The best places to visit in New Zealand

If you're up for an adrenaline-filled adventure, head to the shore of Lake Wakatipu and spend a couple of days in Queenstown, a resort town southwest of the South Island. As the birthplace of adventure activities like bungy jumping, what better place to challenge your fears than with the country's oldest bungy jump experience at AJ Hackett's Kawarau Bridge (which also has the highest jump at a 134-metre plunge at Nevis Bungy for the daredevils amongst you). Queenstown is also the home of tandem skydiving, so there's the chance to skydive 1500ft over Queenstown and experience the heart-pounding thrill of freefalling with Nzone Skydive. But if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there are several fantastic hikes to conquer, such as tracks like Queenstown Hill, Moke Lake Loop or the more challenging Ben Lomond track. While you're in Queenstown, don't miss out on seeing one of the world's wonders, the jaw-dropping Milford Sound, a mere three-and-a-half hours' drive away. 

In the Alps of the South Island and just a short drive from Mount Aspiring National Park, Wanaka is the ultimate base for many outdoor activities. Mountain climbers and hikers can head to Roys Peak for a sunrise hike with panoramic views across Lake Wanaka through open tussock grasslands and alpine meadows. The nearby Isthmus Peak track also boasts views of Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and stunning views of the Southern Alps. Find time to take a leisurely stroll along Lake Wanaka to see the Instagram-famous Wanaka Willow, a lonely tree at the southern tip. If you want to kick your feet up after a strenuous hike, the charming Cinema Paradiso has comfy couches, great films and a cafe serving homemade ice cream, fresh hot cookies and cocktails. 

New Zealand's highest mountain, Mount Cook, is a must-visit when travelling the South Island. A third of the Mount Cook National Park is covered by glaciers – notably the Tasman, Hooker and Mueller glaciers – and there are several day walks, overnight hikes and mountaineering expeditions to choose from. Base yourself at Mount Cook Village for at least a night and hike the Hooker Valley Track, arguably one of New Zealand's best short walks with views of the peak of Aoraki/Mount Cook soaring above. Other great hikes include the Mueller Hut, Sealy Tarns and Tasman Glacier View Track. Get a bird's eye view of Mount Cook from the air with a scenic flight, or go on a boat trip with Glacial Explorers, where you can view New Zealand's largest glacier as you weave in and out of floating icebergs.

Spend your day lounging by milky turquoise waters and your night stargazing the skies at Lake Tekapo. Part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, the township of Tekapo faces north across the lake to the rugged mountains of the Southern Alps and, in the warmer months, springs to life with a sea of purple lupins. Make sure to check out the Church of the Good Shephard on the shores of Lake Tekapo at sunset before choosing from one of the many stargazing tours and experiences. From a summit experience held on the summit of Mount John to a chance to relax under the stars in a 38-degree hot pool and a VR experience with the Dark Sky Project, learn the science behind constellations, planets and galaxies along with local stories about New Zealand folklore, myths and legends.

Whether it's getting mucky on a mountain bike trail, marine wildlife spotting or trying out some mouthwatering seafood, there is so much to do in the charming seaside town of Kaikoura. The world-famous marine mammal and wildlife destination means you can watch or swim with dolphins on tour with Dolphin Encounter. Kaikoura is also the best place to spot sperm and humpback whales, and there are several scenic flights and boat tours that operate throughout the year. Experience the picturesque scenery by wheels on a mountain bike trail or on foot, where the 11.7-kilometre Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway loop will give you roaming views of the Kaikoura Ranges and the chance to see seals in their natural habitat at the Kaikoura Seal Colony. Kaikoura translates to "eat crayfish", so make sure you check out one of the fishmongers, local seafood vendors or restaurants to try some of the red rock lobster with generous helpings of garlic, butter and lemon.

Head for New Zealand's capital to sink your teeth into a city with more eateries and bars per capita than New York City. The remarkably compact city, often called 'Wellywood' or 'The Windy City', is chock-full of the three golden C's: coffee, culture and cuisine. Head to Wellington's bohemian Cuba Street and check out the many cafes, op-shops, fashion stores and art galleries that line the pavement. While in the area, dine at Fidel's Cafe, one of Wellington's oldest cafes or treat yourself to some fine dining at Logan Brown. Dedicate a day to scouring the Te Papa Museum, where entry is free, and you can learn all about Māori culture and New Zealand's history, geology, and native species. As well as being the culinary capital, Wellington is also the craft beer capital, and there are several tastings and tours of craft beer breweries where you can learn about the ingredients and the process and drink to your heart's content. 

Home to the largest lake in New Zealand, Taupo, is the place to experience geothermal wonders and try outdoor activities like kayaking, trout fishing and white water rafting. Check out Taupo's central geothermal park, Craters of the Moon, the geothermal walkway with bubbling craters and steaming vents. Watch the phenomenon of natural hydro power and stop by Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water per second charge into a turbulent pool. Heralded as the best one-day trek in New Zealand, Taupo is also an excellent base for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and several shuttles take you to the site of the famous volcanic hike. Don't forget to take a kayak or boat tour across the Western Bays of Lake Taupō to see the giant Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carving, hailed as one of New Zealand's most extraordinary contemporary Maori artworks.

A three-hour drive from Auckland, head to the Far North District to experience the coastal wonders of the Bay of Islands. The subtropical area is laden with islands with pristine beaches, charming towns, and native forests waiting to be explored. Base yourself in the boutique seaside town of Russell and choose from several boat tours that can take you up to Cape Reinga (the most spiritually significant place for Māoris), to the Hole in the Rock dolphin cruise or Urupukapuka Island. Find time to visit New Zealand's most important historical site, the award-winning Waitangi Treaty Grounds. As the site where New Zealand's founding document was signed in 1840, the museums invite you to learn about the intertwined history of Māori and European settlers over the past centuries.