Explore New Zealand
Click on the hotspots to find out more about each region
New Zealand Unique. Spectacular. Journey to Middle Earth & Beyond.
Paroa Bay, Bay of Islands
Credit: Paroa Bay Winery
Northland
Northland is home to New Zealand’s most important historic site - the Waitangi Treaty Grounds which overlook the beautiful Bay of Islands. Here, local indigenous Maori chiefs came together with representatives of the British Crown, to sign the Waitangi Treaty, thereby shaping New Zealand’s future.
This region is a sub-tropical paradise of unspoilt natural beauty, rich in history and culture. Plentiful opportunities to swim, sail, fish, surf, kayak,snorkel and scuba dive are offered throughout the area including around the Poor Knight’s Islands - a marine reserve featuring over 50 dive spots including the largest sea cave in the world.
Explore the North Island
Auckland
Credit: Tourism New Zealand
Auckland & The Hauraki Gulf
Auckland - the “City of Sails”, is New Zealand’s largest city and major international gateway.
Surrounded by water, locals and visitors alike enjoy boating, whale and dolphin watching, a day at the beach or ferry rides to the nearby islands of Hauraki Gulf. Waiheke Island offers a number of vineyards, restaurants, cafes, boutiques and galleries to explore, whilst the nature reserve of Tiritiri Matangi is a bird watcher and nature lovers paradise.
The Auckland museum is a cultural must, as well as the Auckland Art Gallery which houses both traditional and contemporary art.
Explore the North Island
Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
Credit: Lake Tarawera, Rotorua
White Island
Credit: James Stanbridge
Fletcher Bay
Credit: Camilla Rutherford
The Central East
New Zealand’s Central East is a traveller’s paradise - full of a variety of hidden gems - from volcanoes and immense geo-thermal activity to stunning coastlines and countless water activities.
The Coromandel has long been a favourite holiday destination for “kiwis”. The scenic 400km coastline encompasses a rugged mountainous interior, cloaked in subtropical rainforest and home to a thriving arts community.
At low tide, dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach. The Bay of Plenty, all the way around to Gisborne and boasts another 100km of white sand and surf beaches, a number of superb dive sites and excellent tuna and marlin fishing.
White Island, an active marine volcano is also located only 48km off the coast in the Bay of Plenty.
Not to be missed is the fascinating Rotorua area - reknown for its’ geothermal wonders and Maori culture.
Explore the North Island
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Credit: Waitomo Holdings
Hobbiton, Matamata
Credit: Ian Brodie
The Central West
Explore magnificent limestone, glowworm caves offering subterranean adventures from caving, abseiling and black water tubing to gentle underground boat rides, gliding silently under a galaxy of tiny, living lights.
Lord of the Rings fans can experience Middle Earth movie magic first hand with a Hobbiton movie set tour. Drive through the 1,250 acre sheep farm, with spectacular views across the Kaimai Ranges, to “Hobbiton” - the 10 acre movie set of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, complete with Hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and The Shire’s Rest Cafe.
Not to be missed is Lake Taupo - the star of a pristine outdoor playground featuring secluded bays, icy rivers, beautiful native bush, natural hot pools, world class trout fishing and a mountain backdrop. The lake is also a hub for year-round events and activities.
Explore the North Island
Mount Ruapehu
Penny Eggleton
Ruapehu, Taranaki & Hawke’s Bay
Encompassing a variety of landscapes including the dramatic snow-capped peaks of Mt Taranaki, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro to rolling green farmlands bound by the pristine coastline of Hawke’s Bay and Cape Kidnappers, this area offers everything from hiking, mountain biking and snow skiing to vineyards and world class golf courses.
Explore the North Island
Martinborough, Wairarapa
Scott Venning
Wellington & Wairarapa
New Zealand’s capital Wellington is nestled between a beautiful harbour and rolling green hills, this sophisticated city offers fabulous restaurants, cafes, shopping, arts, culture and a vibrant nightlife.
Just outside of Wellington is Wairarapa which offers a delightful mix of wineries, food, antiques and historic charm. At Martinborough - enjoy a Sunday session among the vines with live music.
Explore the North Island
Nelson
Credit: Dean MacKenzie
Marlbourough Sounds
Credit: Rob Suisted
Tasman-Nelson-Marlborough Region
Pristine National Parks, secluded bays and inlets, seafood, wineries galore and plenty of sunshine makes this region an extremely popular destination for both Kiwis and international visitors alike.
Marlborough is a globally recognised wine producing region which is now responsible for over 75% of New Zealand’s wine. The most popular variety’s are Savignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Explore the South Island
Fox Glaciers
The West Coast
New Zealand’s rugged west coast is packed with stunning scenery including five national parks and the very accessible Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
The TranzAlpine train journey between Greymouth, on the west coast, and Christchurch on the east coast is hailed as one of the great rail journeys in the world.
Explore the South Island
Kea Point, Mount Cook
Credit: The Hermitage
The Central South
The highlight of the Central South is the World Heritage Listed Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, which covers 700 square km, a third of which is permanently covered in snow or glacial ice.
At 3,724m, Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak with a further 140 peaks above 2,100m, as well as 72 named glaciers including the mighty Tasman Glacier.
Explore the South Island
Akaroa
Christchurch & the East Coast
Gateway to Canterbury and the diverse South Island, Christchurch “the garden city” is full of English heritage and character.
Go punting on the Avon River through the centre of town, swim with dolphins in Akaroa or go seal, dolphin and whale-watching in Kaikoura.
The TranzAlpine train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth on the west coast is hailed as one of the great rail journeys in the world.
Explore the South Island
Clarke Glacier, Queenstown
Credit: Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
Credit: AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
Central Otago
Queenstown, in central Otago, is touted as the “adventure capital of the world”. If the scenery doesn’t take your breath away, the action will!
Cruise Lake Wakatipu with its’ spectacular mountain backdrop, take a scenic flight over glaciers, mountains and fiordlands, ski Coronet Peak & the Remarkables, white water raft, jetboat or canoe the Dart, Shotover or Kawarau Rivers, throw yourself out of a plane, off a cliff or from a bungy jumping platform, go gold panning in gorgeous Arrowtown or simply hike or cycle the many tracks which traverse this stunning region. The possibilities are endless!
Wanaka is also worth a visit with winter skiing at Treble Cone and Cardrona, trout fishing in Lake Wanaka, award winning vineyards, spectacular hiking trails and scenic flights.
Explore the South Island
Fiordland Lodge
Credit: Fiordland Lodge
Fiordland Lodge
Credit: Fiordland Lodge
The South & Fiordlands
Tucked away at the bottom of the South Island are iconic natural treasures with a world-class reputation.
The fiordlands are home to Milford, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, whilst Stewart Island is 85% national park, a bird sanctuary and one of the few places in New Zealand you can find wild Kiwi.
The captivating Catlins is a “hidden gem” and a place of natural beauty with forests, waterfalls, sandy beaches and abundant marine wildlife.
Dunedin is an endearing city of classical architecture and Scottish charm with New Zealand’s only castle - Larnach Castle.
Explore the South Island
New Zealand
New Zealand or Aotearoa - “Land of the Long White Cloud” is a relatively small country, but the stunning North and South Islands have it all - crystal clear lakes, golden beaches, towering volcanoes, ancient forests, mighty glaciers, spectacular fiordlands and charming coastal towns are all the epitome of stunning geographic diversity - it truly is a paradise on earth.
The iconic North Island is an exceedingly versatile destination. Journey Earth will have you boating around the Bay of Islands, exploring cosmopolitan cities and stepping into another world at the famous “Hobbiton”, from The Lord of the Rings trilogy. If you want to experience culture, the influence of New Zealand's indigenous culture is most keenly felt in the North Island. Our personalised itinerary will have you embracing the Maori culture with a traditional Hangi (Maori feast) all without having to plan a thing.
If majestic landscapes, crystal clear glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains sounds more like your style then the South Island is perfect for you. We will plan a journey of discovery you will never forget! Board a train and cross the picturesque island regions from East to West. Visit the mighty west coast glaciers and experience the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. Get your adrenaline hit with a cinematic backdrop whilst jet boating, hiking, bungee jumping, skydiving, paragliding, canyon swings and luging - just to name a few. The options are endless for those with an adventurous spirit (or just a thirst for natural beauty). Let us tailor a trip so all you have to worry about is packing your bag!
Talk to us about the best ways to see the most of this stunning country.
Clarke Glacier, Queenstown
Credit: Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
Bay Of Many Coves
Mount Ruapehu
Credit: Penny Eggleton
Redwoods Forest, Rotorua
Credit: Tourism Media