Culture and Discovery in New Zealand

New Zealand is an Antipodean land which attracts lovers of vast spaces and wild nature. Though it is mostly mountainous, the country has a diverse range of landscapes and environments: icy summits, plains with mirror-like lakes, wild coastline licked by the Pacific waters... The nature here is absolutely majestic. And fortunately ecology takes pride of place here.

Situated to the south east of South Island, Dunedin is one for your list of places to visit in New Zealand. It has a young vibe, it's pretty and it houses lots of museums. There's loads to do for visitors of all ages. At a short hop from Dunedin you'll find the Otago Peninsula, a natural wonder, home to penguins, seals and birds - not one to miss!

Situated to the north of South Island, the Abel Tasman National Park is probably the most flexible of New Zealand's Great Walks, combining canoeing, walking, camping and the option to spend a few hours or several days on its paths. It's an ideal place to start if you want to enjoy visiting a part of New Zealand that's 'savage', but not too much so!

Discover why Wellington is known as "The world's coolest little capital city." it should be a mandatory stop-off for all travelers passing through New Zealand. Light-hearted, lively, surprising and with an atmosphere all of its own, "Windy Welly," the capital of New Zealand, is well worth a longer stay.

Situated to the north of South Island, Marlborough Sounds is a wild, maritime, road-free environment. Nature is Queen and, apart from a few farms or hotels dotted here and there, you won't cross a soul. It's a typical New Zealand paradise!

Situated at the southern tip of New Zealand, The Catlins is one of the least explored parts of the country, partly because of its location and partly because tourists don't seem that interested in it! That said, its a stunning region. Its landscape is well worth exploring and you'll also come across sea lions and protected species such as yellow-eyed penguins.

Arthur's Pass links the east and west of South Island. It's the perfect place to explore New Zealand's Alps, benefitting from numerous trails that cross breathtaking landscapes. It's also the route used by the famous TranzAlpine train that runs from Christchurch to Greymouth.

Wanaka is often considered to be Queenstown's little sister, mainly because they're neighbors. But it merits more than that. Calm, beautiful, in an idyllic setting between lake and mountains, it's the perfect place from which to explore the regional countryside!

So don't be put off by any negative thoughts about capital cities! Just because Wellington is a busy, urban hub, it doesn't mean incredible local plant and wildlife are absent. It's quite the opposite and any nature lover will find beautiful walks, seals and penguins right on it's doorstep. It goes without saying you'll also see sheep!

Situated on the outskirts of the Fjordland National Park, Te Anau is the perfect base from which to tour New Zealand's spectacular fjords. Plunging cliffs, amazing marine life and views to die for. Whatever the weather, if you're touring New Zealand, you must put this in your travel diary!