| New Zealand is a country of many contrasts, offering | | | | business, international trade, culture, fashion, |
| stunning scenery, beautiful coastlines and world class | | | | education and entertainment, and is also one of its |
| cities. | | | | fastest growing cities. |
| While many tourists travel here to experience the | | | | Each year Tuaranga hosts the National Jazz Festival, |
| stunning natural attractions, many discover that it is | | | | which attracts visitors from far and wide. Tourists |
| actually a country that also boasts a strong | | | | are met with beautiful mountain and coastal scenery, |
| metropolitan feel. | | | | along with a vast array of exciting things to see and |
| New Zealand is decoratively dotted with pleasant | | | | do. |
| cities; some large and some charming and small. | | | | 5. Napier |
| Driving in between these cities will reward you with | | | | Located within Hawke's Bay, Napier is a port city that |
| some of the most untouched wilderness you will | | | | boasts incredible scenery and fantastic wineries. |
| ever come across. | | | | Commonly associated with Hastings City, Napier is a |
| New Zealand's must-see cities include: | | | | popular tourist city with a unique concentration of |
| 10. Queenstown | | | | 1930's Art Deco architecture. |
| Known as the "Adventure Capital of the World", | | | | Napier is also famous for the wide variety of water |
| Queenstown may be small, but it is one you cannot | | | | sports on offer, including water skiing, wind surfing, |
| be missed. Queenstown is New Zealand's premier ski | | | | kayaking and parasailing. |
| destination as it is surrounded by magnificent | | | | 4. Hamilton |
| mountains and crystal clear lake settings. | | | | Positioned within the Waikato region of the North |
| Queenstown is also a spring board for activities like | | | | Island, Hamilton boasts a wide variety of city |
| bungee jumping, sky diving and white water rafting, | | | | attractions and offers everything a metropolitan |
| making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a natural | | | | centre should. |
| injection of adrenaline. | | | | The Hamilton Gardens are a particularly popular spot, |
| 9. Rotorua | | | | offering unique garden contrasts and idyllic settings. |
| Much like Queenstown, Rotorua is also a city that is | | | | The zoo is another hot spot, allowing tourists to |
| home to "world first" adventure experiences. Claiming | | | | discover a whole new animal world. |
| that they capture the best of New Zealand in one, | | | | 3. Wellington |
| Rotorua is a city that encompasses the best of both | | | | New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, is a city of |
| natural and man-made attractions. | | | | pleasant contrasts and a charming cosmopolitan feel. |
| Most people travel to Rotorua to experience Maori | | | | Positioned on the edge of a harbour, Wellington is |
| culture and the geothermal earth forces, which are | | | | surrounded by lovely rolling hills and stunning natural |
| among one of the most earth moving experiences | | | | attractions. |
| one could ever have. Rotorua also boasts some | | | | Explore the great outdoors, shop until you drop, |
| incredible mountain and lake scenery, with mountain | | | | sample fine foods and wander through splendid |
| biking a popular past time. | | | | vineyards; Wellington has it all. |
| 8. Nelson | | | | 2. Christchurch |
| Nelson is a centre for arts and crafts and is famous | | | | Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island |
| for hosting the annual Nelson Arts Festival. The city is | | | | and lies just north of the Banks Peninsula. The city is |
| also home to some fantastic beaches and a sheltered | | | | centred around the lovely Cathedral Square; an area |
| harbour, with kayaking a popular past time. | | | | which is a must for any Christchurch tourist. |
| The Nelson region also covers the picturesque | | | | Some of New Zealand's best experiences start here, |
| coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park, which is a | | | | including the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, |
| must-see while visiting the South Island. | | | | plenty of ski areas and swimming with dolphins. |
| 7. Dunedin | | | | 1. Auckland |
| The people of Dunedin describe it as a "vibrant city | | | | Topping the list of New Zealand's biggest cities is |
| surrounded by a giant outdoor playground", and this | | | | Auckland; New Zealand's premier city destination for |
| could not be truer. It's most notable natural highlight is | | | | breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, idyllic holiday |
| of course the Otago Peninsula, which is home to | | | | islands, great food, wine and shopping and exciting |
| some of New Zealand's most fascinating fauna. | | | | nightlife. |
| Dunedin also regards itself as one of the most | | | | Explore the city's many galleries and museums, head |
| preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the | | | | into the great outdoors and experience the coastline |
| Southern Hemisphere, ensuring all the architectural | | | | or get out on the water on a sailing or kayaking |
| beauty of Europe, without the crowds. | | | | expedition. |
| 6. Tauranga | | | | Auckland offers something to everyone. |
| Tauranga is one of New Zealand's main centers for | | | | |