#1 DISCOVER NEW TRAILS:  Paparoa Great Walk, West Coast   

Open for hiking from 1 December 2019, the Paparoa Track is New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk – a multi-day trail through a spectacular alpine and coastal wilderness. The 55km track travels east-west across the Paparoa Range, taking you through alpine tops, limestone karst landscapes and thriving rainforests to provide breath-taking views.

COMING UP: Hump Ridge Track will open as New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk for the 2022 walking season.

#2 ETHICAL EATING: Follow the Realness trail

In New Zealand’s land of abundance, you’ll never have to go far to source fresh and local produce. Adding to an extensive network of farmers’ markets, a newly-introduced website called The Realness allows diners to check out some of the best ethical and independent eating destinations in the world, bringing you an unmatched gastronomical experience. 

#3 REMARKABLE STAY:  Park Hyatt Auckland

Opening early 2020 on Auckland’s downtown waterfront, the Park Hyatt Hotel is emerging with a unique design story based on deep collaboration between developers and the local Māori tribe, Ngati Whatua. The hotel’s ethos, exterior appearance and interior elements are inspired by the significance and abundant natural resources of New Zealand, offering expansive views across Wynyard Quarter's Lighter Basin and out to the Waitematā Harbour.

#4 MARKING HISTORY: Voyage to Aotearoa: Tupaia and The Endeavour, Auckland

Date: 13 September 2019 – 15 March 2020

Go back 250 years to first encounters between Māori and Pākehā (Europeans) during The Endeavour’s 1769 voyage to Aotearoa New Zealand. While official events take place in late 2019 in the four regions where the two races met face to face (Bay of Islands, The Coromandel, Eastland and Marlborough), visitors will be able to learn more about the first onshore meetings between Māori and British, Tupaia’s relationships with Māori, and his role as cultural broker among other historical impacts. 

#5 MULTI-GEN NATURAL RELAXATION:  Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

Soak, slide or indulge naturally at Hanmer Springs, a popular all-ages family attraction and New Zealand’s largest alpine spa. Soak away your worries in naturally-heated mineral waters at five beautiful new bathing pools in a natural wooded riverside setting. Dive into the Conical Thrill tube and raft ride that launches you at 13.5m, traveling at high speed, dropping and climbing all the way to the finish.   

ON THE SIDE: Hanmer Springs also offers other attractions in the form of excellent wineries, thrilling jetboat rides and bungee-jumping activities. 

#6 CAMP OUT ON HOLY GROUND: Staydium Glamping at Eden Park

Cosy up for a romantic sleepover in New Zealand’s original Garden of Eden, otherwise known as Eden Park – the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby. Choose to watch either a rugby or cricket match in a well-appointed glamping dome overlooking the field or combine your stay with a ‘Haka on the Park’ behind-the-scenes experience and learn to do the famous pre-match activity on the celebrated turf.

Interested in more awesome New Zealand itineraries? Check them out here!