When folks study I’m from New Zealand, I typically hear that it’s on the prime of their bucket record — or, in the event that they’ve been, that it’s their favourite nation on the planet.  I could also be biased, however I’m not stunned. The gorgeous pure magnificence, thriving culinary scene, and distinctive outside actions would allure even probably the most seasoned traveler.

In every single place you look, there’s a picture-perfect backdrop crammed with greenery and crystal-clear waters. And though it has plenty of untouched land, it boasts the identical highlights you’ll discover in any main world metropolis, with artwork galleries, buying districts, nightlife, and luxurious lodges. Plus, it’s politically secure and really secure, that are more and more interesting traits.

Geographically, the nation is split into two islands with distinct traits: the North Island is stuffed with seashores and is house to the principle cities, and the South Island is an alpine wonderland, outlined by majestic mountain landscapes, rugged coasts, and world-class ski slopes.

There was plenty of improvement over the previous few years, and vacationers have extra locations to eat, keep, and play than ever earlier than.  Under, see Journey + Leisure’s important information to benefiting from this magical South Pacific vacation spot, in accordance with an area.

North Island

The North Island is lined with lovely seashores and islands surrounding the slim coasts. It’s additionally the place the capital, Wellington, is situated, together with the nation’s largest and most cosmopolitan metropolis, Auckland, which is a necessary vacation spot on any New Zealand itinerary (and the gateway for many worldwide flights). As Annie Dundas, head of the customer financial system for Auckland Limitless notes, Auckland is “an city oasis — the proper fusion of a busy, trendy metropolis that appears out to mesmerizing landscapes and islands — all inside simple attain and laden with wineries and leisurely locations for lengthy lunches.” It’s price spending a minimum of 4 days in Auckland, however the North Island has many distinctive areas to discover, and beneath, we’ve charted the important thing locations to prioritize.

Auckland

Issues to Do

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a well-liked day journey for locals and is accessible by boat, ferry, or helicopter from downtown Auckland. It’s crammed with boutique wineries, eating places, and exquisite seashores, and is very well-liked in the summertime months, when music festivals and jazz live shows are hosted in sprawling vineyards. There’s additionally a recent artwork sculpture path, Sculpture on the Gulf, hosted every summer time, engaging many Aucklanders throughout the harbor for a cultured time out. Pop over for the day, tour the wineries, get a scoop of ice cream at Island Gelato Firm, and wander across the artisan boutiques. When you’d prefer to spend the evening, there are high-end leases out there on Waiheke Limitless and Vrbo, or for a lodge, go for Delamore Lodge.

Go to the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Artwork Gallery

For a close-up view of New Zealand’s tradition and historical past, go to the stately Auckland Museum, the place you’ll discover a assortment of nationwide artifacts together with a rotation of exhibitions. It’s set on the prime of town’s fundamental park and is inside strolling distance of Auckland CBD, the place the Auckland Artwork Gallery is situated. Right here you’ll discover among the nation’s most respected artworks together with varied worldwide collections. Each are worthwhile sights that may be ticked off in half a day.

Discover Business Bay and Britomart

Downtown Auckland has been remodeled over the previous decade and has turn into town’s most vibrant buying and eating hub. It’s bustling from day to nighttime and is very packed on Friday nights for after-work drinks and dinner. Yow will discover among the metropolis’s finest eating places and cocktail bars inside a small neighborhood, and it’s a trend mecca, with storefronts from main manufacturers and native trend designers (you’ll want to try Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, and Zambesi).

Accommodations

Park Hyatt Auckland

Since opening in 2020, the Park Hyatt has turn into the crème de la crème of the Auckland lodge scene. It has a major location, glorious views, facilities, eating places, and spacious rooms with freestanding bathtubs and terraces overlooking the Viaduct Harbor — ultimate for room service with some ambiance. It’s inside strolling distance of the most effective bars, eating places, and retailers, nevertheless it seems like a serene enclave the place you may handle to get evening’s sleep, regardless of being proper by the motion.

The Resort Britomart

Because the identify suggests, this stylish lodge is situated proper within the coronary heart of Britomart, surrounded by a few of Auckland’s finest buying and eating. Rooms are smooth and trendy but very small, so are appropriate for solo vacationers and {couples}. When you’re looking for one thing extra spacious, the suites are among the most interesting within the metropolis (with value tags to match). And the restaurant, Kingi, can be glorious. 

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor

Situated between the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter, the Sofitel has lengthy been a go-to for celebrities and diplomats visiting New Zealand. It boasts the excessive requirements that you’d anticipate from the French lodge model, with a fine-dining restaurant, elegant interiors, and a powerful spa and wellness middle. 

Eating places

Bivacco

For a enjoyable ambiance and Italian-inspired fare, head to Bivacco within the Viaduct. The menu has sharable classics like pizza, antipasto, pasta, and oysters, and on any given day, you’ll end up surrounded by well-heeled locals socializing over bottles of rosé and cocktails. 

Soul

Soul is a restaurant that has stood the take a look at of time, and for over 20 years, it has been a go-to venue for among the metropolis’s most trendy soirees. Like Bivacco, it’s additionally a energetic spot within the coronary heart of the Viaduct, the place folks go for the meals in addition to the scene. After dinner, there’s a dance ground that pulls a mature crowd, and on the menus you’ll discover contemporary seafood and bistro classics alongside an intensive wine and Champagne record.

Prego

Whereas it’s not the latest or the sceniest place, Prego has been a stable possibility alongside Ponsonby Street for years and is simply as well-liked with households as it’s for birthday celebrations and dinners previous large nights out on the bars alongside the strip. Go for the pizza or the hen saltimbocca — every part on the menu is nice as are the cocktails. All the time a dependable vacation spot for ambiance and scrumptious meals.

Wellington

Issues to Do

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Identified regionally as Te Papa, the nation’s largest museum is a necessary on any Wellington itinerary. It incorporates over 800,000 artworks and objects, and it has a rotation of exhibitions together with dinosaur skeletons and historic artifacts that you’d anticipate finding on the American Museum of Pure Historical past. It’s an attention-grabbing expertise for youngsters and adults alike.

Experience the Wellington Cable Automotive

For panoramic views of town, soar on the historic Wellington Cable Automotive, which boards within the coronary heart of the Lambton Quay buying district and travels up the hillside of Kelburn. Right here you will see a scenic lookout, botanic gardens, and the Cable Automotive Museum. 

Wander Hannahs Laneway 

Also called Leeds Road, Hannah’s Laneway is a foodie’s paradise, lined with road meals distributors, modern artwork, and funky cafes. You may choose up quite a lot of distinctly “Kiwi” specialties, from black forest toast to pies and creamy scorching candies. Simply you’ll want to skip breakfast so you’ve room to pattern every part.

Accommodations

QT Wellington

This centrally situated lodge might be equated to the likes of The Normal and Version Accommodations, with quirky, ultramodern design and a energetic meals and beverage scene.  It’s proper throughout from the Te Papa Museum within the middle of city and is well-liked with each enterprise and leisure vacationers. There are 65 lodge rooms with both metropolis or harbor views, and it additionally has 98 residences. 

Wharekauhau Nation Property

Though it’s a 90-minute drive from Wellington, this luxurious lodge is a well-liked cease on any Wellington itinerary. It’s set on a 5,000-acre property overlooking the coast and has welcomed the royal household and plenty of worldwide diplomats visiting the capital. Every little thing is designed so that you just don’t want to go away: meals is included and sourced from the farm, it has a spa and health middle, and quite a lot of outside actions from ATV quad biking to tennis. 

Eating places

Rita

You will have to e book a month upfront to safe a desk at this intimate prix-fixe restaurant. The menu is seasonal and it adjustments each day, so there’s at all times one thing new. A typical evening may function lamb manti, panfried snapper, and crisp meringue — scrumptious renditions of native New Zealand delicacies.

Loretta

Situated on the nightlife-centric Cuba Road, Loretta is a spot to get pleasure from crowd-pleasing classics in a enjoyable atmosphere.  It’s famend for its sourdough pizzas and vanilla cheesecakes and is a good place to go along with mates earlier than an evening out or for brunch on a Sunday. 

Ortega Fish Shack

This nautical-themed restaurant has among the finest seafood round, from Yellowtail Kingfish ceviche to smoked Moki rillettes and inexperienced lipped mussels. It’s a captivating and eclectic place that completely represents the hip, inventive vibe of Wellington. 

Matakana

Issues to Do

Sculptureum

Sculptureum is a beautiful and cultured place to spend a day, with six artwork galleries, three sculpture gardens, a winery, and a restaurant appropriately named Rothko. Whether or not you’re staying within the space or doing a day journey up from Auckland, it’s a necessary for modern artwork lovers and is very nice to go to in the summertime months.

Matakana Village Farmers Market

Each weekend, Matakana Village comes alive with rustic markets that includes quite a lot of artisan meals stands and contemporary native produce. You’ll discover scrumptious native cheese, honey, baked items, chocolate, and award-winning flat whites.  It’s arrange proper subsequent to the boutiques within the charming village, the place you’ll discover every part from quaint homeware shops to shoe retailers, and there’s additionally a cinema and a restaurant inside the principle village advanced.

Omaha Seashore

The Rodney District has among the most gorgeous seashores on the North Island, and some of the well-liked amongst them is Omaha — a white sand seaside that pulls swimmers, surfers, and households establishing for the day. It’s solely a 10-minute drive from Matakana Village, and it has ample parking, a café, a boutique with swim necessities, and a playground. For larger waves, surfers head to Tawharanui Seashore, which can be situated throughout the Matakana area. 

Accommodations

Takatu Lodge

This attractive boutique lodge is situated on a serene hilltop overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. It has solely 4 suites with luxurious furnishings, underfloor heating, and views overlooking the gardens and the vineyards. Meals are offered within the eating areas and tailor-made to company’ preferences. Additionally, picnics are on provide for these eager to arrange on the close by seashores for the day. 

Eating places

Brick Bay

Brick Bay is an analogous idea to Sculptureum, with a restaurant, wine tastings, and a recent sculpture path positioned round a pond and all through a local bush. It’s been round for a very long time and may be very well-liked with each locals and Aucklanders, so it’s price reserving upfront, even when it’s simply to pattern their wine varietals over a cheese platter after the lunchtime rush. 

Bay of Islands

Issues to Do

Cruise the Islands

The Bay of Islands has 144 subtropical islands, and there are numerous methods to discover them, be it by chartering a yacht, occurring a scheduled group boat tour, hiring a kayak, or embarking of a snorkeling expedition. You may see an abundance of enchanting sea life, too, together with dolphins, penguins, and whales. 

Go to the Waitangi Treaty grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand’s most vital historic website, the place the nation’s founding doc was signed again in 1840. As we speak, it incorporates two museums with interactive shows, guided excursions to study in regards to the nation’s historical past, and conventional Maori cultural performances which are staged within the assembly home. 

Accommodations

Kauri Cliffs

Kauri Cliffs was not too long ago added to the Rosewood portfolio, which is testomony to its excessive requirements. It’s one in all New Zealand’s most iconic luxurious lodges, with a golf course that’s ranked thirty seventh on Golf Digest’s High 100 Biggest Golf Programs within the World, a superb restaurant, and a superb spa nestled right into a tranquil forest filled with native birdlife. 

Eagle’s Nest

Positioned on a personal 75-acre peninsula overlooking the Bay of Islands, Eagle’s Nest is one in all New Zealand’s most luxurious boutique retreats. It’s an intimate enclave, with solely 5 villas which are superbly designed. One factor to notice is that there is no such thing as a restaurant, nevertheless breakfast provisions are offered and there are on-call cooks out there for personal eating. 

Eating places

Duke of Marlborough

The Duke of Marlborough is New Zealand’s first pub, and since opening in 1827 (earlier than the Treaty of Waitangi was signed close by), it has undergone varied reincarnations. Go to at the moment and also you’ll discover a refined model of a traditional pub, with décor that feels contemporary whereas honoring its historical past. Menus function regionally sourced, seasonal fare with well-liked objects like paua risotto, clam fritters, pork stomach, and naturally, a stable burger.  

South Island

The South Island is famend for its spectacular pure surroundings from the golden seashores of the Abel Tasman to the fiords and mountains within the Southern Alps. The vibe is usually extra informal, and it’s the place most of the nation’s finest journey actions will be skilled. In Wanaka and Queenstown, you’ll discover pristine ski slopes, dramatic mountain landscapes, and an array of sprawling wineries. It’s additionally house to lots of New Zealand’s Nice Walks and multi-day hikes. There are numerous lovely locations to discover, and as Sarah Handley, Tourism New Zealand’s normal supervisor for the Americas and Europe notes, “New Zealand’s connection to the U.S. has by no means been stronger, and Individuals can now fly continuous to Christchurch, within the South Island, with United’s direct service from SFO [starting Dec. 8].”

Queenstown

Issues to Do

Over the High Helicopter Tour

For a real bucket record expertise, take a helicopter journey and tour by means of the Southern Alps and the Milford Sound.  It’s probably the most magical option to see every part, and expertise areas which are normally inaccessible, just like the secluded Madagascar Seashore and snow-capped, sky-high peaks. The “eurocopters” are cutting-edge, with most visibility from any vantage level.  They are often booked privately or as a part of scheduled group excursions. 

TSS Earnslaw Cruise

Famend as “the Woman of the Lake,” the Earnslaw is a 110-year-old steamboat that excursions Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown right down to Glenorchy. It’s top-of-the-line methods to watch the pure grandeur of the Remarkables and Cecil Peak and is a very well-liked exercise for households. The cruise itself take 90 minutes, however there are numerous experiences that may be added on arrival at Walter Peak Excessive Nation Farm, together with horse treks, biking, or barbecues. 

Arrowtown

Arrowtown is a historic gold-mining city that appears like a village out of a fairy story. Every little thing has been lovingly preserved and it’s lined with quaint artisan boutiques, galleries, cafes, and eating places. It’s solely a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, and on the way in which, you might cease at Millbrook Resort for a spherical of golf or a spa session (simply outdoors of the principle village). Make sure you cease at The Outstanding Candy Store for the crème brulee fudge.  

Accommodations

Eichardt’s Non-public Resort

Eichardt’s an iconic Queenstown institution and some of the beloved boutique lodges within the nation. It has an distinctive cocktail bar, restaurant, and a spa, together with a $20,000-per-night penthouse situated above the Louis Vuitton boutique subsequent door. The situation couldn’t be higher, positioned proper on the shores of Lake Wakatipu within the middle of the motion. Contained in the rooms, the interiors are ultra-luxurious and suited to the alpine theme of the city — assume crackling fireplaces, marble bogs with underfloor heating, and plush beds with fur throws. 

Matakauri Lodge

Matakauri Lodge is one other property that was not too long ago added to Rosewood’s portfolio (together with Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers within the Hawkes Bay) and is a key vacation spot on New Zealand’s luxurious circuit, internet hosting the British royal household and plenty of celebrities over time. The intimate lakeside retreat has solely 13 spacious lodging and it boasts gorgeous views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Cocktail hour is a social affair, and the meals and wine choices are world class.

The Carlin

The Carlin is new, nevertheless it’s already garnered worldwide acclaim, profitable Greatest New Resort on the Boutique Resort Awards in 2022. It’s a spot that might have “Palace” distinction if it have been in France, with ultra-luxe facilities that surpass the everyday five-star commonplace. Company have entry to personal jets and Michelin-star eating, and it’s house to the biggest penthouse within the Southern Hemisphere.

Eating places

Amisfield

Situated only a 15-minute drive from town middle, Amisfield is the most well-liked vineyard and restaurant within the area and is a necessary daytime tour for any Queenstown itinerary. Wine tastings can be found, and there are glorious Pinot Noirs produced on website. However to profit from it, do an al fresco lunch within the superbly manicured courtyard and take within the views of the postcard-worthy mountains.

Botswana Butchery

This energetic lakefront bistro is one to e book upfront, significantly should you’re visiting on a weekend. It has a captivating ambiance and among the finest representations of hearty New Zealand delicacies sourced from the encompassing farms and waters. It additionally has a superb wine record with varietals from vineyards within the space.

Fergburger

You will have to time your go to to Fergburger nicely, because the strains can typically exceed an hour within the evenings, nevertheless it has the most effective burgers in Queenstown (and wherever, actually) and is price factoring in. There’s a lengthy menu of choices to go well with everybody together with vegetarian choices, beef, lamb, pork, fish, hen, and in addition breakfast burgers. The identical operators additionally opened Fergbaker subsequent door the place you may choose up a traditional meat pie — each scrumptious choices, particularly on a chilly and snowy day.

Glenorchy

Blanket Bay

Glenorchy may be very distant, and what to do, the place to remain, and the place to dine all fall beneath the identical class if you wish to do it nicely. The place to go? Blanket Bay, the place apocalypse-weary billionaires are identified to flee. It is without doubt one of the nation’s most interesting luxurious lodges and is the easiest way to expertise all the realm has to supply, with a superb restaurant, bar, spa and wellness middle, and quite a lot of outside actions from horse driving to heliskiing and jet boating. Lodging are cut up between rooms in the principle home and luxuriously embellished standalone villas.

Christchurch

Issues to Do

Aoraki Mackenzie Worldwide Darkish Sky Reserve

Situated within the Mt. Prepare dinner Nationwide Park, the Aoraki Mackenzie Worldwide Darkish Sky Reserve has among the clearest and darkest skies for star-spotting. It was the primary Darkish Sky Reserve to be established in New Zealand, and is a magical option to expertise the nation’s untouched pure magnificence by evening. 

Discover the Metropolis’s Artwork Galleries

Christchurch has a thriving artwork scene and plenty of galleries within the central metropolis which are price trying out. The primary ones to prioritize are the Centre of Modern Artwork (CoCa), Christchurch Artwork Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu, and the Christchurch Artwork Centre. 

Accommodations

The Mayfair

Since opening in 2022, The Mayfair has been a welcome addition to town’s luxurious lodge scene. It’s a boutique lodge with minimal, modern décor, and complicated eating choices from excessive tea to an all-day café and cocktail bar and bistro. The central location makes it well-liked for each leisure and enterprise vacationers. 

The Observatory Resort

The Observatory is an elegant, design-forward boutique lodge that additionally opened in Christchurch in 2022.  It has wealthy interiors that give the sense of everlasting evening, with vivid colours and ambient lighting. Rooms are very photogenic, and there are a number of eating choices from the Drawing Room to all-day eatery Bunsen, and extra informal choices throughout the broader advanced, from meals vans to sushi and dumplings.

Eating places

Inati

Inati is a trendy nice eating institution helmed by the previous head chef of Gordon Ramsay’s The Warrington. If there’s one place to e book upfront in Christchurch, that is it. The menu is crammed with sharing plates and is split into earth, land, and sea classes. Company can park up at elegant stools overlooking the open kitchen and observe their meals being artfully crafted. 

Greatest Occasions to Go to New Zealand

If you wish to expertise the good outdoor (which is the first drawcard), the most effective time to go to is over the summer time, between December and the start of April. Throughout this era, temperatures are balmy and also you’re extra more likely to encounter stable blocks of sunshine. It’s additionally when the cities come alive, with many music festivals and cultural occasions, and is the most effective time to discover the seashores, wineries, and gorgeous strolling tracks. That mentioned, New Zealand is a good place to go to year-round, and additionally it is a world-renowned ski vacation spot with ski resorts all through the North and South Island. When you’re trying to ski, the months to think about can be between June and October, when the fields are open. 

How one can Get There

One of the simplest ways to get to New Zealand is to fly into Auckland Airport, which is the nation’s major gateway. Air New Zealand has a number of routes out there, together with a direct flight from New York Metropolis, which takes 17 hours however is surprisingly manageable, given it flies in a single day (and the airline is famend for its glorious delicacies and excessive commonplace total). United Airways is launching a direct flight from San Francisco’s SFO in December, and Qantas additionally has a route from New York to Auckland. 

Transportation

When you arrive on the airport, there are taxis and rideshare providers out there, together with Uber, however given every part is kind of unfold out, it’s undoubtedly price renting a automotive. That may assist you to simply discover all the completely different areas (a few of which don’t have common public transport choices out there). Driving can be a good way to go to among the extra distant seashores and locations off the overwhelmed path. When you’re planning on staying within the metropolis facilities, there are buses out there, trains (albeit with restricted routes), and ferries.