Road Trip: Luxury New Zealand

Experience Auckland, a stunning natural playground and melting pot of cultures with a strong Māori influence. Straddling natural harbors on the Hauraki Gulf and the Tasman Sea, Auckland sits on a volcanic isthmus flanked by contrasting coastlines. From volcanic peaks, lush native canopies and black sand beaches, to hip entertainment districts, contemporary art scenes and gourmet experiences, there’s something for everyone in this populous waterfront city, the largest in New Zealand! The city also entertains adrenaline seekers at the iconic sky tower while rugby fans can catch an All Blacks’ match the country’s biggest stadium, Eden Park. Relax in the laid-back neighborhoods or head out to explore the series of walking paths that present spectacular vantages of the Auckland region. Short ferry rides away, the nearby islands are home to boutique vineyards, wineries, olive groves, rainforests, and reserves. Enjoy tranquil island vistas with a plethora of sailboats on the east, and the Waitakere Ranges with rugged black sand beaches and farmlands on the west.

With its massive lake framed by the snowy peaks of Tongariro National Park, Taupo is a nature lover’s dream come true. Located within the caldera of Taupo Volcano, there is never a dull moment in this photographer’s paradise. Satiate your quest for an adrenaline rush with adventure activities such as skydiving over Lake Taupo, jet boating, and white water rafting. A favorite destination with cyclists from across the world, this panoramic region is famed for its geothermal spots. Soak in a mineral-rich hot water pool and emerge rejuvenated or head to Craters of the Moon walkway to get a closer look at bubbling mud pools, spluttering craters, and gushing hot springs. Nature enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the Huka Falls just outside town, where the gurgling Waikato River surges through a narrow chasm to plunge down 36 feet! Not just natural wonders, Taupo is also home to a unique museum featuring hundreds of glass sculptures and glass blowing displays. Uncover the town’s heritage at Taupo Museum with its interesting displays including the recreation of a 19th century shop and don’t forget to pop into the rose garden next door. Just a boat ride away, the stunning Maori rock carvings etched into cliffs at Mine Bay make for an interesting excursion.

A paradise for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Nelson is blessed with breathtaking wooded hills, rocky headlands, and golden beaches. Boulder Bank, a dramatic eight-mile long natural rocky formation out at Nelson Haven, adds to the waterscape, and also has a lighthouse! Home to a vibrant creative community, the city is punctuated with a host of quirky landmarks. Visit the renowned World of Wearable Art & Classic Cars Museum that displays avant garde pieces and exotic automobiles under the same roof. Being one among New Zealand’s oldest settlements, Nelson’s Founders’ Heritage Park gives visitors an insight into the early European settlers in the region. Hike to the geographical center of New Zealand, which affords panoramic views over this coastal city surrounded by the Tasman Mountains and overlooking the serene Tasman Bay.

Christchurch is a vibrant city with a rich English heritage nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, bordered by the Waimakariri River and the Pegasus Bay. With innovative architecture, public installations such as the 185 Chairs, and international street art, Christchurch is undergoing an extraordinary urban regeneration. Explore Quake City, a space that showcases the aftermath of Canterbury’s recent earthquakes, Māori galleries that contain some beautiful pounamu (greenstone) pieces, and the International Antarctic Center with its interactive and educational exhibits. Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer delightful green spaces within the city. Not to be missed is the hop-on-hop-off loop tram, a fun ride infused with commentary, to navigate the city’s highlights. For a more leisurely experience, go punting on the Avon River, passing through the heart of Christchurch, and sit back and relax on a gondola ride that offers stunning vantages of the Canterbury Plains, the Banks Peninsula, and the Southern Alps beyond!

Queenstown is where adventure seekers head out to for a shot of adrenalin! The region’s dramatic landscape is wrapped around the scenic lakes, velvety mountains and valleys of the Southern Alps. Summer or winter, there’s always plenty to do along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the slopes of the Coronet Peak. Arguably the bungee jumping and skydiving capital of the world, get ready to plunge down bridges, planes and hill tops. The fiord of Milford Sound, home to the rare black coral, seal colonies, penguins, dolphins and the Mitre Peak, is not too far away. Kayaking along Lake Wakatipu, camping at the Routeburn Track, jet-boating down the Shotover and Dart rivers, and skiing down Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are some of the city’s popular pastimes. Queenstown also forms a base for exploring South Island’s other adventure destinations, charming vineyards and old mining settlements around Wanaka, Glenorchy and Arrowtown.

Te Anau, with its breathtaking landscape, sits on the banks of serene Lake Te Ana, the second largest in the country. Known as the gateway to Fiordland National Park, this picture perfect town is located amid nature’s bounty with spectacular glaciers, endangered flightless takahe birds, limestone cave, beech forests, and majestic mountains all within easy reach. Hike the Kepler, Routeburn, and Milford tracks, explore the spectacular Te Anu glow worm caves, book a scenic flight, and indulge in fishing or kayaking at this outdoor paradise. Whether you are looking for authentic Kiwi cuisine or international flavors to tantalize your taste buds, the restaurants in Te Anau have something for everyone. Famed for its wild food, especially venison, lobster, and various other varieties of seafood, Te Anau has a selection of fine dine and casual eateries, some featuring live entertainment and al fresco dining.

Wanaka is a spectacular highland lake town in South Island filled with exhilarating possibilities for adventure lovers as well as endless panoramic vistas for leisure travelers. The little resort town offers myriad reasons to celebrate the great outdoors by the picturesque Wanaka Lake and lakefront, and the nearby Mt Aspiring National Park with its mountains, highland rivers, waterfalls and Alpine forests. There’s much to do in the summers with kayaking, paddle boating and jet boating down the lake, as well as hiking and mountain biking up in the forested trails. Come winter, skiers and snowboarders from across the world come together at Wanaka’s famous ski fields. Apart from its picture postcard landscapes, Wanaka is well known for its museums, art galleries, parks and designer boutiques at the town center. The National Transport and Toy Museum, Puzzling World, an amusing outdoor maze for all ages, and natural features such as the Wanaka Station Park – remains of the old sheep station, are worth a visit. It may be a little town, but Wanaka offers a fair share of artisanal produce at the Market, and there are charming little wineries and breweries around town too. Enjoy splashes of local color at annual festivals and events such as ‘Warbirds over Wanaka’, ‘Rhythm & Alps’, and the ‘Audi Quattro Winter Games’. Soaking in the great outdoors by day and exploring trendy eateries and bars by night: what’s not to love?