Winelands and wildlife

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest – and most diverse – city. Set between two magnificent harbours with superyachts moored just metres away, it’s no wonder it is nicknamed the ‘City of Sails’. A sizzling blend of urban sophistication and multicultural style, beautiful beaches, enchanting islands and expansive hiking trails sit alongside thermal springs and impressive vineyards.

As well as showcasing New Zealand’s fascinating Māori culture, this gem on the North Island is known for its bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs. Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal nirvana, but the area is also home to some of the rarest native birds, reptiles and fish – making it ideal for nature lovers.

Famously one of New Zealand’s leading producers of vino, Hawke’s Bay is usually the first port of call on any wine trail. Featuring the country’s oldest operating winery (alongside over 30 others), some of the finest cabernet sauvignons, merlots and syrahs ever produced are up for sampling. While by the coast, Napier is an Art Deco marvel rebuilt after the 1930’s earthquake.

Nestled between three national parks, sandy beaches, mountain ranges and vineyards, the South Island’s second oldest city really does seem to have it all. Within the city it’s all about the local artisans, while out in nature there are birds and plants that don't exist anywhere else in the world to be found.

No South Island trip would feel right without stopping off on the protruding peninsula that Kaikoura calls home. Described as 'a maritime Serengeti', this rugged coastline is home to sperm whales, dolphins, seals and albatross all year round. And if Lady Luck is out and about, the odd blue whale and Orca.

In the South Island’s centre, Christchurch is New Zealand’s oldest city. Set against an impressive alps-to-ocean backdrop, the streets are alive with a plethora of exciting bars and restaurants, revived from its 2011 earthquake. Being the gateway to Canterbury, Christchurch is also the perfect location from which to explore Arthur’s Pass National Park.

New Zealand’s year-round adrenaline capital lies on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the South Island. Skydiving, white water rafting and jet boating are a must do here, but the gentle hiking trails offer a less white-knuckle side. Off-the-grid afternoons come in the form of private helicopter flights to remote alpine picnics or savouring exquisite wines in ‘Middle-Earth’ – the Central Otago region made famous in Lord of the Rings.