Hello Kiwi friends. I am starting to book a long awaited dream trip to New Zealand. Please will you spam me with insider ideas. I don't want to bungy jump or white water raft! I like gardens, culture and volcanic stuff. π
Comments
Log in with your Bluesky account to leave a comment
Pack your walking shoes - Aucklandβs got 53 volcanoes! Most are walkable. Cornwall Park has a working farm AND a volcano. π
You could catch a ferry out to Rangitoto Island & walk up, & the Botanical Garden in Manukau is well worth a look.
Bio security is a serious business here. No dirt on shoes and donβt inadvertently leave an apple in your bag. We have specially trained dogs. Husband had an apple in his pack in Frankfurt Eaten before LA but Auckland dog sniffed it out!
They'll probably give you a chance to clean them if needed, and will definitely direct you to somewhere to disinfect them. Always declare stuff if you are unsure - I have always found the customs staff to be helpful and friendly if you do that.
If you like volcanic stuff it's worth stopping in Auckland. The city is built on a dormant volcanic field and there's about 50 cones and craters from past events. The most recent is only about 6-700 yrs old, a perfect shield volcano out in the harbour called Rangitoto
In Wellington the most interesting garden is Εtari/Wiltons Bush. Itβs an all-native botanical garden easily reached by city bus. https://Www.owbt.nz
Rakiura / Stewart Island -- if you like birds, marine mammals, seafood, weird little communities on the edge of the world, and seeing wild animals including kiwi literally everywhere
We did a day long combined Ulva Island, Whalers Bay, Pelagic Birds, & blue cod fishing (1 hour to get quota) charter (I usually loathe fishing lol) when on Rakiura (Stewart Is.) It was fantastic.
I also spent a wonderful day riding on the water taxi going where others needed. Rakiura is amazing
Tongariro Crossing is amazing.
Wellington botanical gardens.
Albatross near Dunedin.
There's penguins up in bay of islands and down on bottom of south.
Hectors Dolphins.
Whale watching
Waiheke island is lovely.
We live here, and I second that, even if it is a tourist experience. It's quite incredible. You can also take a water taxi across the lake to the hot pools at Hot Water Beach (Tarawera, not Coromandel which is much more "touristy"). Or walk! You'll meet a lot of locals at the hot pools in summer.
That looks good. Can I ask, are the carvings considered sacred as I don't want to unknowingly visit sacred sites. If that makes sense. I like to be respectful.
Hamilton Gardens is the best in the country and is on the way to Rotorua which has the Government Gardens and lots of volcanic and cultural stuff. Taupo and Tongariro Nat. Park have more volcanic stuff. I would suggest all are must visits.
in Wellington, there is Wellington Museum on the wharf, it's separate from Te Papa our national museum. And the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum (a wonderful building). And the classic Cable Car up to walk through the Botanical Gardens.
Also Waimangu Valley is a great place to visit - a fairly flat walk (several hours on a good track, but not a lot of shade) with TONS of interesting bits and pieces to look at along the way, or you can get a bus one or both ways, and the boat cruise at the far end, on Lake Rotomahana is lovely.
I adore PΔtea Doubtful Sound, South Island (best island)
Highly recommend this overnight trip - absolute bucket list experience. Itβs remote but they do pick up in Queenstown, if youβve no car. But do hire a car!! Or a camper with a loo, then you can freedom camp in designated areas.
Just seconding this. I canβt tell you about the cruise itself, but I had the fortune to spend a couple of weeks in the southern fiords on a yacht β itβs an impressive area to visit.
I did this tour from Mt Cook Village about 10 years ago - it's one of the coolest activities that I've done, getting close-ish to a glacier's terminal face by jetboat. Tasman Glacier is in full retreat so it's one of those 'last chance to see' things.
Coffee is very important, mostly served in double shots at drinking temperature, as well as local beers and wine. Food is quite expensive and nowhere near the range you get in the UK, but that's no big deal.
People are really chatty here; very small town vibe!
Perfect Friday night, if the weather is good, fish & chips eaten on the waterfront, then find a good bar for people watching. The area around Te Papa is pretty much ideal for that!
Well whatever is fresh is usually good. In a previous life I worked for a fish merchant in the SW of the UK I used to eat a lot of fish. (Part of the jobπ)
Ideal, we like chatty and where I come from it's considered rude not to strike up a convo with someone else when you go in the shop whether you know them or not.
Perfect! One, practical, thing - February is usually one of the sunniest months and the burn factor here is brutal, even if the temperature doesnβt seem that high. Use SPF50, make sure you have a decent hat, and sunglasses. Layering is your friend!
We will have a blast but I burn like only a pale northern person can so will be the one with the hat, factor 50 and the sunglasses. Sunburn is no joke. I am off to Morocco next week but temps there are low 20s (centigrade) I stay mainly in the shade.
I spent some time with our whΔnau in Invercargill over ten years ago, and had a great time. If you want to visit a living dinosaur, go to see Henry and the rest of the tuatara in Queens Park. βΊοΈβ€οΈ
Rotorua/TaupΕ if you want more accessible volcanic stuff. Also, in Auckland, travel over to Rangitoto (dormant volcano) by ferry and follow the scoria pathway to the top
Accessible as in easier to get to, rather than disabled accessible. I walked around it with a bung knee, it was hard going at the time, but I'm stubborn π And it's very hot on a sunny day wear hat and sunscreen.
If you have time and the ability, I absolutely recommend visiting Waitangi and the treaty grounds to get a sense of our colonial history. You could stay in Paihia or KororΔreka/Russell. Wonderful hosts around there
Visit the Far North and enjoy the amazing Manginagina jauri forest walk near Kerikeri, the favulous gardens at the Butler Point Whaling Museum in Mangonui, the Ngawha hot tgermal pools, the gorgeous Hokianga harbour and the ferry ride from Kohukohu to Rawene and so much more.
Not suitable for a shorter trip, but Iβll mention it anyway it case itβs useful to you or others on a longer trip: a family friend toured NZ (in a camper) using a book of historic locationsβnot a guide book, but an illustrated history book. Itβs an interesting way to tackle it, and learn something.
That does sound good. We are visiting bits of Turkey learning as we go based on the writing of Bettany Hughes, her passion for history makes learning fun.
That's a fair size garden! π³ We didn't get round all of Kew gardens in London but they did have some cracking Bonsai One was a sculpture and one the real thing.
Forgot to add: the Bay of Plenty was named as such by Capt Cook because of the abundance of fresh water. The climate is benign and everything grows well here. Home of the horticulture industry in NZ and some lush, semi-tropical gardens. Plus great beaches and salt/freshwater fishing
Mt Tarawera in the heart of the Bay of Plenty. Walkable with fantastic scenery. Major eruption 1886 and sporadically active since.
From Ruapehu to Whakaari is active, accessible and scenic
I don't know if they still do them, but there were 4X4 tours right to the top of Mt Tarawera, and you could have a bit of a wander through the crater. I did it years ago, and it was quite something to be walking through the crater of a dormant--but not extinct--volcano!
Any volcano that is monitored physically is usually predictable in at least activity levels. Very rare to go from no activity to full eruption. There is usually prior activity/ warni g signs. Ask anyone that lives in the Pacific Ring of Fire
Yeah, I have the GeoNet app, and get a lot of updates about the various active volcanoes. Any increase in tremors, temperature, emissions etc is closely monitored.
Not sure whether it has been mentioned, but I can highly recommend the Transalpine Railway on the South Island, from Christchurch to Greymouth. From there you could go to the Franz Josef Glacier and travel further south to Wanaka, Queenstown and the Sounds.
Give the Alpine Crossing a miss but do lots of the smaller walks/rides...four volcanoes (3 active but safe), native rain forest, LOTR locations, easy MTB trails, borders our biggest lake, lots of beautiful little waterways, very accessible...
Stop and explore the small towns. There are so many quirky things like the worldβs biggest jersey in Geraldine. The little historical societies or museums are cool. South Island most beautiful and rugged but nice in North Island as well. Taranaki gorgeous for example. Enjoy!
If you visit Auckland the botanical gardens are great in Manrewa. Also One Tree Hill and Western Springs are nice big outdoor gardens I love. If you like birds a trip out to Tiritiri Matangi is a good day trip. Hey and the Auckland zoo has nice plantings. My favorite place further North is Russell
The Botanic Gardens are relatively young, but the roses are beautiful and the big lawn with Araucarias and similar is spectacular.
In the city centre, Albert Park and the northern end of the Uni, around Old Govt House are interesting -- a variety of big, old trees and old-fashioned garden design
Yip , Albert Park is worth a visit in Auckland city and it's just next to the art gallery which is also worth a visit. Actually Parnell rose gardens is lovely. Not far away from there
Go to Great Barrier Island - 30 minutes in a tiny plane from Auckland. Great walks, beaches and landscape; feels properly out of this world despite being relatively near to a big city.
Has anyone mentioned Able Tasman? It's one of the most beautiful parks! Top of the South Island and the only way in is by foot or boat.
And you should stay at Eden's Edge Lodge for the lovely gardens and fantastic breakfast (full disclosure - I'm owner)
Wellywood is a must visit (Wellington π) Cable car up to the gardens, Zeelandia, Otari-Wilton's Bush, Lady Norwood Rose Garden & Te Papa museum, go check out the Beehive. Plenty of fun to be had.
Hot water beach, dig a hole & sit in the hot water. It's very easy to keep away from the active stuff.
I loved the glow worm cave in Waitomo. Go and stand at Cape Reinga and see where 2 seas meet.
Go out to Golden Bay and Farwell spit, just stunningly beautiful.
It's all amazing.
Land in Auckland & immediately get on a plane to the South Island & spend the rest of the time sipping wine & touring our wonderful land. Εtepoti Dunedin has majestic scenery & a castle with a garden.
Some northerners will disagree, but they're delusional π
Or. Fly straight into Εtautahi Christchurch (London/singapore/christchurch, or Dubai/Sydney/Chc) and recover in our wonderful Botanic Gardens, explore the βGarden Cityβ then head off to enjoy the wonders of the SI!
It's a tough decision Sarah we are stopping a couple of nights in Singapore but we are flexible after that. I have already looked at the overnight cruise and it's obvious I need to get booked fast. I have ordered a map so I can plot down the plans then work out the routes and logistics.
If you'll be hiring a car, keep in mind that it'll likely take longer than you think to drive from place to place (given our winding roads).
This is a handy site for estimating travel times by car: https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/time-and-distance-calculator/
It takes a LOT longer to get around than youβd think. Some of the drives are so beautiful youβll want to go slow, too! You wonβt see everything, and thatβs ok. Donβt expect the weather to stay the same all day, four seasons is what youβll get so ensure youβre prepared.
Ask us, if unsure!
Note to Clare - I lived in Dunedin for almost 15 years, on and off, which is where I met Paul who talked me into photographing aurora there. Thatβs another thing to look out for!
It's something amazing to photograph. A question about summer please tell me do you have huge spiders? I am not phobic but they do give me jump scares when big house spiders over here run across the bedroom in Autumn.
Just make sure you get sandfly repellent (plenty of non-chemical options). Sandflies, especially South Island, take a bit of getting used to - maybe a bit like Scottish midges. Annoying but not dangerous.
Rubbish! There is lots to see in Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. As an adoptive Aucklander, I take exception to the mantra of "There's nothing there". It's not accurate.
The South Island is great, but a lot of it is cold for half the year. Dunedin more so. The more northern parts of the country don't really do winter, or at least not winter as someone from Yorkshire might understand the word.
We moved to Wellington from London in 1987. During the first 'winter' I rarely wore a coat or even a jersey - although I did need a rain jacket. By my third or fourth winter I was shivering with everyone else if the temperature ever dropped below 10C, which it might do some nights
I love that you have a North Island South Island thing. Similar here I am originally from Yorkshire in the North but Southerners definitely seem to think us Northerners are a strange breed. I just tell them Yorkshire is God's Own Country. π
Donβt get us started about north of the Bombay hills. π€£
Itβs akin to we support NZ in any sport or anything on the international stage and then anyone playing against Australia if itβs not us π€£
Hokianga Harbour. Ignore the Bay of Islands, it's pretty, but touristy and tame. Travel west to Hokianga. It's spectacular and of another world. Actually, a piece of advice to the OP - the west coasts of both islands are much more spectacular, much less touristy
This was a trip we did with the family over the summer of 2015
Northland is spectacular, The Coromandel with Hot Water Beach & Hahei is a must, the entire East Coast with its rugged coast lines & MΔori Pa (traditional villages) every couple of kms is insane. Then there's Rotovegas & the hot pools
Sound a bit like the trip up Mt Teide in the Canary Islands 3715m You go up in a cable car to nearly the top of the volcano and then you get out and feel light headed because of the altitude.
Definitely second Hamilton Gardens (they're amazing) and Taranaki - check out Pukekura Park, Tupare and riverside walkways in New Plymouth, and Pukeiti in the Pouakai Ranges (20min drive from New Plymouth).
The drive from NP up Mt Taranaki to the North Egmont Visitors Centre is about 20min too.
Lots of excellent recommendations already in this thread! If you are at all interested in sea life then consider a trip out to the Poor Knights (12 Nm off the coast of Northland). I visit in my own boat but something like this might be of interest: https://www.aperfectday.co.nz/
Waitangi gets very busy early February, an amazing experience which I have not yet managed as I'm always setting up my new classroom at this time of year
Let me know if you are interested in sea-related stuff around Auckland, Coromandel and Northland as I've spent a lot of time exploring / holidaying round there.
There are great art galleries here, Auckland gallery is a highlight, but all the major cities have good galleries and a couple of smaller centres too. Museums are, in general, not as good. In my opinion, it's best to avoid the ones primarily aimed at tourists.
Yeah, it's not always immediately obvious to overseas visitors whether something labelled as a museum is a cultural place first and foremost or a commercial operation. If you're here for a month, you'll figure it out quick enough.
Thanks Bill we try hard to avoid the 'culture' type of shows that you can find (like the belly dancers In Istanbul) I would honestly prefer to go to a local market and talk to someone who has grown the stuff they are selling if that makes sense?
There are arboretum dotted around the country. Tiritiri Matangi island is a cool day trip on the ferry if you like birds and sanctuaries. Zealong Tea Estate is a fun visit if you like tea tasting. The main centers have botanic gardens which include sculpture and exhibitions.
I am writing a very long list which we will have to whittle down. Trip is for husbands 55th Birthday so he gets first choices. I have already snuck in a stop over in Singapore, a place my late Mum loved and it would be rude not to have a Singapore Sling whilst I am there. π
Singapore was a visa run destination when I spent a few years in Asia. It eventually got too expensive for me, but itβs a fun place. Night time in the Marina Bay area & the nearby gardens is excellent. Also, if youβre stuck at the airport, check out the waterfall near Terminal One & the butterflies.
Always go for the smaller towns too, if there's a choice - Hastings instead of Napier, Whanganui instead of Palmerston North, Whakatane instead of Tauranga.
If you're travelling between New Plymouth/Taranaki & Wellington, then a stop in Whanganui is recommended! https://discoverwhanganui.nz/visit/
If you're spending time in Wellington, the Zealandia urban bird sanctuary is a must visit for a half day. Absolutely magical place which has also completely transformed the wildlife of the whole city.
What time of year and how long for? Remember that NZ is quite a bigger than the UK so allow enough time.
For gardens, NZ Gardens Trust has a website that you should check out.
There are no stately homes here and no NGS so seeing gardens is more tricky than UK.
Hamilton Gardens is a must see though.
We will visit in January and February 2026 and spend just over three weeks in New Zealand. I will have a look at the Gardens Trust website that will be v helpful thank you π
If you like beautiful beaches then Northland or Coromandel. Volcanoes, I second the trip to Rangitoto but no shade so it gets hot in the afternoon, Wai-o-Tapu and Te Puia are must visits near Rotorua for geothermal stuff. Mountains in Queenstown, and lovely lakes Tekapo. Wine and Art Deco is Napier
You in to Hobbits and LoTR at all? If so, the trip to Hobbiton to walk around the beautiful set, go in to a hobbit house, drink a pint at the Green Dragon pub etc. is well worth a visit if you're heading to Rotorua from Auckland.
And, within a 45min drive (or bus trip) from Hamilton AoNZ, is Hobbiton. Even if you donβt care about LOTR, itβs absolutely worth it. Need to book online in advance: v busy
In Hamilton AoNZ, you must have an ice cream (vegan, DF, GF options too) from Duck Island in Hamilton East. Queues out the door sometimes. Wild flavours. Also, Hamilton Gardens for a day, and the museum in the CBD. Enjoy your trip Clare π
Lots of the places I'd recommend have already been well represented, but I'm surprised to see no mention of Milford Sound! It's GORGEOUS.
Also, if you're in Εtautahi Christchurch, I'd recommend checking out the Arts Centre! There's a movie theatre, markets, art, history, sometimes performances...
If you come to Εtautahi/Christchurch, I am another person who will offer guidance and transport. I recommend the Botanic Gardens, the Gondola, the local markets (I'm biased - I'm at the New Brighton market every Saturday). There's also plenty of culture! What are you into?
We will probably take you up on that offer. We like live music, people watching, good food talking about anything and everything honestly we are pretty laid back people. OH is a gardener but was a Shepherd l do garden design and used to work in local government π³
It certainly does sound like fun. One of the most memorable nights me and other half have had was in Dublin. Popped into a little out of the way bar and some musicians started up we drank Guinness till 2 am and then had to go back to the hotel. Best live music ever.
Looks like you have enough recommendations to last a lifetime- Iβll second pretty much all of them! Have been here 6 years, moved from Cambs UK and now live in Wellington. Thereβs enough in one small corner of the country to keep you going for several weeks - youβll need to plan a second trip.
We went to one of these events and spoke with immigration to find out the visa options - also hsve a look at Immigration NZ website . Ot is possible depending on your situation but worth the effort . https://www.downunderlive.co.uk/event-birmingham.php
If youβre interested in volcanic disasters, I can recommend podcasts and documentaries before you visit locations- for obvious reasons Whakaari isnβt a location tourists should visit. National Park has some beautiful Maunga and I recommend the eclairs in Ohakune.
Auckland has plenty of volcanoes to walk up, including Maungawhau/Mount Eden, Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill, and Maungauika/North Head in Devonport. And of course, you can take a ferry trip to Rangitoto, which I'd recommend.
Oh sounds wonderful. We went to a authentic Turkish bath in Istanbul where you get scrubbed by a lady with a donkey hair bath mitt. It was shocking how dirty I was π. A spa sounds very luxurious & husband would be open to that after experiencing the Turkish bath. (He was scrubbed down by a man).
Whale watching in Kaikoura (also Dolphins)
Royal Albatrosses and Little Blue Penguins on the Otago Penisula just outside Dunedin.
Have a walk up Rangitoto, a short ferry ride from Auckland (Try not to do it on Waitangi day, it was heaving!)
Thermal area around Rotorua for a smelly day out π
Akaroa - 90 minutes from Christchurch on Banks Peninsula. You can take a boat trip on the harbour and see Hectors Dolphins, and also visit the nearby stunning Fishermans Bay Garden.
Ex-South Islander here! While there is nowhere like the South Island there are some amazing places in the North too. If you are up for walking a bit the Tongariro crossing is amazing. There are some great walks around Mt Taranaki too (eg, Pouakai circuit).
That's a good tip we like roses and are lucky to live up the road from a famous English rose breeder David Austin Roses we quite often visit the gardens there.
Taranaki has the most beautiful volcano in the country (YES IT IS) and New Plymouth has tons of parks and beaches. Big on rhododendrons for some reason.
I wish so much that we had taken a water taxi to Ulva Island to see all the birds while I was down there at Rakiura. I mean, the rain was absolutely chucking down but we still should have made the effort.
The best thing you did was call out New Zealand. We all get pinged when that happpens π€£π€£.
Looks like youβve got quite the list. Happy planning!
Well I hosted two people from the USA who visited Shropshire and I met them through Twitter so thought If I want to visit New Zealand it makes sense to ask people who live there. π
Do you want more South Island tips? I could write all night. When my kids were little we moved around the South Island & consequently explored many places?
Tangentially, we had similar experience - Dad was a landscape photographer, and we spent longer summer holidays (a couple of months plus back then) slowly travelling in a caravan while Dad got photos for the books.
Do you like beaches, hiking, bush, boat trips, natural hot pools, food, wine, small town markets, cheese?
MΔori culture & active volcanic areas are North Island.
Golden Bay: 15 minute walks: Nikau walk, labyrinth rocks, Te WaikoropupΕ« springs (must see).
Tata Beach at dawn. The shags fight over stones. Weirdos. No one knows why.
Big drive, fantastic beach @ totoranui pretty empty even in mid summer.
More strenuous walk over sand dunes Whaireiki Beach.
The food places in Takaka, Golden Bay are great as is the Saturday market. The Nelson market is better.
Kaiteriteri Beach near Moutueka is lovely. (Don't go near it in December or January when NZders swarm).
Oh yes, everywhere seems to sell them. Loads of variety in fillings and quite local. As mentioned imagine a Shepard's pie with mash, but then stick it inside a pie crust.
just try to avoid the pies sold in plastic bags, those are cheap not good quality (and sometimes Australian π). For the best Kiwi pie experience and taste always buy pies fresh from a bakery (larger petrol stations also sell good pies not in plastic bags)
Oh my word, are pies a thing? yes, yes, yes!!! There's a regular "best plus NZ" contest. But, meat pies, not the American definitive of pie. SOOOOOO GOOD.
If you're driving from Christchurch to Mt Cook Village via Tekapo, stop at the Fairley Bakehouse on the way for the best pies ever. Their steak and mushroom is incredible.
It's a good thing, for my health, that there's the Cook Strait between me and that bakehouse. π
Pies are a big thing here
Avoid petrol station pies. Every town will have at least one Bakery / Hot Bread Shop
Buy your pies at those. Choose whatever takes your fancy.
Top tip for pie eating. Wait 5 minutes after buying before before eating and never in a vehicle. #ProPieTip
Our pies are legendary. Buy one for lunchwherever you are - go for the bakeries though.
But overall I recommend south island, esp the fjords - Te Anau/Doubtful Sound unbeatable; also Kaikoura whale watching.
north island for volcanic stuff.
Waitomo caves incredible.
Try the Cable Bay Store Mongolian lamb pies (and more). Kelly's food is amazing. In Doubtless Bay in the Far North. Also Ka Uri's pies at Awanui near Kaitaia are very good.
We love lamb, husband was a shepherd so we (and our dogs) have both spent far too much time with sheep. π. Always happy to stand about chatting to farmers though.
That sounds amazing. When we visited Malta we went to a famous bakery called the Crystal Palace to eat home made pastries. They have no door on the shop it's never closed. π
Every town has a bakery with pies on offer. The classic is mince & cheese. Whenever I am on a road trip, I like to try as many pies as possible. Oh, if you doing the South Island, the salmon pie from Fairlie is OMG. Have fun!
Heaps of gorgeous beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula. A walk up or around Mount Maunganui. Whale watching out of Kaikoura. Bush walks in the Catlins, S of Dunedin ππ
It may sound cliche, but a trip to the Hobbiton set in Matamata, then onto a Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty will show you some of the best parts - and people - in this country.
Are there still tours around the Wellington region sites of LOTR filming, like 'Rivendell' at Kaitoke? Probably not quite as interesting as Hobbiton though!
I am a life long Tolkien fan so I have to visit Hobbiton. My late Mum visited New Zealand some years ago now and said it was somewhere I should visit she loved it. Also I live in Wellington in Shropshire so it's kind of like twinning π
(I could say something about having seen all three films on release at The Embassy in Wellington, including the world premier of Return of the King, but that'd be my Wellington NZ privilege speaking.)
Well this Wellington resident is looking forward to seeing what your Wellington looks like. I doubt our little Orbit cinema is quite as exciting as your Embassy.
Yes both Islands as Husband wants to do train journey on both islands and I want to see fjords. The majority of cost is flights so that's not too bad but obviously we will need accommodation and travel between places.
Other half has already said he wants to do the Trans Alpine and it does mean we both get to look at the scenery without having to look where we are driving.
+1 for Taranaki. I've now got 2 bionic knees due to wearing them out on our mountain in my youth but plenty of easy bush walks to be had to views, waterfalls, etc. Glorious gardens in Taranaki with many free admission as are Council run. https://www.npdc.govt.nz/leisure-and-culture/coastal-walkway/
Honestly I don't know Rob 3-4 hours is a fair uphill hike. I probably need to make sure I am at my fittest before travelling. Sadly me and husband both have knees that can decide to go on a wobble! However that's what walking poles are for.
Comments
*Check the conditions first
You could catch a ferry out to Rangitoto Island & walk up, & the Botanical Garden in Manukau is well worth a look.
I also spent a wonderful day riding on the water taxi going where others needed. Rakiura is amazing
Wellington botanical gardens.
Albatross near Dunedin.
There's penguins up in bay of islands and down on bottom of south.
Hectors Dolphins.
Whale watching
Waiheke island is lovely.
https://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/images/4577-hector-s-and-maui-dolphin-map
Northland: Treaty house, history, 90 mile Beach & dunes, kauri forests
Hamilton: spectacular gardens - replica Japanese, Chinese, Roman etc
Napier is a must visit. After a huge quake in the 1930's the decision was made to rebuild the city in an Art Deco style and it's gorgeous.
1/n
She's been there 2 weeks woth another 4 to go and is absolutely loving it.
https://www.orakeikorako.co.nz/
Great little city to stay on your first night in NZ too.
https://hamiltongardens.co.nz/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton_Gardens
Also Hobbiton is delightful even if youβre not a total Tolkien fan
Highly recommend this overnight trip - absolute bucket list experience. Itβs remote but they do pick up in Queenstown, if youβve no car. But do hire a car!! Or a camper with a loo, then you can freedom camp in designated areas.
https://newzealandsouthisland.com/glacier-explorers-mt-cook-tasman-glacier-boat-trip/#:~:text=The%20tour%20includes%20a%20walk%20along%20one%20of,lake%20to%20different%20viewpoints%20of%20the%20Tasman%20Glacier.
Wellington is all about the waterfront, the restaurants and cafΓ©s, and weather. Can recommend the zoo, Te Papa, Museum of City and Sea, and Botanical Gardens as good mooching spots.
People are really chatty here; very small town vibe!
Seriously, you absolutely must visit Zealandia whilst you're in Wellington. It's magical.
You're going to have a blast!
I spent some time with our whΔnau in Invercargill over ten years ago, and had a great time. If you want to visit a living dinosaur, go to see Henry and the rest of the tuatara in Queens Park. βΊοΈβ€οΈ
Te Papa
Tongariro Crossing
Napier if you like art deco and wine
https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/news/2023/03/auckland-domain-wintergardens-100-year-old-glasshouses-re-open-to-public/
https://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/
Could be from a number of bonsai artists, but I wonder if it is one of Peter Chan's from Herons Bonsai
https://youtube.com/@heronsbonsaiuk?si=wTZ3iA2F-HeHDljI
Tiritiri-o-Matangi
https://www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/auckland/places/rangitoto-island/
From Ruapehu to Whakaari is active, accessible and scenic
Otari-Wilton Bush is nice too, but further from CBD.
Te Papa Museum is another one.
The Botanic Garden.
https://visitzealandia.com/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/wellington-kapiti/places/matiu-somes-island/
Or a bikeride/walk to Pencarrow Lighthouse:
https://www.visitheritage.co.nz/visit/wellington/pencarrow-lighthouse
https://www.intercity.co.nz/tranz-alpine-train
Give the Alpine Crossing a miss but do lots of the smaller walks/rides...four volcanoes (3 active but safe), native rain forest, LOTR locations, easy MTB trails, borders our biggest lake, lots of beautiful little waterways, very accessible...
Those two views opening up as you go over the summit are my two favourite views in the whole country. Breath taking.
Bother regions continuously gorgeous.
In the city centre, Albert Park and the northern end of the Uni, around Old Govt House are interesting -- a variety of big, old trees and old-fashioned garden design
It had plenty of volcano and geology tours around NZ but some top experts.
https://youtu.be/WO8ZA9w3jhQ?si=ugemeSbDRS8rlPnj
Rangitoto is nice easy ferry ride and most recent eruption so youβll see islands of vegetation returning in scoria. And a few lava caves.
https://www.greatbarrierislandtourism.co.nz/
And you should stay at Eden's Edge Lodge for the lovely gardens and fantastic breakfast (full disclosure - I'm owner)
I loved the glow worm cave in Waitomo. Go and stand at Cape Reinga and see where 2 seas meet.
Go out to Golden Bay and Farwell spit, just stunningly beautiful.
It's all amazing.
Some northerners will disagree, but they're delusional π
Have a great trip.
This is a handy site for estimating travel times by car: https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/time-and-distance-calculator/
Ask us, if unsure!
(only ragging ya, it's just not my fav city is all).
It's just irritating when inaccurate received wisdom goes travelling around the world.
Yes, it would be thoroughly daft to visit NZ and stay only in Auckland.
But it'd be equally daft never to visit Auckland.
Cos they don't have that in Yorkshire, do they??? π§
As to 'majestic scenery' - yeah, nah...
And have they got an Octagon?
I think not!
Itβs akin to we support NZ in any sport or anything on the international stage and then anyone playing against Australia if itβs not us π€£
Northland (near Cape Reinga) has giant sand dunes.
Northland is spectacular, The Coromandel with Hot Water Beach & Hahei is a must, the entire East Coast with its rugged coast lines & MΔori Pa (traditional villages) every couple of kms is insane. Then there's Rotovegas & the hot pools
The Skywaka Gondola on Mt Ruapehu will lift you up to recaffeinate @2020m, on an active volcano...
The drive from NP up Mt Taranaki to the North Egmont Visitors Centre is about 20min too.
- volcanic
- hot pools
- tree walk
- lakes
- multiple walk/hikes
Plus a lot more
And can also recommend https://www.elmwildlifetours.co.nz/
Napier / Hawke's Bay has a lot of gardens, wine and fruit! Lots of nice eateries.
Marlborough has wine, water, gardens, the wonderful Sounds and a great ferry trip.
If you're travelling between New Plymouth/Taranaki & Wellington, then a stop in Whanganui is recommended!
https://discoverwhanganui.nz/visit/
For gardens, NZ Gardens Trust has a website that you should check out.
There are no stately homes here and no NGS so seeing gardens is more tricky than UK.
Hamilton Gardens is a must see though.
I was lucky to spend nearly 5 hours wandering there in January. Here's one little taste of the sights seen... β€οΈ
Also, if you're in Εtautahi Christchurch, I'd recommend checking out the Arts Centre! There's a movie theatre, markets, art, history, sometimes performances...
I need to build in time contingency so we can actually talk to people we meet along the way.
Auckland has a marvellous museum and a wonderful art gallery.
Just a few ideas to get you started.
Royal Albatrosses and Little Blue Penguins on the Otago Penisula just outside Dunedin.
Have a walk up Rangitoto, a short ferry ride from Auckland (Try not to do it on Waitangi day, it was heaving!)
Thermal area around Rotorua for a smelly day out π
https://hamiltongardens.co.nz/
https://nzroses.org.nz/dugald-mackenzie-rose-garden/#:~:text=The%20Dugald%20MacKenzie%20Rose%20Garden,5000%20roses%20in%20named%20beds.
https://www.trc.govt.nz/gardens/pukeiti
Great rivers too π
Lovely for bush walks and just chilling
Looks like youβve got quite the list. Happy planning!
MΔori culture & active volcanic areas are North Island.
Tata Beach at dawn. The shags fight over stones. Weirdos. No one knows why.
Big drive, fantastic beach @ totoranui pretty empty even in mid summer.
More strenuous walk over sand dunes Whaireiki Beach.
Kaiteriteri Beach near Moutueka is lovely. (Don't go near it in December or January when NZders swarm).
It's a good thing, for my health, that there's the Cook Strait between me and that bakehouse. π
Avoid petrol station pies. Every town will have at least one Bakery / Hot Bread Shop
Buy your pies at those. Choose whatever takes your fancy.
Top tip for pie eating. Wait 5 minutes after buying before before eating and never in a vehicle. #ProPieTip
Tried a few of them.
https://www.unitybooks.co.nz/products/nzs-best-gourmet-pies
But overall I recommend south island, esp the fjords - Te Anau/Doubtful Sound unbeatable; also Kaikoura whale watching.
north island for volcanic stuff.
Waitomo caves incredible.
https://piehunt.nz/map
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/rotorua-daily-post/news/pie-superstar-patrick-lam-wins-gold-awards-in-new-zealand-bakels-supreme-pie-awards/GTGPNCKJ2FDTTOYC25CZQNBDFE/
At least a day trip to Rangitoto is a can't miss if you like volcanic stuff. Lovely views, good walk, lava caves.
Hokitika Gorge
Banks Peninsula/Port hills at Christchurch is worth an explore
Wharariki (top NW of S island) is also a great stop
And Hooker Valley at Aoraki is the best short walk in the world
So it really depends how much time you can commit and cost etc and if you are doing both islands
The best journey is the Trans Alpine which goes from one side of the S'ern Alps to the other. Amazing in good weather!
if its down to a choice go for hooker valley its a nice track and mostly flat take it easy you can spend the whole day there