Things to See in New Zealand

Te Papa, the 'Museum of New Zealand', is an inspiring, interactive look at NZ's history and culture. The striking construction took five years to build and since opening in 1998, it has attracted over nine million visitors. Combining innovation and approachability, it's affectionately dubbed 'Our Place', celebrating the essence of NZ and its people.

The massive cone of 2518m (8310ft) Taranaki, a dormant volcano that resembles Japan's Mt Fuji, dominates the surrounding region. Geologically, it is the youngest of three large volcanoes, including Kaitake and Pouakai, on the same fault line. Its last eruption was 350 years ago, though experts predict another one soon.

Whanganui National Park's main attraction is the Whanganui River, which curls its way 329km (204mi) from its source on the flanks of Mt Tongariro to the Tasman Sea at Wanganui. The fact that the river is the longest navigable river in the country has been shaping its destiny for centuries.

The Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is spectacular. More than one-third of the park has a blanket of permanent snow and glacial ice. Of the 27 NZ mountains that stretch over 3050m (10065ft) high, 22 are in this park. The mighty Mt Cook, known to Maoris as Aoraki, the 'Cloud Piercer', is the highest peak in Australasia at 3755m (12,391ft).

Otago Peninsula is the South Island's most accessible wildlife area (albatross, yellow-eyed penguins, blue penguins, fur seals and sea lions all thrive here). It also has a score of historical sites, walkways and unique natural formations. For an overview, pick up the brochure and map from Dunedin's visitors centre and check the peninsula website.

Bird-watchers go all woozy here. As soon as you get off the launch the air is alive with the song of tui and bellbirds, and you'll see kaka, weka, kakariki and kereru (NZ pigeon). Some birds come so close that you don't need a telephoto lens to snap them. The abundance of birdlife here is due mainly to the absence of predators.

Established in 1887, Tongariro was New Zealand's first national park (and only the fourth national park in the world). The three peaks were a gift to New Zealand from the local Maori tribe who saw it as the only way to preserve the area's spiritual significance.

NZ's two most famous glaciers are major attractions, mighty cascades of ice tumbling down a valley towards the sea. The heavy tourist traffic is catered for in the twin towns of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. These small tourist villages provide accommodation and facilities at high-ish prices. Franz is busier but Fox has more of an Alpine-village charm.