Cities And Towns

Arrowtown The former gold mining town of Arrowtown is a living, historic holiday destination. Spectacular scenery, four very distinct seasons and a tranquil atmosphere attract visitors from New Zealand and around the world. At the heart of the southern lakes district, Arrowtown’s long hot summer days and stunning autumn colours are followed by crisp clear winters and a verdant spring. The seasonal changes are best reflected in the historic tree lined avenue, where in autumn the leaves of gold and red are celebrated with an annual autumn festival, and provide photographers and artists with inspiration. Arrowtown is nestled beside the Arrow River, and is the home of unique attractions. Visitors can enjoy gold panning, tours around historic buildings, the Chinese Miners Settlement, the district’s museum, a boutique cinema and numerous walking trails. Arrowtown is central to the region’s best in wineries, artist galleries, golf courses, fishing and ski areas. Buckingham Street, the town’s main street and the lanes and arcades around it, are a shopping attraction, offering a wide range of quality products including fashion, galleries, jade, gifts and local wines. Food has a special focus in Arrowtown from fine dining restaurants serving the freshest New Zealand products to international cuisine, from cafes and bars to sweet treats and takeways. Arrowtown has a population of 2,400 who share their village atmosphere with visitors. It has an excellent pre-school and primary school, and the quality amenities include a library, museum, swimming pool, lawn bowls, skate park and internationally acclaimed golf courses. Services include, a medical centre, post office and pharmacy. Nearby are an international airport, hospital, ski areas, ice and curling rinks, sports, events and aquatic centres. Arrowtown is 20 minutes from Queenstown, and 15 minutes from the Queenstown international airport.

Auckland Auckland's waterside location has fostered the locals' love affair with the sea, earning this place the nickname "City of Sails". Auckland sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. A cloak of rainforest covers the surrounding hills, dozens of dormant volcanic cones dot the landscape and enchanting holiday islands are scattered throughout the vast Hauraki Gulf. Two of the best island getaways are Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island Auckland's heart beats to a Polynesian rhythm, its people a melting pot of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity brings with it an abundance of unique dining and shopping experiences. Auckland's temperate climate, easy access to the coast and variety of activities earn the city consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. Discover for yourself why it is one of New Zealand's best destinations.

Christchurch Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch - just like the rest of New Zealand - is a city of contrasts. It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness. Everywhere there is an understated elegance that speaks of times gone by and promises a future where anything is possible. Internationally famed 'The Garden City', Christchurch's well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city's founding fathers. The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, the four leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Square and spectacular gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon bear testimony to this legacy. It is a vision which is embraced and perpetuated today by proud residents right throughout the city. The Floral Festival held in February each year is certainly one of the most popular festivals on the annual calendar...a time when the city is a blaze of colour. In 1996, Christchurch was acknowledged as the outstanding garden city from 620 international entries and in 1997, was judged Overall Winner of Major Cities in the Nations in Bloom International Competition to become 'Garden City of the World'!

Queenstown Spectacular Queenstown, the most popular holiday destination in New Zealand for international visitors, offers an incredible range of things to do no matter what the season. Justifiably regarded as New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown's four distinctive seasons feature long summer twilights (December-March) and brilliant autumn colours (April-May), some of the world's best skiing and snowboarding conditions in winter and early spring (June-September). Queenstown, with its diversity of accommodations, activities, places to eat, and entertainment is accessible to all ages. Throughout the year Queenstown plays host to a number of events, including the Queenstown Winter Festival and Central Otago Wine and Food Festival. Whether looking for information on Accommodation, Activities, Wine, Bars, Restaurants, Tourism Services in Queenstown you will find it here on http://www.zqn.co.nz/.

Rotorua Rotorua, the heartland of NZ, a host to some of the worlds most incredible earth forces. From the moment you enter Rotorua, you'll know you are somewhere quite different. Straight away you will notice the unmistakable smell of sulphur in the air. You will see clouds of steam magically appear around the city giving it an incredible 'other worldly' feel. Rotorua’s 4 major thermal areas are Whakarewarewa, Waimangu, Waiotapu and Hell’s Gate.The village of Whakarewarewa is one of Rotorua’s most active thermal areas. That is where you’ll find the lively Pohutu geyser, which erupts about 20 times a day and can spout up to 100 feet. Other attractions at "Whaka" include hot mud pools, hot springs, and a Maori pa. The Inferno Crater is a highlight of the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Powder blue steaming water and sheer crater walls makes for a stunning sight. Close to Waimangu, you’ll find the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, which is dubbed "the most colourful" volcanic area. It features the famous champagne pool, the bridal veil falls, and large steaming craters. And if you time your visit for 10:15 a.m., you’ll be rewarded with the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser. Hell’s Gate holds its own unique stories. And features fierce thermal activity. And as you’ll discover, there’s nothing quite like soaking in a hot mineral pool and feel the cares of the world dissolve. So if you are looking for action, views Maori culture and excitement in the North Island of New Zealand, Rotorua is the place to be.

Wellington Hemmed in by hillsides around a magnificent harbour, Wellington is NZ’s capital. Locked in an age-old struggle for hip supremacy with Auckland, ‘Welly’ prides itself in its cultural and artistic wealth. Given the relatively small population, there’s an astounding number of quality restaurants, cafés, bars, galleries, shops and theatres here. And it’s certainly better-looking than Auckland: timber Victorian houses terrace up steep valleys from the waterfront in an almost San Franciscan manner. In recent years Wellington has stamped its place firmly on the world map as the home of NZ’s dynamic film industry, earning itself the nickname ‘Wellywood’. When the film crews hit town, the whole mood of the city lifts, and there’s a palpable sparkle and boom in the air. Acclaimed director Peter Jackson still calls Wellington home; the success of his Lord of the Rings films and subsequent productions have made him a powerful Hollywood player, and have bolstered Wellington’s reputation.