The Wonders Of New Zealand
I lived in Auckland, a great little city (NZ’s largest) by the coast surrounded by beaches. It’s small enough to easily walk around and has so much to offer. From great shopping in areas like Newmarket, Ponsonby and Parnell to great bars and restaurants at the harbour/viaduct.
Auckland is known as the city of sails due to the number of yachts, 135,000 yachts and launches are registered in Auckland, with about one in three Auckland households owning a boat. Wherever you are in NZ you are never that far away from the sea. As you can imagine the fish and seafood are amazing.
One of my favourite places in NZ is Waiheke Island, only about 30 mins ferry ride from Auckland. It’s home to many award-winning vineyards, which are popular places to host weddings. It also has some lovely beaches with some great little bars and restaurants. It has a laid back vibe and is a great place to visit whether for the day or a bit longer (plenty of places to stay on the island.)
Just three hours’ drive north of Auckland, are the Bay of Islands. If you love the beach, this is a must for you. The bay also has a great historical value as this is where the Maori and the British signed the “Treaty of Waitangi”. There are 144 islands altogether but the main places to visit are KeriKeri, Paihia and Russell. There are great fishing and diving trips from here also.
One place I didn’t get around to seeing but will definitely visit when I get back to NZ is the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, just three hours’ drive from Auckland. You can take a boat ride underground to experience the magic of thousands of these tiny creatures lighting up the cave roof.
In the middle of the north island you have Rotorua and Lake Taupo. Rotorua is where you can view the shooting geysers and natural hot springs. With Rotorua being a geothermal wonderland, after a busy day of sightseeing why not relax in a luxurious bubbling mud pool on offer in many of the luxurious spas.
Worth a visit on the East Coast are the vineyards of Hawkes Bay and the beautiful 1930’s Art Deco buildings of Napier.
South of the North Island, you have the capital of New Zealand, Wellington - recently named the “coolest little capital in the world” by the Lonely Planet. Great views of the city can be seen by taking the historic cable car. The city is also home to the Museum of New Zealand "Te Papa" and has engaging, interactive displays, to learn about Maori and Pacific culture and of New Zealand’s amazing natural life.
The South Island of New Zealand is the largest of the two islands but is less populated. The South Island is great for adventurers and thrill seekers, from bungy jumping, white-water rafting to hiking and skiing to name but a few. The Abel-Tasman national park (top of the South Island) even though I never made it here, it is another one on my list to go to when I return. Kayaking and hiking are a great way to view the amazing beaches/bush and nature that it has to offer.
The Glaciers include Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier offer a once in the lifetime experience.
Queenstown is surrounded by magnificent mountains (skiing on offer) and set on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu. There are a huge range of activities available here and is a great place for adventure enthusiasts.
Fiordland is one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. Boat cruises, helicopter rides or simply hiking the Fiordlands is the best way to see them.
There are many more amazing places in New Zealand that I have not mentioned, it really does offer something for everyone, hopefully this has given you a taster of this amazing country. I would really love to help you plan your visit here.