A tour of New Zealand is a must for everyone's bucket list! Here you will find the most beautiful bays and beaches, dramatic glaciers and forests, endless plains and turquoise lakes, as well as indigenous Maori culture, top wines and the ultimate 'Kiwi' hospitality. We selected eight highlights not to miss during a New Zealand trip.
Travelling to New Zealand?
Single plane tickets to New Zealand are available with at least one transfer from €890 return.
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1. Bay of Islands
On arrival in Auckland, start your trip off right by exploring the Bay of Islands northwards. This can be done by car, but a must is by small plane (19 seater), this is a short flight of about 40 minutes, where you fly low over some of the 144 islets and have stunning views of the rugged coastline. This area has a rich history and Maori culture; a tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a perfect introduction to this. The Bay of Islands is ideal for boating/sailing, camping, swimming & relaxing.
For the campers out there, you will be spoilt for choice with the variety of campsites in North Island to enjoy your stay. This is a great way to immerse yourself in the nature of this beautiful region and have an authentic experience. Visit http://www.northislandnz.net/en/type/campsites-35/ to book your very option!
Also, worth visiting are the two fishing villages of Paihia and Russel, a fun trip by ferry!
2. Auckland
Many people think Auckland is the capital of New Zealand, but nothing could be further from the truth (that's Wellington)! The striking thing is that about a third of the inhabitants of the whole of New Zealand (about 4.5 million) are located here (about 1.5 million). So Auckland is quite densely populated compared to the rest of the country. It is a true metropolis, with tall skyscrapers and plenty of entertainment. The city is surrounded by water: the harbour and Waterfront is therefore definitely worth a visit.
When in this bustling city, you may be searching for a comfortable place to stay. A highly recommended option is Barclay Suites, which offers all the modern amenities to its guests with beautiful views of the city and its skyscrapers.
3. Rotorua
For spectacular photos, Rotorua is an essential stop on your New Zealand trip. This place is known for its spouting geysers, mud pools and smoking volcanoes. Tips to do at Rotorua: try a traditionally prepared meal on steam from the ground, get a tour from a local Maori guide or take a wonderful geothermal spa treatment. Should your budget allow: a helicopter trip to the active volcanic White Island is great!
4. Tongariro National Park
For hikers and nature lovers, Tongariro National Park is heaven. You can do an amazing trek through the park here, called the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which takes you past volcanoes, luminous turquoise lakes and craters. This hike is not known as the best day hike in all of New Zealand for nothing, definitely recommended!
5. Lake Wanaka
On New Zealand's South Island lies the beautiful Lake Wanaka, an immense lake with mighty mountain formations in the background. Fun here is to take a speedboat across the lake to the Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve, a beautiful island with its own lake and the native 'kiwi' bird. Wanaka itself is a very friendly town, where most people know each other and where you don't have to lock your car or house! By the way, the sunrises and sunsets here are magically beautiful.
6. Queenstown
No trip to New Zealand is complete without a visit to Queenstown, fabulously located between the mighty mountain peaks on the crystal-clear Lake Wakati. You can do any extreme sport in and around Queenstown. From jetboating and bungee jumping (including at full moon!) to paragliding, skydiving, whitewater rafting and snowboarding. But be sure to take a ride in the Skyline Gondolas, where you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the city and its surroundings from 800 metres up. For the real daredevils, skydiving is recommended here! With the mountains and lakes below you, you'll feel like royalty. You can also fly from Queenstown by helicopter to the top of the mountain, where you will make a landing on a glacier and drink a delicious wine in the beautiful countryside. To finish, don't forget to grab the Fergburger, said to be the best burger restaurant on earth.
7. Doubtful Sound
Cruises like this don't happen often. Book an excursion across Doubtful Sound, the deepest fjord (421m) in Fiordland National Park on the Tasman Sea, and you'll know what we're talking about. A totally isolated cruise, you'll sail past fjords, waterfalls, mountains and more stunning scenery. During the cruise, you have the chance to spot dolphins and seals, a unique experience!
8. Abel Tasman National Park
Golden yellow beaches, sandy estuaries, dense forests, gorges, waterfalls and caves, surrounded by an azure sea with islands and reefs: the Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest National Park, but a truly stunning place!
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