Beyond the Official Programme Welcome to New Zealand
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BEYOND THE OFFICIAL PROGRAMME WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND As ancient explorers and early settlers discovered, you’re never far from something incredible in New Zealand. There’s no better place for adventure, rejuvenation and inspiration. And because New Zealand is compact and easy to get around, you can experience a whole lot in one trip. The country’s towering mountains, dense forests Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and golden beaches make it a haven for outdoor and their customs and traditions can be seen in activities, while its multicultural population has many facets of New Zealand life. created the perfect melting pot for unique cultural These same welcoming and friendly people and culinary experiences. are also among the world’s most innovative. It’s not unusual to find yourself jet boating through New Zealand’s well regarded universities and a sweeping river valley in the morning, taking in a enterprising businesses continue to produce some traditional Māori cultural experience in the afternoon of the world’s top thinkers in areas such as marine, and savouring world class food and wine by night. aviation, agribusiness, health science, high value foods and earth science. Wherever you go in New Zealand you will find friendly people and fascinating culture. New Zealand is regularly rated as one of the world’s New Zealanders have wholeheartedly embraced preferred destinations. We’d love to show you around. the Māori concept of manaakitanga, the act of So stay a while and experience something dramatic, giving and making people feel welcome. serene, amazing, enticing or delicious. You won’t KIA ORA have to go too far. Auckland is a three hour flight from the eastern seaboard GETTING TO of Australia, a direct overnight flight from the west coast GETTING AROUND NEW ZEALAND of North America and an approximate ten to twelve NEW ZEALAND hour flight from most places on the Pacific Rim, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. Travelling through New Zealand is easy and relatively inexpensive. An extensive network of air, train and road services means public transport can take you to most places. Rail and coaches link up with ferry operators to travel the length of the country and air travel is available to most destinations. EUROPE NORTH ASIA NORTH AMERICA To take in some of New Zealand’s scenery 24 HRS 11 HRS 12 HRS up close and at your own pace, consider taking a drive. In many countries you’ll drive for many hours through nondescript landscapes. New Zealand is different. From snow-capped mountains and crystal clear glacial lakes, SOUTH EAST ASIA 10 HRS to golden beaches and lush rainforests, New Zealand offers one of the most visually diverse travelling experiences in the world. SOUTH AMERICA Here the journey really is as enjoyable AUSTRALIA 12 HRS 3 HRS as the destination. The Great Coast Road, West Coast 1 1 AUCKLAND 7 NELSON Shop for designer clothes, scale Explore the long golden beaches, New Zealand’s tallest building, The Sky alpine lakes, enchanting forests and AOTEAROA Tower, and savour fine food and wine stunning scenery of the Nelson region in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest by kayak, car or bicycle. Home to three 2 city. Situated alongside three sparkling national parks, this region is a favourite harbours and flanked by black sand NEW ZEALAND 3 holiday spot for New Zealanders and so beaches and native forest to the west, beautiful you’ll never want to leave. this multicultural hub offers the perfect mix of urban chic and outdoor excitement. 5 11 4 2 HAMILTON NAPIER 8 MARLBOROUGH DUNEDIN Meander through themed public gardens Enjoy a guided wine tour through the Discover the many coves of the Broaden your mind in Dunedin, 5 and along riverside trails in Hamilton. celebrated vineyards of Hawke’s Bay. magnificent Marlborough Sounds home to grand heritage buildings This heartland city offers an eclectic mix The city of Napier is New Zealand’s on a cruise, or cycle through vineyards and New Zealand’s oldest university. of metropolitan culture and rural charm Art Deco capital and has fantastic on a wine-tasting tour. With its See penguins, sea lions and and is famed for its proximity to must-do heritage, a picturesque shoreline glorious sunshine, delicious food albatross on the nearby Otago attractions like the Hobbiton Movie Set and just the right climate for delicious and luxurious resorts, any visit to Peninsula and experience one of and Waitomo Caves. orchard fruits. Marlborough is a pure joy. the great scenic train journeys on the 7 Taieri Gorge Railway. 6 8 3 ROTORUA 9 CHRISTCHURCH Immerse yourself in Māori culture Relax in our picturesque ‘Garden and exhilarating outdoor adventure City’. Christchurch offers something in Rotorua. Built amidst a geothermal for everyone – from golf and hot air landscape of steaming geysers and ballooning, to punting on the Avon bubbling mudpools, this tourist hotspot River, to relaxing in its stunning is home to many quintessential Kiwi Botanic Gardens. Reconstruction 9 experiences – from white water rafting following a major earthquake in 2011 and offroad 4WD, to spine-tingling Māori has seen Christchurch emerge as an cultural performances. 6 exciting reimagined new city. 4 TAUPŌ WELLINGTON 10 QUEENSTOWN Delve into a lake so big that it’s really Dine on fine food, craft beers and world Find inspiration amongst the more like an inland sea. Lake Taupō is class coffee in the harbour-side city of unforgettable landscape of 10 surrounded by natural wonders like the Wellington. Dubbed the “coolest little Queenstown. This four season resort stunning Huka Falls and the bubbling capital in the world” by Lonely Planet, town is known as the adventure capital mud pools and geysers at the Orakei Wellington also offers top opportunities of the world. It also offers plenty 11 Korako thermal wonderland. for wildlife spotting and cultural discovery of opportunity for lakeside dining, at the renowned national museum, boutique shopping and tours of the Te Papa Tongarewa. region’s rich gold mining history. ACCOMMODATION There’s a wide range of accommodation options The main central business districts have waiting for you in New Zealand – from affordable internationally recognised hotel brands, all backpackers, to spacious apartments, to five star in walking distance to key conference and venue luxury hotels and lodges. facilities. Around the country, accommodation is readily available, friendly and good value. SKYCITY Grand Hotel, Auckland Cavalli Beach House Retreat, Northland Millbrook Resort, Queenstown NEW ZEALAND LUXURY LODGES New Zealand has a rapidly growing reputation for These exclusive properties offer a range its luxury lodges in some of our most spectacular of customised activities from spa treatments, locations. In a class of their own, our luxury lodges to private golf, helicopter flights, wilderness are extremely accommodating and cater to the adventures and more – whatever your heart most discerning visitor. Dine on fine gourmet desires. A New Zealand luxury lodge is utterly cuisine and enjoy the highest standard of hosting indulgent and offers an exclusive, sumptous as your every need is taken care of. and unforgettable holiday experience. Eagles Nest, Bay of Islands Wharekauhau Lodge, Wairarapa Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown GOT TIME TO EXPLORE? JOURNEY Less than an hour north of Auckland, Home to 1.5 million people, the ‘City of Sails’ offers Matakana is a place where the good world class accommodation, outstanding food and things in life are found in abundance. Home to a flourishing wine industry, wine, great shopping, sights and attractions. pristine surf beaches, golf courses, kayaking, diving and local crafts. The Matakana region is a great place to relax and revitalise. DON’T LEAVE AUCKLAND BEFORE YOU: FOLLOW A little further north, follow the Twin GET OUT ON THE HARBOUR HIT THE SHOPS Coast Discovery Highway to experience Climb the bridge over the Waitemata Browse the outstanding shopping on offer Northland’s golden beaches, ancient Harbour, bungy jump into it, jet boat around in the downtown Britomart precinct – home Horse riding, Pakiri Beach kauri forests and the spiritual Cape it, or hire a kayak and join an evening paddle to the fashion boutiques of New Zealand Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and to Rangitoto Island. If you’d like to try your labels Karen Walker, Kate Sylvester, Zambesi Pacific Ocean meet at the northern hand at sailing, participate as crew on an and World. Make sure to add Newmarket, tip of New Zealand. ex-America’s Cup yacht. Ponsonby and Parnell to your shopping list too. DISCOVER EXPLORE THE WATERFRONT TAKE IN THE VIEW Take the Twin Coast Discovery With a superb selection of cafés, bars Visit the summit of Mount Eden for Highway back down the east coast and restaurants, the waterfront areas of the breathtaking panoramic views of the city and to discover some of New Zealand’s most Viaduct Basin and Wynyard Quarter provide harbour, or take a tour to the Waitakere Ranges picturesque coastal towns and beaches the perfect place to dine, or simply relax and and the stunning west coast beaches. in the Bay of Islands. Step onto the watch the world go by with a glass of wine. Waitangi Treaty Grounds, considered GO UP THE SKY TOWER the birth place of New Zealand as VISIT WAIHEKE ISLAND At 328 metres high, it’s New Zealand’s a bicultural nation. Take a half hour ferry ride across the tallest man-made structure. Enjoy stunning beautiful harbour to discover the island’s views in all directions and a buzzing golden beaches, vineyards, olive groves entertainment complex. Thrill-seeking visitors and restaurants. can ‘SkyWalk’ around the tower’s 192 metre Wynyard Quarter, Auckland Cruising on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour high pergola, or ‘SkyJump’ all the way down! GOT TIME TO EXPLORE? ACTION Lights, camera, action.