New Zealand’s cities showcase its rich culture and heritage, from Maori village feasts to wines from Marlborough region; each city provides something different for visitors to experience.
Explore Auckland’s scenic harbors, venture into Waitomo’s Hobbit house world and marvel at Rotorua’s geothermal wonders before visiting Rotorua for geothermal wonders of its own and Rotorua National Museum as well as Weta Workshop for behind-the-scenes magic!
1. Auckland
Auckland, the busiest city in New Zealand, stands on 53 dormant volcanoes and is well known for its cultural offerings. Here you will find numerous museums, art galleries showcasing traditional and modern works, heritage attractions, stunning waterfronts and much more.
Start your tour of Auckland off right by visiting the Auckland Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Maori taonga (treasures). Experience Maori cultural performances like Haka dance – which will leave your spine tingling! – and go on an Auckland heritage walk around Wreck Bay or Rangitoto Island where legends and stories behind place names will unfold themselves for you.
From here, take the ferry over to North Shore and discover Ponsonby – with its charming historic buildings. Those interested in maritime culture should head over to Auckland Maritime Museum; here they’ll find an interactive exhibition detailing New Zealand’s shipbuilding history since 1940, plus there’s even an restored ship from that era you can hop aboard for an experience! Those curious about marine wildlife should embark on whale or dolphin-watching cruises from Auckland harbor!
2. Christchurch
Christchurch offers visitors and locals alike new experiences thanks to its commitment to urban regeneration and preservation. Cutting-edge architecture coexists with heritage structures, while vibrant street art flourishes alongside top dining establishments and boutique hotels.
At the core of Christchurch City lies its revitalization: The Canterbury Museum–home to galleries on everything from early interactions between Maori and European settlers and earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 to botanical gardens, Cardboard Cathedral (a temporary replacement) and Christchurch Art Gallery’s modern works collection – are hallmarks of its revitalization. Take your journey further by touring on an authentic heritage tramcar – stop off at botanical gardens, view Cardboard Cathedral (an interim solution after its destruction by 2011 earthquake), stop off at botanical gardens before arriving at Christchurch Art Gallery where modern works await – then explore further at your leisure on an authentic and meticulously restored heritage tramcar tour! You’ll then get to enjoy more key sights along your tour from tramcar cab tour guide who knows every inch of its key sites!
Combine the best of New Zealand’s North and South Islands on this 21-day journey that explores its natural wonders, culture, food, wine and beverages. Discover glowworm caves, geothermal landscapes and fjords while traveling by air, land and sea – not forgetting world-class wines in Martinborough and Akaroa where diverse marine life abounds!
3. Dunedin
Dunedin is known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand and proudly displays its Scottish roots through an abundance of spires and captivating architecture. Boasting a small-city atmosphere, this university town provides plenty of cultural experiences in terms of museums and galleries for you to discover.
Toitu Otago Settlers Museum and Dunedin Public Art Gallery offer vast collections of European art and artifacts. Boasting engaging displays and intriguing narratives, these museums will surely boost your IQ!
Bring out your inner Harry Potter with a visit to Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only historic castle that exudes Hogwarts vibes. Offering high tea service and panoramic turret views, Larnach Castle makes for the ideal day trip destination.
Cruise ship passengers with limited time in Dunedin can take a short city tour that provides transportation between landmarks. Stops include St Paul’s Cathedral, Robbie Burns Statue and Baldwin Street (believed to be one of the steepest streets worldwide, though this title remains contentious) to make the most out of their visit to Dunedin.
4. Napier
Napier is located in Hawke’s Bay region and was rebuilt following a devastating 1931 earthquake using Art Deco style architecture of that era. Iconic landmarks include Daily Telegraph Building with its signature zigzag pattern and tree-lined waterfront promenade Marine Parade are popular stops among architecture fans; Pania of Reef depicting Maori maiden is another prominent feature along this walkway.
Napier’s Classic Car Club provides vintage car tours that give passengers an experience they won’t soon forget, complete with guides who explain how buildings from that period have been designed with beautiful detail.
Hike to Bluff Hill Lookout for stunning panoramic views over Napier Port below, plus enjoy stunning gardens featuring duck pond, budgerigar aviary, Phoenix palms and hot stream to soak up some mud in. In February be sure to join in the annual Napier Art Deco Weekend–an entire five-day celebration of its many Art Deco structures in town!
5. Rotorua
Rotorua lies at the center of New Zealand, providing visitors with an idyllic geothermal paradise surrounded by picturesque lakes and lush forests. Rotorua’s volcanic activity also gives rise to rich Maori culture and history; not forgetting its many sights such as bubbling mud pools and powerful geysers!
Explore the city’s compact Art Deco quarter on a guided walk before hopping aboard a gondola for an epic view of its landscape – not forgetting those stunning mountain vistas that enclose this inland region!
Experience an authentic Maori village when you join a guided tour of Te Pa Tu, a living Maori village. Witness its welcoming ceremony (powwhiri) and an array of traditional dances, songs, and storytelling performances!
Discover Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland on a guided walk and be amazed by its thermal wonders! See shimmering pools, bubbling mud pools, volcanic craters and watch as Pohutu Geyser sends boiling hot water flying 30 meters into the air!