Best Tourist Hotspots in New Zealand

It can be hard to know where to start in a vast country with amazing scenery, bustling cities, hidden gems, and so much to see and do! Here is a rundown of some of the main towns and cities and what you should visit while you are there.

Christchurch

Christchurch suffered badly in the earthquakes of 2010/11, but the regeneration is a testament to the spirit and determination of those who live there. In the city center, you will find the architecturally fascinating Christchurch casino, where you can experience live casino action and take in the fantastic design of the bar and restaurant area and the exterior of the building.

The botanic gardens are gorgeous, and as you stroll around the area, you will see the beautiful vistas offered by Hagley Park. Both locations are great for taking a coffee and just sitting quietly at one with nature, admiring the views. You can also marvel at the community's resourcefulness as they found that much rebuilding could be achieved with shipping containers. Likely, you will never have seen so many in one place! This is a bustling and noisy city but has plenty to offer and is worth a few days of your holiday.

Auckland

Auckland's biggest harbour cities is Auckland, often referred to as the city of sails. On the west of the city limits is Manukau Harbour and on the east is Waitemata Harbour, with the central district nestled between touching the water on one side. There are some fantastic beaches to be found and the islands that make up the Hauraki Gulf, so there is a lot to explore. In the city, you will find many art galleries, museums and monuments, and cosmopolitan style shopping.

The hidden gems of Auckland are the rainforests that edge sprawling parklands. You can get up close and personal with thermal springs and volcanic cones, and their national park reaches the city walls making it easy to access and a must to explore. Hiking trails are well signposted, and you can also find guides available to hire if you are worried about your sense of direction.

Queenstown

On the banks of Lake Wakatipu, we find Queenstown, which is also a tourist hotspot for those exploring New Zealand. There is so much to do that you can easily spend weeks here. On the south, you have the fantastic panorama of the Southern Alps, which provides a thrill-seekers playground with snowboarding, skiing, bungee-jumping, mountain biking and more for a high-octane holiday.

For a more sedate traveler, there are plenty of more chilled experiences waiting, wine tasking, good food, and plenty of shopping will satisfy the desires for a quieter life. Queenstown does have a vibrant nightlife and a small casino offering, giving you plenty of entertainment pass time in the evenings. It attracts a predominately younger gathering, but there really is enough for everyone here, and it is highly recommended during your time in NZ.