New Zealand

Like in an amphitheater, rows of colorful ​​houses line up on the steep green hills, the stage being... a magnificent natural harbor, where boats of every size bob in the waves. In the city center modern skyscrapers glitter in the sun. The capital has a unique style and way of life. For a first impression you can take a cable car to Kelburn Heights from Lambton Quay, the main shopping street, or walk up Mt. Victoria. The best-known building in the government district is undoubtedly "The Beehive" – in the beehive-like rotunda, the politicians have their offices. The impressive National Museum Te Papa Tongarewa presents interesting facts about the country and its original inhabitants, the Maori. The Waterfront has turned into an attraction, with small cafés, trendy restaurants, cultural centers and a view of the modern City to Sea Bridge. In Thorndon, Wellington's oldest suburb, artists and celebrities have settled. Here you can walk in the footsteps of the famous writer Katherine Mansfield. more

With 225 km² it is the smallest, but undoubtedly also the loveliest national parks of New Zealand: with... golden sandy beaches, dense rain forest, clear ponds and sand dunes. The park is a hiking region par excellence, without extreme terrain or sudden weather changes, and therefore one of the most popular. In the high season, the New Zealand summer, thousands come here to relax. The most popular and most crowded of all hiking routes is the Coastal Track, which takes three to five days to complete. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, simply choose one of the many other trails or make your way through the coves with your kayak and tent. The south entrance of the park can be reached at Marahau Beach, where the Park Café does not only offer food and drink, but is mainly used to exchange information. The north entrance is at Toaranuie. Most motels are located in Motueka and Kaiteriteri, campsites can be found in Marahau and Totaranui. more

North of Auckland on Northland Peninsula, the Bay of Islands with countless sandy beaches and coves,... islands and islets, clear waters and excellent sailing and fishing grounds attracts many visitors. No wonder that the area has developed into one of the most popular holiday regions of the country. Paihia is the touristic center, where the worthwhile national memorial site Waitangi National Reserve commemorates the historic agreement between the Maori and the European settlers. Kelly Tarlton's Shipwreck Museum exhibits finds from sunken ships. Not far from Paihia, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, who lived at the Bay, left a colorful public toilet in Kawakawa. Other resorts are Russell and Kerikeri. Popular activities in the bay include boat tours and sailing trips through the world of the islands, swimming with dolphins, diving tours to the last resting place of the Greenpeace ship "Rainbow Warrior" and a trip to Ninety Mile Beach. more