Highlights of new Zealand
Auckland, with its magnificient Waitemata Harbour, is also referred to as the 'City of Salis'. For great eating out try the cafes of cobbled Vulcan Lane, stylish Parnell Village and cosmopolitan Ponsinby.
Bay of Islands, 240 km north of Auckland, offers a stunning variety of arts and crafts shops.
Rotorua, famous for mud and spa pools in addition to traditional Maori arts and crafts.
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, comes to life with its numerous bars, theatres, pubs and restaurants.
Christchurch pastimes may include a relaxing canoe ride in the Avon River and the beautiful Banks Peninsula, southeast of the city.
Mount Cook, only five hours' drive from Christchurch, is one of the New Zealand's most scenic landscapes. The cloud-piercing Mount Cook is 3,754 meters high and the surrounding national park contains 22 of the 27 New Zealand peaks over 3,000 metres above sea level. Whether you climb the mountains, hike the valleys or are content to simply contemplate the peaks, you'll feel the magic of your surroundings.
Marlborough, more than any another district, has placed New Zealand's wines on the world map, thanks to its famed Sauvingnon Blanc.
Queenstown is the tourist centre of the South Island, offering a broad selection of outdoor sports including hiking, paragliding, golf, mountain biking, white-water rafting and jet boating.
Fiordland National Park, spread over 1.2 million hectares, has much to offer, including the spectacular Milford Sound surounded by dramatic mountains.