Zealandia
This groundbreaking eco-sanctuary is hidden in the hills about 2km west of town: the Karori bus (No 3) passes nearby, or see the Zealandia website for info on the free shuttle. Living wild within the fenced valley are more than 30 native bird species, including rare takahe, saddleb
Stone Store
Dating from 1836, the Stone Store is NZs oldest stone building. It sells interesting Kiwiana gifts as well as the type of goods that used to be sold in the store. Tours of the wooden Mission House , NZs oldest building (1822), depart from here and include entry to The Soul Trade ex
Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa
Mineral-laden waters from the Wairakei geothermal steamfield cascade over silica terraces into pools (open to those 14 years and older) nestled in native gardens. Take a therapeutic soak and a self-guided tour on the Terraces Walkway featuring a re-created Māori village, carvings d
Hamilton Gardens
Spread over 50 hectares southeast of the city centre, Hamilton Gardens incorporates a large park, cafe, restaurant and extravagant themed enclosed gardens. There are separate Italian Renaissance, Chinese, Japanese, English, American and Indian gardens complete with colonnades, pago
Olveston
Although its a youngster by European standards, this spectacular 1906 mansion provides a wonderful window into Dunedins past. Entry is via fascinating guided tours; it pays to book ahead. Theres also a pretty little garden to explore. Until 1966 Olveston was the family home of the
Rotorua Museum
This outstanding museum occupies a grand Tudor-style edifice. A 20-minute film on the history of Rotorua, including the Tarawera eruption, runs every 20 minutes from 9am. The Don Stafford Wing , dedicated to Rotoruas Te Arawa people, features woodcarving, flax weaving, jade and the
Nature’s Wonders Naturally
What makes the improbably beautiful beaches of this coastal sheep farm different from other important wildlife habitats is that (apart from pest eradication and the like) theyre left completely alone. Many of the multiple private beaches havent suffered a human footprint in years.
Auckland Museum
This imposing neoclassical temple (1929), capped with an impressive copper-and-glass dome (2007), dominates the Auckland Domain and is a prominent part of the Auckland skyline, especially when viewed from the harbour. Admission packages can be purchased, which incorporate a highlig
Ulva Island
A tiny paradise covering only 250 hectares, Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara is a great place to see lots of native New Zealand birds. Established as a bird sanctuary in 1922, it remains one of Stewart Island/Rakiura’s wildest corners – ‘a rare taste of how NZ once was and perhaps could b
Victorian Precinct
Consisting of only a couple of blocks centred on Harbour and Tyne Sts, this atmospheric enclave has some of NZ’s best-preserved Victorian commercial buildings. Descend on a dark and foggy night and its downright Dickensian. Its also ground zero for all that is hip, cool and freaky
Orakei Korako
A bit off the beaten track, Orakei Korako gets fewer visitors than other thermal areas. Yet, since the destruction of the Pink and White Terraces, it is arguably the best thermal area left in NZ, even though two-thirds of the original site now lies beneath a dammed section of the W
Goat Island Marine Reserve
Only 3km from Leigh, this 547-hectare aquatic area was established in 1975 as the country’s first marine reserve. In less than 40 years the sea has reverted to a giant aquarium, giving an impression of what the NZ coast must have been like before humans arrived. You only need step
World of WearableArt & Classic Cars Museum
Nelson is the birthplace of New Zealands most inspiring fashion show, the annual World of WearableArt Awards Show. You can see 70 or so current and past entries in this museums several sensory-overloading galleries, including a glow-in-the-dark room. Look out for the Bizarre Bras’.
Te Papa
Te Papa is Wellingtons must-see attraction, for reasons well beyond the fact that its NZs national museum. Its highly interactive, fun, and full of surprises: aptly, ‘Te Papa Tongarewa’ loosely translates as ‘treasure box’. The riches inside include an amazing collection of Māori a
Blue Penguin Colony
Every evening the little tykes from the Oamaru little-penguin colony surf in and wade ashore, heading to their nests in an old stone quarry near the waterfront. Stands are set up on either side of the waddle route. General admission (adult/child $28/14) will give you a good view of
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Occupying a headland draped in lawns and bush, this is NZs most significant historic site. Here, on 6 February 1840, the first 43 Māori chiefs, after much discussion, signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the British Crown; eventually, over 500 chiefs would sign it. Admission incorpor
Doing business & staying in touch while in New Zealand
New Zealand: Doing business & staying in touch
New Zealand Weather, Climate and Geography
New Zealand Weather, climate and geography
New Zealand History, Language and Culture
New Zealand History, Language and Culture
New Zealand Travel Guide and Travel Information
New Zealand Travel Guide
