New Zealand: A North & South Island Adventure

A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone.

Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia.

You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise.

Auckland, New Zealand awaits you!

A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone.

Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia.

You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise.

Auckland, New Zealand awaits you!

Nestled on the southern shores of its namesake lake, Wanaka is a charming resort town in New Zealand's South Island that offers a captivating blend of adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear waters, Wanaka is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Mount Aspiring National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage area, is a haven for hikers and climbers, with trails that range from easy lakeside strolls to challenging alpine routes. In winter, the slopes of Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort come alive, drawing skiers and snowboarders to some of the best powder in the Southern Hemisphere.

Wanaka isn't just about adrenaline-pumping adventures; it's also a town where visitors can unwind and soak up the laid-back Kiwi atmosphere. Stroll along the lakefront promenade, enjoy the local cafes, or explore boutique shops that reflect the area's creative spirit. Puzzling World, a quirky attraction filled with optical illusions, a challenging maze, and eccentric art, offers a unique family-friendly experience that has intrigued and entertained visitors for decades. For wine aficionados, a tour of the local vineyards provides an excellent introduction to Central Otago's celebrated pinot noirs and other cool-climate varietals.

One of Wanaka's most iconic landmarks is the solitary willow tree that stands in the shallow waters of Lake Wanaka. Known simply as “That Wanaka Tree,” this lone tree has become one of New Zealand's most photographed natural wonders. The tree, often framed by the lake’s calm surface and the backdrop of the Southern Alps, is a symbol of resilience and beauty, captivating photographers and nature lovers alike. Visit at sunrise or sunset for a particularly mesmerizing sight, as the colors of the sky reflect on the tranquil waters of the lake.

Fun fact: Wanaka hosts the bi-annual Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow, one of the largest and most popular airshows in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in 1988, the event attracts aviation enthusiasts from around the globe to witness thrilling aerial displays of vintage and modern aircraft against the backdrop of Wanaka's stunning landscape. The next airshow is set to draw tens of thousands of spectators, making it a must-visit for those planning their trip around this unique spectacle. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Wanaka offers an unforgettable escape into New Zealand's natural splendor.

Nestled on the southern shores of its namesake lake, Wanaka is a charming resort town in New Zealand's South Island that offers a captivating blend of adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear waters, Wanaka is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby Mount Aspiring National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage area, is a haven for hikers and climbers, with trails that range from easy lakeside strolls to challenging alpine routes. In winter, the slopes of Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort come alive, drawing skiers and snowboarders to some of the best powder in the Southern Hemisphere.

Wanaka isn't just about adrenaline-pumping adventures; it's also a town where visitors can unwind and soak up the laid-back Kiwi atmosphere. Stroll along the lakefront promenade, enjoy the local cafes, or explore boutique shops that reflect the area's creative spirit. Puzzling World, a quirky attraction filled with optical illusions, a challenging maze, and eccentric art, offers a unique family-friendly experience that has intrigued and entertained visitors for decades. For wine aficionados, a tour of the local vineyards provides an excellent introduction to Central Otago's celebrated pinot noirs and other cool-climate varietals.

One of Wanaka's most iconic landmarks is the solitary willow tree that stands in the shallow waters of Lake Wanaka. Known simply as “That Wanaka Tree,” this lone tree has become one of New Zealand's most photographed natural wonders. The tree, often framed by the lake’s calm surface and the backdrop of the Southern Alps, is a symbol of resilience and beauty, captivating photographers and nature lovers alike. Visit at sunrise or sunset for a particularly mesmerizing sight, as the colors of the sky reflect on the tranquil waters of the lake.

Fun fact: Wanaka hosts the bi-annual Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow, one of the largest and most popular airshows in the Southern Hemisphere. Founded in 1988, the event attracts aviation enthusiasts from around the globe to witness thrilling aerial displays of vintage and modern aircraft against the backdrop of Wanaka's stunning landscape. The next airshow is set to draw tens of thousands of spectators, making it a must-visit for those planning their trip around this unique spectacle. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Wanaka offers an unforgettable escape into New Zealand's natural splendor.