Big on natural beauty, New Zealand’s stunning landscapes have to be seen to be believed – from rolling hills to breathtaking seascapes, lush forests and meandering rivers. The archipelago has always been a haven for thrill seekers and nature lovers, but there’s plenty of other things to do and see as well. If you need any more convincing, here are just some of the top attractions and experiences to go on. Time to plan for next year’s vacation!
LOOK TO THE STARS
Immerse yourself in nature by day and the sublime wonders of the Milky Way by night at The Pods at The Lindis, snuggled in your private universe within the pristine Ahuriri Valley in New Zealand’s South Island. Many new accommodations in New Zealand are now turning towards a more sustainable approach in hospitality. They include the Night Sky Cottage, Park Hyatt Auckland and Sherwood Queenstown.
CHILL OUT RESPONSIBLY
Chill out on the beautiful shores of Tapapakanga Regional Park for three days of rocking good times at the Splore Festival, running from 21 until 23 February 2020. The boutique festival invites you to a weekend of arts and music on the ancestral land of the mana whenua, Ngāti Whanaunga and Ngāti Paoa. The themed eco-party encourages mindful partying and international guests are welcomed with a powhiri (Māori welcoming ceremony) every year.
LIVE LIKE THE LOCALS
Meet the locals at home on a hosted farm experience with Ahika Journeys. Hosts are made up of experienced farmers, growers, producers, makers and creators who have lived, worked and cared for the land for generations. Relax with great wine and distillery tours, coastal adventures, premium food and laidback activities such as fishing during the day.
GIVING BACK
Tiny, cute and endangered, the blue penguins of the Otago Peninsula are the stars of Kaitiaki Tautoko, an exclusive hands-on conservation experience where participants can embark on a guided tour to witness and learn about the protected native species from experienced guides. Fun fact: New Zealand is the ‘penguin kingdom’ with more penguin species and more accessible opportunities to see them than anywhere else in the world.
SAIL BACK IN TIME
With Waka Adventures Tairawhiti, you can experience Māori culture and the renaissance of ancient voyaging and navigation with master mariner Te Aturangi Nepia-Clamp, who has sailed the Pacific Ocean many times. Sailing out of Gisborne on a traditional Māori Waka Hourua, you will learn first-hand the ancient art of wayfinding that lead to the discovery of Aotearoa New Zealand around 1,000 years ago. Waka Adventures Tairawhiti embodies a new wave of authentic Maori culture products and experiences developing in New Zealand that combines travel with edutainment to provide newfound appreciation for Maori cultural heritage.
FIND SANCTUARY
Rejuvenate your senses with a tranquil healing experience at Earth Energies NZ Sanctuary in Waikato – an intimate countryside retreat overlooking the Hauraki Plains. Located on an organic farm, the sanctuary offers guests a wellness journey with serene surroundings and deep relaxation therapy sessions.
DISCOVER NEW TRAILS
Open for hiking from 1 December 2019, the Paparoa Track is New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk – a multi-day trail through a spectacular alpine and coastal wilderness. The 55 kilometre track travels east to west across the Paparoa Range, taking hikers through alpine tops, limestone karst landscapes and thriving rainforests to provide breath-taking views.
ETHICAL EATING
In New Zealand’s land of abundance, you’ll never have to go far to source fresh and local produce. Adding to an extensive network of farmers’ markets, a newly-introduced website called The Realness allows diners to check out some of the best ethical and independent eating destinations in the world, bringing you an unmatched gastronomical experience.
REMARKABLE STAY
Opening early 2020 on Auckland’s downtown waterfront, the Park Hyatt Hotel is emerging with a unique design story based on deep collaboration between developers and the local Māori tribe, Ngati Whatua. The hotel’s ethos, exterior appearance and interior elements are inspired by the significance and abundant natural resources of New Zealand, offering expansive views across Wynyard Quarter’s Lighter Basin and out to the Waitematā Harbour.
MARKING HISTORY
The Voyage to Aoetearoa: Tupaia and The Endeavour is happening at the Auckland Museum from now until 15 March 2020. Go back 250 years to first encounters between Māori and Pākehā (Europeans) during The Endeavour’s 1769 voyage to Aotearoa New Zealand. While official events take place in late 2019 in the four regions where the two races met face to face (Bay of Islands, The Coromandel, Eastland and Marlborough), visitors will be able to learn more about the first onshore meetings between Māori and British, Tupaia’s relationships with Māori, and his role as cultural broker among other historical impacts.
MULTI-GEN NATURAL RELAXATION
Soak, slide or indulge naturally at Hanmer Springs, a popular all-ages family attraction and New Zealand’s largest alpine spa. Soak away your worries in naturally-heated mineral waters at five beautiful new bathing pools in a natural wooded riverside setting. Dive into the Conical Thrill tube and raft ride that launches you at 13.5m, traveling at high speed, dropping and climbing all the way to the finish. Hanmer Springs also offers other attractions in the form of excellent wineries, thrilling jetboat rides and bungee-jumping activities.
CAMP OUT ON HOLY GROUND
Cosy up for a romantic sleepover with Staydium Glamping, in New Zealand’s original Garden of Eden, otherwise known as Eden Park – the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby. Choose to watch either a rugby or cricket match in a well-appointed glamping dome overlooking the field or combine your stay with a ‘Haka on the Park’ behind-the-scenes experience and learn to do the famous pre-match activity on the celebrated turf.
