New Zealand is known for the beauty of its nature, the pristine blue waters of rivers and impressive mountains.
But this country is not just great outdoors and flocks of sheep.
The cities are the pride of New Zealand and are distinguished by their architecture, culture and history.
Here’s our list of the “top 5”.
1. Wellington
Photo credit @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/wiifm69/7001738312/
The capital of New Zealand is located between beautiful hills and a lovely harbor.
The center of the city is small enough to be visited by foot.
Wellington is home of the “Te Papa Tongarewa” : the national museum which tells the story of New Zealand through exhibits and interactive displays.
In this city you will discover a surprising variety of art galleries, theaters, clubs, attractions and an active nightlife.
Tips
Do Not Miss :
– reaching the top of Mount Victoria to enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the city from the “Te Ahumairangi Hill Lookout“;
– walking in the “Otari-Wilton Bush“, the only botanical garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to the cultivation of native plants;
– visiting the “Museum of Wellington City” to complete the cultural journey that begins at the museum “Te Papa Tongarewa”.
2. Dunedin
Dunedin is located in the South of the island and it was built at the base of an ancient extinct volcano, situated in the Gulf of Otago.
There are many places to visit and possible activities in this city.
Tips
Do Not Miss :
– visiting the modern museum Otago, where you will revisit the past era of the dinosaurs to the present day;
– seeing the penguins at the “Yellow-Eyed Penguin“, protected in the reserve “Yellow-Eyed Penguin Conservation Reserve”;
– admiring the Larnach Castle : from the highest point of the peninsula you can visit this castle, built by the extravert banker and politician William Larnach in 1871 to impress the nobility of the time. It’s well worth a visit.
3. Taupo
This city is located south of the homonym lake in the region called “Bay of Plenty”.
It’s a charming and quiet town.
Tips
Do Not Miss :
– visiting the Botanical Gardens contains a wide variety of native plants, rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas;
– seeing the waterfalls “Huka Falls” in the vicinity of the Waikato River, where you will experience the sensation of how nature can be strong and destructive and how mankind is powerless in the face of such force;
– enjoying the lookout, as in the area there are a number of scenic spots, where to enjoy the wonderful views of Lake Taupo and Turangi river.
4. Rotorua
Here, the main attractions are the 1200 natural representations of the force that has shaped our planet: the volcanic activity.
Tips
Do Not Miss :
– visiting the thermal park “Wai-O-Tapu“, where you will have the chance to assist of natural spectacles, resulting from interactions such as the colorful volcanic lake called “champagne pool” or “house of the devil”;
– walking in the park “Kuirau” that lies at the heart of the city, where there are numerous fumaroles, boiling mud pools and geothermal phenomena;
Rotorua is also surrounded by beautiful lakes where you can swim, have a barbecue or simply walk.
5. Auckland
The landscape of the city is surrounded by volcanic hills in a dominant position, as if to protect the harbor, bays, beaches and islands that are from before.
His nickname “The City of Sails” is very appropriate given the presence of numerous sailing boats which crowd the harbor giving it a romantic atmosphere.
Tips
Do Not Miss :
– taking a walk through the park by the end of the impressive Auckland War Memorial Museum (at the entrance to the Auckland Museum is a suggested donation of $10 and it’s open 7 days a week);
– visiting the fish market of Jellicoe Street (open 7 days a week 7:00 to 7:00 p.m.);
– hiking to the Mount Eden Domain and enjoy a spectacular view of Auckland City from the top of Maungawhau.
And you?
Have you ever been to New Zealand?
Please share your experience in the comments below, thanks!