If you’re looking for a paradise in New Zealand, then Bay of Islands is the place to go. Here, you will experience stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning sea wildlife, and outstanding marine reserves. This picturesque location is a natural playground, offering a range of activities such as fishing, diving, sailing, and hiking, amongst others. In this blog, we will take you through some of the top attractions you need to visit on your trip to Bay of Islands.

Paihia

Paihia is one of the main tourist hubs in Bay of Islands and offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s also a great base for exploring the surrounding islands. Here you can take a ferry to explore the famous Russell Island, where you’ll enjoy a charming village with historic buildings, scenic walks, and access to some of the best beaches in the area.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are a significant historical landmark where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by Maori chiefs and the British Crown. Here you can explore the treaty house, learn about Maori culture and history, and enjoy the stunning waterfront views. You can also take a guided tour, watch cultural performances, and witness a traditional Maori waka (canoe) being paddled.

Sailing Trips

Bay of Islands is a world-renowned sailing location, providing a scenic and serene experience on the water. Whether you are an experienced sailor or trying it out for the first time, there are a variety of sailing trips you can choose from. You can either rent a yacht and enjoy an independent sail or hop on a guided tour of the bays and islands. Relax and take in breathtaking views of the abundant marine life, enchanting beaches, and secluded coves.

Hole in the Rock

A trip to Bay of Islands is incomplete without visiting the iconic Hole in the Rock. This natural rock formation is located in the ocean off Cape Brett and is part of the Cape Brett Track. Experience the thrill of a high-speed boat ride to the Hole in the Rock and sail through the narrow opening. You might even get lucky and spot dolphins, penguins, and other sea birds on the way.

Scuba Diving

Dive into the world of Bay of Islands, and discover a whole new underwater world filled with vibrant sea life, shipwrecks, and reefs. This is one of the best dive destinations in New Zealand and offers a range of diving sites. Explore the wreck of HMS Canterbury, one of the largest artificial reefs, or explore the clear waters of Deep Water Cove, where you will come across kelp forests and marine wildlife.

Bay of Islands is a magical destination that offers a wide range of attractions to suit every traveler. From its natural beauty to the Maori cultural experiences, it’s not hard to imagine why it’s a top tourist destination in New Zealand. Choose your adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia, is known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, pristine beaches, and world-class food and wine scene. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a memorable vacation, Adelaide offers a plethora of incredible attractions. In this blog, we will guide you to the top places to visit in Adelaide that are guaranteed to make your trip unforgettable.

Glenelg Beach

Start your Adelaide adventure with a trip to Glenelg Beach, just a short tram ride from the city center. This picturesque beach offers beautiful golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Take a stroll along the iconic jetty, enjoy fish and chips on the beach, or cool off with a dip in the ocean.

Adelaide Central Market

A visit to Adelaide wouldn’t be complete without exploring the bustling Adelaide Central Market. Established in 1869, it is one of the largest undercover markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Wander through the diverse range of stalls, filled with fresh produce, gourmet goodies, and local specialties. Grab a bite to eat from one of the many food stalls or pick up some unique souvenirs to take home.

Adelaide Botanic Garden

Escape the city buzz and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Located in the heart of the city, this 130-acre haven showcases stunning collections of flora from around the world. Explore the themed gardens, including the beautiful Palm House and the scent-filled Rose Garden. Don’t miss the Bicentennial Conservatory, a futuristic glasshouse housing tropical rainforest plants.

Adelaide Hills

If you’re a nature enthusiast, a trip to the Adelaide Hills is a must. Just a short drive from the city, this picturesque region is home to charming towns, rolling vineyards, and stunning scenery. Explore the charming villages of Hahn Dorf and Stirling, indulge in wine tasting at boutique wineries, or take a hike through Mount Lofty Botanic Garden.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Situated in the Auckland Domain, the museum is a tribute to New Zealand’s military history and offers exhibits on natural and cultural heritage. It also provides picturesque views of the city from its location on a hilltop.

Art Gallery of South Australia

Art lovers should not miss the Art Gallery of South Australia. Located in the cultural precinct of North Terrace, this gallery houses an extensive collection of Australian, European, and Asian art. Marvel at the works of renowned artists such as Sidney Nolan, Claude Monet, and Hans Heysen. The gallery also hosts regular exhibitions and events, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.

Adelaide is a city that boasts a rich blend of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and culinary delights. Whether you’re exploring pristine beaches, indulging in local delicacies, or immersing yourself in art and culture, there’s something for everyone in Adelaide. Plan your trip to this vibrant city and create memories that will last a lifetime.

When it comes to vibrant cities with a unique blend of natural beauty and urban attractions, Auckland, New Zealand, is hard to beat. In this blog post, we will take you on a virtual journey through some of the top places to visit in Auckland. From iconic landmarks to picturesque islands, these attractions offer something for everyone.

Sky Tower:

Located in the city center, the Sky Tower offers one of the best views of Auckland. Standing at 186 meters above street level, it is the tallest building in New Zealand.

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

This popular art gallery showcases diverse works from both international and local artists.

Mount Eden/Maungawhau:

One of Auckland’s famous attractions, Mount Eden is a dormant volcano that offers panoramic views of the city. It is also a protected archaeological site of historical and cultural significance to the Māori people.

Waiheke Island

Known for its stunning beaches, vineyards, and olive groves, Waiheke Island is a popular day trip destination from Auckland. Visitors can enjoy wine tours, beautiful walks, and scenic landscapes.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Situated in the Auckland Domain, the museum is a tribute to New Zealand’s military history and offers exhibits on natural and cultural heritage. It also provides picturesque views of the city from its location on a hilltop.

Piha Beach

Located on the west coast of Auckland, Piha Beach is known for its black sand, rugged cliffs, and great surfing conditions. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

These are just a few of the top places to visit in Auckland. The city offers a wide range of attractions, activities, and natural beauty to explore and enjoy.

A rural town, Matamata is nestled in the laps of beautiful Kaimai Ranges. The town is recognised for its thoroughbred industry as well as its dairy farming heritage. Matamata is centrally located and offers a number of options for walking and tramping. Tourists love the place for its lovely blend of nature and cafes that dot the area. The town became all the more famous since the Lord of the Rings movie and Hobbiton Movie Set tours. Now, tourists from all around the world have made Matamata their one of the most preferred destinations in New Zealand. Besides Hobbiton movie set, other must-visit sightseeing destinations here are:

Hobbiton Movie Set

If you are an avid fan of hobbits and the movie, come to Matamata. Opt for a guided tour that takes you on a journey of Hobbit holies in Matamata. There are over 44 unique hobbit holes here that even includes Bilbo’s house, the Bag End. You will even enjoy the commentary that narrates the story of its creation. What more! You will even get to see the double arched bridge, the mill, the famous Party tree and make a point to visit the Green Dragon Inn.

Rapurapu Track

When you are in Matamata, a beautiful walking track invites you to enjoy the summer retreat. Take a walk down the mature forest of tawa-podocarp or experience the stream laden with swimming holes and kauri. This walking track is quite easy and is situated in ecological reserve within the Kaimai – Mamaku Forest Park. You will spot three beautiful kauri trees, one of which measures 179cm in diameter and is the largest tree. Climb up to the rocks settled in the mid of the stream and you can view all the three trees standing tall.

Firth Tower Museum

The museum is established in the laps of beautiful gardens, expansive lawns and shady trees. You can actually arrange a picnic here with oak trees as your company. The museum displays are kept in as many as 13 buildings and make you wiser on return from a trip here. Built in the year 1882, the Firth Tower offers a view of the country side. You can view the displays and works of Matamata Historical Society here. Visit the Heritage centre to view the archives of the Matamata area as well.

Matamata Heritage Trail

A nature lover will love the Matamata Heritage trail that passes through many gardens and parks lined with magnificent trees. The horticultural heritage of this region is quite vivid, being cared by the residents of the area. Most of the gardens are privately owned. The trail of 5.3km takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. If you do not prefer walking, you can even drive around the trail that begins at Matamata Information Centre.

Matamata Racing Club

Established at the Matamata racecourse, just 2km south of the eastern Waikato Township, the Matamata Racing Club is a centre of racing as well as training excellence. The racecourse helds 12 race meetings every season that even includes Premier fixture in the months of February and October Feature Raceday. A view of horses racing around the course is an amazing sight.

If you are a food and wine lover, then Blenheim will be a perfect holiday destination for you. Settled in the laps of Marlborough, Blenheim is known as one of the sunniest towns of New Zealand. The city experiences 2438 hours of sunshine annually. Blenheim has over 20 wineries that welcome the tourists in the town to sample the best of their lot. If you are in the region, do visit the city and see the landmarks, some of which are:

Marlborough Museum

Established in the Brayshaw Heritage Park, this museum is just 5 minutes of drive away from the centre of the city. Marlborough Museums has a permanent wine exhibition that displays the history of wine as well as viticulture in the region. All those tourists who desire to know more about wine and its rich heritage should make a point to visit the museum. And after a round of the museum, take a trip around Brayshaw Heritage Park that exhibits an assortment of vintage cars along with machinery and a replica street scene. Even Riverside Railway is based here.

Marlborough Wine Tours

Slow down the fast pace of life to experience the real Marlborough. Hire a bike and take a trip around the region and its wineries. Marlborough is famous around the world for the Sauvignon Blanc as well as the largest wine area of New Zealand. The company ‘Wine Tours by Bike’ arranges a customised tour for tourists, based on their likes and preferences. The premier wine growing region is a pleasant sight to see, thanks to its wineries that are scattered here and there. If you can ride a bicycle, you would enjoy the experience all the more.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

This heritage centre is a must visit if you happen to be in Blenheim. It displays Sir Peter Jackson’s own collection of WW1 aircraft in the spectacular exhibition ‘Knights of the Sky’. The theatrical treatment of this display is quite interesting and innovative. The visuals have been treated quite well and it is a delight to watch them. Spare some more time to visit Omaka Classic Cars that is just next door. The collection of retro cars here dates from 1950’s to 1980’s and is quite amazing.

Driftwood Eco-Tours

Opt for a guided tour and soak in the nature of this region. View the alpine flowers or a large variety of birds on the Wairau lagoon. If you love kayaking, discover the region where early Polynesian Maori paddled their canoes. The wildlife of this place is quite unique. Kayaks let you get an up close and personal view of all the birds residing in their natural habitat.

Rarangi Beach

All the adventure lovers should head to Rarangi Beach in Cloudy Bay. It is the best spot to view the sunrise and the beautiful ambiance it creates early in the morning. Whites Bay is equally stunning. Make a point to visit Wairau Valley as well as Molesworth Station, which is the biggest farm of New Zealand. Take a thrilling adventure ride by cycling the lovely Marlborough high country. If you love walking, take a trek to Wither Hills Farm Park that is spread across 1100 hectares of the rolling hill country. The huge network of walking trails makes it a lovely sight.

Te Anau is settled on the beautiful lakes in the heart of Fiordland. Without any doubt, it is quite scenic and beautiful. Flanked by mountains that have been declared as World Heritage, this place is recognised for its wilderness. The walking capital of the world, the region is famed for Milford Sound and Milford Tracks. Explore the region and get to know more about the fun things to see and do here.

Fiordland National Park

If you want to see nature at its best, head to Fiordland National Park. A blend of snow-capped mountains, fiords, glacial lakes and valleys, waterfalls, dense rainforest, islands, tussock alpine plateaux and everything beautiful awaits you here. The largest national park of New Zealand, it is one of the largest of the world too, spread across 1.2 million hectares. Lined with vegetation that includes tree ferns, beeech, mosses, herbs, tussocks, buttercups as well as showy alpine daisy, the place is even home to a wide variety of fauna.

Night Gazing

If you have 90 minutes to spare in an evening, take a night gazing trip. Enjoy the benefit of clear skies at Fiordland and get to know many stars here. Watch the other side of the universe and let your kids learn more about the solar system, up close and personal. Do not miss the trip to Astronomy Fiordland.

The Shadowland

If you are tired to watch Fiordland on foot, watch it through your eyes. The region is shot beautifully in a 32 minute movie. The movie captures various scenic views of the city including those that seldom can be reached by people. Watch the rare sites of the place, sitting comfortably on a seat in cinema.

Glow Worm Caves

One of the most loved Te Anau activities is the visit to the glow worm caves. A group activity, visit the stunning underground world that takes around 2hours and 15 minutes. You will love crossing the lake Te Anau with an added benefit of a boat trip inside the grotto wherein the glow worms reside. The best part about this trip is that it can be taken either in the morning or the evening, whichever time you prefer.

Bird Watching

If you love walking and bird watching both, then take a trip to Te Anau. Bird watchers will have a field day here. Fiordland National Park is an excellent place to visit for bird warching. One can spot Kea and the Teal Duck and also the smallest birds of New Zealand, Gray Warbler and Rifleman. Take a walk in the wilderness and absorb the local scenery. One of the famous tracks is Kepler Track.

Guided Fly Fishing

If you desire an off beaten activity, try your hands at trout fishing. Take a trip to Waiau River and experience a spectacular fishing adventure. Hop on to the jet boat and venture into areas that cannot be explored on foot. The guide will help you spot fishes in the secret areas that you can catch later on. It is an adventure not worth missing.

Mount Cook in New Zealand has something for every kind of traveller. Those who prefer a serene holiday with nature as company can take a walk in the forest, while those who like adventurous vacation lined with hiking and trekking can take a trip in the alpine wilderness. Aoraki or better known as Mount Cook Mackenzie region is loved by tourists of every kind. The place is famous for a variety of flora and fauna. A wide variety of native plants and exceptional insects and birds can be seen here. Travellers love the mountain walks that let them explore the region including the largest buttercup of the world, ‘Lily’.

The Church of the Good Shepard

Visit New Zealand and especially, Mount Cook for viewing nature at its best. However, the best thing at Mount Cook is not just its scenic surroundings but also the way nature has been blended with architecture to create wonderful structures. And one of the best examples of the same is The Church of Good Shepherd. The location of the church is stunning. Established on the banks of Lake Tekapo, the Church has snow-capped mountains as its backdrops. Tourists love clicking pictures of one of most photographed places of New Zealand.

Indulge in some Star Gazing

Mount Cook is remote from the city and hence, is quite serene and calming. The best thing about the place is that lights from the city do not disturb the sky here and one can have the best view of the same. Known for being one of the darkest skies of New Zealand, Mount Cook lets you indulge in star gazing at night. Aoraki Mackenzie region has been approved as one of the only few International Dark Sky Reserves (IDSR) worldwide in the year 2012.

Wanaka Flightseeing

New Zealand is best viewed from air and one of the places not to be missed here is the alpine region of Mount Cook. The best thing about this region is that the contrast of colours makes it a treat for the eyes, when seen from above. The blue waters of Lake Pukaki and the white snow of the mountains blend very beautifully. The panoramic view is quite stunning. Take a scenic flight that has so much to offer here. Opt for glacier landings and it will be an additional fun. You can even take a helicopter or light plane departure here.

Four Seasons of Fairlie

If you are a tourist who desires to stay in New Zealand for some time, choose Fairlie as your abode. Every season here is quite vivid, right from exciting spring to lazy summers, from glorious autumn to snowy calm winters. The rich pastures of hills here are green and inviting. Tourists will love fishing and boating out in the open at Lake Opuha here. Also, hunting, hiking, golf, skiing are equally enjoyable. Visit the museum and Mable Binny Cottage or stay at a farm overnight. There is so much to see and do at Fairlie in this region.

If you really wish to see the ‘real’ New Zealand, come to Invercargill. The wide streets and slow traffic of the place makes you explore it in a beautiful manner. With no hustle and bustle of a typical city, Invercargill is a perfect vacation spot. If you love riding a horse or listening to the chatter of native birds and even want to go to shopping at the same time, Invercargill calls you to have a good time.

Anderson Park Art Gallery and Gardens

This is one of the most beautiful sights of the city. Built in the style of Georgian architecture, it was completed in the year 1925. Former home of Sir Robert Anderson, it spreads over 0.2 sq km that includes gardens and lovely bushes. Tourists can also visit the gallery for its fine collection of the art of New Zealand.

Queens Park

One of the excellent scenic reserves of the city, Queens Park is spread over 0.8 square km. It is a botanical reserve that includes lovely rose gardens, large Steans Memorial Winter Garden, a tiny wildlife park lined with deers, wallabies, aviary full of birds and an interesting 18-hole golf course. The place includes everything to spend a good day.

Southland Museum and Art Gallery

This gallery can be spotted at the entrance of the Queens Park. Particularly designed, the Southland Museum and Art Gallery is in the form of a pyramid. With three art exhibition galleries, the museum houses human and natural history of Invercargill. The museum also has live Tuatara wherein tourists can see living fossils of New Zealand from close. One can also get to see five isolated island reserves of New Zealand at the Subantarctic Islands Centre. Do not miss i-Site Visitor Centre and chilling out at the cafe.

Invercargill Porpoise Bay

This bay is around 45 minutes drive from the city of Invercargill. It is a stunning place famed for the rare Hector’s dolphins. Tourists throng the place to watch the dolphins surfing the waves. Sometimes, people even get a chance to swim with the dolphins. The best time to watch the dolphins is summers. One can even spot yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions and even fur seals here.

Water Tower

The Water Tower of the city is located at the Leet St. Redesigned recently; the tower can be climbed by the tourists to have a panoramic view of the entire city. It is one of the must-visits landmarks of the city. Designed using red brick, the tower is 42 metres in height and was completed in the year 1889.

Nugget Point

An old lighthouse is a treat to the eyes. Built in the year 1869, the lighthouse at Nugget Point is one of the oldest structures of the city. Wildlife too can be seen from here. Watch elephant seals, breeding colony of gannets, sooty shearwaters and even shags.

Chocolate Company

Chocolate lovers can enjoy a treat in the city of Invercargill. If you want to see chocolate in making, plan a trip to 20 Windsor Street. The chocolate company welcomes you to watch the making up close. Even enjoy a coffee at the cafe here and truffles that it is famous for.

There is so much more at Invercargill that the space seems to be short here. Take a trip to the city to know more about it.

The third largest island of New Zealand, Stewart Island is settled around 30 kilometres south of the South Island. The place is also known as Rakiura in the local Maori language. Rakiura means the land of glowing skies. Aurora Australis appears in the southern skies quite often here and hence, the apt name. Interestingly, more than 85% of the area of this island is occupied by the National Park.

Hiking and Trekking

Hiking is the most loved activity of tourists visiting this island. With 280km stretch for walking tracks and just 28km for roads, you can certainly imagine why tourists prefer the island for hiking, day walks, shorts walks or multi-day hikes. The very famous trek is Rakiura Track that lasts for 3 days and gives visitors an enchanting experience of the wild beauty of the Stewart Island. As you walk along, you would be greeted by bird songs and spectacular coastal scenery on this 36km track that is quite serene and calming to the soul. Visit the beautiful beaches and the native forest of the island that lay in the wilderness. Take a halt in the evening at the accommodation huts and campsites and fall asleep to the sounds of the morepork. Those who have just a day to spare can opt for day hiking treks leaving from Halfmoon Bay. Opt for shorter tours that are the two-hour Fern Gully Track and the four-hour Horseshoe Point Track.

Bird Watching

Home for brown kiwi or popularly called Tokoeka, Stewart Island houses more of these birds than the humans. They can be spotted all around the day and even at night. Those who love watching birds will come face to face with a great number of birds on the island. Among penguins, the blue penguins and even the rare yellow-eyed penguins can be spotted amid the rocks. On the Ulva Island, you will love to visit the predator free bird sanctuary that houses dozens of different species. During the summer season, you would love to hear the sound of kaka, cheeky weka and other birds that can be spotted around Oban township. Other birds that can be spotted on the island are tui, rifleman, fantail and kaka and also the endangered species of south island saddleback.

Island Ferry Service

Visit Stewart Island any time of the year and you can board a ferry that takes you on a tour to have a look of the wildlife that has made this island their home. It takes around one hour and you get to see different types of sea birds. It is a treat to see the albatross that soars behind the ferry. You can even spot penguins or dolphins here. Explore the secluded bays and stunning inlets of the island. On arrival, you can opt for a tout on Paterson Inlet Cruise. The island is perfect for day excursion and can be roamed around in a rental car or even a motor scooter or mountain bike.

Discover Stewart Island that is one of the unspoilt and explored islands of New Zealand. A trip here will fill your memories and photo-books with moments of happiness, without any doubt.

Discover the inner crater of the most active volcano of New Zealand in White Island. Whenever you are on a tour of the country, do not miss this place. The most amazing of all the cities, visitors love the roaring fumaroles and the lively colours of the city. Also known as Whakaari or Te Puia o Whakaari (the dramatic volcano in local language), White Island is settled off the coast of Whakatane. The volcano here has around 35 moderate eruptions since the year 1826. This island is largely circular and is around two kilometres when measured in diameter. Interestingly, the island is privately owned and is quite scenic. Visitors need to take a ride on helicopter to reach the island. One can even walk to the island from nearby cities of Whakatane, Tauranga and Rotorua. Visiting the island is termed to be an extraordinary experience in all respects.

Remains of Sulphur mining

Tourists are surprised to visit the remains of the sulphur mining operation. Prior to the year 1914, quite a few attempts were done to mine sulphur on this island. However, in the year 1914, the mining came to an abrupt halt as the mudslide killed all the workers. These workers suddenly disappeared leaving no trace. This mudslide was survived only by the camp cat.

White Island Flights

White Island is a beautiful place. The view of the island gets all the more stunning when viewed from the top. Tourists can take scenic flights over White Island and get an amazing view of the local volcanoes, especially Mount Tarawera, Mount Ruapehu and others. You will have an amazing experience to remember all your life.

White Island Tours

If you have around six hours to spare, then hop on to an eco-adventure of the Island. Tour to the only active marine volcano and explore the nature on the island. Watch fumeroles, crystals, steaming acid lake, lava bombs, bubbling mud and other sights on the volcano.You can even opt for a helicopter ride that takes you on a tour to view the active volcano from close. If the weather permits, you will have a good time here.

Into the ocean

Opt for fishing or diving inside the waters. You can even enjoy snorkelling here. Kayaking adventures are something not to miss at White Island. Take a guided tour to Whale Island, Otarawairere Bay and Ohiwa Harbour. If you love watching dolphins and swimming seals, the island is perfect for you. Frequented by penguins, whales and sea birds, the tour becomes exciting on spotting these marine fauna. You can even hire a bicycle to tour the island.