NATURE commands the mode of travel in New Zealand. Distinctive Rotorua and Raglan are on the north island that is resplendent with beaches, mud pools and bays. Christchurch is the gateway to south island which is more laid-back where driving every day you see a kaleidoscope of changing countryside with rugged mountains, picturesque fjords, spectacular glaciers, rolling hillsides, vast plains, rainforests and lakes.
This thumbnail sketch of highlights in Rotorua and the Hamilton Waikato region and Christchurch Canterbury and the Banks Peninsula paints a glorious sojourn!
Rotorua highlights
A treasured site of healing and revitalisation, Rotorua receives an estimated 3.2 million visitors a year—and they don't just come to experience the overwhelming raw power of the earth, its geothermal nature and spouting geysers.
Of course, the geothermal geographies make themselves felt from the distinctive aroma of hydrogen sulphide to the steam rising from bubbling mud pools and vents.
Rotorua straddles two tectonic plates and sits on the Pacific Rim of Fire that has resulted in some spectacular geothermal areas and volcanoes, some of which are still active.
An authentic introduction to Maori culture awaits you at the Mitai Maori Village. Then visit Te Puia, New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where the traditional welcome—the Powhiri—is an exciting start to the evening. Be thrilled by the challenge of Maori warriors or the spine-tingling cry of Maori women as they welcome you in their powerful and time-honoured way.
Be in awe as you explore the heart of Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, with Pohutu Geyser illuminated as a natural and spectacular backdrop.
For fine dining, top quality wines, good company and fabulous entertainment make a point of visiting the Spanish mission-style Blue Baths, set in the tranquil beauty of Rotorua’s Government Gardens.
Traverse the geothermal park and bathe in the mud pools at WaiOra Hells Gate and realise the amazement that Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw must have felt as he gazed at this “awesome beast” of New Zealand geothermal attractions.
Amazing Hamilton Waikato
Drive to Hamilton on the banks of the mighty Waikato River and be amazed at the world-famous Glowworm and Ruakuri caves, enjoy a lamb burger at HuHu Café and dine in style at the Smith & McKenzie Restaurant, a vibrant New York-style steak house.
An hour’s drive the next morning gets you to Raglan, a popular destination for artists, surfers and local weekend holidaymakers alike. See the town on a Bike 2 Bay tour, cruise on the ‘Wahinemoe’ partaking of a barbecue lunch, be fascinated by the knowledge amassed by the director of Discover Raglan, Charlie Young, and be stunned by the rugged scenery and Whaingaroa Harbour.
Travel to Manu Bay in an electric bus to see the famous surfbreak. This is followed by a 17-kilometre thrilling quadbike safari … that I undertook for the first-time ever.
Couldn’t have done it without the confidence boost from Percy Kukutai and Dennis Holland!
A sumptuous dinner at Orca, was followed the next day with more sightseeing and a magical Raglan Scenic Tour guide of the Bridal Veil Falls, a spectacular 55-metre cascade, that’s set in a beautiful native bush reserve.
Garden City of Christchurch
South island’s largest city, Christchurch, reveals heritage of early English settlers in the architecture of older buildings. The Garden City pulsates with positive vibes: rebuilding and moving forward from the recent devastating earthquakes.
Apart from the Christchurch Cathedral, other prominent places of interest include the beautiful Neo-Gothic Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum and the Botanical Gardens. These gardens are an oasis in the city featuring more than 50 acres of beautiful horticultural displays, several conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks.
You have to see the gardens from the Avon River onboard an Edwardian punt followed by unwinding at the Peppers Clearwater Resort. Make your way to Governor’s Bay and discover the magic of SHE Chocolat and tantalise your sweet tooth.
Be dazzled by the beautiful harbours, volcanic hills, passes and hidden bays as you make your way to Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Here you get a chance to marvel at the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, little blue penguins and a myriad of bird life. Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) and Lake Forsyth (Te Waiwera) is home to over 100 species of local and migratory birds.
Let Lou and Ant Bentley from the Akaroa Cooking School impart some of their delectable knowledge.
Be entranced with the Giant’s House, an historic residence with original artworks, terraced gardens, sculptures and mosaics that are the brainchild of Josie Martin. Visit the Canterbury Museum and see fun, cool, design exhibits together with ‘real’ people.
After such a significant vacation, you must celebrate when the locals greet you with Kia Ora (hello in Maori)!
Rama Gaind was a guest of Tourism New Zealand, Destination Rotorua Marketing and Hamilton & Waikato Tourism