See more of New Zealand
get the full New Zealand experience
See the rest of the country as well, not just the amazing scenery but also the activities for adrenaline junkies and more. New Zealand has so much to offer for petrol heads.
Amazing things to see & do in New Zealand's North Island
the North Island has so much to offer
If you are looking to spend a few more days in New Zealand after the WRC Rally of New Zealand finishes, you’ll find all the tips for an amazing holiday or vacation here. It doesn't matter what kind of traveller you are, there is something to do & see for everyone.
Get a great rental car deal and explore the North Island.
New Zealand really should be at the top of every traveller’s list. The country has varied topography from majestic mountains to fantastic beaches and from action-packed activities to amazing hikes, New Zealand keeps surprising you. It doesn’t matter where you’ll go or what you’ll do, you will have a great time here in Aotearoa (New Zealand in Māori).
Cape Reinga: northwesternmost tip of the North Island
One of the must-see places to visit while in New Zealand for the Rally of New Zealand is Cape Reinga, all the way up in Northland. Cape Reinga is the northernmost tip of New Zealand.
Cape Reinga is where two seas meet. The Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet here in a swirl of currents. It is the place where the Maori spirits begin their journey. Te Rerenga Wairua – the Māori name of Cape Reinga- literally means the leaping-off place of spirits.
Another pronounced and unique item that you will find in the region is a gnarled Pohutukawa tree which is believed to be more than 800 years old. The tree has a great history and it is believed to be where the spirits of the deceased Maori leap to the ocean as they return to Hawaiki, their ancestral land.
Another iconic must-see item is the Cape Reinga lighthouse, which was built in 1941.
Tongariro Crossing: the most famous hike in New Zealand
If you love hiking and other outdoor activities, then New Zealand should be at top of your dream travel destination. And New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise, a land of vast fields with a lot to see and explore. With so many hiking spots in that beautiful small country, Tongariro crossing is probably the most memorable hike.
You will get to explore an active crater, and see lakes coloured like emeralds, lava flow, steam vents, and many other magnificent views that will make you love New Zealand if another amazing landmark hasn’t had that effect on you earlier. There is so much to do and see in New Zealand.
You can start your hike from any side, but the most common starting point is the Mangatepopo valley with exquisite scenery. Here you will see lava flow and spot carious vegetation and unique lava rocks. The next stage is the south crater. If you are a climber, then this won’t be an enormous challenge. The views there are magical.
The next phase of the hike is the highest point of the Tongariro crossing known as the red crater. Next, you would descend past the emerald lakes and this is an exquisite spot to take pictures and make memories. After that, you finish the hike at the Ketetahi road end.
The North Island has much more to offer
from outdoor activities to craft beer
From Auckland, it is easy to explore the surrounding area. The City of Sails really is the start of an amazing time in New Zealand. Make sure to leave time after the WRC Rally of New Zealand to see more of the North Island.
Coromandel Peninsula: little paradise close to Auckland
The Coromandel Peninsula is the preferred summer tourist destination for most Aucklanders. In just 2 to 2.5 hours you’ll drive from the big city to the Coromandel Peninsula, an area packed with amazing scenery, beaches and tranquillity.
Famous for its natural beauty, the Coromandel Peninsula is blessed with a rare combo of physical features. Imagine a place overflowing with; green valleys and misty rainforests inland, while being surrounded by pristine sandy beaches on the coastline.
Some of the sites that should be on top of your lists when you visit the Coromandel Peninsula include:
The Sleeping God Canyon
Appropriately packaged in a tour that involves traversing 80-meter-high waterfalls and exciting water slides, this is the perfect experience for adrenaline junkies and people seeking out an exciting day.
Cathedral Cove
A historical treasure to the local Maori population, this enchanting destination is only accessible by kayak, boat, or foot. Known natively as Te-Whanganui-a-Hei (The Great Bay of Hei) the cove is famous for the arched cave linking it to the nearby Mare’s Leg Cove.
Chums Beach
Have a picnic and sunbathe on New Chums Beach. This so-called “hidden beach” is famous for its views of the ocean and sandy beaches making it perfect for activities like sunbathing and picnics.
Hot Water Beach
Enjoy underground thermal water at Hot Water Beach where you can dig up your own tubs and spas. Get a couple of friends during low tide and try and make a makeshift natural bath tub or sauna.
East Cape road trip
Be the first to see the light. The East Cape is the most-eastern part of New Zealand. See the art-deco city of Napier or go to beach-town & surf heaven Gisborne. But there is more to see when you go for the full East Cape coastal route. Many travellers don't have the time to do this amazing road trip but the ones that do it are glad they went for it.
Wellington: craft beer capital of New Zealand
The capital of New Zealand - Wellington- has more to offer than regular city stuff. Wellington is also the craft beer capital of New Zealand. You will find an amazing range of craft beer breweries and taprooms here.
Visit craft beer breweries like Garage Project, Panhead, Kereru and more on your own or go off the beaten craft beer path. Go for a guided craft beer tour by the most passionate craft beer tour guide there is. You will go behind the scenes of some of the best NZ craft beer breweries on these tours.
NZ must-do for petrol heads
the best & most exciting activities
Want to do more than just a road trip and enjoying the amazing scenery of New Zealand? No worries. New Zealand is also the most amazing playground for adrenaline junkies.
There are so many things in New Zealand you can climb on, jump off of, hop on board and go full speed over the road, river or whatever. If you like to go to the max and to enjoy an adrenaline boost, then New Zealand will be heaven for you. Check it out!
Is the South Island even more amazing?
heaps of travellers say so; it is up to you to find out
Your trip to the South island will revolve around lakes & mountains. When visiting the South Island in winter you will have a hard time choosing ski fields as there are quite a few to choose from.
In all other seasons, the South Island will be your sunny backdrop of amazing hikes and fun road trips. Here are some of the highlights you don't want to miss on the South Island.
Abel Tasman National Park: incredible beauty and amazing scenery
Abel Tasman National Park is located in the north of New Zealand's South Island and is known for its incredible beauty. With miles of hiking trails, crystal-clear waters, and lush green forests, Abel Tasman National Park is a paradise for nature lovers.
Some of the best ways to experience the park are by kayak. Paddling through the sheltered waters of Abel Tasman is a truly magical experience. You will get up close and personal with native wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and birds.
There are plenty of hiking trails to explore if you are adventurous. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of the most popular trails in the park. The track takes you through some of the most stunning scenery in New Zealand, including pristine beaches, lush forests, and rocky cliffs.
Marlborough wine region: take your taste buds on a trip
Marlborough wine region is located in the north of the south island of New Zealand. They started planting vines early, around the 1870s. The best-known wine worldwide is Sauvignon Blanch. It is famous for its acid and dry flavours with a mouth-watering taste of tropical fruit and natural herbaceous aromas.
Marlborough is one of the best places in New Zealand with a lot of sun hours per year and basically fantastic weather year-round. This allows multiple fun activities to be carried out. These activities include wine tasting or exploring the vineyards by bike. With over 30 cellar doors to choose from and various vineyard restaurants. It truly is the best place to indulge in a locally-sourced meal that comes with a combination of Marlborough wine. The feelings of satisfaction and happiness are unmatched.
Queenstown: a paradise for adrenaline junkies and foodies
Queenstown in the Otago region on the South Island is among the best places you should consider visiting, especially if you are an adrenaline-junky. It has come to be known as the adventure capital due to the fact that so many amazing adrenaline-rush activities are located there.
From the classic Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the most well-known Bungy jump in the globe, to jet boating thrills along with untamed grandeur and amazing natural beauty of the Shotover River's white-water rapids.
Travellers love Queenstown as it pushes their adventure limits, creates a massive adrenaline rush and combines it all with amazing scenery and great nightlife in Queenstown.
You can definitely take your taste buds on an adventure in Queenstown as well. Try one of Fergburger's well-known burgers, pick up something yummy at one of the dessert establishments like Patagonia Chocolates or check out some of the fine-dining establishments.
Also, consider taking a wine tour to learn more about the industry and the famed Gibbston wine region. Gibbston Valley Winery, a commercial vineyard since 1983, is packed with history and creates amazing wines. A must-visit for every wine-loving traveller.
Especially since Central Otago is one of the best regions for Pinot Noir wines in the world. It sits at the top of the line together with famous wine regions like Burgundy in France and Oregon in the USA. You can’t visit New Zealand without tasting a Pinot Noir wine from the Cental Otago region.
NZ is paradise for foodies
take your tastebuds on a trip
Every foodie, wino and fan of craft beer will have an amazing time in New Zealand. Our locally-sourced ingredients and locally-produced dishes, wines and beers are of extremely high quality. It'll leave your tastebuds in awe.
And we're not talking about fine-dining exclusively. No worries. The New Zealand quality can be found in the simplest dishes or establishments. From a craft beer tasting at any of the many taprooms combined with simple yet amazing bar food to a wine tasting combined with an olive oil tasting. You will taste the magic that New Zealand's soil and the Kiwi attitude add to all these drinks and foods.
