Destination overview

The beautiful country of New Zealand, consisting of the North and South Islands, and situated in the Rim of Fire, sits above the ever-moving tectonic plates that have moulded and shaped New Zealand over the centuries. The magnificent mountain ranges were squeezed up when the two plates squashed together and the deep lakes were once active volcanoes. Since then there are now snow-covered peaks, verdant green grasslands and sweeping beaches, with a mix of strange and fascinating wildlife living amongst it all.

There is still thermal activity in the shape of spouting geysers, slowly bubbling mud and gurgling hot springs, which really are amazing to see, but there’s so much more that makes New Zealand worth visiting. The best place to see such natural wonders is Rotorua and the largest reserve is at Te Whakarewarewa or ‘whaka’. Pohutu, its most spectacular geyser, discharges hot water up to 100 feet (30 metres) into the air multiple times a day.

Beginning with Waihi Beach in the west, past the popular Ocean Beach and on to Whakatane, this area has some of the best surfing and fishing in New Zealand. It’s also filled with good shopping and cosmopolitan cafés and restaurants - where you can have everything from a cappuccino to some locally caught shellfish or a delectable dish made from the kiwi fruit grown all around. Go diving at Tuhua, Motiti and Whakaari, which houses an active volcano. Take a boat to Moturiki Island to see its amazing blowholes and dig for Tua-Tua at low tide alongside the locals. Walk along the path that winds up around Mount Maunganui for superb views or under giant kauri trees in the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park. Probably the most striking park on the North Island is the dual World Heritage area of Tongariro National Park. The spectacular Mounts Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro are all sacred to the Maori people and the rest of the park is just incredible to view. You will see craters and lava formations that bring the moon to mind, glaciers, hot springs, tranquil alpine lakes and a desert-like plateau. There are even two ski fields here, in season.

Pukawa Bay is a good place to use as a base while you’re exploring these regions. And it’s only minutes from the Tongariro River, one of the finest wild rainbow trout fishing spots in the world. So is Turangi, which is built on the banks of the river. Lake Taupo, not far away, is another good stepping-off point. Mind you, it’s a wonderful place in the summer as well. Quite apart from the clean, crisp blue lake waters, there are fragrant pine forests, plenty of spots to fish for trout, championship golf courses and an abundance of water sports.

The Bay of Islands, way up near the north-eastern tip, is a mecca for divers – Jacques Cousteau rated the waters around Poor Knights Islands among the best in the world. The climate is mild, the beaches are superb and there’s no shortage of things to do and places to explore.

The quaint townships show its colourful history - both Maori and European - and the lure of the sea is all-pervasive. Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock on Piercy Island are a must to visit. Swimming with dolphins is another of the region’s specialties. And what about the excitement of big game fishing? Try catching marlin, kingfish and snapper. At the end of the day, sit down to watch the sunset with a chilled glass of the local Sauvignon Blanc from Kerikeri. For those who prefer to remain close to land, there is a plethora of pristine beaches fringed by azure seas. Paddling a sea kayak in and out of the many nooks and crannies is an adventure in itself.

For the golfer, experience breathtaking views from each of Paihia’s 18 holes. The town of Paihia, closest town to the Bay of Islands, is steeped in history. And it’s just down the road from the historic Treaty House at Waitangi where the nation of New Zealand was born.

And, we can’t forget Auckland. Vibrant, cosmopolitan and a charming mix of European and Polynesian influences, it spills across an isthmus separating the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Its spectacular harbour, numerous bays and multiple nearby islands are such perfect yachting territory that it’s often called the City of Sails. Something else that’s abundant around Auckland is vineyards. Some of the best wines in the world come from here, particularly chardonnay, merlot and cabernet sauvignon. There are some great cellar doors north and west of the city in Clevedon Valley and the beautiful Waiheke Island. Their Sauvignon Blanc makes a wonderful accompaniment to the fresh seafood you’ll be able to savour in the many excellent restaurants.

Though very European in many ways, the cuisine in New Zealand is an interesting fusion of Pacific and Asian flavours. And then there’s the shopping. Chancery, off High Street in Auckland’s CBD, is for high fashion. Aotea Square Market, with its blue and white tents is where you’ll find good contemporary jewellery, Pacific arts and crafts, traditional Maori carvings and funky New Zealand fashion. If you happen to get peckish again, there’s delectable ethnic cuisine, as well. If you’re tired of eating out, you can pick up the catch of the day at the waterfront Auckland Fish Market, fabulous organic produce at the Matakana Farmers’ Market and freshly picked fruit, vegetables and flowers at the Otara Markets, where you can also sample Asian and Pacific Island specialty dishes.

The much quieter South Island is breathtaking and superlatives simply don’t do it justice. Blue-ice glaciers devolve into volcanic lakes that are so still you have to take a second look to work out which is the reflection. Ancient forests threaded with greenstone rivers soak up the sound of your footsteps until you can almost believe you’re the first person to have trod their paths. Soaring peaks slice into the sky or vanish into powder-puff clouds. And, the slopes are ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Mount Hutt, midway down the island, not only has the most reliable snow, it has the longest season in the southern hemisphere and is perfect for all levels. Queenstown is also a must-visit for skiing enthusiasts, with plenty of things to do after you’ve finished your day on the slopes.

In summer, fish for trout and salmon, tramp the Rakaia Gorge or Waimakariri riverbed, shop and explore Christchurch, swim in the Pacific, or simply relax in tranquil surroundings. When you’ve done enough of that, take the famous Tranzalpine train through spectacular Arthur’s Pass National Park or drive the Pass along a road that’s a feat of modern engineering. This is the route Maori hunting parties used to cross from one side of the island to the other.

Whether it’s summer or winter, spring or autumn, a visit to the tiny country of New Zealand will be a trip that you will always treasure.