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

A sophisticated town and ideal departure point, if you're planning to tour the stunning Otago region.

Dunedin

Samoa

Fiji

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

Dunedin is charming, with its Victorian architecture, but it's the town's surroundings that I suggest you take the time to see. I fell in love with the Otago Peninsula, a savage paradise close to Dunedin. The peninsula road is narrow and winding, running across green hills and giving panoramic views across the ocean; it's worth making a detour for. I was fascinated by the wildlife I saw in the area - penguins, sea lions and albatross...I was also surprised at how easy they were to spot. To watch sea lions lolling about, you should head down to the beach at Sandfly Bay. What's more it's an enjoyable walk. Even if they look like big slugs lazing in the sun, don't get too close, as they can move very quickly when they want to! And being crushed by 500kg is not what you need! Another beautiful walk that I can recommend is the one to The Chasm. If you're there at the end of the day, take the time to watch the sun go down over the peninsula. The best spot for this is by the parking lot. One of the most amazing sunsets that I saw during my time in New Zealand.  If you've come as far as Dunedin, it would be a shame if you missed visiting The Catlins. It's off the beaten track, and breathtaking. You can swim with hector dolphins, watch yellow-eyed penguins or cool off beside impressive waterfalls. In short, this is one of my favorite regions in New Zealand and I can't recommend it highly enough!

In my opinion, Dunedin is the most charming city on the South Island of New Zealand, where life is good and where <a href="/new-zealand/">to stay during your trip</a>. Many old buildings, especially its train station and old penitentiary, give it a European elegance strongly steeped with Scottish culture. Accordingly, if you're interested in the history of Otago, I suggest a visit to the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, depicting the arrival of the first settlers and the development of ways of life. Dunedin also offers a wide selection of original boutiques, from vintage thrift shops to high end stores. After strolling through the streets of the city center, a drink on an outdoor patio gave me the opportunity to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city full of commotion. Finally, a day trip led me to the Otago peninsula, the quintessential ecotourism destination. You'll have the opportunity to discover the diverse local wildlife (seals, sea lions, blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins, albatross, etc.), in a heavenly environment with views that will take your breath away. Don't forget your cameras!

A principal city in the Otago region, Dunedin is a very beautiful colonial city that has kept its historic heritage.

Dunedin Vacations

Dunedin: How to get there?

Dunedin: See when to go ?

Dunedin: For how long?

Dunedin: What to see nearby?

New Zealand: our articles for your vacations