The Beauty of NewZealand

The The best thing about New Zealand is its compact size. An ambitious visitor could experience the grandeur of the South Island mountain ranges and tropical beauty of the far north in the same day. For those who want to take it a little slower, there are hundreds of spots to stop and enjoy in between — here are 10 of the most essential. 

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Te Papa, or Our Place, is the national museum of New Zealand. Its exhibits trace the country’s heritage from the Maori first settlers, through to the worldwide fame of Lord of the Rings and the All Blacks rugby team. Te Papa features an ever-changing range of events throughout the year and is recognized as an innovator and a world leader in interactive exhibits. This makes it a must-do activity, whether you’re in New Zealand for the first time or the tenth.

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Located on Wellington’s picturesque waterfront, amongst the city’s bustling cafes and restaurants, Te Papa is easy to get to from wherever you happen to be staying in Wellington. It has become the unofficial center of the country and the perfect place to learn more about the history and heritage of New Zealand. General admission is free, which makes it the ideal place spend some time when the Wellington weather gets a little wild.

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The west coast of New Zealand’s South Island is rugged and spectacular, with mountain ranges alongside windswept beaches. The jewel in the crown is almost certainly Milford Sound. Located in the Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is known for Mitre Peak, rainforests and waterfalls, fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins.

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The most popular way to explore the sound is by boat, with a range of tour operators offering trips throughout the year. Milford Sound is truly one of New Zealand’s most untouched and wildest areas, which means that it is a bit of a drive to get to a major city. Queenstown is closest, roughly four hours away, so make sure you take some time to plan your route or talk to a tour operator.

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New Zealand is widely regarded as the producer of the world’s best sauvignon blanc, and there are many regions in which to sample the range available. The country has 10 main wine producing regions, with Hawkes Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago being the most well-known.

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More than sauvignon however, you’ll find complex syrahs, buttery chardonnays and delicate pinot gris throughout the country. New Zealand's wine regions extend 1,600km, from sub-tropical Northland down to cold, dry Central Otago, home to the world’s southerly most vineyards. This means that New Zealand produces an incredibly broad range of wines, given the size of the country, and more reason to explore it from the top to the bottom.

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New Zealand's oldest national park — Tongariro National Park — is both culturally significant for New Zealanders, and awe-inspiring with its scenery. It is home to three of the country’s most well-known volcanoes — Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe — all featuring in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing  is a world-renowned trek that attracts explorers from around the globe. The area has jagged volcanic rock formations and eerie barren landscapes, with steep climbs and rugged terrain. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be difficult in sections, but the spectacular scenery and otherworldly atmosphere of the volcanic wilderness make it all worth it.

The park is also home to two of the country’s most well-known ski fields — Whakapapa and Turoa on Mt Ruapehu. The ski season is generally from June to October, and there are accommodation and ski packages available to suit a range of budgets.

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Modern New Zealand society is based on two documents: the Treaty of Waitangi, the agreement of sovereignty and ownership that defines the relationship between the indigenous Maori people and the British Empire; and the Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand. Both of these were signed at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands.

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Located three hours north of Auckland, Waitangi is famous for its historical and cultural significance, but is also surrounded by the Bay of Islands’ natural wonders. Swim with dolphins, camp in the warmth of Northland nights, explore the bay by boat - the ways to enjoy this region are endless. You’ll find quaint bed and breakfasts, luxury apartments, and rough and ready campgrounds, with something to suit whatever adventure you plan to have.

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