Things to see in New Zealand

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New Zealand Attractions

There is so much to see and do in New Zealand that it is difficult to know where to start. This is, after all, the self-styled 'adventure capital of the world', where you can bungee jump, zorb and sky dive to your heart's content. The splendid natural landscape lends itself equally well to hiking (they call it 'tramping' here), mountain biking, and general sightseeing.

New Zealand is also developing other sides to its tourist offering with a burgeoning wine industry, fascinating Maori culture, restorative thermal pools and natural spas, and plenty of tours themed around The Lord of the Rings, which was filmed at locations around the country.

Getting around is a breeze. You can cycle, or rent a camper van or motor car. In general the roads are excellent and very safe and there are plenty of domestic flights for getting between north and south islands destinations.

There is no bad time to visit either. It does get cold in winter, particular in the south island, where Otago can dip to -10°C, but overall the climate is pretty welcoming all year round. Local tourism picks up around the summer break of mid-December to end January. Book well ahead if you intend visiting over this period.

Hauraki Gulf Islands

The Hauraki Gulf is studded with numerous islands such as Rangitoto, Waiheke and Great Barrier Island and those close to the mainland make a good day trip. Some are recreation retreats, and others are conservation islands with restricted access, reserves for the protection of... see full details

Sky Tower

The Sky Tower, at 1,076ft (328m), is the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere and has unforgettable views over the city, the harbour and the gulf islands. It is part of the Sky City Entertainment Complex, with a casino, theatre, hotel and conference centre.... see full details

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is famous for its beautiful coastal scenery and it is one of North Island's major attractions. The bay is interspersed with numerous little coves and inlets and sandy beaches, and the historical townships of Paihia, Waitangi and Russell are the... see full details

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Reserve

Wai-O-Tapu, meaning 'Sacred Waters', is a diverse and colourful geothermal sightseeing experience. The area has been active for more than 100,000 years and features thick pools of boiling mud that bubble and belch, geysers, sulphuric mineral terraces and steaming pools that create a kaleidoscope... see full details

Te Papa Museum

Wellington's leading attraction and one of the world's largest national museums, Te Papa is a tribute to all that is New Zealand; its people and history, natural environment, arts and culture. Interactive technology and superb displays bring the story to life. Motion simulators allow... see full details

Christchurch Gondola

The spectacular ride takes visitors to the top of the crater rim of Christchurch’s extinct volcano on the outskirts of the city, unfolding magnificent views of the city, over the Canterbury Plains and towards the Southern Alps, and the sweep of Pegasus Bay and... see full details

Mt Cook National Park

Mt Cook National Park is known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook. Its Maori name, 'Aoraki' means 'cloud piercer' and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the... see full details

The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

Nowhere else in the world, outside the polar regions, can one see glaciers so close to the sea, extending more than eight miles (13km) from the highest peaks of precipitous mountains to the valley floor and surrounded by rainforest. The Fox and Franz... see full details

Milford Sound

The 14-mile (22km) long fjord of Milford Sound is the most famous attraction in the Fjordland National Park. Hemmed in by towering granite cliffs and dominated by Mitre Peak, the calm deep waters reflect ice-covered mountain tops, waterfalls plummet from the cliff tops to... see full details

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