11 New Zealand Highlights You Can Afford to Visit (Sponsored)


Family at the airport terminal
The Editors
Travel New Zealand

    Whether you're biking through postcard-perfect vineyards, swimming along sunny coasts, or exploring the diverse expanses of cultural hub Auckland, New Zealand offers a brand-new experience around every corner.

    Imagine a cosmopolitan city where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, with hiking trails and a dozen enchanting holiday islands. Add a sunny climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture, and a passion for outstanding food and wine, and you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland. 

    With Air New Zealand's new deal, you can fly into Auckland for as little as $1,198 round-trip and continue on to a second New Zealand destination of your choice. Here are 10 more inspiring places you can visit as part of this great airfare deal.

    Disclosure: This sponsored post is brought to you by Tourism New Zealand.

  • Auckland

  • Only a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves, and beaches. Make it a day trip from the city or stay in one of the island's many boutique accommodations.

    Get a great airfare deal to Auckland with Air New Zealand.

  • Kauri Cliffs Golf Course, Northland

  • Explore this subtropical aquatic playground north of Auckland. Swim with dolphins, take a cruise, relax on golden beaches, play a round of golf, and visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of the nation.

    Get a great airfare deal to Kerikeri with Air New Zealand.

  • Hobbiton, Waikato

  • Don't miss a tour of the idyllic film set in Waikato, the location of the Shire in Peter Jackson's film adaptations of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, an easy day's excursion from Hamilton.

    Get a great airfare deal to Hamilton with Air New Zealand.

  • Rotorua

  • Rotorua's volcanic landscape, grumbling with geothermal geysers, mud pools, and soothing hot springs, is woven through inviting Maori village life. Experience the spirit of Maori culture with authentic village and performance experiences.

    Get a great airfare deal to Rotorua with Air New Zealand.

  • Wellington

  • Dubbed the "coolest little capital in the world" by Lonely Planet, Wellington sparkles with an eclectic list of must-dos. Explore inner-city beaches, stroll around the harbor and surrounding hills, soak up the vibrant cultural scene, and wine and dine in a city that has more cafes, restaurants, and bars per capita than New York City.

    Get a great airfare deal to Wellington with Air New Zealand.

  • Get a great airfare deal to Auckland with Air New Zealand.

  • Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson

  • New Zealand's sunniest region is home to the Abel Tasman National Park, where you can hike, kayak, or just enjoy this coastal paradise. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of the country's nine Great Walks that allow you to truly absorb the splendor of New Zealand.

    Get a great airfare deal to Nelson with Air New Zealand.

  • Akaroa, Canterbury

  • An hour's drive from Christchurch, the charming town of Akaroa will have you entranced with its historical buildings, magnificent harbor, and fine food. At this former French settlement, the locals today are Hector's dolphins: some of the smallest, rarest, and friendliest dolphins in the world.

    Get a great airfare deal to Christchurch with Air New Zealand.

  • The Catlins, Otago

  • Rich with Scottish heritage and architecture, this southern city is nestled in tree-clad hills at the head of a spectacular harbor. Dunedin is the gateway to the Otago region, famous for its rare wildlife colonies, magnificent Pinot Noir, and some of the best hiking and cycling trails.

    Get a great airfare deal to Dunedin with Air New Zealand.

  • Hawke’s Bay

  • Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s warmest, driest regions, which has made it one of the country’s leading producers of wine. Grab a wine-trail map and cycle between vineyards.

    Get a great airfare deal to Napier with Air New Zealand.

  • Queenstown

  • This stunning four-season lake-and-alpine resort town is fantastically scenic. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is jeweled with epic adventure and relaxation from ski slope to spa.

    Get a great airfare deal to Queenstown with Air New Zealand.

  • Milford Sound, Fiordland

  • Queenstown is the gateway to the Fiordland region, home to the remarkable Milford and Doubtful sounds, with their dramatic fjords, cascading waterfalls, and snowcapped peaks. Cruise, kayak, or take a scenic flight to witness this spectacular beauty up close.

    Get a great airfare deal to Queenstown with Air New Zealand.