Our travel tips for all of the New Zealand regions

We have divided New Zealand into 25 amazing travel regions. Not all of them offer famous must-do highlights, but rest assured - they are all beautiful! The more famous the region, the more fellow travellers (and infrastructure) you will see, which is not necessary a bad thing. If you want to be alone with nature for a change then simply take a step to the side and you will be rewarded.

Click on the region links for information about highlights, walks, lookouts and museums etc. and also check out our tips about planning your route: New Zealand destinations and itineraries.

We're still updating the regions on this page, please refer to the full content in our ebook.

New Zealand regions - the North Island

Northland	- World class beaches, hidden bays and cruises to gorgeous islands - Subtropical climate and vegetation - Maori and settler history
Auckland	- New Zealand’s largest city with a top ranked lifestyle - Volcanic summits, beaches and countless activities - Multicultural diversity Waiheke Island tips: the island for Maori, hippies and the super rich!
Coromandel	- A favourite holiday destination - Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove - Spectacular coastline and rainforest
Bay of Plenty	- Volcanic summit of Mt. Maunganui overlooking the surf beach - Spectacular White Island - Orchards and gardens
Waikato	- Incredible limestone cave systems in Waitomo - The Waikato is New Zealand's longest river - Hobbiton near Matamata is the famous Lord of the Rings village
Rotorua	- Volcanoes, geothermal activity and hot springs - Living and accessible Maori culture - More activities than you can shake a wallet at
East Cape	- Wild coastal landscape - Untouched native forests and parks - Maori culture off the tourist track
Taranaki	- Mount Taranaki the majestic and pefectly shaped volcano - Gardens, lakes and museums in New Plymouth - Wild surf beaches
Lake Taupo	- The largest lake in New Zealand with its Huka Falls exit - Geothermal attractions after one of the biggest volcanic eruptions ever - All year trout fishing
Tongariro	- The three volcanoes Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe - Skiing and other mountain activities - New Zealand's favourite day walk, the Tongariro Crossing
Hawke's Bay	- Vineyards, red wine and gourmet foods - Art Deco architecture in Napier - Cape Kidnappers Gannet colony
Whanganui	- Whanganui River adventures - Authentic Maori cultural encounters - Bush walks
Manawatu	- Rafting, kayaking and other outdoor adventures - The beautiful Rangitikei river valley - Typical rural New Zealand
Wairarapa	- Off the beaten track charm - The exciting landmarks of Castle Rock and Cape Palliser - Wine and food country
Wellington	- New Zealand’s capital, also for arts and culture - Scenic hilltops, bays and parks - Te Papa is New Zealand's great national museum

New Zealand regions - the South Island

Marlborough	- New Zealand's main winemaking region - The Marlborough Sounds wonderland - Famous Queen Charlotte Track
Nelson	- The sunniest region in New Zealand - A proud creative community - Kayking and walking in the Abel Tasman National Park
West Coast	- Glaciers and rainforests - Wild and spectacular coast with pancake cliffs - Once overrun by the gold fever it kept its pioneer spirit
Christchurch and Canterbury	- Aoraki Mount Cook National Park with New Zealand's tallest mountain - Akaroa and Banks Peninsula - Whale watching in Kaikoura
Lake Wanaka	- A lake with crystal clear water and plenty of activities - Mount Aspiring National Park - Skiing and hiking
Queenstown	- Home of Bungy Jumping: the adventure capital of the world - A beautiful lake and great mountain viewpoints - A classy resort town with real nightlife
Dunedin and Coastal Otago	- Spectacular wildlife colonies on the coast - Otago peninsula - Heritage architecture
Fiordland	- Amazing fiords with high cliffs and waterfalls - Some of New Zealand's greatest walks - Dolphins, fur seals and penguins
Southland	- Stewart Island with its ancient birdlife - Untouched Catlins region - The famous Bluff Oysters

See our ebooks:

Maori language course - short introduction to the amazing and unique animals of New Zealand.

Travel in New Zealand - an introduction for travellers to Aotearoa, 'land of the long white cloud'.

New Zealand animals - short introduction to the amazing and unique animals of New Zealand.