Charles Rawlings-Way - Lonely Planet Discover New Zealand

This Is New Zealand

You probably already know how ludicrously photogenic New Zealand is. You may also know that adventure sports rule here (bungy jumping, skiing, skydiving, white-water rafting etc). Then theres NZs antinuclear stance, its rich Maori culture, its passion for rugby, its abundant sheep

But one pleasant surprise is the Kiwi culinary scene. Local chefs plunge into Pacific Rim cookbooks for inspiration, organic farmers markets are everywhere, and Maori faves such as paua (abalone) and kina (sea urchin) make regular menu appearances. Thirsty? Locally made sauvignon blanc has been collecting trophies for decades now, and the countrys booming craft-beer scene also deserves your attention. And caffeine cravers can rest assured: coffee culture is firmly entrenched.

Indeed, the nation is well fed and watered, but NZ has had a few setbacks lately. The Christchurch earthquakes, the Greymouth mine disaster and the grounding of the MV Rena in the Bay of Plenty have caused a lot of heartache. But shining through the gloom are the All Blacks, NZs deified rugby team, who won the World Cup on home soil in 2011. Dont expect locals to stop talking about it any time soon

Of course, the All Blacks could never have become world-beaters without their awesome Maori players. This is just one example of how Maori culture impresses itself on contemporary Kiwi life. Across NZ you can join in a hangi (Maori feast), visit a marae (meeting house) or catch a cultural performance, usually involving a blood-curdling haka (war dance).

Also for your consideration is the fact that NZ is a remarkably easy place to visit. On-the-road frustrations are rare: buses and trains are punctual, roads are in good nick, ATMs proliferate, pickpockets are practically nonexistent and the food is unlikely to send you running for the nearest public toilets. This decent nation is a place where you can relax and enjoy (rather than endure) your holiday.

Thermal lake at Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland ()
PHOTOGRAPHER: JOHN ELK III/LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Auckland

Auckland Harbour & Hauraki Gulf

Rotorua

Central Otago

Bay of Islands

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Kaikoura

Abel Tasman National Park

Wellington

Waitomo Caves

Akaroa & Banks Peninsula

Napier

Otago Peninsula

Queenstown

Milford Sound

Maori Culture

TranzAlpine

Skiing & Snowboarding

Marlborough Wine Region

Rugby

Surfing, Raglan

Te Papa

Franz Josef Glacier

Hot Water Beach

Aoraki/Mt Cook

New Zealands Top Experiences

Urban Auckland

Held in the embrace of two harbours and liberally sprinkled with volcanoes, Auckland () isnt your average metropolis. Its regularly rated one of the worlds most liveable cities, and while its never going to challenge Sydney or London in the excitement stakes, its blessed with good beaches, is flanked by wine regions and has a large enough population to support a thriving dining, drinking and live-music scene. Cultural festivals are celebrated with gusto in this ethnically diverse city, which has the worlds largest Pacific Island population.

View of Auckland from Mt Eden
MICAH WRIGHT / LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Auckland Harbour & Hauraki Gulf

Island-studded Hauraki Gulf is Aucklands aquatic playground, providing ample room for the City of Sails pleasure fleet. Despite the maritime traffic, the gulf has resident pods of whales and dolphins. Rangitoto Island is an icon, its volcanic cone providing the backdrop for many a tourist snapshot. Yet Waiheke Island (), with its beaches, wineries and upmarket eateries, is Aucklands most popular island escape.