're here in summer, don't miss Splash Planet. With a range of action-packed and exciting water slides and rides, it's the answer for kids or adults in the summer heat. Set in a 6.5 hectares park, there's room enough for everyone.

Stroll through the streets, visit the past and admire the new. You'll find “street art”: sculptural works by local artists side by side with carefully preserved and presented Spanish Mission or Stripped Classical buildings and all of it set amid a gardened landscape.

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Taranaki

Taranaki is halfway between Auckland and Wellington and on the North Island's west coast. This is a region with a blend of natural beauty, attractions and activities and is described as ‘real New Zealand’. It is becoming more well known with an increasing number of visitors and presents a holiday destination with something for everyone. At the heart of this region is the mighty Mount Egmont / Taranaki, the heart of the people. The land was shaped by volcanic activity long ago forming Mt Taranaki / Egmont, the Pouakai and Kaitake Ranges. Mount Egmont / Taranaki dominates everyday weather and life with its ever-changing moods. The mountain provides excellent climbing, skiing, tramping and photography. Hiking is the thing to do here. The mountain is the source of over 50 rivers and streams and is a botanically unique area. It contains a wide variety of vegetation from sub-tropical semi coastal forest in the Kaitake ranges through to sub alpine herb fields 1800 meters on the main cone. Lush rainforest covers the foothills of the mountain, but the landscape changes the higher you go. There are visitor centres on the north, east and south sides of Mt Taranaki / Egmont giving information on walks ranging from easy walks to demanding climbs.

The main centre in the area is New Plymouth, which is well known for its coastal walks, the contemporary art museum, the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery with the Len Lye feature, the museum/library Puke Ariki, and its beautiful gardens, especially Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust a short distance from the town. New Plymouth is also the home of WOMAD – World of Music, Arts and Dance – a biennial event featuring more than 250 performers presenting the music and cultures of fifteen countries. What does star Tom Cruise of “The Last Samurai” have to say about Taranaki, “It's absolutely stunning, breathtaking. How could anyone not want to be here?”

The area around the sunny city of New Plymouth is well known for its black sand surfing beaches, rivers, bush walks and glorious parks and gardens. The drive along the Surf Highway offers beautiful scenery and passes through interesting small settlements full of history. The Sugar Loaves, eroded stumps of an old volcano crater off the coast of New Plymouth, have been declared a marine park because their deep canyons, numerous lava-rock caves, and the convergence of warm northern currents and cold southern currents attract diverse marine life.

Main Centres in the Taranaki region include:

• New Plymouth – main city of Taranaki
• Hawera – not far out of New Plymouth, a good base to explore South Taranaki
• Stratford – an excellent place to stay if you want to explore the mountain

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Wanganui

The Wanganui region is on the lower west coast of the North Island, south of Taranaki and the Taupo region. The region takes its name from the city of Wanganui, which rests on the banks of the spectacular Wanganui River – it is the longest navigable river in the country, with 239 rapids and stunning bush scenery. Wanganui is known for its preservation of historic buildings, its beautiful parks and gardens, Maori culture, heritage, Wanganui National Park and river adventures. Victoria Avenue, the main street, reflects the people's interest in their heritage with its cobblestones, buildings with late Victorian and Edwardian facades, gaslights and wrought iron garden seats. There are many ways to explore the Wanganui River – jet boat, kayak, canoe, raft, paddle steamer – or on the end of a fly-fishing rod.

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Manawatu

State Highway 1 between Wellington and Auckland passes through Manawatu on the west coast of the North Island.

While much of the land in Manawatu is used mostly for sheep and dairy farming, the city of Palmerston North is fast gaining a well-earned reputation as an exciting recreational/activity centre. Activities in the area include excellent shopping, first class cultural facilities including the historic Regent Theatre, Te Manawa: Science Centre, Museum and Art Gallery, Centrepoint Theatre, the Tararua Wind Farm, jet boating, kayaking, horse riding/trekking, rock climbing, tramping, aerobatic flights and gliding, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, 4WD safaris and world-class car, truck, motorbike and jetboat sprints at Feilding's Manfeild Park. To get an idea of farming life in the Manawatu visit the Feilding stock saleyards which are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere or drop in on the annual Central District Field Days at Feilding's Manfield Park.

Massey University attracts full time students and many extramural students. Enjoy an endless choice of fabulous bars, nightclubs, dancing, movies, antique shopping, top-class golf courses, country craft shops, shows and cafés / restaurants serving up Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian, French, Pacific, Oriental and traditional New Zealand fare.

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Lower North Island

Wellington Region

The Wellington region is located at the southern tip of the North Island – all roads lead to Wellington and it is the arrival and departure point for the interisland ferry. The interisland ferry provides transport between the North and South Island. Wellington's international airport is a 15 minute drive from the city centre.

Wellington City is New Zealand's picture perfect capital city. It is set between a magnificent harbour and rolling green hills. It is also a compact city where funky shops, exciting galleries and great restaurants are within easy walking distance.

From fashion design to art, music to theatre, Wellington has captured the true Kiwi spirit. With this, a sophisticated café culture has thrived, and world-class restaurants and funky bars have multiplied. The city is compact and interesting – oozing with life in the bustling streets and on the waterfront. The art, sports and entertainment Stadium, or “cake tin” as commonly known to locals, is just a short walk from downtown and home to the much-enjoyed Sevens Rugby tournament.

Downtown Wellington is ideally explored on foot. Be sure not to miss a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum. It's on the waterfront and a short walk from town. There are many walking and mountain bike tracks in and around Wellington. Catch the Cable Car from Lambton Quay up to the Botanic Gardens to see great views of Wellington, then wander down through 26 acres of specialist gardens, native bush and lawn areas to historical Thorndon, New Zealand's oldest suburb or visit Parliament Buildings and beautifully restored Old Government Buildings. For an appreciation of New Zealand birds and bush visit Otari-Wilton's Bush and the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary or take a ferry trip to Somes Island. As Wellington city has grown other areas have developed into independent cities and districts – Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua and Kapiti.

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Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt

Just 15 minutes from Wellington CBD, Lower Hutt is the gateway to the great outdoors of the Wellington Region. Fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities exist literally within minutes of buzzing café strips, top class high street shopping, leading museums and galleries, and heritage sites that tell the story of the first organised European settlement in the country.

Upper Hutt is just 25 minutes' drive or a 40-minute scenic train ride north from Wellington. Nestled by the Hutt River – unique in the world for its pristine condition and troutfishing grounds despite flowing through two cities – Upper Hutt is set amongst bush-clad hills with easy access to recreational pursuits ranging from quiet native forest and riverside walks and fishing to hunting, tramping and mountain biking. It is the home of the internationally recognised Royal Wellington Golf Club at Heretaunga and the Wellington Racing Club at Trentham. The Karapoti mountain-biking event and an annual road cycling race also attract competitors from around the world.

Just north of Wellington is Porirua, a major retail centre and home to Pataka, museum of Pacific art and culture.

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Wairarapa

The Wairarapa region is in the southeast of the North Island and is an hour and half's drive from Wellington – New Zealand's capital city. It is tucked into the foot of the Tararua Mountains.

The Wairarapa is a world away from the hustle, bustle and bright city lights – just waiting to be discovered. Essentially rural, essentially New Zealand – Wairarapa offers the traveller a rustic experience with the added attractions of quality visitor services and value for money – a superb place to experience rural New Zealand. Rich in Maori and European heritage, this is a living land with wild, untamed coastlines; while long hot summers and stony ground give birth to world-famous Martinborough wines.

Celebrate at one of Wairarapa's quality events – Toast Martinborough, New Zealand's most exclusive wine, food and music event, takes place amongst the vineyards of Martinborough. Carterton Daffodil Carnival is a local tradition since 1920 with seven acres of daffodils open to the public for picking. For the complete country horse racing experience try the Tauherenikau Race Days. Or go big game fishing, river fishing and surf casting in the fishing contests held over summer. Discover New Zealand's rarest birds at Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre, or watch seals at Cape Palliser where famous Maori explorer ‘Kupe’ landed.

Main Centres in the Wairarapa include:

• Masterton – the largest town in Wairarapa
• Martinborough – a unique wine village with over 25 boutique vineyards, most within walking distance of the charming town square
• Carterton – daffodil capital of New Zealand, named after the popular spring festival.
• Greytown – its delightful colonial village character has New Zealand's most complete main street of original wooden Victorian architecture
• Featherston – the gateway to the Wairarapa from Wellington

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Kapiti Coast

The Kapiti Coast is situated just north of Wellington on the east coast. The weather is typically warmer on the Kapiti Coast than in Wellington and the relaxed lifestyle is appealing to young and old who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Wellington city. Beaches line the coast and the world-renowned bird sanctuary Kapiti Island can be visited through tours that operate boat services to the island. This is a worthwhile trip but it is necessary to book in advance as the Department of Conservation limits the number of visitors allowed on the island.

There are numerous walks through untouched native forest or along the beach and glorious sunsets over Kapiti Island. Other activities include golf at one of New Zealand?s top golf courses, a world-class car museum which has a huge collection of veteran and vintage cars, arts and crafts that match the best in the country and a variety of shopping. If your interest is in birds, walking and picnicking, visit the Nga Manu Nature Reserve which is home to a wide variety of New Zealand birds.

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SOUTH ISLAND

Upper South Island

Nelson

A pocket of paradise in the top northwest corner of the South Island, Nelson has a positive, creative attitude to life – and it's easy to see why.

The region, which is the sunniest in New Zealand, has for many years attracted residents who love to use their imaginations. There are more than 350 working artists and craftspeople living in Nelson, including traditional and contemporary Maori artists. Their work is often inspired by the region's exceptionally beautiful geography – coastal, forest and valley landscapes provide places to wander and dream.

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Marlborough

For centuries, Marlborough has offered safe harbour to travellers. First to Maori traders and war parties; then to European explorers, such as Captain James Cook and Dumont D'Urville; and now to visitors seeking new landscapes and rejuvenating experiences.

If you arrive in the region by sea or air, the intricate detail of the Marlborough Sounds engages your interest immediately. Maori legend describes the entire South Island as Maui's waka (canoe), wrecked on a reef during a fishing expedition. The shattered bow of the canoe became the Sounds.

Marlborough basks in year-round sunshine, providing perfect conditions for walking, mountain biking, sea kayaking and vineyard explorations. It's a region where you can pick a theme and follow it through. Focus your itinerary on outdoor adventures, vineyards and wineries, arts and crafts, history and gardens or marine pursuits. Better still, mix them up and experience a little of everything this beautiful region has to offer.

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West Coast

With a population of only 31,000 people, the West Coast retains the feeling of a pioneer frontier. It's a wild place known for rivers and rainforests; glaciers and geological treasures. Legends and stories from the past cling to every feature of the landscape.

Maori were first to discover the West Coast, seeking sacred pounamu (nephrite jade or greenstone). Gold fever in the 1860s brought Europeans, many of whom stayed on to start farming, forestry and businesses.

The locals are known as ‘coasters’, a term synonymous with friendliness and hospitality. Isolated from the rest of New Zealand by the Southern Alps, coasters have developed a distinctive culture of their own. Their pioneering values of self-reliance and loyalty are as strong today as they were 100 years ago.

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Christchurch / Canterbury

From the silvery beaches of the coast to the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps, the Canterbury landscape is impossible to ignore. Big scenery is the order of the day – huge panoramas of ocean or mountains, great sweeps of pastureland and massive amounts of sky.

The highest point of the region is the highest point of New Zealand. The spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook stands at 3754 metres (Aoraki is Maori for Cloud Piercer). At the other end of the scale, the submarine trenches off the coast of Kaikoura are thousands of metres deep, providing an ideal environment for the whales, dolphins and seals that live there permanently.

Between the mountains and the sea, the vast plains are patchworked with the patterns of rural life. Hundreds of years ago, Maori moa hunters worked these plains leaving a rock art record of their successes.

In the two cities of the region, Christchurch and Timaru, great care has been taken to preserve Canterbury's colonial heritage. Grand architecture, historic homesteads and immaculate parks intermingle with the technology and style of modern life.

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Queenstown / Wanaka

Queenstown

From crystal clear Lake Wakatipu across to The Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown's environment is majestic, awe inspiring and almost unbelievable. Catch the gondola up Bob's Peak to discover this view. Queenstown has always attracted people on a quest. First came the Maori, seeking pounamu (jade). Gold prospectors followed and today, the quest for high adventure and sublime relaxation attracts people to Queenstown.

Queenstown's wildly exciting environment is irresistible to adventure seekers. In the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’ you'll find adrenalin-stirring, sanity-reducing exploits of the most extreme kind.

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Wanaka

The Lake Wanaka region is a complete winter sports destination. Cardrona and Treble Cone are classic downhill ski fields, heli skiing happens high in the Harris Mountains and there's Nordic skiing at the Snow Farm. Lake Wanaka is a place to take a deep breath and relax. Protected from the outside world by the grandeur of the mountains, you're enclosed in a hidden paradise.

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Otago

The Otago Peninsula is home to rare and unusual coastal wildlife. Discover hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), little blue penguins and the world's only mainland albatross colony. Sea lions and fur seals also live here. Central Otago is a region touched by history, with a powerful landscape of ancient mountains, weathered rock formations, alpine herb fields and fast rivers. Nowadays, Central Otago is the scene of a ‘wine rush’. Pinot Noir has become one of the region's newest treasures, and many of the wineries welcome visitors for tours and tastings. Around the hills of Central Otago, the hiking tracks are almost endless. Many were created by miners during the gold rush; others lead to alpine herb meadows, secret valleys and strange rock formations.

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Lower South Island

Fiordland

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ Milford Sound is always spectacular. Feel the mist of the waterfalls, look for seals on the rocks and marvel at the steep sides of the fiord. At 421 metres, Doubtful Sound is the deepest of New Zealand's fiords. It's a haven for nature, with resident bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins. Kayak tours and eco-cruises reveal the mysteries of the fiord. Three of New Zealand's ‘great walks’ are found in Fiordland – the Routeburn, Milford and Kepler tracks. For those with less time, a range of short walks lets you dip into the wilderness for a few hours.

Southland's largest urban centre is Invercargill, a city of 49,000 people. Visitors come to admire the elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings, gardens and landscaped parks. A half hour drive south from Invercargill is the fishing port of Bluff – home to the famous Bluff oyster and a lively annual seafood festival. From Bluff, visitors can catch a ferry to Stewart Island – a haven for native bird life and the only place in New Zealand where you can readily see kiwi in their natural habitat.

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Stewart Island

Stewart Island is an ecological wonderland. The clamour of civilisation is replaced by rapturous birdsong and sounds of the sea. Rendezvous with a kiwi, visit Ulva Island bird sanctuary or walk one of the many tracks.

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Chatham Islands

If total isolation and total wilderness excites you, the Chatham Islands may just be the destination you have been searching for. Located east of the South Island, the ‘Chathams’, as they are affectionately known, is approximately a 1 hour 45 minute flight from Wellington or Christchurch! The distance that separates the islands from the mainland puts Chatham Islands 45 minutes ahead of standard New Zealand time, and a close look at the international dateline shows that the Chathams are the first to see the light of every new day – a fact that made the islands famous at the time of the new millennium.

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