A country of unparalleled culture, ethereal natural beauty, and some of the friendliest people around, New Zealand is a once-in-a-lifetime destination sure to satiate all types of travellers year-round as they make their way across the vibrant island nation.
NEW ZEALAND
From untamed wilderness to a captivatingly magnetic culture, New Zealand – first named Aotearoa by Māori – is a land of unceasing opportunity.
The rich history and awe-inspiring natural beauty of the nation are palpable from the moment you arrive and first view the sky-piercing mountains, endless coastline, verdant forests, and welcoming people. Simply put, this sublime country will take your breath away.
Located in the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand has a unique history. As one of the last sizable territories suitable for human habitation, the nation was first discovered 1,000 years ago by a legendary Polynesian explorer and the first Māori to reach the remote island, Kupe.
Having made the journey from their homeland of Hawaiki in a canoe, Māori inhabited the previously untrekked land before the arrival of Europeans in the 17th century.
Due to the country’s prolonged isolation after drifting away from the supercontinent Gondwana 180 million years ago, it evolved a plethora of tantalising species unseen in the rest of the world, with nearly 90 percent of the native plants indigenous to New Zealand.
This distinctive array of vegetation and animals is most iconically represented through the country’s national animal, the endemic kiwi bird. Small and flightless, these birds are a symbol of the country’s unique characteristics and have a strong cultural, spiritual, and historic association with Māori culture.
Moving from the lush New Zealand lands to the cerulean waters that ensconce the island nation, there is a cacophony of marine life that calls the surrounding shores home.
With approximately 1,400 species of fish, 300 of which are endemic, take a deep breath and dive headfirst into the glistening waters to listen to the chattering dolphins, get a close look at the vibrant colours of the tiny nudibranchs, learn how the cookie-cutter shark got its name, marvel in wonder as you see the colossal tail fins of sperm whales, and experience so much more within the country’s 15,000 kilometres (km) of stunning coastline.
Once you dry off, put on your sunnies, tie up your trainers, and get ready to explore the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and South Island (Te Waipounamu), which both offer endless opportunities no matter the time of year you visit.
Boasting adventures for every type of traveller, the country’s two main islands have everything from geothermal activity, glow-worms that illuminate dark cavern walls like fairy lights, and ancient glacier lakes to dazzling fjords, stretches of sand so expansive they earn names such as Ninety Mile Beach, and the towering snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps (Kā Tiritiri o te Moana).
The North Island is the heartland of Indigenous Māori culture and home to topographical extremes, quickly catapulting from gentle hills adorned with infamous vineyards to the mammoth spires of shield volcanoes, golden-sand beaches typical of romance novel covers, and mud pools that bubble and froth on the geothermal plateau.
Don’t let the island’s dramatic landscape intimidate you, as it is home to some of the world’s best single-day hikes and the country’s largest city, Auckland, along with 75 percent of the population.
Once you get your fill of culture and scenic hikes, head down to the South Island – the New Zealand of your imagination. Here, you’ll experience some of the purest natural scenery in the world and adventure in all forms. With mountains scattered throughout, the island is ideal for exploring deep fjords and centuries-old glaciers, all wedged between dense rainforests and dazzlingly blue lakes.
With 10 of the country’s 14 national parks, the South Island is about experiencing the innate wonders of a landscape scarcely touched by the hand of modernity.
No matter which island you prioritise first, you will experience awe and adventure in equal measure.
Most importantly, Aotearoa is a taonga (treasure) that deserves to be treated as such; visitors must make a promise to look after it as if it were their own home. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment asked of visitors to care for land, sea, and nature by treading lightly and leaving no trace; to travel safely and show care and consideration for all; and to respect the culture and local communities.
The tangata whenua (people of this land) make it a priority to see the natural landscape as innately tied to human life. Every mountain, tree, and river has its own story to tell, and it is the duty of those who live in and visit the country to respect it and travel with an open heart and mind.
With such a patchwork of history, New Zealand’s population is a true melting pot of cultures and backgrounds.
The diverse country is a rich blend of Māori, European, Pacific Island, and Asian heritage, all combined with geologically captivating topography, flora, and fauna. The people are well-known for their spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality), welcoming those who seek to discover first-hand the beauty and majesty of the island and its culture.
Walking through the country’s many colourful and lively cities, you’ll be sure to discover a plethora of historic Māori sites alongside beguiling colonial-era architecture, aptly showcasing the cultural diversity the country proudly possesses today.
No matter what season you choose to visit, get ready for national parks stocked full of natural phenomena, dynamic cultural excursions, and world-class surfing and skiing.
Autumn – from March to May – is ideal for witnessing the kaleidoscope of colours as crisp air begins to settle in and the leaves change from a lush green to a rich golden brown, making the scenery an autumnal wonderland straight from a fairytale.
From June to August, fresh blankets of snow transform the landscape into the ultimate winter wonderland, ideal for those who want to ski down the slopes or cosy up by the crackling fire with a warm drink.
A springtime paradise beckons as the days begin to get a bit longer and flowers emerge vibrantly from their wintery slumber. From September to November, the birth of the new season offers the opportunity to dive into the heart of Aotearoa’s unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Summer in New Zealand is ideal for warmth, light, and plenty of sunscreen. The seemingly endless sunny days are a picturesque backdrop for all the jaw-dropping scenery and heart-pounding outdoor activities on offer, including taste-testing tours of the world-renowned wine country.
No matter the time of year, New Zealand’s rugged beauty, varied landscape, and enthralling culture make it a one-of-a-kind, spectacular destination to fall in love with.
With so much to experience and see, you don’t have to go far to find everything you are looking for in a trip of a lifetime.
