New Zealand is a dream destination for travellers of all kinds who love nature, adventure, and culture! It is an small island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean, as is made of two main islands – the North and the South Islands, along with hundreds of smaller ones.
New Zealand is renowned for having a diverse and stunning landscape, ranging from the golden beaches and lush forests of the North Island to the majestic mountains and fiords of the South Island. It is also rich in history and culture, with a strong influence from the indigenous Māori people and the European settlers.
An Overview of New Zealand
| New Zealand Location: | Southwestern Pacific Ocean |
| Country Size (km2): | 268,021 km² |
| Population | 5.2 million (as of 2022) |
| New Zealand Islands: | Two main islands (North Island and South Island) and over 700 smaller islands |
| Capital City of New Zealand: | Wellington |
| Regions of New Zealand: | North Island: Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu-Wanganui, Wellington South Island: Nelson-Tasman, Marlborough, West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, Southland |
| Main Cities and Towns in New Zealand | Auckland, Christchurch, Tauranga, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Napier, Nelson, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Whangarei, Invercargill, Whanganui, Gisborne |
| Maori Name | Aotearoa |
North Island of New Zealand
The North Island is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, and is separated from the South Island by Cook Strait. It is home to over 3,922,00 people – the majority of New Zealand’s population! The North Island has a diverse geography, climate and culture, with many urban areas, volcanoes, lakes, and national parks. Some of the major attractions in the North Island include:
- Auckland: the largest city and economic hub of the North Island
- Rotorua: A geothermal wonderland and centre of Māori culture
- Wellington: The Capital City and cultural hotspot
- The Bay of Islands: a subtropical paradise of 144 islands!
Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, located on the North Island. It is known as the ‘City of Sails’ as it is nestled on the stunning Auckland Harbour. Auckland offers a variety of experiences, from urban delights to natural wonders. You can explore the vibrant downtown area, visit museums and galleries, enjoy the nightlife and cuisine, or take a ferry to one of the nearby islands. You can also discover the volcanic cones, rainforests, beaches and wildlife that surround the city!
Rotorua
Rotorua is a city in the Bay of Plenty Region, famous for its geothermal activity, Māori culture, and adventure tourism! It is located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, which is part of a volcanic caldera. The city and its surroundings are dotted with geysers, hot springs, mud pools, and craters – making for a unique and memorable experience! Rotorua is also a centre of Māori culture, where you can see traditional performances, arts and crafts, and visit a living village. If you are looking for some adrenaline, you can try bungy jumping, ziplining, rafting, mountain biking, and more!
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is a region on the east coast of the North Island, and encompasses 144 stunning islands and a natural harbour! It has a rich history of Māori settlement, whaling, sealing and tourism. Visitors can explore the Bay of Islands by boating or getting out on a kayak, and have a chance to see the incredible marine wildlife that call the bay home! Visitors can learn about the history and significance of the area, especially at Waitangi, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.
Wellington
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand, and is located at the very bottom of the North Island! It is a compact and vibrant city, with a stunning harbour, hills, and coastline. The city is known for its culture, creativity, and cuisine. You can visit the national museum Te Papa, wander around the Beehive (Buildings of Parliment), explore the stunning Botanic Gardens, or ride the iconic cable car! Wellington is also a foodie’s paradise, with an awesome range of cafes, restaurants, bars, and markets to explore!
South Island
The South Island is the largest of the two main islands of New Zealand, covering 150,437 km2, but is only home to around 23% of the population! It has a diverse and spectacular geography, spanning from the sun-soaked beaches of the Nelson-Tasman Region to the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. It is called Te Waipounamu, meaning “the Water of Greenstone” in Māori. Some of the popular destinations in the South Island include:
- Nelson: The sunshine city, and gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park
- Queenstown: The Adventure Capital of New Zealand!
- Christchurch: The biggest city in the South Island
- Dunedin
- Milford Sound
Nelson
Nelson is a beautiful city, located in the Nelson-Tasman region of the South Island! It is known for its sunny climate, its thriving arts and crafts scene, and its incredible scenery. The city centre is filled with a fantastic array of boutique shops, art galleries, cafes and local markets – making it an interesting city to explore!
Nelson is a gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, where you can kayak, hike, or camp along the golden sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Queenstown
Queenstown is nestled on the shores of the beautiful Lake Wakitipu in the Otago Region of the South Island. It is known for its adventure and ski tourism, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand! You can enjoy a range of activities in Queenstown, including bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, rafting, hiking, biking, and golfing. Afterwards, you can relax and enjoy the scenery with a lovely glass of locally-produced wine from the nearby Gibbston Valley!
Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, and is located along the east coast in the Canterbury Region. It has a bit of everything – from fantastic cafes and restaurants in the city centre, to beautiful beaches and the rolling Port Hills.
Dunedin
Dunedin is a city on the east coast of the South Island, at the head of Otago Harbour. It was founded by Scottish settlers in 1848, and has a strong heritage and culture. One of the highlights of Dunedin is its beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture, seen on the Dunedin Railway Station, the Larnach Castle, and the University of Otago!
Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of the main attractions in the Fiordland National Park and is a part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. It has been judged the world’s top travel destination and acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination! Located in the Southland region of New Zealand, it is famous for its rainforest, numerous waterfalls, dramatic rock faces and marine wildlife.
