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.

New Zealand, an intense natural paradise

A lively town, surrounded by dozens of volcanoes and black sand beaches.

Oceania

Welcome to the New Zealand travel pages. In this faraway country, you can expect a harmonious mixture of lakes, mountainous and volcanic landscapes, and tropical vegetation... New Zealand is isolated in the middle of the ocean and is located halfway between the South Pole and the Equator. Even though it’s small in area (about the size of the UK), it has extremely diverse flora and fauna. Nature lovers are in paradise here. But this paradise is earned: you’ll have to spend long hours on an airplane to get here, and you can count on having 10 to 12 hours of jet lag once you arrive, depending on the season... But this land, which the Maori first called “Aotearoa,” the land of the long white cloud, is really worth the trip: abundant and diverse nature, beautiful landscapes, and outdoor activities… It’s all convenient for travellers: one of the advantages of this destination is the small size of the country, which makes all this beauty accessible, starting from your first trip to New Zealand. Your hunger for the great outdoors and desire for peace and serenity will be satisfied.

New Zealand

Auckland

Sitting by a lake in a region steeped in Maori culture, this town is a hive of geothermal activity.

Rotorua

Taupo is a small, lively town best known for its lake, which bears the same name and is the largest in New Zealand.

Taupo

With three active volcanoes, the Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park is a must for any hiking fan or visitors interested in exploring a volcanic landscape.

Tongariro National Park

The administrative and political capital, Wellington has held onto provincial charm and cultural wealth. 

Wellington

Samoa

Fiji

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

An opinion shared by many, Wellington is by far one of the most beautiful cities in the country. First of all, the development along the waterfront makes it a place that's conducive to taking walks, though sometimes it can be very windy. In addition, it has kept an ambiance and rhythm, giving it a charm that few cities have been able to maintain. I enjoyed walking the streets of the capital and discovering rather original boutiques. My visit was also highlighted by a visit to the Te Papa National Museum, which is full of historical, social, geographical, and biological information... and I could go on and on. If you visit only one mueum on <a href="/new-zealand/">your trip to the country</a>, make it this one! Fans of Lord of the Rings will definitely want to go to Peter Jackson's Weta Workshop production studios, or even to the various filming locations located not too far from the city. Finally, with New Zealand not really well-known for its cuisine, Wellington would be the exception to the rule. Rich in restaurants and bars, I had the opportunity to taste some very refined delicacies that are part of the sought-after cuisine.

The administrative and political capital, Wellington has held onto provincial charm and cultural wealth.

The third most populous city in the country, Wellington remains a small capital, where it's nice to spend a few days <a href="/new-zealand/">during a stay in New Zealand</a>. It's nicknamed the windy city, not without reason, because there are often winds that will knock you off your feet. Located on a seismic fault, last year the city suffered a significant earthquake, which fortunately did little damage. I visited the city twice in atrocious weather: rain, strong winds, and foggy. I had the chance to take time to visit the Te Papa Tongarewa museum, the ideal place to learn about New Zealand culture, and more particularly Maori heritage. With six floors, you can easily spend a day here, and even more time if you want to discover all its treasures. I enjoyed the panoramic view of the city from Mount Victoria, which is easily accessible on foot from the city center. I also recommend taking advantage of the view from the botanic garden, by taking the charming Wellington Cable Car, something you must do.

A human-sized capital where you can visit Te Papa Tongarewa, a must-see museum to help you understand New Zealand better.

Wellington Vacations

Wellington: How to get there?

Wellington: See when to go ?

Wellington: For how long?

Wellington: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations