For many, the first glimpse of New Zealand will be the vivacious city of Auckland, resting under a rich blue sky beside its world famous harbour. From here, the top half of the North Island is easily explored. The Bay of Islands and rugged Coromandel Peninsula bring sub-tropical secluded coves and romantic retreats.
Moving south, Rotorua and Taupo sit beside vast freshwater lakes, their sleepy characters invigorated by rural adventure and Maori culture, not to mention the bubbling hot springs and geysers that pepper the landscape.
On the south east coast, the verdant wine-growing hills around Hawkes Bay sweep down towards the Art Deco city of Napier, overlooking the azure South Pacific. From here, the drive to Wellington takes you past serene Lake Wairarapa where the vineyards of Martinborough beg to be explored.
The Capital City itself sits surrounded by hills on the southern tip of the island, guarding the Cook Strait. Compact and cultural, Wellington provides excellent transport links, with the South Island just a three hour ferry ride away.
