Whether you’re driving or taking a guided tour, passing through the Homer Tunnel—which pierces the Darran mountains—is the only way to reach Milford Sound by road. If you’re imagining a wide, brightly lit subterranean expressway, think again: The 0.75-mile (1.25-kilometer) tunnel is narrow, steep, and unlit—except by your car’s headlights.
New Zealand’s largest theater company was founded in 1971 and puts on about 19 productions each year, ranging from serious drama to light-hearted comedy. Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the company relocated from the Arts Centre in the heart of the city to a former grain shed in the Christchurch suburb of Addington.
Situated in the Bay of Plenty, the Port of Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s busiest cruise hubs. Thanks to a prime location beside the beach town of Mt. Maunganui, the port serves as a jumping-off point for the historic harbor city of Tauranga and the sulfur-scented geothermal springs of Rotorua.
Running from the slopes of Mt. Ruapehu north to Lake Taupo, the Tongariro River is an extremely popular trout-fishing spot. That’s not all that this scenic alpine waterway offers, though: hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and white-water rafting are all available for visitors seeking adventure in the beautiful New Zealand wilderness.
In 1846, the British government had strong concerns that Auckland was exposed to attack. To ensure the safety of New Zealand’s capital—before it was moved to Wellington—veteran soldiers of British wars were brought to defend the city. Although it was never attacked, the historic cottages and homes that were built still remain intact.
If you’re looking to cool off from Tauranga’s summer heat, get your adrenaline fix, or learn some water sports, head over to Waimarino Adventure Park. Just a short drive from downtown Tauranga, along the Wairoa River, this water park offers pedal boat rides, a water slide, and a Tarzan swing, as well as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach volleyball.
In the 1800s, Ohinemutu was a quiet Maori village that served as a gateway to the Rotorua region. Today it is a suburb of Rotorua city, but still retains much of its heritage. Take a stroll around the shores of Te Ruapeka Bay and enjoy the quiet—and the rich history—of this unassuming lakeside town.
Whanganui (also spelled Wanganui) is a small city in the lower North Island of New Zealand. It’s set close to the mouth of the mighty Whanganui River, New Zealand’s longest navigable river. Whanganui offers a number of interesting cultural attractions, it’s close to some good outdoor adventure spots, and you can catch wonderful mountain views from high up in the city.
Large Mercury Bay is on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula and contains some of its most popular attractions, including Cathedral Cove and the town of Whitianga. Along with enjoying the beautiful beaches, travelers come here to walk along coastal paths, cruise in Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve, and to game fish in the bay.
The postcard star of Auckland’s skyline, Auckland Harbour Bridge, is an architectural landmark and a vital transport link connecting downtown Auckland with the North Shore. But for the most magnificent views over Waitemata Harbour, driving over the bridge just won’t cut it—instead, join an Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb and walk to the very top of the bridge at 210 feet (64 meters).
Karekare Beach, a wild black-sand cove surrounded by cliffs, is typical of rural West Auckland and a popular getaway from Auckland city. Part of Waitākere Ranges Regional Park, it’s where people come to walk on the beach and to the impressive Karekare Falls, spot birds, admire the views, and surf or swim.
Don’t expect to see any monkeys at Fiordland National Park’s Monkey Creek—though you might see alpine parrots. This glacier-fed spring beside the Te Anau Milford Highway (State Highway 94) is a popular place to stop and admire the views on the trip to Milford Sound, and the water’s so pure you can refill your bottle here.
The Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre is a 2,327-acre (942-hectare) native bird breeding sanctuary on Mt. Bruce. Many rare New Zealand birds are hatched here and prepared for release into the wild across the country. Visitors can join a guided tour, take walks through the forest, check out the kiwi nursery and free-flight aviary, and see traditional carvers at work.
In the remote Canterbury region of New Zealand’s South Island lies Mt. Sunday—a skyline that fans of The Lord of the Rings trilogy will recognize as the site for the soaring city of Edoras. It’s arguably the most spectacular among dozens of filming locations used by the crew.
At 531 feet (162 meters), Bowen Falls is the highest in Milford Sound and a must-see attraction. There’s a constant flow of water here, whatever the weather, unlike some of the fjord’s rain-dependent temporary waterfalls. While you can’t currently walk here, you can see Bowen Falls on a Milford Sound boat ride or on scenic flights over Fiordland National Park.
Located on the Fiordland’s Milford Road between Te Anau and Milford Sound, the Lake Gunn Nature Walk is an ideal place to pull over, stretch your legs, and be immersed in nature. The easy, accessible 0.8-mile (1.4-kilometer) loop trail passes through mossy beech forest, and a short side track leads to a stony beach with great mountain views.
With 5 acres (2 hectares) of paddocks on the edge of town, the Hanmer Springs Animal Park is a fun, family-friendly attraction to visit between hot-spring bathing sessions. The residents include typical New Zealand farm animals, such as sheep, goats, and pigs, as well as some more exotic creatures, including emus and wallabies.
The Sky Tower, at 1076 feet (327 meters), is the tallest building in New Zealand, and a distinctive part of Auckland’s skyline. As well as enjoying city views from the observation decks, visitors can jump 629 feet (192 meters) from the outside of the building, reaching speeds of 55 miles (88 kilometers) per hour.
When it comes to the beaches surrounding Auckland, there are basically two kinds: the white-sand stretches of the Hauraki Gulf that face the city skyline, and the black-sand beaches of Auckland’s West Coast. Bethells Beach belongs to the latter, where tempestuous storms off the Tasman Sea have carved a rugged landscape.
One of several wharves along Auckland's downtown waterfront, Queen’s Wharf is a ferry and cruise ship hub with a lively events and dining scene. After arriving by water or on foot, travelers can admire the views of Waitemata Harbour, grab lunch and a drink, and check out an art exhibit.
One glimpse of the Westhaven Marina, and you’ll understand why Auckland is nicknamed “the City of Sails.” It’s the largest recreational marina in the southern hemisphere and as much a part of the city skyline as the needle-like Sky Tower. With four yacht clubs, charter operators, eating and drinking establishments, and 1,800 yachts, there’s something for almost everyone here.
At Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch, visitors will get chance to come face-to-face with gorillas, orangutans, giraffes, and lions. You might even enjoy a rare sighting of New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, the In fact, more than 70 exotic species can be found at the only open-air wildlife park in the country.
Dunedin’s Tūhura Otago Museum boasts one of the most extensive collections of curiosities in New Zealand. Almost 1.5 million items span antiquities, insects, Māori taoka (treasures), and European paintings. There’s something to appeal to everyone at this large and lively museum. And the icing on the cake is that it’s free to visit.
Cascades of mineral-rich water tumble into steaming bathing pools at this outdoor thermal spa. As well as a garden filled with native flora, the complex encompasses a manmade geothermal site with silica terraces, blue-and-green steam pools, a geyser, and replica Maori huts.
Located a short walk from where the Waikato River meets Lake Taupo, the Taupo Museum holds the history and culture of the Taupo region for visitors to learn and experience. The museum and art gallery’s many exhibits tell the stories of the local Maori tribes, the town’s early industrial years, and the volcanic origins of the lake itself.
The Mavora Lakes Conservation Park is a rugged, remote area of lakes, mountains, forests, and grasslands in Southland. It’s centered on two lakes: North Mavora and South Mavora. You need permission to take a vehicle into the park, but permits are free. It’s a great place to camp, fish, mountain bike, and enjoy other outdoor activities, especially in the summer.
A pathway winds through the lunar-like landscape of this geothermal area, leading you past steaming vents and geysers, and gurgling mud pools. Previously dormant, the Craters of the Moon fizzed to life in the 1950s after underground water levels were altered by the activity of a nearby power station.
Perched on the southern tip of the North Island, New Zealand’s capital is an important center for arts and culture, and a popular stop-off for cruise ships. From CentrePort Wellington, it's easy to explore the treasure-filled Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa), the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, and more.
In 2010 and 2011, the city of Christchurch and the surrounding areas of Canterbury were hit by two powerful earthquakes. The first, in September 2010, was larger, but the second, in February 2011, caused more damage and loss of life. Opened in 2017, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial in Christchurch commemorates these natural disasters.
Whether you see it, hear it, or smell it first, approaching the bustling Auckland Fish Market is always an exciting experience. Here along Auckland’s bustling waterfront, fishermen returning to the docks come to sell their fresh catches at auction, and diners come to feast on fish that was literally caught that morning.
