Discover our Kiwi Gems!

Coromandel. © Pete May

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Northland Kiwi Gems

While the Northland Region may be famous for its beautiful beaches, there is plenty more to discover here, too – from mind-boggling geology to art, gardens and the longest footbridge in the Southern Hemisphere. Check out these 11 great Kiwi Gems. Read the story . . . 

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Auckland Kiwi Gems

Did you know that you can visit a reptile park in Auckland? Or an incredible Buddhist temple? How about stargazing at an International Dark Sky Sanctuary or getting up close with friendly donkeys? We've picked 13 Kiwi Gems around Auckland that you won't have discovered yet. Read the story . . . 

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Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Kiwi Gems

Secret beaches, offshore islands, hidden lakes, swimming holes, waterfalls and a gorgeous water garden – these are just some of 14 Kiwi Gems that you've probably never heard of in the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel regions. Read the story . . . 

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Waikato Kiwi Gems

Did you know that the Waikato Region has a hot water beach and pancake rocks? There is also an incredible wildlife sanctuary, ancient Māori heritage, a hidden sculpture garden and a church made from trees. Check out these 10 Waikato Kiwi Gems. Read the story . . . 

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Rotorua Kiwi Gems

Fantastic family-friendly playgrounds, secret hot pools, free geothermal activity, walkways, waterfalls, adrenaline-fuelled adventures and more – find 11 Kiwi Gems to discover in Rotorua. Read the story . . . 

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Central North Island Kiwi Gems

Stretching from the coast at Whanganui to the mountains of Tongariro National Park and the waters of Lake Taupō, there is so much to discover in the Central North Island. Check out these 17 fantastic Kiwi Gems that you probably didn't know existed.  Read the story . . . 

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Taranaki Kiwi Gems

A hidden waterfall, a breathtaking rock climb, a serene lake, a nomadic lighthouse and a luge – just some of these 10 Kiwi Gems you'll find in Taranaki. Read the story . . . 

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Hawke's Bay and Eastland Kiwi Gems

There's much more to the East Coast than just the famous vineyards and beaches. Find great cycle trails, hidden hot springs, Māori history and New Zealand's largest pōhutukawa tree amongst these 10 Kiwi Gems in Hawke's Bay and Eastland. Read the story . . . 

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Wellington and Wairarapa Kiwi Gems

From an artesian water spring to a literary walk, a historic lighthouse, an intriguing museum, river adventures and fossils, we've got 11 more Kiwi Gems for you to discover in Wellington and Wairarapa. Read the story . . . 

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Marlborough Kiwi Gems

Immerse yourself in the unique landscapes of Marlborough with these 10 Kiwi Gems – from isolated islands in the Marlborough Sounds to a gorgeous garden, a movie star lighthouse, a wildlife sanctuary and some incredible pink lakes. Read the story . . . 

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Nelson Kiwi Gems

Take a deep dive into the unique and curious attractions in the Nelson Tasman region. From perpetually burning flames in the middle of the forest, to a ballroom-sized cave, beautiful Japanese gardens, magical fresh water springs and more – check out these nine great Kiwi Gems. Read the story . . . 

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Canterbury Kiwi Gems

The Canterbury region is vast. From the volcanic Banks Peninsula and wild Kaikōura Coast to the heart of the Mackenzie District and further afield to Hurunui or South Canterbury there is so much to discover. We've got 16 Kiwi Gems to kickstart your travel plans.  Read the story . . . 

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Otago Kiwi Gems

From the beautiful white sand beaches around Dunedin to intriguing gold-mining heritage in Central Otago, incredible geology, Māori history and New Zealand's only historic car ferry punt, check out these 12 Kiwi Gems in the Otago Region. Read the story . . . 

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Southern Lakes Kiwi Gems

Find the best activities and attractions around Queenstown and Wānaka that you've never heard of. Think alpine walks, heritage sites, a sprawling toy museum and a tour of Lake Wakatipu inside a shark. Discover these 10 Kiwi Gems in the Southern Lakes Region. Read the story . . . 

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West Coast Kiwi Gems

Visit the West Coast of the South Island to immerse yourself in wild natural landscapes and delve into the region's rich gold-mining heritage. We've picked nine Kiwi Gems to get you started.  Read the story . . . 

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Fiordland and Southland Kiwi Gems

Did you know that Southland is home to New Zealand's longest wooden suspension bridge? Or that in Fiordland you can cruise on a boat once used by Winston Churchill? Find out more with these 12 Kiwi Gems in Fiordland and Southland. Read the story . . . 

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Kiwi Gems

Immerse yourself in art at Sculptureum

Experience sprawling world-class sculpture gardens, multiple art galleries and a fine dining restaurant on the outskirts of Matakana. Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Climb the soaring sand dunes at Lake Wainamu

Hidden behind the towering black sand dunes near Auckland’s Te Henga / Bethells Beach is a freshwater lake, ideal for safe summer swimming.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Raft the rapids in Manukau City

In Auckland’s Manukau City you can raft down the world’s highest artificial waterfall.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Spend the day at one of Auckland's beautiful regional parks

From ancient lava flows to tidal estuaries and pōhutukawa-fringed coastlines, there are many landscapes to explore in the 27 regional parks around Auckland.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Surround yourself with birdsong on Tiritiri Matangi Island

One of the world’s most successful conservation projects can be found just off the coast of Auckland’s Whangapāraoa Peninsula.  Read the story . . . 

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Family fun

Enchant your inner child at Whoa! Studios

Combine a live theatre experience, a film studio, an excellent restaurant and possibly the best playground in New Zealand and you’ve got a recipe for a great family day out.  Read the story . . . 

Walking > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Explore the primordial bush in Whirinaki Forest Park

Wild, untamed and precious, the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park deep in the Bay of Plenty is a rugged jewel of the North Island. Read the story . . . 

Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Take to the skies with Bay of Plenty's Classic Flyers

Celebrating the history of aviation in New Zealand, Classic Flyers Museum in Mount Maunganui showcases heritage aircraft, both on the ground and in the skies. Read the story . . . 

Get outdoors > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Relax on secluded Ōtarawairere Beach

Picture a secluded beach made from crushed seashells that you can only get to on foot or by kayak.  Read the story . . . 

Walking > Free things to do > Cycling > Kiwi Gems

Hike or bike The Coromandel Coastal Walkway

Explore the northern tip of The Coromandel Peninsula on foot or mountain bike along the spectacular Coromandel Coastal Walkway.  Read the story . . . 

Get outdoors > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Head to the hidden kauri stand and waterfall in The Coromandel

A short walk from The Coromandel’s inland 309 Road will take you to a majestic grove of kauri trees and the nearby Waiau Falls are a popular summer swimming spot. Read the story . . . 

Activities > Kiwi Gems

Watch marine life from above in The Coromandel

Imagine being able to experience one of New Zealand’s most famous marine reserves without getting wet.  Read the story . . . 

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Walking

Climb the Pinnacles in The Coromandel

Climb to the top of the Pinnacles in the heart of the Coromandel Forest Park for panoramic views of the peninsula. Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Travel through native bush via train or zipline in The Coromandel

At Driving Creek on The Coromandel Peninsula, you can choose between chugging through native forest on New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway or zooming above it via zipline.  Read the story . . . 

Get outdoors > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Find a fantastical world of foliage in Hamilton

At Hamilton Gardens you can have a real-life Alice in Wonderland experience.  Read the story . . . 

Get outdoors > Kiwi Gems

Go on an underground adventure at Nikau Cave

Head deep into the countryside at the northern edge of the Waikato, and you’ll discover one of the prettiest glowworm caves in New Zealand.  Read the story . . . 

Free things to do > Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Find gold-mining heritage in the Waikato

Explore the remnants of gold-mining history in the Waiorongomai Valley on the outskirts of Waikato’s Te Aroha.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Helm your own Doughboat on Lake Taupō

One of the latest and most striking additions to the Taupō waterfront are Doughboats – inflatable doughnut-shaped boats with room for up to six people to cruise the inner reaches of the Great Lake. Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Squeeze into an enchanted world in Taupō

Wriggle your way through a narrow rock crevice to find a naturally-heated waterfall, deep in the bush on the outskirts of Taupō. Read the story . . . 

Activities > Free things to do > Cycling > Kiwi Gems

Ride from the mountains to the sea

Beginning on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu and winding for 231km to the wild west coast at Whanganui, the Mountains to Sea Cycle trail is one of the North Island’s most dramatic rides.  Read the story . . . 

Walking > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Take an alpine walk to Taranaki Falls

Taranaki Falls are one of the Tongariro National Park’s most impressive and accessible waterfalls.  Read the story . . . 

Activities > Kiwi Gems

Catch the Sky Waka to New Zealand’s highest café

Take New Zealand’s longest gondola ride to the highest café in the country. Read the story . . . 

Kiwi Gems > Art and culture

Get hands-on with molten glass in Whanganui

In Whanganui, you’ll find the only open-access glass studio in New Zealand.   Read the story . . . 

Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Cruise the Whanganui River on a heritage vessel

Take a leisurely trip up the Whanganui River on one of two historic boat cruises – the MV Wairua or New Zealand's only coal-powered paddle steamer, the Waimarie. Read the story . . . 

Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Experience historic tunnels and towers in Whanganui

Tunnels and towers are fascinating. Whanganui has both, and even better, they are joined together by a historic elevator. Read the story . . . 

Get outdoors > Kiwi Gems

Surround yourself with exotic trees in Gisborne

Eastwoodhill, the National Arboretum of New Zealand, is home to 135 hectares of beautiful exotic and native trees Read the story . . . 

Activities > Cycling > Kiwi Gems

Take to the rails on a Gisborne Railbike Adventure

Just outside Gisborne you can cruise along a coastal railway line – by bike.  Read the story . . . 

Walking > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Wharfs and walks at Tolaga Bay

Gisborne’s Tolaga Bay Wharf is the second-longest in New Zealand.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Explore the unique geology, wildlife and waterfalls of Boundary Stream

Find Hawke’s Bay’s highest waterfall, rare birdlife and intriguing geology at the ‘mainland island’ of Boundary Stream. Read the story . . . 

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Food and drink

Sample the best of food and wine in Hawke's Bay

It’s no secret that Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its fine wine and vineyard dining but there are plenty of other unique options for eating out around the region, too.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Try cable wakeboarding in Hawke’s Bay

Backpaddock Lakes in Central Hawke's Bay is a purpose-built lake equipped with two cable and pulley systems that mean you can have a go at wakeboarding, boat-free Read the story . . . 

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Things to do

Get wet at New Zealand’s only water theme park

A never-ending river, a water-fuelled pirate fortress and a tangle of twisting slides can all be found at New Zealand’s only water theme park in Hawke's Bay.  Read the story . . . 

Free things to do > Family fun > Kiwi Gems

Queen Elizabeth Park: family-friendly fun

Explore one of New Zealand’s best family-friendly parks in Masterton.  Read the story . . . 

Walking > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Drink in the spectacular views on Wairarapa’s Deliverance Cove Track

Take a short, family-friendly walk on the Deliverance Cove Track to discover some of the most interesting coastline in the Wairarapa region. Read the story . . . 

Get outdoors > Kiwi Gems

Absorb the legends of Aotearoa with Te Hīkoi o Pūkaha

At Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre you can have an immersive experience that is both ecological and cultural.  Read the story . . . 

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Food and drink

Eat and drink your way around Wellington City

With a stellar collection of superb cafés and restaurants, most within easy walking distance, plus an abundance of boutique brew bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Wellington.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Find Wellington’s largest fur seal colony at Turakirae Head

Wellington’s Turakirae Head at the southern end of the Remutaka Range is a unique habitat for native birds, reptiles and most notably kekeno, or New Zealand fur seals. Read the story . . . 

Walking > Free things to do > Cycling > Kiwi Gems

Walk or ride Marlborough’s Nydia Track

Running from Kuiama Bay near Havelock, to Duncan Bay in Tennyson Inlet, the Nydia Track is one of the lesser-known walks in the Marlborough Sounds.  Read the story . . . 

Kiwi Gems

Help deliver the mail in Pelorus Sound

Cruise Marlborough’s Pelorus Sound on the Mail Boat as it makes its daily deliveries to secluded bays, hidden coves and isolated islands.  Read the story . . . 

Activities > Kiwi Gems

Kayak Queen Charlotte Sound

The Marlborough Sounds are made up of more than 1,500 kilometres of intricate waterways. The inlets, islets, capes and coves here are best explored by water on a sea kayak.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Brook Waimārama Sanctuary: Nelson’s nature reserve

The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary on the outskirts of Nelson City is the largest fenced preserve for endangered wildlife in the South Island.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Ride one of the world’s longest flying foxes in Nelson

The Skywire at Cable Bay Adventure Park is a thrilling 300-metre-high, 1.6km return trip that sees you shoot across the treetops at up to 100 km/h.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Marvel at the magnificent lakes of the Mackenzie District

Canterbury’s Mackenzie District is home to some of New Zealand’s most famous and photogenic lakes. Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Hit the trails at Christchurch Adventure Park

Not only a mecca for mountain bike enthusiasts, Christchurch Adventure Park, on the outskirts of the city is home to New Zealand’s longest zipline.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Swim with seals in Kaikōura

Off the coast of Kaikōura you can frolic in the sea with friendly fur seals.  Read the story . . . 

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Activities

Paddle around Akaroa Harbour at night

Imagine floating around the tranquil Akaroa Harbour atop a stand-up paddleboard, in the dark.  Read the story . . . 

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Walking

Discover another side of Christchurch City on the Avon Loop

Wind your way around the new pedestrian and cycle-friendly sections of the Avon Loop through Central Christchurch. Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Discover rocky outcrops and rare plants at Kura Tāwhiti Conservation Area

Not only home to striking geological features, Kura Tāwhiti Conservation area or Castle Hill in Canterbury’s Waimakariri Basin also has some of the rarest plants in New Zealand.  Read the story . . . 

Get outdoors > Kiwi Gems

Ōmarama: Clay Cliffs and Hot Tubs

Experience the otherworldly rock formations and a luxurious outdoor soak in Ōmarama.  Read the story . . . 

Activities > Kiwi Gems

Swim at St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool

Alongside New Zealand’s most consistent surf break, Dunedin’s St Clair Beach is also home to one of the country’s few heated saltwater pools. Read the story . . . 

Activities > Free things to do > Cycling > Kiwi Gems

Ride the cycle trails of Central Otago

With wide open landscapes, gold mining heritage and winding rivers, Central Otago is a great spot for cycling. Read the story . . . 

Activities > Kiwi Gems

Zoom down the slopes at Cardrona Alpine Resort

Wānaka’s Cardrona Alpine Resort offers a range of adventurous activities to suit all seasons.  Read the story . . . 

Walking > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Find serenity at Bob's Cove

Unlike the ubiquitous mountain vistas on many of the walks around Queenstown, Bob’s Cove is a short, family-friendly stroll that explores the lower terrain around Lake Wakatipu.  Read the story . . . 

Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Take an off-road adventure to an abandoned gold-mining town

On a rugged 4WD safari tour you can explore the heritage of Macetown, a unique historical site near Queenstown, rich with gold-mining relics.   Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Visit a lake on an island in a lake in Wānaka

On Wānaka’s Mou Waho Island, you can have the surreal experience of swimming in a lake on an island on a lake.   Read the story . . . 

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Free things to do

Arrowtown Chinese Settlement: multi-cultural heritage

Arrowtown is so rich in multi-cultural history, it has been named Tohu Whenua – a site that is of special significance to New Zealand because of its links to the past and the unique stories that can be discovered here.  Read the story . . . 

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Get outdoors

Relax in the soothing natural pools at Maruia Hot Springs

Whether you’re visiting Maruia Hot Springs for the day or staying overnight, you can immerse yourself in the mineral-rich water amongst the mountains, or be pampered with a day spa experience.  Read the story . . . 

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Things to do

Walk above the treetops in Hokitika

Climb the Hokitika Tower – one of the tallest human-made structures on the South Island’s West Coast.  Read the story . . . 

Walking > Kiwi Gems

Adventure in style on the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track

Explore the southern coast of Southland on the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track.  Read the story . . . 

Get outdoors > Free things to do > Kiwi Gems

Waipapā Point: wild and windy

Right at the bottom of the South Island, the remote and rugged coastline at Waipapā Point is home to one of the last wooden lighthouses built in New Zealand. Read the story . . . 

Heritage and history > Kiwi Gems

Browse one of the world’s largest automotive museums in Invercargill

Transport World, in Invercargill, is a testament to the late Bill Richardson’s passion for motoring memorabilia, and is the biggest private automotive museum of its type in the world. Read the story . . .