• How is New Zealand geographically structured?
    • New Zealand is made up of two islands, both of which have a diverse and beautiful natural setting.
  • Why is New Zealand a great destination for adventure lovers?
    • Known for its glaciers as much as its beaches, New Zealand is the perfect destination for adventurers and lovers of the great outdoors.
  • What makes New Zealand a must-visit location?
    • Sensational national parks, diverse and exciting cities, and pleasant weather make New Zealand a location that should be on everyone's bucket list.

Queenstown, New Zealand

Explore exciting adventures; enjoy skiing and thrilling outdoor activities year-round.

Queenstown, New Zealand

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  • What makes Queenstown a popular destination?
    • Queenstown, on the South Island, is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand for tourists.
  • Why is Queenstown considered a must-visit location?
    • There are so many outdoor activities to be done in Queenstown that it's pretty much a requirement on any traveler's bucket list.
  • What adventure activities can visitors experience in Queenstown?
    • Visitors can skydive or bungee jump, with amazing views of lakes, canyons, and mountains on the way down, or go whitewater rafting on the Shotover River.
  • Can visitors explore Lord of the Rings filming locations?
    • There are also opportunities to see some of the prominent and recognizable filming locations from the Lord of the Rings series on a guided tour of nearby Glenorchy.

Abel Tasman National Park

Discover easy coastal trails; savor golden beaches and turquoise waters.

Abel Tasman National Park

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  • Where is Abel Tasman National Park located?
    • Located on the South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its gorgeous sandy beaches and the granite cliffs that rise up above them.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy at Abel Tasman National Park?
    • The park is the perfect spot for a day trip to the beach, where visitors can kayak, canoe, and sunbathe on a secluded stretch of sand.
  • Are there hiking trails in Abel Tasman National Park?
  • What is the most famous hiking trail in the park?
    • The most famous of these, the Abel Tasman Coast Track, is nearly 40 miles long and takes an average of 3 to 5 days to complete.
  • Are there shorter hiking trails available?
    • Yes! There are plenty of shorter trails for amateur hikers or those looking for a simple day trip.

Aoraki - Mount Cook

Visit unusual glaciers; go hiking beneath New Zealand’s highest peak.

Aoraki - Mount Cook

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  • What is Mount Cook?
    • The village of Mount Cook sits at the bottom of this massive mountain, which at 12,218 feet at its summit is the tallest mountain in New Zealand.
  • Where is Mount Cook located?
    • The mountain lies within the bounds of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, an exceptionally beautiful place filled with rocky snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and scenic hiking trails.
  • What kind of hiking opportunities are available in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park?
    • All the trails in the area provide wonderful mountain views, and most take about 3 hours to complete.
  • Is it recommended to climb Aoraki / Mount Cook?
    • Climbing Aoraki / Mount Cook itself is not recommended for amateurs, as it is a highly challenging and technical ascent.

Auckland (with Illustrated Map of Popular New Zealand Destinations)

Explore affordable attractions; see vibrant harbors and iconic Sky Tower views.

Auckland (with Illustrated Map of Popular New Zealand Destinations)

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  • What is Auckland?
    • Auckland is one of the biggest cities on New Zealand's North Island and is one of the most major cities in the whole country.
  • What makes Auckland a great destination?
    • It's a world-class city with some unbelievable nature right at its doorstep, making it a great homebase for a stay in New Zealand.
  • What outdoor adventures are available near Auckland?
    • From here, it's easy to reach some of the wonderful surrounding nature and the adventure it brings—kayaking to a volcano or strolling along black sand beaches, for example.
  • What amenities does Auckland offer?
    • After a day of adventure, visitors can return to a city with countless restaurants, shops, nightlife, and accommodation.

Central Otago

Enjoy romantic vineyards; savor award-winning wines amid breathtaking landscapes.

Central Otago

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  • What is Central Otago?
    • Central Otago refers to the central region of the South Island, in the Otago Region.
  • What kind of landscapes can visitors expect in Central Otago?
    • In sunny Central Otago, visitors will find dry, hilly landscapes and some beautiful heritage towns.
  • What historical significance does Central Otago have?
    • Otago was the center of the gold rush in New Zealand, and some of the small towns there, like Bannockburn, Naseby, and Ophir, still reflect this history with their old-school charm.
  • Why is Central Otago known for wine production?
    • The region is perfect for wine growing and is home to a number of excellent vineyards, which are especially famous for pinot noir.
  • What can visitors expect from a food and wine tour in Central Otago?
    • A tour of the local fare in Central Otago is sure to include some fantastic wines alongside local cheeses, meats, and produce grown in the region.

Chatham Islands

Discover unusual wildlife; explore remote shores rich in cultural heritage.

Chatham Islands

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  • What are the Chatham Islands?
    • The Chatham Islands are an archipelago of about ten islands located about 500 miles east of New Zealand's South Island.
  • Who were the original inhabitants of the Chatham Islands?
    • The Chatham Islands, with their sheer rocky coastlines and rugged green wilderness, were the ancestral home of the Moriori people, a Polynesian tribe very similar to the Maori of New Zealand's main islands.
  • How can visitors travel to the Chatham Islands?
    • There are daily flights to the Chatham Islands via Air Chathams, which depart from Auckland and Whanganui.
  • What is the Chatham Islands' cuisine known for?
    • The islands are famous for delicious, fresh seafood, which can be sampled at any of the restaurants on the Chatham Islands.
  • What wildlife and nature experiences are available on the Chatham Islands?
    • There are plenty of opportunities to view wildlife, from the abundant birds and animals to the flowering plants in the archipelago.

Christchurch Canterbury

Visit family-friendly sights; admire charming gardens and historic architecture.

Christchurch Canterbury

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  • Where is Christchurch Canterbury located?
    • Christchurch Canterbury is a city on the South Island of New Zealand, located on the East Coast of the island in the region of Canterbury.
  • How big is Christchurch?
    • It is the second-largest city in New Zealand.
  • Why is Christchurch called the Garden City?
    • Christchurch is known as the Garden City because of its gorgeous gardens and parks.
  • What makes Christchurch’s environment unique?
    • The traditional English feel of Christchurch is offset by the common New Zealand sense of never being too far from nature. The city is surrounded by oceans, beaches, and mountains.
  • What is special about the Canterbury region?
    • The region of Canterbury is well known for its diverse landscape, featuring snow-capped mountains, beautiful blue lakes, and grassy plains.

Dunedin

Explore affordable history; see stunning Victorian buildings and wildlife encounters.

Dunedin

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  • Where is Dunedin located?
    • Dunedin is a city on the South Island of New Zealand.
  • What is the historical background of Dunedin?
    • Dunedin was founded by Scottish immigrants, giving it a rich cultural heritage.
  • Why is Dunedin considered a hidden gem?
    • As a university town, Dunedin isn’t as often visited by tourists as other cities in New Zealand, giving it a best-kept secret feel.
  • What attractions and activities can visitors enjoy in Dunedin?
    • The city boasts beautiful Edwardian and Victorian architecture, scenic trails for hikers and bicyclists, and a diverse city life filled with food, nightlife, art, and shopping.
  • What natural attractions are near Dunedin?
    • There are beautiful beaches, unique local cuisine, and even access to the Otago Peninsula, where keen-eyed visitors might spot an albatross or a yellow-eyed penguin.

Fiordland

Discover romantic wilderness; enjoy cruises along dramatic fjords and waterfalls.

Fiordland

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  • What is Fiordland?
    • Fiordland is named for the fiords of Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound, which were carved by glaciers millions of years ago and lie within Fiordland National Park.
  • What makes Fiordland's landscapes unique?
    • The crystal-clear blue waters, from which mountains rise up on all sides, are part of some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of New Zealand.
  • What kind of scenery can visitors expect in Fiordland?
    • The mountain-to-sea vistas, with their forests and splashes of color, are picture-perfect, as are many aspects of this beautiful place.
  • What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Fiordland?
    • For a fully immersive experience, visitors to Fiordland can go hiking, climbing, fishing, camping, or kayaking.

Kaikoura

Go whale watching in summer; admire marine life along stunning coastal scenery.

Kaikoura

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  • What does the name Kaikoura mean?
    • Literally named for its food, Kaikoura in the Maori language means "crayfish food."
  • What is Kaikoura known for?
    • Most restaurants in Kaikoura serve this local specialty, caught right off the coast.
  • What marine life can be found near Kaikoura?
    • Kaikoura is very well known for other marine life as well; there is an abundant population of seals, dolphins, and whales that live permanently in the ocean near the town.
  • What can visitors expect from a whale-watching tour in Kaikoura?
    • A whale-watching tour taken from Kaikoura is almost always fruitful, with plenty of wildlife to observe, including a local population of fur seals that are pretty entertaining.
  • Is Kaikoura a good destination for a day trip?
    • Located just a few hours from Christchurch, Kaikoura is a great spot for a day trip.


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Top Activities
Spring (September-November) – Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. Huka Lodge (Taupo) – A luxurious retreat near waterfalls and nature. Visit Hobbiton – Explore the famous movie set from *The Lord of the Rings*.
Summer (December-February) – Warm and perfect for outdoor adventures. Eichardt’s Private Hotel (Queenstown) – A high-end stay with stunning lake views. Explore Fiordland National Park – Cruise through Milford Sound’s breathtaking landscapes.
Fall (March-May) – Pleasant weather with vibrant autumn colors. Sofitel Wellington – A stylish hotel in the capital city. Drive through Central Otago – Experience golden vineyards and scenic landscapes.
Winter (June-August) – Cool temperatures, great for skiing and hot springs. Chateau Tongariro Hotel – A cozy alpine retreat near Mount Ruapehu. Ski in Queenstown or Wanaka – Enjoy world-class slopes and après-ski vibes.


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