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Nau mai, haere mai! Welcome to New Zealand, one of the most amazing countries in Oceania. New Zealand prides itself on its culture and its people.
Since a country is made up of its cities, let us introduce the five most popular cities in New Zealand.
1.
Auckland, New Zealand
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Image by Bernard Spragg. NZ on flickr[/caption]
Starting with the largest, we introduce Auckland, New Zealand. Situated around two harbors, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and central transport hub. It offers sandy beaches, hiking trails, and rainforest. For planning other trips, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help with packing, while Auckland itself is a city worth seeing.
Here is a list of things to do in Auckland:
Go on a wine tour
Auckland is located in one of New Zealand’s most verdant wine regions, which means it has access to the richest and best of wines. A wine tour will give you an insight into the region’s rich wine-making heritage, and also enable you to sample some of the local wines. Some wine tours include you seeing the Waiheke Island, wine tasting, as well as visits to boutique wineries.
Sky Jump off the Sky Tower
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Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay[/caption]
Sky Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, housing a casino complex at its base, New Zealand’s only revolving eatery, multiple restaurants, a viewing platform, and a sky jump for the adventurous. Sky jumping involves diving off the observation deck and hurtling 192 meters down before being held firm by a dangling rope. The Sky Tower is open Mondays to Sundays from 9 am – 10 pm. This adrenaline activity is a must for those seeking things to do in Pattaya, Thailand-level thrills, but right here in Auckland.
See the Mountain Maungawhau
Mountain Maungawhau stands at over 650 feet high and is the highest natural point in the Auckland region. A stone observation platform at its peak was built with the help of a royal elephant owned by the Duke of Edinburgh. The mountain was quarried to supply stone for that platform, as well as homes, prisons, and other structures. Be careful going up—it is a volcanic hill. We are kidding; it’s a long-dormant volcano.
Go Kayaking on Goat Island
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Image by Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Goat Island is located at about an hour’s drive north of Auckland and is home to some of the most beautiful reefs, and a wide variety of marine life. Tutorials are offered to beginners and kayaks are rented for an hour or two.
Navigate around with your kayak and take in the beautiful scenery around the rocky edges of the island.
Bird-Watch on the Tiri-Tiri Matangi Island
If there is one thing that New Zealand is famous for, then it is its love for nature, and right at the heart of it is the Tiri-Tiri Matangi. It is located 30 km northeast of Auckland. It is easily accessible by ferries from Auckland Harbor, and is home to exotic and indigenous New Zealand birds; Parrots, Little Penguins, Tuis, and more. For planning your trip, you might also consult a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to compare climates, though New Zealand’s seasons are opposite.
Wellington, New Zealand
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Image by Bernd Hildebrandt from Pixabay[/caption]
Wellington has a population of over 200,000 people, making it the third-largest city in New Zealand. It is famous for its vibrant creative culture mixed with wine, craft, beer, coffee, events, and great food.
Here are some reasons Wellington is considered as one of the popular cities in New Zealand.
Welcome to Te Papa
Te Papa is home to the national museum of New Zealand, a destination for all ages interested in the country’s stories. The exhibits are interactive and innovative, covering New Zealand’s biological, cultural, social, and geological heritage in diverse ways. Rumor has it they never tell a history twice. While exploring Wellington—the third-largest city in New Zealand with a population of over 200,000 people—you can also check out a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to plan your next trip. Te Papa’s displays make it a must-see for understanding the nation’s past and present.
Take A Ride in the historic Wellington Cable Car
The Wellington Cable Car is an icon all over Wellington and New Zealand. Running from Lambton Quay to Kelburn, it offers access to the Cable Car Museum, Space Place at Carter Observatory (where historic telescopes and a state-of-the-art planetarium reveal the galaxies), and the Botanical Garden.
From the Waterfront to the Oriental Bay
Crocodile biking, cycling, jogging, skating, or walking with locals and visitors at the Wellington Waterfront reveals sculptures, bars, ice cream vendors, cafes, and parks. Afterward, stop at Oriental Bay Beach to sunbathe or swim. While planning your trip, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy might help you compare climates, but Wellington’s own coastal charm is best enjoyed in its sunny summer months.
Go for a cruise down Cuba Street
Cuba street is a beehive of activities for artists, hipsters, and vintage lovers. It is home to some of the most colorful shops, bars, cafes, and street performers, such as the fire eaters, marionette puppets, and percussive guitarists. Try as much as possible to get yourself a photo with the Bucket fountain.
These are just a few sights to be seen in the high and famous city of Wellington.
3.
Tauranga, New Zealand
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Image by Celina Schou from Pixabay[/caption]
Tauranga is the fifth largest city in New Zealand and is home to an estimated 160,900 people and counting. The town sits right on the edge of the water and is best known for its warm climate, harbor, blue skies, and relaxed lifestyle.
“The place of rest or anchorage” is the translation of the Maori native language for “Tauranga” and it still gives off an atmosphere of a relaxed city. It is 2 hours and minutes’ drive south of Auckland.
The Strand is a collection of bars and restaurants where bar snacks, tapas platters, and international cuisine are served alongside each other. It is a social meet-and-greet place to unwind after work and a site used to celebrate significant events by the locals. Don’t be bothered; the locals love to share.
Tauranga’s Art Gallery is a site to view both natural and international exhibitions and is one of its kind. Tauranga is the economic hub of the Bay of Plenty, and believe me; this Bay is Plenty.
Whenever you are in the city, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the port of Tauranga in action. Port of Tauranga is the country’s largest export port and one of the busiest, so you can always drive over the harbor bridge or take a flight across the region to take in the beautiful Port hustle.
4.
Hamilton, New Zealand
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Image by Dan Zen on flickr[/caption]
Lest we forget, it is also a hub for wining, dining, shopping, exploring, and most especially relaxing on the green grass under the blue skies. With a population of over 190,000 people, Hamilton, New Zealand, is the fourth largest city in New Zealand and is one of the fastest-growing.
It is located on the banks of the Waikato River, which is just an hour and a half from Auckland. It is also the heart of the Waikato region and has created and carved a niche for itself.
Here are the reasons it is considered as one of the popular cities in New Zealand
Hamilton Zoo
New Zealand's largest North Island zoo, the Hamilton Zoo has over 600 native and exotic animals on display. These wonderful animals include giraffes, rhinos, tigers, kiwis, and many more. Also, it holds the largest free-flight aviary in New Zealand; dedicated to native birds and plants.
Hamilton Gardens
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Image by WikiCommons[/caption]
One of the region's most visited attractions, Hamilton Gardens is made uniquely different from all other botanical gardens. Tour guides tell stories of the five garden collections that extend 58 hectares. Inclusive of New Zealand's first traditional Maori garden, it showcases traditional practices, materials, ceremonies and more.
Weekly guided tours are given on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pre-booked tours are also available for groups. It is not just a garden for Hamilton; it’s an international award-winning themed garden.
Hamilton Night Market
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Image by http://aucklandnightmarkets.co.nz/gallery/[/caption]
For a late-night bite, head to the Hamilton Night Market, open every Saturday from 5pm to 11pm. The market offers authentic international cuisine, street snacks, and knick-knacks to browse. With live entertainment and a lively atmosphere, it’s a great place to relax and eat. Whether you’re craving a midnight snack or a full meal, the market’s vendors cook up a storm that will leave you wishing for a bottomless stomach. Don’t miss this night adventure.
Waikato Museum
Learn about the strong Maori history and pioneering heritage of the region at the Waikato Museum. Each gallery brings interesting facts about New Zealand, with engaging exhibits for both adults and children. True historical stories and guided activities bring New Zealand's art, history, culture, and science to life. Museum tours cover traditions, culture, and the legends of Kirikiriroa.
Christchurch City
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Image by lemoncat1 on flickr[/caption]
Christchurch is not just one of the largest cities in New Zealand with a population of over 400,000 people and counting; it is also one of its most famous tourist destinations.
Trust us, no matter what you look for in a tourist destination, you will find it at Christchurch, NZ. Beautiful natural surroundings with magnificent scenery, adventurous activities hub, and a paradise to thrill-seekers. What else can you ask for?
Rich History
One of the wealthiest histories you will ever find in New Zealand will have to come from Christchurch. Learn why it is called the gateway to Antarctica with a journey through the International Antarctic Centre, discover the history of Christchurch and its surrounding regions with a trip to the Canterbury Museum, and the aviation history of New Zealand’s military at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, all of them in Christchurch, NZ.
Gardens
Christchurch is referred to as “The Garden City” because it has got a whole lot of gardens and parks that are just relaxing and up for exploration. However, you can also stroll through the blooms and foliage at Christchurch Botanical Gardens which is the largest inner-city park in New Zealand, or run through the endless green space of Hagley Park.
Wildlife
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Image by Bernard Spragg. NZ[/caption]
Have fun at Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s only open-range zoo. Get up close with rhinoceroses, ride into the lion enclosure, and feed the lemurs and giraffes. Also visit Willowbank, where you come face to face with the national bird, the Kiwi. For travelers planning their trip, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help with timing a visit, though New Zealand’s seasons are opposite.
Go hiking at Godley Head
No hiking trails in Christchurch are as high and spectacular as the one at Godley Head. It showcases New Zealand’s natural beauty and holds significant history: Godley Head once served as a coastal defense during WW2. This trail starts at Taylors Mistake Beach, a great attraction in itself. During the hike, you’re likely to see wildlife including penguins, dolphins, or even whales. This astounding trail is one of the best things to do in Christchurch.
Go Skydiving
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Image by DAVID HOLT on flickr[/caption]
Christchurch can also give you an adrenaline rush; all you need do is go skydiving. Going skydiving in New Zealand is one of the most amazing things to do, and Christchurch is one of the best places to do it. When you go skydiving in Christchurch, you’ll be leaping out of a plane at the height of 12,000 feet. No previous experience is required, as you will be tandem diving with an experienced instructor. Your safety is completely guaranteed. Just enjoy the rush of falling through the air while enjoying the gorgeous scenery below you.
Go on a Lord of the Rings Tour
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Image by Jeff Hitchcock on flickr[/caption]
This is your chance to explore Middle-Earth for real.
Get yourself on The Lord of the Rings location tour as well as get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the magic, mastery, imagination, and artistry behind The Lord of the Rings Trilogy at the Weta Cave mini-museum.
It’s a well-known fact that the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed in the beautiful country of New Zealand. So, while you’re in Christchurch — a city with a population of over 400,000 people and counting — you can visit several of the central locations that were used for the movie. Some of the key locations you can visit include the settings for the Shire, Edoras, Helms Deep, and the Gardens of Isengard. Also, you’ll get to learn more about how these fantastic locations were brought to life in the movies.
