Since you’ve been gone: What’s new in New Zealand?
While its borders were closed, New Zealand has been busy building and creating new visitor experiences. Whether you’re into rugby, art, cycling or food, the ultimate bucket list destination now has new must-visit items to tick off.
These include:
The Hundertwasser Art Centre (Northland)
Rising in its multi-coloured tiled glory on Whangārei's waterfront, this building is unlike any other in the world. Designed by the late Austrian artist Friedrich Hundertwasser 27 years ago, it boasts the largest rooftop garden in the Southern Hemisphere and is home to the Wairau Māori Art Gallery, exhibiting the finest examples of contemporary Māori art.
Manea Footprints of Kupe (Northland)
Footprints of Kupe offers a unique cultural encounter, journeying into the Māori world. The 75-minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling – through art, taonga (cultural treasures), film, performance, digital interaction, and the splendour of Hokianga’s natural surroundings – follows in the footprints of our ancestor, Kupe the discoverer.
All Blacks Experience (Auckland)
Tackle the New Zealand rugby story at this new interactive experience. Learn what it takes to make, shape and be an All Black. Discover the story and feel the passion of the haka, learn the history of the most successful international men's rugby side of all-time, and test your rugby skills against All Blacks and Black Ferns in the hands-on interactive zone.
Wētā Workshop Unleashed (Auckland)
Immerse yourself in movie magic on a thrilling guided journey through this fantastical film effects facility from the award-winning Wētā Workshop team. Explore worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy in the making, from creature creation to fantasy world building and amazing special effects.
Cavalli Islands Expedition (Auckland)
Auckland Sea Kayaks has launched a new product exploring the stunning Cavalli Islands and golden beaches of the Northland Region by kayak. With a multitude of caves and tunnels to explore by water, and a route through a marine protected area, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. The main island has a great walking track to the summit.
Geyser by Night Te Puia (Rotorua)
When darkness falls the true love story of Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland comes to life. Join this new guided night trail under the stars, through Te Puia’s geothermal valley. Discover dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and beautiful native bush. Hear the stories of the past and feel the beauty of Pōhutu in an interactive journey guided by light.
Hapuku Kitchen (Kaikōura)
The ultimate foodie experience, Hapuku Kitchen is focused on reconnecting the kitchen to the land and sea, taking inspiration from the wild local landscape. Embark on a culinary adventure, from a hands-on, farm-to-table cooking experience to a seasonal evening feast featuring the best ingredients caught, picked and gathered from the region.
The Paparoa Track (Paparoa Ranges)
New Zealand’s newest Great Walk takes in temperate rainforests, tussock mountaintops, pristine rivers, immense limestone cliffs, and crashing oceans. If you seek big country, new wilderness frontiers and untamed trails, going guided with Paparoa Guided Walks is the adventure for you.
Lake Dunstan Trail (Central Otago)
Coined "the best one-day cycle in New Zealand", the Lake Dunstan Trail links the townships of Clyde and Cromwell. It offers a challenging 55km ride (Grade 2-3) journeying along Lake Dunstan, the Kawarau River and the mighty Clutha River Mata-au. Marvel at the landscape, the rich Māori and early pioneer history, and amble through the vineyards of Bannockburn.
Wildwire Wanaka (Wānaka)
Already known for the world’s highest via ferrata waterfall climb, Wildwire has launched the new Twin Falls Canyon activity for adrenaline junkies. Get wet and wild abseiling/rappelling either the upper section or the entire cascade top to bottom of Twin Falls canyon. No previous abseiling or climbing experience is necessary, but good fitness is.
Discover more at newzealand.com
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