New Zealand is home to more than just beautiful landscapes and hobbits. A melting pot of different cultures, its blend of European, Pacific Islander, and indigenous Māori heritage give the island its unique charm. To get a real sense of the colonial, geographic, and indigenous forces that have shaped this city, be sure to check out the Auckland Museum, located in the heart of the city. Nature lovers might find themselves more drawn to the volcanoes, beaches, and caves nearby.

New Zealand is home to more than just beautiful landscapes and hobbits. A melting pot of different cultures, its blend of European, Pacific Islander, and indigenous Māori heritage give the island its unique charm. To get a real sense of the colonial, geographic, and indigenous forces that have shaped this city, be sure to check out the Auckland Museum, located in the heart of the city. Nature lovers might find themselves more drawn to the volcanoes, beaches, and caves nearby.

The Bay of Islands is a sweeping sub-region of northern New Zealand. The enormous inlet holds 144 islands and dozens of cities and towns, each more charming than the last. Breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful rainforests, and clear waters teeming with marine life await, and the region also has a fascinating history marked by clashes between the colonists and the region’s indigenous Māori people.

Tauranga is a booming port city surrounded by stunning nature. Its bustling waterfront is full of diverse restaurants and pop-up shops that are popular among tourists and locals alike. Nearby, some of New Zealand’s greatest natural wonders are just waiting to be discovered. From the nearby Mount Maunganui to the hot springs of Rotorua to the marine life living just offshore, Tauranga is the perfect launching point to discover New Zealand’s bay of Islands.

The main city in New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region, Napier is a charming town built in the distinctive Art Deco style of the 1930s. Classic cars, vintage clothing and stunning design await if you choose to tour the city’s historical quarter. Napier is also a great destination for kids, with an aquarium, a technology museum, and a petting zoo all providing great activities for families. Grown-up travelers may prefer to spend the day touring a winery, and adventurous travelers won’t want to miss a day trip to Te Mata Park with its redwood forests and limestone cliffs.

Picton is a large port town in the Marlborough region which is situated North East of the South Island of New Zealand. Tourism in Picton and the surrounding area is very much focused on wildlife and the local landscape. Picton is an idea base for exploring the Marlborough Sound. There are numerous day cruises to areas such as Lochmara, where guests can expect to find bushwalks, wildlife as well as traditional Kiwi culture Tourists are advised to visit the Whaling Museum and the restored ship 'Edwin Fox' which is located in the port of Pictons.

The capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a charming, coastal city with a number of cultural centers and landmarks disproportionate to its size. Its picturesque crescent-shaped harbor is the perfect place for a pleasant walk on a calm day, or you can explore the surrounding countryside on a guided tour – a landscape you just might recognize from New Zealand’s most famous fantasy film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.

Christchurch lies on the South Island of New Zealand and is a gateway to the scenic and beautiful Canterbury region. Known as the 'Garden City', Christchurch is full of natural beauty, with scenic gardens, vast green parks and the Avon River flowing gently through the city. Christchurch is an energetic and vibrant city, with a huge range of pop up restuarants, contemporary art galleries, boutique shops and open-air markets adding to the creative and lively feel of the city. The backdrop for Christchurch is the lofty and beautiful peaks of Cantebury.

Dunedin is a quirky university town located on the south island of New Zealand. Its colorful downtown, full of cute cafes and elaborate street art, make it a popular destination for young people, while its windswept beaches and rolling hills delight nature lovers and solitude seekers of all ages. Its thriving art scene make it a great place for shopping, and the handmade jewelry, homeware, and local art make great souvenirs as well as gifts.

Dusky Sound is a remote fiord located in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, not far from Manapouri. The fiord itself comprises mainly of lush green forests and rocks. Dusky Sound is steeped in history, with Captain Cook having spent five weeks here in 1773, while the first ever European-styled house and boat to be built in New Zealand were built nearby. Visitors can expect to find mountainous territory with multiple valleys and forests. Other activities include fishing, kayaking and just simply taking in the breath-taking views.