WANDERLUST

These picture-perfect locations will make you feel as though you have arrived at your dream destination. Have your camera ready!

AOTEA – GREAT BARRIER ISLAND, AUCKLAND Great Barrier Island, in the outer Hauraki Gulf, is an off-grid home to a community which appreciates the natural environment. You’ll find soul elevating views, hot springs, night skies littered with stars and white-sand beaches stretching out lazily.

Kaitoke Hot Springs, Great Barrier Island

© Auckland Unlimited

MILFORD SOUND – FIORDLAND Sensational views are pretty much promised here and the upside of all the rain (bring a raincoat) are the bountiful cascading waterfalls.

ABEL TASMAN Golden sandy bays, water as clear as gin and walking trails to reconnect you with nature. Sea kayaking will give you the most immersive experience: stop at the Tonga Marine Reserve where the seals will be struggling to peel themselves off the warm rocks. Pack your snorkel and mask to best view shoals of fish weaving around the kelp.

TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING The volcanic surface of Mt Tongariro will make you feel as though you have touched down on Mars. And the views... oh the views! When you think that you have seen the best bit, it’s actually just around the next corner. The emerald lakes are breathtaking and worth the effort.

Emerald Lake, Tongariro Crossing

© Visit Ruapehu

COAST TO COAST ON THE TRANZALPINE Curl up by the window and gaze out as the world slides by. Rolling between Christchurch and Greymouth, the TranzAlpine train winds between the coasts over the Southern Alps. For an even more awe-inspiring experience, travel over the winter months to relish snow-capped peaks.

TranzAlpine, South Island

© TranzAlpine, South Island

THE CATLINS Offering up a rugged and untouched beauty, from the rushing waters of McLean, Matai or Purakaunui falls to the tips of Slope or Nugget Point, through to the wild breaks on Kaka Point and Porpoise Bay, making your way through The Catlins is incredibly rewarding.

BAY OF ISLANDS Dreamy bays with turquoise water lapping at golden sands, summer boating between the islands, catching a glimpse of dolphins. Many would argue the best of the Bay of Islands is found out on the water.