Dominated by the soaring spire of the Sky Tower, Auckland is a vibrant metropolis surrounded by water on New Zealand’s North Island. It’s home to outstanding museums and art galleries, as well as an abundance of waterfront eateries where you can watch the yachts coming and going. Soak up the views from the volcanic cone of One Tree Hill or escape to idyllic Waiheke Island where white sandy beaches and coastal walking trails await.

Extending from the Bay of Plenty into Hauraki Gulf, the Coromandel Peninsula is a landscape of stunning beaches and lush forests that provide habitat for some of the last wild populations of kiwi. Hike the spectacular trail that leads to the jagged ranges of The Pinnacles and kayak between the secluded beaches of Cathedral Cove before soaking your weary muscles in the soothing thermal waters of the Lost Spring Geothermal Spa.

Renowned for its geothermal landscapes and rich Maori culture, this lakeside town on New Zealand’s North Island is home to bubbling mud pools, spurting geysers and therapeutic hot springs. You can get your adrenalin pumping at Velocity Valley and raft down the seven-metre falls of the Kaituna River, then mountain bike amidst the tallest redwoods in the country. End the day savouring a traditionally cooked hangi at the Mitai Maori Village.

Nestled amidst the Hawke’s Bay wine-growing region, Napier is a coastal city that’s renowned for its Art Deco buildings constructed following the 1931 earthquake. Stroll beneath the Norfolk pines that line Marine Parade to see the Pania of the Reef statue, then browse the boutique stores and galleries that cluster in the city’s historic heart. A short drive away you’ll find sun-drenched wineries and the charming fishing village of Ahuriri.

Hugging a series of steep hills clustered with colourful timber houses, Wellington is the larger-than-life capital of New Zealand. It’s garnered a reputation for its eclectic cafe culture while being home to outstanding cultural institutions like the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Ride the iconic red cable car that connects to the Wellington Botanic Gardens and visit the famous Weta Workshop where props from the “Lord of the Rings” were made.

Famed for its whale and dolphin sightings, Kaikoura is a picturesque coastal town on New Zealand’s South Island. Aside from being awed by giant sperm whales, humpbacks and orcas, you can stroll through the stunning lavender fields of Lavendyl or get cultured at historic Fyffe House. Discover how locals lived through the 2016 earthquake at the Kaikoura Museum before feasting on freshly caught crayfish with the locals at Nins Bin.

Blessed with crystal clear streams and picture-perfect beaches, Abel Tasman National Park is a magnificent wilderness reserve at the northern end of the South Island. Soak up the sweeping views from the ancient Maori fort that overlooks Te Puketea Bay and get up close to New Zealand fur seals at Separation Point. After days spent hiking, kayaking and exploring the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, sleep out under the stars at one of the park’s cosy campgrounds.

Serving as the gateway to Paparoa National Park, Punakaiki is a small coastal community that’s famed for its Pancake Rocks. This natural wonder features multiple layers of hard limestone and soft sandstone that’s been sculpted over thousands of years by the wind and rain, with geyser-like plumes spurting into the air at high tide. A highlight of the region is hiking the multi-day Paparoa Track, which winds through spectacular mountain scenery.

Encompassing New Zealand’s highest peaks and longest glaciers, Mount Cook National Park is intertwined with the Ngāi Tahu legend of Aoraki. Together with his brothers, he is said to have been transformed into the Southern Alps, which can be explored on a network of trails that lead through majestic alpine tarns. Soak up the spectacular glacier views or take advantage of the legendary mountaineering before bunking down beside scenic Lake Pukaki in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village.

Overlooking the waters of Lake Wakatipu and backed by the Southern Alps, Queenstown is the undisputed adventure capital of New Zealand. Everything from bungee jumping to jet-boating is on offer in this energised town, together with exceptional snowboarding and skiing during the winter months on the slopes of Coronet Peak. After days spent exploring the region’s historic mining towns and picturesque vineyards, you can revel in the city’s outstanding dining and nightlife scenes.

Doubtful Sound is the deepest (421 metres) and second longest (40 kilometres) of the South Island's fjords. Doubtful Sound has some splendid waterfalls, particularly during the wetter seasons. In the Hall Arm, the Browne Falls cascade 619 metres; Helena Falls at Deep Cove tumble 220 metres. Wildlife is another reason to visit this fjord - keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins.

Located at the heart of the Otago Lakes region, Lake Wanaka is a watersports hub nestled amidst the spectacular alps of the South Island. In the summertime, it’s a mecca for hiking, jet-boating and kayaking, while in the colder months, its surrounding terrain transforms into a winter wonderland for skiing and snowboarding. When you’re not exploring UNESCO-listed Mount Aspiring National Park, hop between the craft breweries, galleries and cool cafes that cluster in town.

Reinventing itself following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, Christchurch combines cutting-edge architecture with historic stone buildings that keep the city’s rich English heritage alive. Soak up the sights while punting down the picturesque Avon River or admire the floral displays and native plantings in the long-established Christchurch Botanic Gardens. To explore the famed Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps, board the TranzAlpine Train on its scenic journey to Greymouth.