Wellington, New Zealand - Wellington, New Zealand 16 days trip

New Zealand's capital is a city with upbeat energies, boasting a thriving nightlife, rich museums, historic buildings, and more.

Wander the streets to get a taste of the city and its vibrant ambiance, visiting museums for a take on local culture and heritage.

Littered with cultural curios and boasting a plethora of native and foreign plants, this garden is full of nice walking paths.

A splendid national museum tracing the history of New Zealand's bicultural coexistence, its diverse nature, people, and wildlife.

A favored swimming spot, this beach is a family-friendly alcove with beautiful scenery, featuring a playground and a cafe.

Feed and pet a multitude of native animals and birds in this large reserve, full of lovely natural features and great for all ages.

Rich in Maori and European history, this island also retains an almost pristine ecosystem full of indigenous animal and bird species.

A great restoration endeavor, this wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to the reintroduction and conservation of native flora and fauna.

Set within the botanic gardens, this observatory features a digital planetarium, a 125-year-old telescope, and a historic exhibit.

Over a century-old, this zoo is home to many animal and bird species, offering a great introduction into New Zealand's wildlife.

Take a tour of this special-effects workshop, responsible for props and costumes of many films, including "The Lord of the Rings."

Famed even before their appearance in the "Lord of the Rings" films, these pillars are a fascinating geological curio.

This spectacular underground complex was created during WWII, and boasts an array of tunnels, bunkers, and storage rooms.

With a vibrant cultural scene, fine restaurants and local wine, as well as lush surrounding nature, this port city is a true gem.

Housing the winners of the World of WearableArt Awards Show, this great museum also houses a superb collection of classic cars.

A short walking trail that takes you through a botanical reserve, up a hill for some great views, and to other natural features.

Head to the beach for a lazy afternoon of sunbathing, or go out to jog, swim, or surf on this great recreational beach.

Fun for the whole family, this zoo allows a close encounter with many native and exotic animals, reptiles, and aquatic creatures.

Saturated with Maori legends, these spring can be dived or explored on foot, and are simply gorgeous to behold.

Explore these gorgeous caves to admire its stalagmites, stalactites, and skeleton of an extinct moa.

Presenting original 19C houses and skillful replicas, the park runs an old railway, artisan shops, and is full of atmospheric charm.

Dating to the 19C, this English-style garden is full of cultural curios and lovely blooms, guaranteeing a pleasant afternoon stroll.

Nelson's streets offer a nice mix of high and low art, featuring fine galleries and amazing street art, as well as cafes and shops.

A fun an upbeat market offering a wonderful local experience along with fresh produce, handcrafts, wooden ware, and quaint ceramics.

Although it is the smallest of New Zealand's national parks, this park boasts rivers, forests, hills, islands, beaches, and more.

A major transportation hub, Picton offers ferry access to New Zealand's North Island.

An off-the-beaten-path destination with authentic New Zealandian atmosphere.

Walk through the town center and get a feel for the local culture.

Saturated with Maori legends, these spring can be dived or explored on foot, and are simply gorgeous to behold.

Explore these gorgeous caves to admire its stalagmites, stalactites, and skeleton of an extinct moa.

Although it is the smallest of New Zealand's national parks, this park boasts rivers, forests, hills, islands, beaches, and more.

Carved by the Oparara River out of limestone, these beautiful arches vary in size and boast lush surroundings riddled with trails.

A skinny strip of land at the tip of New Zealand's South Island, it features rolling sand dunes, and has caused shipwrecks and stranded whales.

The center of New Zealnd's beer brewing and fruit growing, get lost among orchards, and make sure to sample some local crafts.

This natural geological formation is made from granite and looks like an apple that has been cut in half.

Strewn with remnants from the region's mining and railway past, this hiking track offers a variety of beautiful natural features.

A great base for exploring the South Island's western coast, this small town features some architectural curios and lively shops.

Admire the Art Deco buildings, trace the river to its estuary, or simply head out to explore the surrounding nature.

Old photographs, coal-mining artifacts, and industrial relics trace the history of coal-mining in the region in this modern museum.

Explore this headland and its walking paths, visiting the Tauranga Bay for a glimpse of the seal colony, dolphins, or killer whales.

A limestone rock eroded over the centuries and riddled blowholes and passages, offering striking views over the ocean.

With caves, cliffs, streams, and coasts, this spectacular park's main attraction is the unique "pancake stack" coastal formation.

Travel into the past on your visit this old coal mine, where interactive exhibits showcase the daily lives of 19C coal-miners.

A small riverside town with deep mining roots, Greymouth offers its visitors an easy access to the nearby natural attractions.

Grab a pint of local brew and enjoy the atmosphere, or head out hunting the shops for the locally famous jade Greenstone jewelry.

Tour this once family-owned brewery and learn about the making of West Coast's most popular beer, enjoying tasting of its famed ale.

A limestone rock eroded over the centuries and riddled blowholes and passages, offering striking views over the ocean.

Explore this headland and its walking paths, visiting the Tauranga Bay for a glimpse of the seal colony, dolphins, or killer whales.

With caves, cliffs, streams, and coasts, this spectacular park's main attraction is the unique "pancake stack" coastal formation.

Discover a stretch of untouched nature along this stunning West Coast trail, leading you through beaches, forests, lakes, and more.

Hike the famous Franz Josef Glacier, as well as gorgeous nature walks in the surrounding area.

A gem of frozen beauty, this glacier can be accessed through easy or challenging hikes, as well as helicopter flights.

Wander around this amazing town, enjoying the fresh natural air, and enjoying a town basically built for nature lovers like yourself!

Located within easy distances from a village, this gorgeous glacier stretched for 13km and can be explored with guided groups.

This tiny mountain village offers the best access to New Zealand's beautiful Fox Glacier, as well as several eateries.

Take a guided tour to explore the glaciers up close, uniquely situated near the ocean, as well as the park's beaches and mountains.

Walk among the treetops 25 m high in this 450 m-long steel walkway, moving from one tower to another for amazing views.

Home to many native birds and criss-crossed with short walking trails, this lovely lake reserve offers camping and picnic grounds.

Famed for the stunning aquamarine color of its water, this scenic reserve offers walks and hikes, as well as spectacular landscape.

A quiet small town known primarily for its vibrant ecotourism and gorgeous nearby nature, quaint local galleries, and great seafood.

Swim and sunbathe, walk around looking for intricately woven driftwood, or head to the beach for amazing views of the sunset.

Explore the shopfronts and the local cafes, offering a wonderful array of local produce, or head to the beach for a stroll.

Head to the dell at night for the best views of the worms and their soft glow. Don't forget to bring a flashlight for the descent!

With breathtaking views over the ocean and superb waves, this might be Hokitika's best beach. Be sure to stop by for some seafood.

A limestone rock eroded over the centuries and riddled blowholes and passages, offering striking views over the ocean.

Discover a stretch of untouched nature along this stunning West Coast trail, leading you through beaches, forests, lakes, and more.

Following the history of the region, this museum offers audio-visual exhibits, artwork, greenstone displays, and more.

Housing works by the photographer, Juergen Schacke, the museum also exhibits handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, woodware, and more.

Walk among the treetops 25 m high in this 450 m-long steel walkway, moving from one tower to another for amazing views.

Home to many native birds and criss-crossed with short walking trails, this lovely lake reserve offers camping and picnic grounds.

New Zealand's third-largest city boasts an array of architectural styles, landmarks of cultural significance, and many green areas.

A wildlife and nature reserve preserving local ecosystem and native fauna, such as kiwi, takahe, tuatara, and others.

Lined with shops, eccentric cafes, and historic buildings, Christchurch's central streets echo many European cities with its grace.

Full of fun amenities, including a climbing wall, swings, slides, and jungle gyms, this playground is a popular family-friendly spot.

Christchurch's largest park boasts sprawling lawns and abundant greenery, perfect for strolling, picnicking, or just to read a book.

An open-range zoo housing over 400 animals, offering close encounters with diverse wildlife, including lions, rhinos, and giraffes.

With the largest ski area in New Zealand's South Island, Mount Hutt is a popular attraction for winter sports enthusiasts.

With a variety of alcoves - including rose and herb gardens, as well as a fernery - this botanic garden promises a nice afternoon.

This museum traces the history of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, exhibiting an array of aircraft, a simulator, weapons, and more.

Take the cable car to the mountaintop, where panorama of the whole area awaits you. Enjoy the cafe or hike to the nearby lookout.

Set in a Gothic Revival mansion, this museum houses exhibits on Maori culture, history, geology, natural history, art, and more.

Offering a range of walking and hiking trails of all difficulty levels, this forest park also features heritage sites and camping.

Featuring a number of hikes and treks of varying difficulty, this breathtaking park boasts mountains, rivers, lagoons, and more.

Take a tour of the house to view original 19C decor, explore the grounds, or come on a Saturday for the Christchurch Farmers' Market.

Glimpse New Zealand's colonial past in this replicated 19C town, featuring a church, printers, classrooms, and a variety of exhibits.

Discover the mysteries of Antarctica, learn about expeditions, take a ride on a Hagglund truck, and see a colony of penguins.

A memorial consisting of 185 unique chairs, each representing a life that had perished in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.

Experience authentic New Zealand farming and learn about the history of farmig dating back to French pioneers.

Settled by French pioneers, this lovely town has a distinctly French feel, and is a busy port for cruise ships.

Perched on a scenic peninsula jutting into the ocean, this town offers a brush with New Zealand's diverse wildlife and marine life.

You can walk the streets for a taste of local color, but also head to the coast to catch a glimpse of whales, dolphins, and seals.

Full of stalagmites, stalactites, and a large variety of other geological formations, this cave is favored by travelers and locals.

Kaikoura’s oldest standing building houses a small museum, tracing local history from Maori fishing trade to European whaling period.

Follow along the Ohau stream to this lovely waterfall, and you might see some of the seal pups swimming in the pool.

Once done exploring the city, take this path towards the coast for marvelous views over the ocean and glimpses of marine wildlife.

Offering a range of walking and hiking trails of all difficulty levels, this forest park also features heritage sites and camping.

Camp on the banks of Lake Rotoiti, hike through the nearby forest and up the looming mountains, or enjoy other outdoor activities.

A hub for water-sports and active leisure, this town is also known for its fabulous local wines and a mellow atmosphere.

A popular museum tracing the history of New Zealand's aviation, featuring diverse exhibits of aircraft and relics from WWI onwards.

A great park with diverse gardens, sports facilities, playgrounds, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

Grab a glass of wine in one of the local cafes, or just walk around exploring streets lined with quaint buildings and shops.

A lovely small park featuring a historic landmark and a multimedia fountain, great for a stroll or a respite from a day of walking.

Follow along the Ohau stream to this lovely waterfall, and you might see some of the seal pups swimming in the pool.

This spectacular underground complex was created during WWII, and boasts an array of tunnels, bunkers, and storage rooms.

Mingle with the locals and sample farm-fresh produce at this wonderful market, open every Sunday from 9:00-12:00.

Learn about local culture and heritage at this fun museum, which boasts an impressive collection of artifacts related to Marlborough.

Named for the scenic hills bordering the vineyards, this winery offers tastings and a great selection of local wines.

Rich in Maori and European history, this island also retains an almost pristine ecosystem full of indigenous animal and bird species.

Once done exploring the city, take this path towards the coast for marvelous views over the ocean and glimpses of marine wildlife.