Rotorua is where the Earth’s crust meets the surface to form an array of geothermal activities. While visiting Rotorua, you will have the opportunity to see Maori Culture and Hangi (food cooked underground for an extended period).  Napier is an Art Deco city, where many wineries are located. And just south of Rotorua is Lake Taupo, the only New Zealand Lake visible from outer space; it is a remnant of a volcano that exploded apart. Visit the Waitomo Caves to see the underground glow worm grotto and more adventures.

 

 

 

Wellington is the nations’ capital city and ferry gateway to Picton in the South Island. In Wellington you can take day tours of the “Beehive”, which is the government building called Parliament. Te Papa Museum offers a view of New Zealand’s past, present and future. The wine region to the north, called Wairarapa is where you can choose from a variety of accommodations.

 

 

Nelson, Marlbourgh, and Abel Tasman is the region that is for most everyone. Wineries, the longest hours of daylight in all of New Zealand, kayaking, and the beaches are part of the Abel Tasman walk. The Cook Strait ferry transits to and from Picton on its way to Wellington via the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound.

 

 

Christchurch is the South Islands’ major gateway from the USA. Here you can swim with the dolphins, travel on the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train to or from Greymouth; or take the Tranz Coastal to Picton connecting to Wellington on a ferry. Perhaps, at Kaikoura go whale watching, or just half day drive to Mt Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain. And if you want to relax, Hanmer Springs offers fishing, horse back riding, or walking in the Arthurs Pass National Park.

 

Greymouth, and Franz Josef Glacier 

 

The West Coast has native forests and birds; sparkling clear rivers and streams; and rugged snow capped mountains that border this region with the beaches of the Tasman Sea.  Scenic flights; kayaking, and hiking are activities to do in this region. The ancient ice glaciers of the Fox and Franz Josef are two more destinations not to be missed.

 

 

Queenstown is the nation’s adventure mecca and gateway to Fjordland National Park where the Milford and Doubtful Sounds’ are located. The forest in the National Park has crystal clear rivers to the tip of the mountain ranges where you can hike, jet boat, kayak, or horseback ride. Take a helicopter ride to a secluded mountain summit, beach, fjord or visit a glacier. For a tour with a difference, an overnight cruise on the Sounds or an underground glowworm grotto.

 

 

In this region you can see an albatross and penguin colony, take a coastal drive through indigenous beech tree forests, or see an island mostly covered by native forest. Historical buildings, a chocolate and beer factory tours as well a train ride back into the hills of Dunedin.

 

  

Murray Mills - was born and resided in New Zealand for 25 years. During that time I traveled extensively and I can offer New Zealand from a local’s prospective. With my passion about selling New Zealand became a New Zealand Tourism Specialist. For my personalize knowledge and expertise, please email or call 888.500.2528.