With around 15,000 kilometres of coastline and more than 25 marine reserves, the ocean-scented scenery intertwines New Zealand’s outdoorsy lifestyle.
Plan Your TourFind unique places for beachside swimming, surfing, sailing, and fishing.
Discover lakes in Fiordland that were gouged out by glaciers or those on the North Island that nestle in the remnants of huge volcanic craters. Find time to catch a trout, paddle a canoe, or spread a picnic rug. Relax in one of the many geothermal pools around New Zealand, enjoy a spa at a resort, or let yourself get pampered in some of our grand lodges.
Take a scenic flight over our most extraordinary landscapes or float in a hot air balloon over a world that is just waking up. Read a book, sunbathe at one of our white sandy beaches, and dine in one of our many gourmet restaurants with award-winning wine.
Our favourite places to relax are centrally situated, offer multiple-day tours and activitiesoptions, and are located in some of the most beautiful regions of New Zealand.
The Bay of Islands region has the finest maritime park in New Zealand, featuring 144 Islands and secluded bays. The Bay has abundant marine life, including giant marlins, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets, and many other species. This maritime and historic park is the original seat of European settlement in New Zealand and has fine examples of Maori culture.
Coromandel: This region's unspoiled landscape and relaxed lifestyle make it an ideal holiday destination. Framed by native Pohutukawa trees on the western side, beautiful white sandy beaches on the east, and divided by ranges cloaked in native rainforest, the Coromandel's 400 km coastline offers visitors a truly distinctive blend of experiences.
Lake Taupo: Centrally located in the North Island of New Zealand, the Lake Taupo region is an exciting landscape of snow-capped mountains, blue and emerald lakes, native forests, steaming cliffs, mud pools, mountain streams, rivers, volcanic valleys, and tussock-covered lands. Day trips to Rotorua, Waitomo National Park, and the wine region of Hawkes Bay are recommended. The lake is world famous for its fly fishing and boating and offers various outdoor activities.
Rangitikei River Valley: The Rangitikei District is undiscovered New Zealand on the North Island. This unspoiled beauty is still a hidden secret for most travellers. Enjoy many activities like horse riding, rafting, and farm tours. Read a book and relax, or try fly fishing in these unique surroundings.
Marlborough Sounds: If you enjoy kayaking, scenic boat tours, visits to formal gardens, or hiking through native bushes, Marlborough is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. The region provides numerous opportunities for eco-tourists and nature lovers to see some of our wildlife close up.
Abel Tasman/Nelson Area: To visit the Nelson region is to discover azure skies and wide open spaces, beaches and lakes, spectacular national parks, unique landforms, vineyards, gourmet cafés, artists, galleries, entrepreneurs, and boutique shopping experiences...a uniquely Nelson way of life.
Akaroa Peninsula: Just 85 kilometres from Christchurch (a leisurely day tour to the central city of the South Island), Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Explore the village with its colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafés. Relax in the sun at French Bay, or find a secluded beach in neighbouring bays. Then, head out into the harbour, where scenic fishing and wildlife encounter cruises are available.
Wanaka: Crystal clear lake waters lap the shores of Wanaka town and the feet of the Southern Alps, home to winter ski fields and the dramatic alpine Mount Aspiring National Park. Centuries of glacial action, they crafted Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Discover their scenic perfection by mountain biking the high trails, paragliding over the hills, sightseeing by air, or walking the myriad tracks. (Take a short drive to Queenstown.)
Queenstown Valley: Spectacular Queenstown, the most popular holiday destination in New Zealand for international visitors, offers an incredible range of things to do regardless of season. Justifiably regarded as New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown's four distinctive seasons feature long summer twilights (December-March) and brilliant autumn colours (April-May) and offer some of the world's best skiing and snowboarding conditions in winter and early spring (June-September).
