New Zealand Travel Guide

Tourism is a major industry in Rotorua, and for good reason, the tourism services are therefore well developed and the accommodation selection is wide and varied. Tourists can find comfortable, affordable lodgings from people looking to sell timeshare properties in Rotorua and will have the luxury of returning to this fine part of the world again and again. Rotorua is a city on the southern shores of the lake of the same name, in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. Rotorua is a major destination for both domestic and international tourists, Rotorua is the heartland of Maori culture with many opportunities to...

Gisborne is a city in northeastern New Zealand and the largest settlement in the Gisborne Region. The city has that special 'x' factor that makes a break away from the daily hustle and bustle of big city living so relaxing and enjoyable. The city of Gisborne is located at the north end of Poverty Bay. The white cliff headland of Young Nick's Head at the other end of the bay is visible from the city. Gisborne boasts being the first city in the world to greet the sun each day. Te Urewera National Park boasts the largest untouched tract of native forest in the North Island. This...

The city of Nelson is close to the geographical centre of New Zealand. It lies on the southern shore of Tasman Bay, at the northern end of the South Island, Nelson's Māori name, Whakatū, means 'build', 'raise', or 'establish'. Nelson is a beautiful coastal city set amongst some of New Zealand's most stunning scenary. Nelson is surrounded by mountains on three sides with Tasman Bay on the other and the region is the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa in the Nelson Lakes National Park. The city is the economic and cultural centre for the Nelson-Tasman region and offers an...

The Kapiti Coast also known as The Golden Coast. The Kapiti Coast is the name of the section of the coast of the south-western North Island of New Zealand that is north of Wellington and opposite Kapiti Island. The Kapiti Coast is well-known for its cheeses and other products from Lindale. The Kapiti Coast has seen a significant population surge and is one of New Zealand's fastest growing areas. This has led to considerable growth in all towns apart from Paekakariki, where development is geographically limited. State Highway 1 takes you north, and about a half hour out of the city you hit the coast at Paremata....

Invercargill is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. It is the commercial centre of the Southland region. Invercargill is named after William Cargill, a prominent pioneer Otago settler. The seat of Invercargill in the New Zealand Parliament is held by Eric Roy, an MP from the incumbent National Party. Invercargill is home to the Southland Museum which can be visited in a day. It has a good history of the Southland region with displays and documents over 2 levels. Invercargill's wide streets bear the names of the rivers of Scotland and Northern England. The city is...

Gisborne is a city in northeastern New Zealand and the largest settlement in the Gisborne Region. It has a population of around 34,000. Gisborne is named after an early Colonial Secretary William Gisborne name. The city of Gisborne is located at the north end of Poverty Bay. The white cliff headland of Young Nick's Head at the other end of the bay is visible from the city. State Highway 35 passes through Gisborne city while State Highway 2 passes through Makaraka, a suburb on the outer fringes of Gisborne city. Gladstone Road is the city's main road, which becomes Wainui Road and State Highway 35 to the...

New Plymouth is the major city of the Taranaki Region on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. New Plymouth acts as the west coast’s only international deep-water port, handling cargo for much of this part of the North Island. It is also noted for being a coastal city with a mountain within 30 minutes drive, where residents and visitors to New Plymouth can snowboard, ski, water ski and surf all in the same day. Aslo known as Mount Egmont, Taranaki is the Maori word for 'Gliding Peak.' As the legend goes, Taranaki lived amongst the other large volcanoes to the east (Ruapehu, Tongariro...

Auckland is the largest metropolitan area in New Zealand, with a population of over one million. Auckland is one of the most beautifully situated cities in the world. A sizable Asian community rubs shoulders with the biggest Polynesian population of any city in the world. This ‘city of volcanoes’ is a major gateway to diverse and beautiful New Zealand. It is also called the “City of Sails” for the large number of yachts sailing the Waitemata harbour and Hauraki Gulf, Auckland is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with a wide variety of attractions for visitors. It could also be known as the "City of Volcanoes". Auckland...

Hamilton is in the Waikato Region of the North Island, approximately 130 km (80 miles) south of Auckland. Hamilton is the centre of New Zealand's fourth largest urban area, and Hamilton City is the country's fourth largest territorial authority. In its natural state, Hamilton and environs was very swampy in winter. Like many New Zealand cities, private cars are the most common transport medium. Hamilton International Airport serves as both a domestic and international airport. There are direct flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and regular flights to other destinations throughout the North Island. The site had numerous small lakes which have now been drained. The city...

Whangarei, pronounced, is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland Region. It has a warm semi-tropical climate, with summer daytime temperatures around 24-26°C, regular rainy days year round and mild winters that rarely have frosts and are mild enough for the region to be described as the winterless north. Whangarei is around two hours drive north of Auckland. One hour south of the Bay of Islands and one hour east of Dargaville. Whangarei has good opportunities for short and medium duration walks. Whangarei has many tourist attractions and travel activities with something to suit all ages, tastes and budgets. From adrenaline-pumping adventure...