11 GREAT WALKS IN FOCUS
Spectacularly, almost a third of New Zealand – approximately 8.6 million hectares – is enveloped in lush, untouched national parks and nature reserves, making the country an unparalleled oasis for those looking to escape to an all-natural nirvana.
Satiate your desire for an outdoor experience by venturing through New Zealand’s scenic backyard, teeming with rolling tussock fields, virgin coastlines, striking waterfalls, pristine walking trails, and the endless Southern Alps, ideal for seasoned hikers and novices alike.
The country’s 11 Great Walks are the perfect opportunity to lace up your boots, slather on some suncream, and ready yourself for a life-changing adventure on these iconic walking tracks.
The official list of Great Walks consists of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Milford Track, Routeburn Track, Paparoa Track, Heaphy Track, Kepler Track, Rakiura Track, Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track, Lake Waikaremoana Track, Tongariro Northern Circuit, and Whanganui Journey.
New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) characterises this network of walks by having well-maintained, easily marked tracks, and well-serviced huts.
Although the walks differ in difficulty, length, and scenic views, they all boast a unique opportunity to engage first-hand with the natural beauty and wonder of the country, witness its cultural heritage, and learn more about the most endangered taonga those in New Zealand call their home.
The early autumn or late spring months offer great conditions for these walks. Autumn sees quieter trails, long sunny days, and beautiful golden leaves, whereas spring finds vibrant landscapes in full bloom, with spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Don’t miss out on the chance to truly immerse yourself in the country’s enchanting natural charm.
MĀORI CULTURE IN FOCUS
If manuhiri (visitors) are seeking authentic ways to interact and engage with New Zealand genuinely and respectfully, then partaking in Māori-owned and operated tourism is undeniably the best way to do so.
As the tangata whenua of New Zealand, Māori have an unprecedented insight into the natural splendour and interconnectedness of the terrain, often showcasing the common thread between the past, present, and future.
With over 100 iwi (tribes) across Aotearoa, each has their own story and distinctive culture to tell. There are a plethora of tours, activities, and immersive events to enjoy whilst learning more about Māori heritage directly from the voices of those who are a part of the culture.
Learning more about the culture and the people who have been a part of it for over 1,000 years not only allows manuhiri to form emotional connections with the land but also encourages them to contribute to the culture, environment, and economy in a positive manner.
Some of the Māori-owned and operated tours available include visiting New Zealand’s largest living kauri tree, Tāne Mahuta, which resides in the Waipoua Forest, named after the God of the Forest in Māori legend. You will hear from Māori guides the stories passed down from their ancestors about the tree and how they are working today to protect its legacy.
Then, discover the story of the legendary Polynesian explorer Kupe, who first landed on the country over a millennium ago, as told through storytelling, art, and immersive film at Manea Footprints of Kupe.
Don’t miss the opportunity to bathe in the geothermal waters of Ngawha Springs in Te Tai Tokerau, which are renowned for their healing abilities.
Follow this up by eating your way through Ōtautahi Christchurch on an Āmiki Cultural Food Tour. Discover local history with a Māori historian who will tell you all about the city’s rich history and culture as you walk, talk, and indulge.
No matter what adventure you choose, you’ll be spoilt for choice and have a second-to-none opportunity to engage with New Zealand culture in an authentic and beneficial way.
DARK SKIES IN FOCUS
Take a step into the deep, velvety darkness of the night and revel in the unparalleled splendour of New Zealand’s unencumbered night sky.
With a uniquely clear view of the skies, jaw-dropping celestial features, and magical landscapes, stargazing in the country is a breathtaking experience.
It has relatively little light pollution and is home to some of the most accessible observatories in the world, making it the ideal location to enjoy stargazing year-round. However, winter is undeniably regarded as the best time to partake in viewing the celestial figures, as the air holds less water vapour, allowing stargazers a much clearer view of the twinkling wonders.
Equally, the planet is better positioned during the colder months for witnessing the centre of the Milky Way, so whilst it may be tempting to stay nestled up at home by the fire, you won’t regret bundling up in your thermals and bringing a mug of hot chocolate to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience and be transported to the heavens.
New Zealand has a plethora of locations across both the North and South Islands for your celestial journey. Home to two of the world’s 22 Dark Sky Reserves alongside three Dark Sky Sanctuaries and three Dark Sky Parks, the country offers enchanting stargazing experiences that will leave viewers craving more.
A must-do for aurora hunters is the mesmerising phenomenon known as the Southern Lights in New Zealand’s Southern Hemisphere. Watch in wonder as the skies light up with glimmers of pink, red, green, and purple as solar winds pass through the atmosphere and react with the Earth’s magnetic field.
Don’t miss this opportunity to bring science and the natural beauty of the world to life. Wrap up warm, find a cosy spot, and be ready to enjoy the great canopy of space.
Prominent star gazing operators include the Dark Sky Project in Lake Tekapo, a leader in astrotourism that is proud to connect visitors with night skies and ignite a passion for dark sky preservation; the Star Safari in Ponatahi, which offers more than just stargazing but an astronomical journey with a personal touch; and the Dark Sky Kaikōura, which has been officially designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International and boasts a stunning view of the Milky Way.
WINE IN FOCUS
Extending over 1,600km across subtropical Northland down to Central Otago, New Zealand’s wine regions boast some of the most extensive and complex flavours available on today’s market.
The country produces one percent of the world’s wine and offers a truly impressive range of varieties and styles, with the most popular being the internationally renowned sauvignon blanc, which is the most commonly planted grape and accounts for two-thirds of New Zealand’s wine production.
With 10 different wine-producing regions, namely Northland, Auckland, Gisborne, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Nelson, Central Otago, Waitaki Valley, and North Canterbury, no vineyard is more than 120km away from the ocean.
This directly ties into one of the central pillars of success in New Zealand’s wines; its temperate maritime climate and long growing season situate the country in an ideal position for grape growing and producing high-quality wines.
Although the country has less than a century’s worth of official wine-producing history, it has swiftly made a name for itself as one of the most successful nations when it comes to growing and bottling the beloved beverage, becoming home to varieties and labels seen on shelves around the world.
The industry has four primary varieties – sauvignon blanc, pinot noir, pinot gris, and chardonnay – which account for over 90 percent of the nation’s wine production. However, the country equally excels in a growing range of popular styles.
There are myriad tours and wine-tasting opportunities available to indulge in and experience first-hand the delicacies of New Zealand wine, all thanks to the unwavering passion of local growers and producers.
Some world-class winery tours open to visitors include the Cloudy Bay tour in Marlborough, Gibbston Valley, where you can sleep amongst the grape vines for rich, decadent dreams; the Waiheke Island scenic wine tour, where you can visit three vineyards and have lunch at an award-winning restaurant on the white sands of Onetangi Beach; and the self-guided biking wine tour in Marlborough, where you can discover the beauty of the landscape whilst visiting any of the 12 wineries to sample a variety of wines in each location’s tasting room.
