As the FIFA Women's World Cup™ approaches, you’re invited to embark on an unforgettable journey to the Beautiful Game through New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes.
Vibrant city style and spectacular landscapes
Begin your journey to the beautiful game in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand's largest city with a vibrant waterfront, beaches and islands. Start your day off with panoramic views of the city at the iconic Sky Tower. Take a stroll through the heart of the city on Te Ara I Whiti / The Light path(opens in new window) or Pink Light Path which stretches from Upper Queen Street to Victoria Street West. Enjoy delicious local cuisines from the waterfront restaurants at Viaduct Harbour while taking in the mesmerising views of the Waitematā Harbour.
If you're looking for an escape from the city centre, Fullers(opens in new window) offers regular ferries from Auckland city to Waiheke island, Rotoroa island and Rangitoto island. Waiheke is known for its stunning vineyards, pristine beaches and adrenaline-pumping activities. Sample world-class wines in picturesque vineyards or zipline(opens in new window) through native forests.
Take a day trip Matamata, home to the famous Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Head down south on the freeway towards the Waikato region which is approximately 2 hours away from Auckland. On your way, make a stop at Hamilton Gardens to see beautifully landscaped gardens representing different civilisations and garden styles from around the world. If you've got extra time up your sleeve, spend an extra night and explore the top things to do in Hamilton.
Embark on a magical journey through Middle‑earth™ as you explore Hobbiton. Nestled in the rolling hills of Matamata, immerse yourself in the whimsical landscapes with hobbit holes, lush gardens and the iconic Green Dragon Inn. If you're not already awe-inspired, venture underground to Waitomo Caves and experience the breathtaking starry glowworm caves(opens in new window).
From explosive geysers to fascinating Māori culture, Rotorua has it all
Start the day with a visit to Te Puia, where you'll explore the fascinating world of geothermal wonders with bubbling mud pools and soaring geysers. In Waimangu Volcanic Valley, you can take a walk and immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas shaped by the volcanic activity. Visit Te Pā Tū for evening kai (food) which offers an unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Māori culture.
For an adrenaline-packed day, Skyline Rotorua has got you covered. Take a gondola ride(opens in new window) up Mount Ngongotaha and admire the scenic views of Rotorua's surrounding landscapes. Hop on the luge(opens in new window) and race down the thrilling tracks providing fun for all ages. For those seeking an extra thrill, the sky swing(opens in new window) offers a heart-pumping adventure swinging high above the ground.
Adventure activities and water sports
When you depart from Rotorua, make a day trip to Taupō on your way to Napier. Visit the mesmerising turquoise waters of the magnificent Huka Falls. Choose between two options to explore: opt for a thrilling Huka Falls Jet boat ride(opens in new window), where you'll speed and get up close to the thundering falls, or take a Huka Falls walk(opens in new window) immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Head to Lake Taupō, the largest lake in Aotearoa New Zealand. Here, you can take a scenic cruise to see the Māori carvings(opens in new window) called Ngātoroirangi. Alternatively, for those seeking a more active adventure, you can kayak to Mine Bay(opens in new window) and get a look of the Māori carvings up close.
After your adventures in Taupō, continue your journey to Napier, a city renowned for its Art Deco architecture and fine wineries.
Take an Art Deco Tour, where you'll explore the city's captivating streets lined with beautifully restored buildings from the 1930s. Pedal your way through renowned vineyards such as Elephant Hill and Church Road, where you can savour exquisite wines and take in the beautiful sceneries.
Hit the road and drive along State Highway 2 towards Wellington, but not before making a stop lunch in Martinborough or Greytown in the Wairarapa region.
Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital city. Take the Zealandia By Night tour(opens in new window), a unique experience that allows you to discover the magic of New Zealand's native wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for tuatara, an ancient reptile species found only in New Zealand, and if luck is on your side, catch a glimpse of the kiwi, Aotearoa New Zealand's iconic flightless bird.
Head to the Interislander Ferry Terminal(opens in new window) to catch the morning ferry to Picton. Enjoy the scenic journey across the Cook Strait, taking in the stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds.
From Picton, drive to Pelorus Bridge, a scenic location known for a bit of Middle‑earth™ magic. Peter Jackson chose Pelorus Bridge as a filming location for scenes from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.
Continue your journey to Nelson(opens in new window), a city renowned for year round sunshine, long golden beaches, and untouched forests. Take a tour of Pics Peanut Butter World(opens in new window) and indulge in some delicious peanut butter treats.
Make your way to Abel Tasman National Park. Highlights including paddling in a waka to Waka Toka Ngawhā (Split Apple Rock). This giant granite formation looks like, you guessed it, a split apple. Unlike the other famous split apple of history, this one’s made of 120-million-year-old rock that split when water seeped into a crevice and froze during the ice age.
Head to the small village of Punakaiki, which lies on a wonderfully remote and wild stretch of coastline bordering Paparoa National Park. Before you settle in for the night, take a sunset stroll to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. These limestone formations are, essentially, the final resting place for millions of marine creatures that have become mixed in with alternating layers of hard and soft rock.
From Punakaiki, make your way to the small town of Hokitika. Make sure you get a selfie with the world’s most environmentally friendly destination sign. The Hokitika sign is made from driftwood tied with flax, and, despite harsh weather conditions – and thanks to careful repair work by the sign’s creator – the sign stands all year round.
Then head to the small town of Franz Josef. Plan to spend two nights here to hedge your bets against the weather. Spend the afternoon at the West Coast Wildlife Centre(opens in new window), a hatching facility for New Zealand’s rarest species of Kiwi, the Rowi and Haast Tokoeka.
Afterwards, it’s time to take a break from the worries of the world with a wood-fired hot tub in a rainforest with Waiho Hot Tubs(opens in new window). Start your second day with a heli-hike on New Zealand’s fastest moving glacier, Franz Josef glacier. Then take a stroll along the Te Ara Kairaumati Walk to Lake Matheson.
No-one wants to leave Franz Josef, but you’ll be rewarded for your willpower when you get to Haast, New Zealand’s most remote town. Haast sits in the heart of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area, a region identified by UNESCO as the best living example of what the world might have looked like 200 million years ago.
From Haast, head to the pretty town of Wānaka – the place where all New Zealanders secretly want to live. Make the most of your time in Wānaka by strolling around the lake and trying out the local café scene.
Head to Queenstown, a town built for tourists. There’s spectacular scenery from every angle, a thriving food scene, and more than 200 adrenaline-pumping activities to amuse you.
The adventure capital of New Zealand
The next two days will be some of the most thrilling of your life. Begin with jetboat ride on the Shotover River. Then, with adrenaline levels raised, you’ll be appropriately prepared for next activity: bungy jumping(opens in new window). Spend the afternoon winding down with a boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu(opens in new window) and a Gibbston Valley wine tour.
On day two, take a jet boat trip with Dart River Adventures(opens in new window). From Glenorchy, you’ll go up the Dart River deep into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Dart River is braided river, so it’s wide and shallow with frequent twists and turns. The guides are expert in finding the deepest part of the river to keep the boat afloat. In Dart Valley, you can also experience scenic horseback riding with Lighthorse Adventures. The experienced guides will take you through the pristine river systems and stunning scenery of Dart Valley.
Make your way to Te Anau, the township closest to Fiordland National Park. Spend two nights in Te Anau, so you can really get to know the area. Start with the glowworm caves. These caves are only accessible by boat, which adds to the fun of it – as winding limestone passages, roaring whirlpools, and underground waterfalls become natural attractions in their own right.
On day two you’ll head to Milford Sound, a region described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world'. The road to Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular drives in New Zealand. Real NZ run boat cruises(opens in new window), which will give you a chance to sit back and take in the spectacular views. Alternatively, Real NZ provide a range of experiences(opens in new window) where you can explore Milford Sound from up above through scenic flights or paddle your way to get close with mountains, waterfalls and wildlife.
From Te Anau, drive to Arrowtown, an historic gold mining village renowned for its architecture and picturesque setting. If you have time, stop at Ōmarama hot tubs before heading to Lake Tekapo / Takapō.
Stay the night at the small township of Takapō. Spend the rest of the day at Tekapo Springs Day Spa that look across to the permanently snowy Southern Alps and Tekapo’s perfect turquoise lake. After a warm soak, spend the night outside at one the world’s most famous stargazing locations with the Dark Sky Project.
Stretches from ocean to the Alps
On your way from Tekapo / Takapō to Christchurch, make a stop at Fairlie and treat yourself to a delicious pie at Fairlie Bakehouse(opens in new window). Arrive in Christchurch, known for its vibrant art scene, soaring mountains and glacial lakes. Hop on the Christchurch Tram, a historic heritage tram that takes you on a delightful tour of the city's major attractions.
Visit Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House(opens in new window), dedicated to one of New Zealand's pioneering suffragettes. Learn about her influential role in the fight for women's right to vote.
Discover the wonders of the icy continent at the International Antarctic Centre(opens in new window). Experience a simulated Antarctic storm, meet penguins, and learn about the fascinating research conducted in this remote part of the world.
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