New Zealand is a land of adventure. Its two main islands offer striking contrasts. Along with a multitude of smaller islands, the North Island, known as the Smoking Island, and the South Island, nicknamed the Jade Island, make up this vast and magnificent country inhabited by the Kiwis. During your stay in this faraway land, explore its amazing cities, magnificent beaches, geothermal sites, geysers, mountains, national parks, and numerous unique activities… Here are just a few highlights you're sure to enjoy during your trip to New Zealand.
Visit to the smoking island
Most visitors often arrive on the North Island, particularly in the city of Auckland, during their stay in New Zealand. A visit to the "city of sails" This will be an opportunity for travelers to discover a large number of attractive sites, particularly the Sky Tower, the War Memorial Museum, the Art Gallery, and the charming Devonport district. After discovering the essential sights in Auckland, set your sights on Waitomo Located 300 kilometers southwest of Auckland, this site is famous for its glow-in-the-dark caves illuminated by tiny fireflies living on the cave walls. Consider taking a short boat trip through the underground galleries to admire the spectacle.
Change course and head to Rotorua , specifically to the villages of Mitai or Ohinemutu, to immerse yourself in Māori culture and history through concerts and encounters with locals. Then, continue on to the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal area, about 20 kilometers from Rotorua, to admire the local geothermal activity. The site is surrounded by lunar landscapes of fumaroles, hot springs, volcanic craters, unusual rock formations, and impressive geysers like Lady Knox, which erupts up to 20 meters high. For a true taste of New Zealand's natural beauty, explore Tongariro National Park before concluding your trip to the "Smoking Island" with a visit to Wellington , the capital of New Zealand, located at the southern tip of the North Island.
Discovering Jade Island
The South Island, also known as the Jade Island, is quite different from the North Island. Wilder and more rugged, the Jade Island boasts a rich natural environment . If you wish to visit this part of New Zealand from the North Island, you must take the ferry from Wellington to the beautiful town of Picton. During the three-hour crossing, admire the breathtaking scenery of Wellington Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds. Upon arrival in Picton, enjoy its peaceful atmosphere, with its landscapes nestled between the sea and hills, and its magnificent Victorian houses. Take a break at one of its restaurants for a meal.
Next, head towards Nelson via the scenic route . Nelson, a popular tourist destination, promises memorable attractions such as its city center adorned with Victorian architecture, its local market, its waterfront, and its stunning bay. Then continue on to Abel Tasman National Park to explore its beech forest, its impressive granite cliffs, and its deserted golden and orange beaches. A short cruise along the coast offers the chance to discover the island where seals roam.
Near Cape Foulwind, a seal colony awaits you in an extraordinary landscape. Your journey wouldn't be complete without a visit to Punakaiki and its unusual Pancake Rocks . From there, head towards Greymouth to reach Hokitika , a town famous for its jade workshops. Continuing south, you'll arrive at the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers , located in Westland National Park. It's worth noting that it's possible to walk right at the foot of the Fox Glacier. Finally, don't leave New Zealand without spending some time in the city of Queenstown .