People & Places Aotearoa New Zealand aims to highlight the many gems this amazing country has to offer. As Kiwis (New Zealanders) we often take for granted what is in our own back yard. Too often we know about a place or drive past it all the time but never stop to check it out. I hope this inspires more Kiwi’s to explore more of their own surroundings.
And then as a traveller, I know only too well how fantastic it is to find those special places only the locals know about. I hope to highlight some of these for visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand.
I have spent the last few years travelling to places all over the world and during this time I have come to really appreciate how lucky I am to call Aotearoa New Zealand home. I want to share this amazing country and its people with anyone interested and I hope to inspire others to get out and explore this Pacific paradise. All the places I share are places I have been and the photos I have taken myself. People mentioned are people I have met along the way.
NORTH ISLAND REGIONS
Northland New Zealand is a place where you will find the most gorgeous coastlines and beaches in Aotearoa, especially in the popular Bay of Islands. From ancient sub-tropical forests to a rich culture and history the very top of Aotearoa New Zealand is not to be missed.
Auckland is the largest and most diverse city in Aotearoa New Zealand. Here you will find gorgeous hiking trails and beautiful beaches only half an hour from anywhere in the city. From downtown, you can catch a ferry to various islands including the well know Waiheke. Auckland is known for its outstanding food, wine, and shopping and is most definitely worth spending some time in.
Waikato means flowing water a name that comes from New Zealand’s longest river. This flows from New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupō, to Port Waikato on the West Coast. This region stretches from Auckland in the north to Mount Ruapehu in the south, from the west coast, through to the top Coromandel Peninsula on the east coast. The largest city in the Waikato is Hamilton with a population of just under 200,000. This region is best known for its top attractions such as Hobbiton and Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
The Bay of Plenty region is home to beautiful beaches, world famous kiwifruit and New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. Named by the explorer Captain James Cook for a region that appeared plentiful you will also find local wines, fresh seafood, and hectares of orchards. You will eat well here!
The Gisborne Region is located on the eastern corner of the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. It has just one city with the same name which is the first in the world to see the sun. This region offers some of the most amazing coastline scenery in often remote and unpopulated locations. Freedom camping is popular in summer as is exploring vineyards, surfing, and fishing. Inland is rugged and largely inaccessible but a popular location for hunters who will often spend days in the bush. This is very much an out of the way location but worth taking a detour for if you want to experience some real remote New Zealand locations.
The Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions making it perfect for producing fabulous red wines. This region is also notable for its Art Deco architecture, award-winning food, and magnificent landscapes. Farmers’ markets are popular for locally grown produce and gourmet delicacies so you can be sure to find a treat. Much of the region was rebuilt in the 1930s after a huge earthquake making it quite different from any other region in New Zealand.
TARANAKI
The Whanganui-Manawatu region is named after its two main rivers. To the northwest is the Whanganui River which New Zealand’s longest navigable river. In the southeast is the Manawatu River runs through the largest city in this region, Palmerston North. The landscape includes the impressive Manawatu Gorge, mountain ranges, vast farmland, coastal plains and beaches on both east and west coasts.
The Wellington region covers the southern end of the North Island and includes, New Zealand’s capital city also named Wellington. With three contrasting coastlines and mountainous ranges, this region is incredibly diverse. The weather can be wild and windy and the area is prone to earthquakes. But don’t let that stop you experiencing plains of thriving vineyards, the metropolis of the capital city or the challenging mountain ranges that is a hikers paradise.
SOUTH ISLAND REGIONS
NELSON-TASMAN
The West Coast is well known for its dramatic scenery with New Zealand’s highest mountain range running along the 600 km rugged coastline. This region has the most spectacular scenery from mountain peaks to glaciers to lush green forests. A destination for any outdoor enthusiast!
MARLBOROUGH
Canterbury is a tourist hotspot with so much on offer in this one region! Within two hours of its biggest city, Christchurch, you can be skiing, bungy jumping, hiking, swimming with dolphins, wine tasting, fishing, riding bike trails, surfing, playing golf, watching whales and so much more!
OTAGO
SOUTHLAND
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