As a place where kiwis holiday, The Coromandel’s iconic coastline reveals hundreds of natural hideaways.

Imagine 400km of coastline surrounding a mountain-range cloaked in sub-tropical forest. Endless golden beaches and hidden bays to enjoy. Walking tracks and cycle trails to explore. All just one hour down the road from New Zealand’s largest airport and city. 

Charming old world towns and intriguing relics in the rugged hills connect you to the past and its people. Inspiring landscapes attract many talented artists, whose studios and workshops are hidden in the green valleys. Creativity and originality abound, making this the ideal place to recharge your senses.

Get away from it all and find out why The Coromandel is good for your soul

Top Things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula

With snow capped mountains flowing with crystal clear rivers down into a dramatic coastline, all nestled between two of the country's best wine areas, what’s not to love about Kaikoura? With chamois, deer and native birds in the mountains, and albatross, fur seals, dolphins and whales on the coast and at sea, each landscape is its own adventure.

Top Things to do in Kaikoura

One of the 144 islands located in the gorgeous Bay of Islands, Urupukapuka Island is our favourite! It’s easily accessed via ferry and offers a stunning place to explore or relax.

It is a tale of two sides.

On one side, a lovely walking track winds its way through native bush and down to hidden bays and beaches where the soundtrack to this holiday will be waves and bird song - Paradise Bay is our favourite place for a swim! 

On the other side at Otehei bay, there is a beach side bar and restaurant with live music where you can just relax and enjoy the summer vibes with a local wine in one hand and the camera in the other as you take in the sights or enjoy the variety of watersports that this side of the island is known for.

Urupukapuka Island

If you happen to be in the South Island over New Years and thought you’d missed out, boy are you in luck as  you dance the night away in the shadow of the famous Southern Alps in the stunning Cardrona Valley. 

With dozens of local and international acts, this festival attracts over 10,000 annually, and with its 5 stages and variety of performers, the South has never sounded so good!

Check dates and venue changes (Usually runs over New Years Eve for 3 days)

Rhythm and Alps

Nice waterfalls facing the mountains. Beautiful scenery on a sunny day!

Wishbone Falls

The Tutukaka Coast is rated by Lonely Planet as being one of the Top 3 coastal destinations on earth, yet still has managed to hold on to some of its mystery.

It’s jam packed with places so good that two of them (Whale Bay and the Poor Knights Islands) are both world class desinations

Tutukaka Coast

Over four remarkable basins (550ha), Treble Cone is the largest ski area in Queenstown and Wanaka, offing a massive diversity of terrain. Undeniably something for everyone. Treble Cone is home to the longest ski and snowboard runs in the Queenstown and Wanaka lakes district. Treble Cone’s longest run is a leg burning 4km, with a vertical drop of 700m. Challenge your turns in some of the most revered New Zealand snowboard and ski terrain. Complete with gullies, chutes, bowls and drops, whatever your off-piste taste, you will find your fix here.

Treble Cone Ski Field

Situated approximately 19km southeast of Auckland, Botany Town Centre is one of New Zealand’s largest retail developments, with over 176 specialty stores and a unique garden-setting. Managed by AMP Capital Shopping Centres, Botany Town Centre’s retailers range from popular electronic and technology stores including  JB Hi-Fi, to Rebel Sports, one of Auckland’s largest Farmers stores, a New World supermarket, The Baby Factory, Briscoes and a full complement of banks, fashion stores, gift and specialty stores and New Zealand’s most popular café and restaurant chains.
 The centre provides diverse entertainment choices from LUX at Hoyts Cinema, to the Doolan Brothers bar and restaurant, Goode Brothers and a variety of other international cuisines. Alongside its retail offering, Botany Town Centre is a community hub for other services including the Botany Library, the Botany Town Centre community garden and a variety of education, childcare, medical and health providers.

Botany Town Centre

 Discover one of Kiwi’s favourite tours on the West Coast NZ, taking a jet boat up a remote back country river into UNESCO South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.


Waiatoto River Safaris 

The Bay of Islands is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason.

Stunning natural beauty and over 144 islands make for an easily accessible aquatic playground, with activities like boating, fishing, sailing, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking...the list goes on.

There’s also more to this area than meets the eye, as the area is rich in history and culture. Many of the pivotal moments in Aotearoa New Zealand’s story happened here, including the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi), considered the country’s founding document, at what is now the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Quaint seaside towns like Russell have plenty of stories to share, from the site of the country’s first capital to the oldest licenced premise in the country. The Bay of Islands area extends well beyond the waters’ edge too, with inland villages like Kerikeri and Kawakawa to wander through, waterfalls to explore, historic and cultural sites, and unique attractions like the geothermal hot pools at Ngawha Springs.

Top Things to do in Bay of Islands

Behind the serene atmosphere and pure waters of wonderful Lake Wanaka lies a destination that’s brimming with adventure opportunities both in the winter and summer months. A favoured holiday destination of New Zealand locals, the Lake Wanaka region is centred around the pristine, glassy waters of its namesake lake, which – along with its adjacent snow-dusted peaks – makes for a gorgeous panorama that sets the scene for things to come. Go skydiving, embrace the challenge of the Routeburn Track Great Walk, or enjoy amazing skiing in winter; Wanaka is truly your oyster. Browse and book the many things to do in Wanaka below and make your visit extraordinary.

Top Things to do in Wanaka

One of New Zealand’s newest themed routes, the Starlight Highway links Fairlie and Twizel with Tekapo and Aoraki/Mt Cook in the McKenzie Basin, providing access to some of the darkest and clearest skies on earth.

The Aoraki/Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve is the only one in the southern hemisphere and 1/11 in the entire world, representing one of the best places to lay back and enjoy the night sky anywhere. 

The views of the stars, planets, Magellanic clouds, Milky Way and the iconic Southern Cross are second to none, all set with Mt Cook and the southern alps as the backdrop, making for awesome views and stunning night time photos. 

When the sun rises, the fun doesn’t stop, with awesome views of the lakes and alps available from Tekapo, while Mt cook is the hiking capital of New Zealand and is home to the Hooker Valley Track, one of the worlds best short walks.

The Starlight Highway

This is one of New Zealand’s newest summer attractions and has proved a massive hit! It is the largest inflatable water park in the country, located in the stunning rural region of Lowburn.

It’s a great place to bring the family and to escape the summer heat of Central South Island. With loads of different obstacles and adventures to be had along with out-of-the-way beaches to escape the crowds and enjoy a picnic at, this water park is a great place to spend a hot summer's day in the middle of rural New Zealand.

Kiwi Water Park

Awesome, private hot pools with amazing views of the mountains and night sky

Hot Tubs Omarama

To see nature at its best, spend a night at our clean, tidy, smoke-free backpackers. Fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facilities. Large roofed internal conservatory area. 50m from bus stop, restaurant and tavern. 

Wilderness Accommodation

Join us for a totally unique experience seal swimming with New Zealand Fur Seals in their own spectacular environment on Kaikoura's beautiful coast! Snorkelling with wild New Zealand Fur Seals, in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, truly is a unique experience. It's one of those simple nature experiences that opens your mind to the sheer magnificence of our natural environment and its amazing inhabitants. A breath taking nature activity. You won’t believe how curious, friendly and playful New Zealand Fur Seals can be in the water. 

Seal Swim Kaikoura

The ultimate in water-fuelled relaxation, visit Queenstown's Onsen Hot Pools and immerse yourself in pools overlooking the iconic Shotover River! Heal your body and mind with the soothing benefits of pure water all while surrounded by some wonderful scenery at this essential attraction featuring a range of exclusive pools indoors and outdoors that can accommodate up to four adults. This flexibility makes the pools ideal either for romantic getaways and pampering, or for a group of friends looking to take things in Queenstown down a notch and unwind in this magical part of New Zealand.

Located within just a short 10 minute drive from the centre of Queenstown - and with a courtesy shuttle bus provided - it's an easily accessible and highly therapeutic attraction ideal for anyone looking to mend tired bones or bodies. Kick back in the hot waters, see the jet boats zip by in the Shotover Canyon below, and enjoy the ultimate in Queenstown relaxation - book yourself a session at the Onsen Hot Pools today.

Onsen Hot Pools

Park your car and view the seals in their natural habitat, with a backdrop of the Kaikoura mountains and coastline.

Peninsula Seal Colony Kaikoura

Remember to Love Our Lakes! Use the public toilets, get rid of any rubbish responsibly, wash clothes or dishes away from the lake and take measures not to spread aquatic weeds (Check, Clean Dry)

![Water Quality](https://www.ecan.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/Zones/Upper-Waitaki/Love-our-lakes/8049_CWMS_Love-Our-Lakes_Hero-Banner-Animated_MAR-2022_V1.jpg)

Lake Benmore Water Quality - Love Our Lakes

While the islands themselves are stunning, the real beauty can be found under the waves of this iconic marine reserve. 

The legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau once claimed that the Poor Knights Islands have some of the best diving in the world, and one visit to this extraordinary place will be enough to convince you too. 

It can be explored via scenic cruise, where on arrival you can Kayak, paddle board, snorkel, scuba and swim. 

One of its most famous dive sites is the Rikoriko Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world.


Poor Knights Islands

Catering for strong fit skiers and boarders who like a fast pace and more vertical. This package will extend your boundaries and challenge you.



8 Run | Wanaka

A midsize appletree grows at a nice lookout point. (Apples ripe in late march/april)

Appletree & Lookout

Welcome to Bayfair Shopping Centre, the largest undercover shopping centre in The Bay of Plenty. Discover more than 90 of the Bay’s best stores conveniently located under one roof, with seven-day opening and two late nights to accommodate busy lifestyles. Large-format stores include Farmers, K-Mart, Countdown and Woolworths. Bayfair provides a full range of services for customers, including parents’ room, wheelchairs, strollers and kiddy karts and boasts a fully refurbished 440 seat foodcourt.  Bayfair also has free interior and exterior parking for over 1,600 vehicles; with a SmartGuide parking system on the ground level of the covered carpark to assist shoppers find available parking spaces.
Bayfair is committed to the local environment and community and is a strong supporter of the Young Innovators Awards supporting environmental education and innovation within the region. The centre became the first shopping centre in New Zealand to achieve a platinum rating from Be. Accessible.

Bayfair Shopping Centre

Take a short drive on one of the most scenic roads in the world to Glenorchy, home of Mrs. Woolly’s General Store.
You’ll find an appealing collection of tasty fresh foods and groceries, imaginative and practical things for your home, outdoor gear and accessories, free wifi and delightful one-of-a-kind gifts and collectibles.
Grab and go with an array of delicious sandwiches, salads, inventive bowls of grains and goodness, barista-made fresh coffee with delicious pastries, and homemade gelato.

Mrs Woolly's General Store 

Sit back, relax and enjoy the breath taking views of Mauao in our Hot Ocean Water Pools. The natural escape in the heart of 'The Mount', Mount Hot Pools is perfect for the entire family with pool temperatures between 31º and 39º C. Open until 10pm, 7 days.


Mount Hot Salt Water Pools & Massage

Something to appeal to all tastes and styles, the 174 km Great Taste Trail brings together a mix of stunning landscapes with its famous wineries, art galleries, distilleries, restaurants and more. You can complete the whole trail or pick a section that intrigues you the most to explore - there are three to choose from;
  
-   Rail Route
    
-   Coastal Route
    
-   Valley Route

Great Taste Trail

Akaroa offers nature's playground right on the doorstep of the South Islands largest city, making this idyllic spot a must do for those travelling to or through Christchurch.

What is it? The better question might be, what isn’t it?!

Located on Banks Peninsula, itself home to numerous hidden bays and inlets thanks to its unique volcanic landscape, a visit to Akaroa starts with a scenic drive with sweeping views of the dramatic coastline. Akaroa is a step back in time to a French colonial seaside village complete with local wines, cheese and seafood in abundance. It provides fantastic opportunities for marine encounters with the local dolphins along with one of New Zealand's  rarest penguins - the little blue penguin.

Akaroa

The Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools is a relaxing haven located in the heart of Franz Josef township, an easy stroll from most accommodation. Our three main pools and three private pools are nestled among the native rainforest for a truly unique setting. Also on offer are spa and massage treatments and our on site licensed café. 

 

Our three main pools weave their way through the rainforest and offer a superb place to relax and rejuvenate amongst nature. Ranging in temperature from 36 to 40 degrees centigrade, and covered by giant sails offering protection from the elements, the pools are in perfect synergy with the environment. 

Our private pools are surrounded by majestic rainforest and offer total, natural seclusion. A private pool experience includes private changing facilities with towels and complimentary entry into the main pools. The fresh glacier water for the privatepPools is re-filtered after every use.

Glacier Hot Pools **CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE**

A trail or loop track starts from the parking lot to the Willis pools - a series of small waterfalls, which accumulate into pools.
Very easy hike. Good walk for morning ..
You can also climb on the rocks in the pools.

Wilkies Pools

Nice easy walk to go to welcome flat hut ( Doc booking needed: $20 ) and its free hot pools! Further there is the Douglas hut, a perfect place for a day walk to the amazing Copland pass with an incredible view of Mt Cook and all the valley. Car park to welcome flat: 5-7h. Welcome flat to Douglas hut: 3h. Douglas hut to the pass without big backpack: 4h.

Welcome Flat Track (hot Pools)

The Dart is a shingle bed river that is prone to flooding due to the high rainfall in the area. The wide river bed is testimony to the huge flows of water that can move down after heavy rain. This combined with the snow and glacial melt makes it poor habitat for to sustain a good population of fish. There is very good fishing around the mouth where it and the nearby Rees River enters Lake Wakatipu and some of the small tributaries hold fish. During the drier summer months some fish move into the river from the lake and some of the tributaries but this water is best appreciated for the scenery in which you will be fishing rather than the the fishing itself.

[Fishing Regulations](https://fishandgame.org.nz/assets/Uploads/FG-Fishing-Regs-SI-20-21-.pdf)

Dart River

Wake up to unforgettable mountain and ocean views, enjoy a short coastal stroll to main town center.

Spacious facilities
Free wifi

Kaikoura Seaside Lodge

Fly fishing methods only at this small lake! Brown and rainbow trout can be seen cruising and jumping from the park like shores of the camp ground. 

[Fishing Regulations](https://fishandgame.org.nz/assets/Uploads/FG-Fishing-Regs-SI-20-21-.pdf)

Lake Poaka

Set in the stunning Te Urewera National Park, the Lake Waikaremoana track is a 4 day walk through native bush. This must-do walk starts at Onepoto and finishes at Hopuruahine Landing.

Lake Waikaremoana Track (NZ Great Walk)

Dress-Smart Hornby is the South Island's only dedicated outlet centre and we are the go-to destination for the smart shopper, with over 50 outlet stores.
You will find the main street favourites like Max, Esprit, Rip Curl, Glassons, Bendon Outlet, Jeans West, Barkers. There are also top sports brands Adidas, New Balance, Asics, Puma and Canterbury alongside other great family stores like Pumpkin Patch.
We're also ideally situated for travellers on their way into Christchurch on Main South Road in Hornby, and are only 10 minutes away from the Christchurch Airport. Smart Brands - Smarter Prices

Dress-Smart Outlet Shopping - Christchurch

Secret spot to jump into the icy clear water. Park between the two bridges then walk towards Milford sounds over one bridge  about 200m and look for gravel lay by and walk down to the pool from here.

River Swimming Spot

If you're into surfing, fishing or whitebaiting it's worth checking out this spot. When the swell is right it creates some great 'barrells' that surfers will travel far and wide to get amongst!

Surf, Whitebait And Kahawai

Restrictions: Max. 3 nights stay for self contained vehicles. Take away all rubbish. Please park appropriately as outlined on site maps. Please respect all fencing and abide by all signage. Site is monitored daily and rules enforced.

Lowburn Harbour

Peaceful garden setting & stunning views of the mountains with glimpses of Mt Aspiring. Only 2.5km from town, a beautiful 30 minute stroll along the lakefront, past the Wanaka tree. Powered-sealed sites, unpowered-sealed sites & unpowered tent sites, as well as cabins & motels (limited options for caravans, contact direct). Free unlimited wifi and electric BBQs. Showers with underfloor heating and a drying room for ski gear in winter.
Pets are welcome by arrangement on campsites but not in roofed accommodation. 

Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park

Cruise Milford is Milford Sound's only family owned and operated Cruise operator offering uncrowded Boutique Small Boat Cruises. 
We limit passenger numbers on-board to 50% of our boats capacity to guarantee a much more personal cruise experience. The smaller size of our boats allow us to get you up close to meet our local wildlife and experience a "Glacial Facial" under cascading waterfalls. 
Experience Milford Sound the "local" way with our passionate Guides showing you everything this breathtaking World Heritage Site has to offer.
Free coffee, tea and biscuits are provided on all cruises.

Things To Do in New Zealand