Known as Tāmaki Makaurau in Māori, the city of Auckland is located on New Zealand’s North Island. The area is the most populated in the country, and its outer region includes vast rural landscapes and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Auckland’s countryside is unique: the city’s hills are replete with rainforests, and a section known as the Auckland Volcanic Field covers a remarkable 53 volcanic centres.

The urban centre of Auckland is situated between two harbours: Manukau Harbour which lies to the west, and Waitemata Harbour to the east. This is the heart of Auckland and it’s easy to explore on foot. Here you will discover vibrant districts that offer world-class galleries, fantastic shopping, fun bars, fine wines, and waterside restaurants. Sample the best seafood at Viaduct Harbour, check out the trendy pubs in Kingsland, or head to Ponsonby which has a great choice of everything!

Want to learn about the history of New Zealand and the Māori people? A good place to start is at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Parnell. This is one of the oldest museums in the country and chronicles the story of New Zealand and its people. The venue is home to incredible Māori and Pacific collections, vast heritage libraries, and showcases significant art exhibitions.

Inspirational art is also on display at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. This impressive museum houses multiple exhibitions staged across four floors of a landmark award-winning building. Collections encompass modern and contemporary art and work by Māori and Pacific artists.

Tourists with a daredevil spirit will be delighted with two popular Auckland activities: climbing the Sky Tower and jumping off Auckland Harbour Bridge. The first offers an exciting ascent and spectacular views of the city and surrounding region. The second provides an opportunity to see Auckland’s famous bridge up close and a heart-stopping bungee jump into the harbour below.

However, the best attractions here are the natural wonders that exist in Auckland’s great outdoors. From gorgeous white and black sandy beaches, beautiful islands, and expansive national parks, there is so much to explore. Highly recommended is a trip to Great Barrier Island where you can hike along the Aotea Track, visit nature reserves or simply sunbathe on Medlands Beach. The island has been designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, so stay for the night to experience the wonders of stargazing under New Zealand’s nighttime skies.


Auckland

Located north of Banks Peninsula on Pegasus Bay, Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and the political seat of the Canterbury Region. Named Ōtautahi in the Māori language, this lovely metropolis experienced great damage during two major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. The community has resiliently rebuilt since the catastrophes and the subsequent redevelopment work has created new and improved attractions and facilities for both locals and visitors.

The change in seasonal climates creates different reasons for tourists to visit Christchurch. In Summer months you can enjoy beach life or a genteel punt down the Avon River. Highly recommended is Corsair Bay, a picturesque bay a short drive from Lyttleton that has a pontoon and great grass areas for picnics. Surfers should check out the sandy shores of Sumner & Scarborough or Taylors Mistake close to Godley Head Recreational Reserve.

In Spring and Autumn Christchurch is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts - some of the best tourist attractions can be found in its green spaces. The many public parks and gardens to be found in the area have earned Christchurch the name of The Garden City. Near the city centre you will find Hagley Park and close neighbour Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The former is often used as a venue for sports events and live music performances. The second hosts a wonderful array of flowers and trees, and several plant conservatories.

Highly recommended for hikers and those interested in nature are Willowbank Wildlife Park, Travis Wetland and Orana Wildlife Park, a huge open air zoo.

Christchurch is a fantastic destination for a skiing holiday in winter. Canterbury has the most ski areas anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere and most can be accessed easily from the city. The largest, Mt. Hutt, is great for beginners, has five terrain parks and a superb skiing school. If you have an adventurous spirit then take the helicopter ride to Methven Heliski for some freeriding across three different mountains. Mehven Village is the popular place for Après-ski fun with a great choice of bars and restaurants.

Finally, for an amazing adventure out of town, book a ticket for the TranzAlpine rail journey! This railway will take you from Christchurch to Greymouth on the west coast of South Island. During the five hour route you can take in every aspect of the region - from the dramatic Canterbury Plains to the awesome alpine views of the Southern Alps.


Christchurch

This is a national capital with a working harbour, and both city and port go by the name of Te Whanganui-a-Tara in the local Polynesian language. Tourists will be captivated by the endless scenic views, sandy beaches, and traditional timber houses that comprise the region’s landscape.

Developed near the southernmost point of New Zealand’s North Island, Wellington holds a prominent position on the Cook Strait. The stretch of water, known as Te Moana-o-Raukawa in Māori, lies between the city’s coastline and the shores of South Island.

If you fancy a trip to South Island at any point there are regular ferries available from Wellington across to Picton. The crossing takes around 3.5 hours and onboard services often include quality dining, children’s entertainment, and movies. The panoramic views from the deck are incredible!

Back on the streets of Wellington one of the most popular attractions is the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Fondly referred to as Te Papa, this remarkable venue showcases New Zealand and tells the history of Māori and European settlers and how they shaped their nation. Highlights include the Earthquake House, the Mana Whenua exhibition, and the Arts Te Papa galleries that celebrate the work of  New Zealand and Pacific Island artists.

Every visit to Wellington should include a ride on the iconic red Wellington Cable Car. The historic funicular railway will take you from Lambton Quay up to the suburb of Kelburn that is nestled in the hills overlooking the city. This journey is the best way to appreciate the beautiful Wellington landscape. It also provides access to great venues including the Botanic Garden, Space Place & Carter Observatory, and Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary.

And of course, there is JRR Tolkien's Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. You don’t have to be a fan of Peter Jackson’s filmic interpretations of the classic books to enjoy the places in Wellington where they were filmed. You can just appreciate them for their natural beauty. Whatever the incentive check out the online guides that will direct you to the locations that became the backdrop to many of the Middle Earth adventures.

Wellington

Your travel choices in New Zealand made simple.  Explore the top five bars, restaurants, tours, lodging, wellness spots, local businesses and services in the cities of New Zealand.

A small island in the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is one of the most gorgeous countries on earth.  Its natural beauty is so spectacular and varied that it attracts surfers, hikers and all outdoor explorers alike.  It even became the awesome and familiar landscape for the 'Lord of The Rings'. 
 
But New Zealand is much more than its stunning scenery.  It has a rich history, dynamic indigenous Maori culture, fantastic national rugby team and energetic cities with distinct personalities, all well-worth visiting.

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