17 Nights New Zealand

Staggering beauty and heart-pumping thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits?much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fjordland National Park World Heritage area, or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the regions 75 wineries

New Zealand's Milford Sound is one of the world's most beautiful fjords, and popular because of the towering Mitre Peak, surrounded by waterfalls and rainforests. Here, you'll find a unique flora and fauna, with fur seal colonies, penguins, and dolphins just around each corner. Visit the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to discover rare black corals and even more aquatic life.

Stewart Island, officially named Stewart Island/Rakiura, is the third-largest island of New Zealand. It lies 30 kilometres south of the South Island, across the Foveaux Strait. Its permanent population is 381 people as of the 2013 census, most of whom live in the settlement of oban on the eastern side of the island

Lying at the head of a fiord-like inlet surrounded by seven hills, this city was once the largest and wealthiest city in the country, thanks to its gold fields. It's said to be one of the most perfectly preserved Victorian cities in the world.

The small town of Akaora is the most French-inspired spot in all New Zealand. This was the first and only French settlement on the island ? on the Akaroa Village Walks, you can discover the quaint shops, cafes and restaurants with architecture reminiscent of a French countryside town, as well as historic cottages adorned with roses. Then, get to know Akaroas other side: ocean adventure. Cruise to New Zealand and head to Akaroa Harbour, where you can kayak or swim in the placid waters alongside Hectors dolphins, the rare species of small dolphins that inhabit the waters of the Banks Peninsula. Or trek out to Hinewai Reserve and hike up volcanic Stony Bay Peak, where youll get great views of the peninsula and the village below.

For some whale and dolphin watching, Kaikoura is your best bet, as the natural wonders of both land and sea open up to you. The abundant wildlife is complemented by the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, and the rock platforms will offer plenty of exciting opportunities to catch some fur seals in action.

Known as Whakat? by the local M?ori people, Nelson is known for its thriving local arts, culture, and crafts scene, with several events each year, all culminated by the Nelson Arts Festival. The city is also host to the renowned World of Wearable art (WOW) gallery.

Picton, on the northeast corner of New Zealands South Island, provides access to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and to New Zealands most famous wine region, Marlborough, home to the worlds best Sauvignon Blanc

The seaport tourist city of Napier located on Hawke Bay allows cruisers to marvel at the beautiful Pania of the Reef, an important figure of M?ori mythology. Thousands go here every February to attend the Tremains Art Deco Weekend event to celebrate the city's Art Deco inspired heritage.

Perched on the edge of a spectacular harbour and encircled by green, towering hills, Wellington is a stunning and compact city. Vibrant, exciting and cultured, New Zealand's capital combines the sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village.

Botanical gardens, coastal walkways, golf courses peppered with sheep?what's not to love about New Plymouth? The New Zealand city is an ideal spot for laid-back leisure. Explore the postcard perfect landscape of the beaches, parks and stone cottages. For more of a challenge, a climb up Paritutu Rock will leave you breathless but humbled by the surrounding beauty.

At first glance, it's hard to believe that vibrant Norfolk Island could have a dark past. Yet during the 19th century, the now-peaceful Australian retreat was a convict colony, home to criminals who'd been banished into exile. Today, the archaeological remains of the penal colony have UNESCO World Heritage status and are revered for their historical significance. You can visit the settlement's remains, an eerie yet beautiful collection that includes a jail, a cemetery, lumbar yard and salt house.

Here you can see where modern New Zealand was born. The Bay of Islands is located 140 miles north of Auckland, New Zealand, in the long finger-like stretch that runs from Auckland to Cape Reinga. Geographically speaking, the Bay of Islands is a "drowned river system" - an area where the sea has inundated a series of river valleys. The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in New Zealand, with secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. Ever since Captain Cook sailed into this bay containing nearly 150 islands, the region has become a sightseer and settler's delight. Every imaginable water sport is pursued with big game fishing a particular favorite. The Bay's three principal towns Waitangi, Paihia and Russell provide excellent tourist facilities while retaining many monuments to their lively histories.

Auckland is a lively fusion of international style, local creativity and Polynesian charm. Its urban personality is bold, fast and fashionable, while its seaside ambiance ranges from rugged and untamed to smooth and tranquil.