New Zealand Attractions

Harihari

Harihari is a small town on the west coast of the South Island, and it made world headlines in 1931 when Guy Menzies completed the first solo flight across the Tasman Sea from Australia.The town is now known as a base for coastal walks, birdwatching, and trout and salmon fishing.

The journey was hassle-free but the landing proved a disaster: the aircraft overturned in a swamp, and Menzies, upon undoing his safety straps, fell - much to the delight of the cheering locals - head-first into the mud.

Great Barrier Island

This island at the mouth of the Hauraki Gulf has acres of long, white sandy beaches on its eastern shore, deep-water sheltered inlets on its western shore, and a rugged spine of steep ridges running down the centre.

The 80,000ha (197,684ac) reserve has a number of walking tracks that combine old logging trails and tramways. Natural hot springs, towering kauri forests and a serene aura make it a perfect escape. Flights and ferries operate from Auckland, 88km (55mi) to the south.

Northland

Northland is the cradle of both Maori and Pakeha (European) culture: it was here that the Pakeha first made contact with the Maori, and where the first whaling settlements were established. The Treaty of Waitangi was also signed here. There are also historic towns (Paihia and Waitangi), game fishing (Bay of Islands) and flora and fauna reserves (Waipoua Kauri Forest).

Often referred to as the 'winterless north' because of its mild year-round temperatures, Northland has a number of interesting museums (Kauri Museum), glorious, blonde beaches (Ninety Mile Beach) and diving spots (Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, reckoned by Jacques Cousteau to be among the top 10 diving sites in the world).

Otago & Southland

Three highlights dominate Otago and Southland: Queenstown, set in a glacial valley, with a bevy of adrenaline pumping activities; the walkways of Fiordland National Park; and Otago Peninsula, which boasts New Zealand's first foray into ecotourism.

Queenstown, on Lake Wakatipu, is a town synonymous with parasailing, white-water rafting and bungy jumping. Fiordland National Park is a wilderness of mountains, ice and beech forests. The scenic climax is undoubtedly Milford Sound, situated in the shadows of towering mountains and waterfalls.

Whangaparaoa Bay

A succession of picturesque bays leads to Whangaparaoa Bay, 50km (31mi) west of the North Island's East Cape. The beaches are deeply shelved and littered with driftwood, and the old Anglican church, nestled under Norfolk pines on a lone promontory, should not be missed.

Cape Runaway can only be reached by foot, and you'll need to seek permission before going on private land.

Wellington

Bound by its magnificent harbour, with wooden Victorian buildings terraced up steep hills, New Zealand's capital is home to its parliament and national treasures. Spectacular views, challenging walks, a thriving cafe and entertainment scene, and serious dedication to the arts make Wellington an enormously enjoyable place in which to spend a few days.

Compact and walkable, 'Welly' is only the country's third-largest city and takes part in a friendly rivalry with larger Auckland. Given its size, there's an astounding number of quality restaurants, bars, shops and theatres. The city prides itself as a cultural centre and is the home of NZ's growing film industry and acclaimed director Peter Jackson.

Auckland

This waterside city has a strong pulse and a nautical twinkle in its eye. Its location on a thin stretch of the North Island, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, is complemented by the lush subtropical forests of nearby hills and the volcanic terrains of nearby islands.

With its spectacular harbour and bridge, New Zealand's largest city ranks with the best and its districts weave their way around a variety of bays ideal for swimming, water sports and particularly yachting - hence the nickname 'City of Sails'.