Classic New Zealand
Starting your trip in Auckland on New Zealand's North Island, travel to the South Island's Christchurch, with stops at the geysers of Rotorua, the rocky shores of Wellington, the breathtaking nature of Fox Glacier, and more on this classic New Zealand getaway.
In this trip
Night Life
Culture
Great Food
Historic Places
Beaches
Trip itinerary
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1
Auckland, New Zealand
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2
Rotorua, New Zealand
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3
Napier, New Zealand
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4
Wellington, New Zealand
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5
Greymouth, New Zealand
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6
Fox Glacier Weheka, New Zealand
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7
Queenstown, New Zealand
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8
Dunedin, New Zealand
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9
Christchurch, New Zealand
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Read about your trip
Things to do in and around Auckland
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Famed for its cultural diversity and vibrant energy, this metropolis boasts parks and museums, two harbors, and great restaurants.
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Take in the lively ambiance as you make your way through Auckland's central streets, lined with shops and cafes for any taste.
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An icon of Auckland's cityscape, the tower offers an observation deck with superb views, a revolving restaurant, and bungee jumping.
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Set in a fine Neoclassical building with lush grounds, this museum traces New Zealand's history, as well as its natural history.
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Lined with restaurants with residential buildings, this flourishing district is brimming with energy and a posh atmosphere.
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Offering an array of beaches with many fun water activities, this island is also home to art galleries and superb local vineyards.
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This beautiful island is a recognized nature reserve, famed for its variety of native birds, plant species, and nice guided tours.
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Home to over 15,000 items, this gallery exhibits New Zealand, Pacific, and European artists from the 16C onwards.
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A historic park full of cultural landmarks, lush greenery, athletic and recreational facilities, and gorgeous sprawling lawns.
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With fine white sand and an abundance of restaurants, clubs, and bars, this dynamic beach is the perfect getaway for beach-lovers.
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Affording spectacular views over Auckland, this volcanic summit boasts a significant Maori memorial and lush parkland.
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This hilly area stretches for 25km and boasts several natural features popular with nature lovers, from surf beaches to hiking trails.
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Perfect for surfing, fishing, and lots of other watersports, this incredible beach also offers nice picnic areas and great swimming.
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A historic neighborhood known for its upscale nature, boasting a range of lush restaurants, art galleries, and posh nightclubs.
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Comprised of sections imitating various habitats, this zoo is home to New Zealand's largest collection of native and exotic animals.
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Home to over 10,000 plants, these vast botanic gardens boast an array of thematic gardens and an informative visitors' center.
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Stretching for 3km from the waterfront inland, Auckland's largest commercial street is full of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
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This iconic volcanic island boasts strong links to local Maori heritage, offering great hiking and incredible views from the top.
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A beautiful sandy beach nestled in a natural bay, offering great swimming and surfing for various expertise levels.
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A gem of architectural history, this village replicates New Zealand's colonial township, featuring original buildings and a museum.
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A rich transportation museum, housing an abundance of vehicles, including aircraft, trains, trams, trolleys, buses, and more.
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A wonderful experience for the whole family, the aquarium is home to penguins, sharks, stingrays, seahorses, and many colorful fish.
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Spanning New Zealand's naval history from Polynesian settlers to recent yachting events, this museum houses over a dozen of exhibits.
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Steeped in rural charm, this quaint village offers an abundance of shops, as well as a farmers' market full of fresh local produce.
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Dive into a world of fascinating marine creatures, or take a glass boat to explore the colorful fish surrounding this scenic island.
3 nights
Famed for its cultural diversity and vibrant energy, this metropolis boasts parks and museums, two harbors, and great restaurants.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Things to do in and around Rotorua
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Famed for its geothermal activity, this city is favored by travelers and offers an array of geysers, hot springs, and mud pools.
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Walk the streets breathing its distinctive sulphuric air, drop by a spa for a mud bath, or head to the town center to view the geyser.
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Discover Maori traditions and delve into their rich culture through food, music, and stories, in this wonderful heritage village.
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An cultural center with a wealth of Maori arts and crafts, as well as live performances, kiwi, mud pools, and the renowned geyser.
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A wonderful village still occupied by Maori, where you can learn about local myths, traditional crafts, and buy authentic souvenirs.
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A chain of vivid blue waterfalls cascading into Lake Taupo. Hike along the way and explore the lush surrounding nature.
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Hike through this remarkable geothermal area to admire the breathtaking hot springs, each with unique characteristics and colors.
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A public park dating to the 19C, featuring architectural curios, sports facilities, and lovely natural beauty.
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A piece of New Zealand's spectacular natural beauty awaits you in this redwoods forest, simply perfect for hiking and biking.
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Steeped in myth, the park is famed for its geothermal activity, offering trails among its bubbling mud pool and hissing steam vents.
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Housed in a historic bath house, this museum traces regional history and art, exhibiting photography, paintings, and Maori relics.
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New Zealand's largest lake rests within a volcanic caldera, offering cultural curios, water activities, lively atmosphere, and more.
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A well known volcano where several historic eruptions have formed the scenery, featuring lakes, rivers, and wide calderas.
New Zealand, Bay of Plenty region
1 night
Famed for its geothermal activity, this city is favored by travelers and offers an array of geysers, hot springs, and mud pools.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Things to do in and around Napier
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Full of Art Deco architecture, this city offers an array of cultural attractions, from museums, to monuments, to verdant gardens.
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The oldest winery in New Zealand offers wonderful tours, historic overviews of local viticulture, and marvelous tastings.
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Wander through main streets and thoroughfares brimming with the charm of the Roaring Twenties, quaint shops, and great cafes.
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Go for a dip in the water, or while away your afternoon reading and basking in the sun.
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With nice sprawling lawns and a variety of native and exotic flowers, these botanical gardens offer a nice afternoon.
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Hike up to this marvelous summit on any of the paths riddling the mountains, and you'll be rewarding with marvelous views of the area.
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A chain of vivid blue waterfalls cascading into Lake Taupo. Hike along the way and explore the lush surrounding nature.
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Symbolic of the city, the statue represents the mythological figure of an ocean maiden who was loved and betrayed by a Maori youth.
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Hike up to the Bluff Hill Lookout for some marvelous views over the surrounding area.
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Featuring a 50m tunnel that offers a close encounter with a large array of marine wildlife, this aquarium if fun for all ages.
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Serving as museum, gallery, and theater, this institute exhibits collections on history, natural history, Maori culture, and more.
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New Zealand's largest lake rests within a volcanic caldera, offering cultural curios, water activities, lively atmosphere, and more.
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An interesting geological formation, this headland is home to two gannet colonies and offers superb views over the nearby area.
New Zealand, Hawke's Bay region
1 night
Full of Art Deco architecture, this city offers an array of cultural attractions, from museums, to monuments, to verdant gardens.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Things to do in and around Wellington
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New Zealand's capital is a city with upbeat energies, boasting a thriving nightlife, rich museums, historic buildings, and more.
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A splendid national museum tracing the history of New Zealand's bicultural coexistence, its diverse nature, people, and wildlife.
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An excellent museum tracing the history of Wellington from its Maori legacy, to European settlements, naval development, and beyond.
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Historic Center, Wellington
Wander the streets to get a taste of the city and its vibrant ambiance, visiting museums for a take on local culture and heritage.
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Littered with cultural curios and boasting a plethora of native and foreign plants, this garden is full of nice walking paths.
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Rich in Maori and European history, this island also retains an almost pristine ecosystem full of indigenous animal and bird species.
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Feed and pet a multitude of native animals and birds in this large reserve, full of lovely natural features and great for all ages.
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Famed for marvelous bohemian atmosphere and a myriad of hip music venues, this quarter is full of cool shops, boutiques, and cafes.
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A great restoration endeavor, this wildlife sanctuary is dedicated to the reintroduction and conservation of native flora and fauna.
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A favored swimming spot, this beach is a family-friendly alcove with beautiful scenery, featuring a playground and a cafe.
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In memory of New Zealand's part in the WWI, this 3-part exhibit depicts the soldier's daily lives, personal accounts, and more.
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Once done exploring the city, take this path towards the coast for marvelous views over the ocean and glimpses of marine wildlife.
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This 445m mountain offers spectacular views of Wellington and the surrounding area, as well as several walking trails.
New Zealand, Wellington region
1 night
New Zealand's capital is a city with upbeat energies, boasting a thriving nightlife, rich museums, historic buildings, and more.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Things to do in and around Greymouth
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A small riverside town with deep mining roots, Greymouth offers its visitors an easy access to the nearby natural attractions.
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Grab a pint of local brew and enjoy the atmosphere, or head out hunting the shops for the locally famous jade Greenstone jewelry.
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Tour this once family-owned brewery and learn about the making of West Coast's most popular beer, enjoying tasting of its famed ale.
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A gem of frozen beauty, this glacier can be accessed through easy or challenging hikes, as well as helicopter flights.
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With caves, cliffs, streams, and coasts, this spectacular park's main attraction is the unique "pancake stack" coastal formation.
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Discover a stretch of untouched nature along this stunning West Coast trail, leading you through beaches, forests, lakes, and more.
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Visit this splendid scenic reserve for a bit of kayaking, water-skiing, and bushwalking, or spend your time relaxing and swimming.
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Famed for the stunning aquamarine color of its water, this scenic reserve offers walks and hikes, as well as spectacular landscape.
New Zealand, West Coast region
1 night
A small riverside town with deep mining roots, Greymouth offers its visitors an easy access to the nearby natural attractions.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Things to do in and around Fox Glacier Weheka
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This tiny mountain village offers the best access to New Zealand's beautiful Fox Glacier, as well as several eateries.
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A gem of frozen beauty, this glacier can be accessed through easy or challenging hikes, as well as helicopter flights.
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Located within easy distances from a village, this gorgeous glacier stretched for 13km and can be explored with guided groups.
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New Zealand's longest glacier boasts a length of 27km, stunning scenery, beautiful lakes, and heli-skiing opportunities.
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Take a guided tour to explore the glaciers up close, uniquely situated near the ocean, as well as the park's beaches and mountains.
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With peaks reaching over 3,000 meters tall, this craggy landscape is made up of ice, rock, mountains, and breathtaking scenery.
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Famed for the stunning aquamarine color of its water, this scenic reserve offers walks and hikes, as well as spectacular landscape.
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Full of waterfalls, gorges, and a primal natural beauty, this canyon is a great destination off the beaten path for nature-lovers.
New Zealand, West Coast region
2 nights
This tiny mountain village offers the best access to New Zealand's beautiful Fox Glacier, as well as several eateries.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Things to do in and around Queenstown
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A resort town offering a plethora of thrilling activities among gorgeous landscape, as well as a fine galleries, eateries, and more.
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Webbed with walking trails and full of native flora, this botanic garden also hosts a rose garden, an ice rink, and other amenities.
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Explore the streets, visit one of the fine galleries, or head to the lake for some breathtaking panorama of the bay and the range.
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Set in a natural alcove in downtown Queenstown, this wildlife sanctuary is home kiwi, tuatara, kea, and a variety of other birds.
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Surrounded with beautiful scenery, this lively market is brimming with fresh produce, handcrafts, souvenirs and a great atmosphere.
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One of New Zealand's favored natural attractions, this fiord is riddled with waterfalls and offers breathtaking scenery year-round.
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Travel from Queenstown to Dunedin, driving along the southern coast and enjoying the best of New Zealand's natural landscape.
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With a variety of pools, water slides, hot pools, and a lazy river, this aquapark offers something for all ages.
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A large popular lake, Lake Wanaka is a beautiful location full of fun activities for all ages, including hiking, fishing, and more.
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This picturesque lake is the longest and third-largest lake in New Zealand, offering nearby ventures for lovers of active leisure.
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Pack up your gear and head out to an adventure through Fiordland National Park on this wonderful 4-8 day track.
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A family-run winery, specializing in pinot noir wines. Go on a tour and sample their produce for a taste of the Otago Region.
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Spanning 32km, this famous hiking track crosses two stunning national parks, snow-capped mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and more.
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Trailing up the Ben Lomond mountain, this track is steep and trying, yet the panorama from the peak is well-worth the effort.
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A popular ski resort with a long snow period, featuring lifts and terrain suitable for both ski and snowboarding.
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A highly-recommended off-the-beaten-track gem, this lake offers camping, swimming, boating, hiking, and nearby horseback riding.
4 nights
A resort town offering a plethora of thrilling activities among gorgeous landscape, as well as a fine galleries, eateries, and more.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Things to do in and around Dunedin
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With fascinating history, superb cultural venues, and a rich architectural legacy, this lively university city will charm you.
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Walk along the central streets with its variety of shops, admiring local street art and lovely historic buildings.
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Hike through farmland and through a tunnel to this beach, famed for its sandstone arch and caves riddling the looming cliffs.
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Take a tour through one of New Zealand's most favored breweries, learning about its history, preparation process, and various tastes.
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Tracing the history of the region from its early Maori settlers, this museum houses vehicles, portraits, and interactive exhibits.
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This narrow headland is home to a diversity of wildlife, lush natural landscape, and several historic sites.
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Take a tour through this beautiful private reserve, home to a colony of endangered yellow-eyed penguins. Be sure to book in advance.
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Boasting traditional Chinese architecture, this garden features a lake, a teahouse, and a wealth of atmospheric charm.
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Dunedin's largest public art museum holds New Zealandian and international artworks, including an exhibition of decorative arts.
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The oldest botanic gardens in New Zealand boast a variety of gardens, several notable statues, playgrounds, a pond, and more.
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Housed in a Neoclassical palace, this museum boasts a large collection of natural history, as well as historic and cultural relics.
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A 19C mansion boasting fine Gothic Revival architecture, offering tours of the historic household, accommodations, and gardens.
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A beach great for an afternoon of sunbathing and swimming. If you're lucky, you might see a seal or two basking in the sun nearby.
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If you're a chocolate-lover, this is a must. Delve into the world of Cadbury, sampling, learning, and making your own chocolate bar!
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Erected in 1907, this exquisitely built manor retains its ornamental decor and a wealth of antique furnishing, artwork, and more.
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A lovely and colorful market, offering fresh vegetables, fruit and berries, as well as meat, seafood, and other consumables.
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Sloping towards the ocean with a gentle sandy strip, this beach offers great surfing opportunities, swimming, and sunbathing.
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This tranquil garden is a treasure trove of ancient stately trees, a wealth of multicolored blooms, and an array of native birds.
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Overlooking the Otago Harbor and affording spectacular views of the area, the headland is also home to fascinating wildlife.
2 nights
With fascinating history, superb cultural venues, and a rich architectural legacy, this lively university city will charm you.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Things to do in and around Christchurch
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New Zealand's third-largest city boasts an array of architectural styles, landmarks of cultural significance, and many green areas.
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Lined with shops, eccentric cafes, and historic buildings, Christchurch's central streets echo many European cities with its grace.
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With a variety of alcoves - including rose and herb gardens, as well as a fernery - this botanic garden promises a nice afternoon.
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Christchurch's largest park boasts sprawling lawns and abundant greenery, perfect for strolling, picnicking, or just to read a book.
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A wildlife and nature reserve preserving local ecosystem and native fauna, such as kiwi, takahe, tuatara, and others.
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An open-range zoo housing over 400 animals, offering close encounters with diverse wildlife, including lions, rhinos, and giraffes.
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Once done exploring the city, take this path towards the coast for marvelous views over the ocean and glimpses of marine wildlife.
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Set in a Gothic Revival mansion, this museum houses exhibits on Maori culture, history, geology, natural history, art, and more.
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Take the cable car to the mountaintop, where panorama of the whole area awaits you. Enjoy the cafe or hike to the nearby lookout.
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Constructed with cardboard, wood, and steel, this church boasts a modern design and a lovely stained-glass window front.
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A memorial consisting of 185 unique chairs, each representing a life that had perished in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
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Offering a range of walking and hiking trails of all difficulty levels, this forest park also features heritage sites and camping.
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Visit during the winter months to walk along rows of these lovely fragrant flowers, visit the shop or the cafe for local treats.
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This museum traces the history of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, exhibiting an array of aircraft, a simulator, weapons, and more.
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Housed in a fascinating construction of steel and glass, this major museum houses exhibits by local and international artists.
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Take a tour of the house to view original 19C decor, explore the grounds, or come on a Saturday for the Christchurch Farmers' Market.
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If you're looking for a thrill, head to the casino and try your luck at its many tables, or visit one of its bars for a drink.
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A heaven for lovers of active leisure, the town offers hot pools, as well as hiking, biking, jet-boating, and other adventures.
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Featuring a number of hikes and treks of varying difficulty, this breathtaking park boasts mountains, rivers, lagoons, and more.
New Zealand, Canterbury region
2 nights
New Zealand's third-largest city boasts an array of architectural styles, landmarks of cultural significance, and many green areas.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia