A long-time favourite of outdoorsy travellers the world over, New Zealand is a marvellous country of dynamic cities, a rich Māori culture, fabulous food and wine and breathtaking landscapes. Ski down dramatic mountain slopes, paddle through the still waters of the majestic Sounds, stroll along epic beaches or hike amidst ancient forests filled with endemic birdlife over the course of your journey. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or with friends and family, you’ll find remote eco-lodges, swish city hotels, heritage B&Bs and indulgent vineyard escapes aplenty, linked by some of the most spectacular roads in the world. As varied as its scenery, our list of the best places to stay in New Zealand promises something for everyone.
Set on a wind-whipped peninsula near the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington has been dubbed ‘The Coolest Little Capital in the World’. It’s definitely one of the country’s most intriguing cities, perfect for culture buffs and keen foodies. Other city highlights include diverse Auckland, to the north, and the South Island's Christchurch and Queenstown. The country’s adrenaline sports hub, Queenstown is your best bet for thrilling skydives, bungee jumping, jet boating and skiing. More laid-back nature lovers, on the other hand, will be fascinated by the Abel Tasman National Park, Wānaka, Rotorua or Lake Taupo, where you can trek, raft, kayak, horse ride, fish, play golf and birdwatch. Hikers can plan entire trips around New Zealand’s famed ‘Great Walks’; a terrific way to experience these islands.
You'll undoubtedly feast on delicious seasonal produce throughout the country, but the wine regions of Hawke’s Bay — home to Art Deco Napier and Hamilton — Marlborough and Otago offer a particularly tempting combination of delectable dishes paired with NZ sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs. Some of the best places to stay in New Zealand are cosy B&Bs, sprawling vineyard resorts or hidden little lodges in world-class wine country.