Travel and Tourism
New Zealand Travel Guide
New Zealand frequently ranks as a top destination to visit in many tourist surveys worldwide. And once you have been, it is easy to see why.
Even though New Zealand is relatively small in size (roughly the same size as Japan, Italy or Colorado), there is a wealth of things to see and do that can keep you occupied for weeks on end. Every small town seems to have its own interesting tale or attraction and around every corner a photo of breathtakingly beautiful scenery can be taken.
Tourist Information
New Zealand has an amazing Tourist Information network with offices in almost all towns and cities. They are a must visit place once you arrive somewhere so that you get local knowledge of the best things to see and do in and around that place. The are also useful for containing brochures and information about other towns and tourist attractions nearby so that you can plan your adventure ahead.
Cities and Towns in New Zealand
Here is a list of cities and towns in New Zealand
NORTH ISLAND:
Auckland - New Zealand's largest city
Hamilton - The heart of the Waikato region
Katikati - Small town famous for its hand-painted murals
Kawakawa - With its famous public toilets ... seriously!
Mount Maunganui - Popular holiday destination with beaches and surfing and 'The Mount'
Napier - The art deco city surrounded by vineyards
Norsewood - Small town with a Norwegian heritage
Opotiki - The gateway to the East Cape
Rotorua - Geothermal activity and Maori Culture
Tauranga - This waterfront city is one of the fastest growing in the country
Waihi - Small gold mining town with a great beach nearby
Wellington - The capital of New Zealand
SOUTH ISLAND:
Christchurch - Recovered from earthquake and vibrant once again
Dunedin - Strong Scottish heritage and the world's steepest street
Nelson - The sunny town of Nelson has a thriving arts and crafts scene
Queenstown - The adventure capital of the world
Of course there are many more towns and cities that we include over time.
Check out our Map of New Zealand containing a summary of some of the main cities and places to visit in New Zealand.
National Parks and other natural areas to visit
Abel Tasman National Park - Beaches, Kayaking and a 51km walking track.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park - Has New Zealand's highest Mountain.
Bay of Islands - Beaches and History at the north of the North Island.
Coromandel Peninsula - Beautiful beaches and native forests.
Lake Taupo - The largest lake of New Zealand had trout fishing and many adventure activities.
Milford Sound - the amazing fiord in Fiordland National Park.
Otago Peninsula - See penguins, seals and sea lions in their natural habitats.
Tongariro National Park - 3 active volcanoes, skifields and a popular hike.
Waitomo Caves - Glowworm caves, black water rafting and abseiling.
Westland National Park - Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier are here.
White Island - An active volcanic island just off the coast near Whakatane.
Other Places of Interest in New Zealand
Cathedral Cove - Natural rock arch and beautiful beaches as seen in Narnia movies.
Hobbiton - One of the movie sets from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Trilogies.
Hot Water Beach - Dig your own hot water pool out of the sand.
If you found this New Zealand Travel Guide interesting or useful, let others know about it:
