Taranaki & Whanganui
Unless there's a function happening, you can wander around Koriniti Marae and the little white-painted Koriniti chapel, between the Whanganui River Rd and…
Must-see attractions in North Island
Victoria Battery Tramway & Museum
Coromandel Peninsula
Across the river from the Waikino train station, the Victoria Battery Tramway & Museum is the former site of the biggest quartz-ore processing plant in…
Lake Taupo Region
This interactive science museum inside the i-SITE is a little text-heavy but turns theory to reality with an earthquake simulator, a live seismograph…
The Wairarapa
Wake up and smell the lanolin! Occupying two historic woolsheds, this baaaa-loody marvellous little museum is dedicated to NZ’s famous sheep-shearing and…
Bay of Islands
If you had a hard time imagining nearby Kororipo Pā in its original state, take the footbridge across the river to this mock-up of a traditional Māori…
The Far North
On the east coast, Great Exhibition Bay has dazzling snow-white silica dunes. There’s no public road access, but some tours pay a koha (donation) to cross…
Auckland
Near the excellent children’s playground, this observatory offers regular stargazing and planetarium shows that aren’t dependent on Auckland’s fickle…
North Auckland
Pioneer-era detritus is displayed at this small local museum. Of more interest is the surrounding Parry Kauri Park, which harbours a couple of giant kauri…
Bay of Islands
This small museum has a well-presented Māori section, a large 1:5 scale model of Captain Cook’s Endeavour, a 10-minute video on the town’s history and an…
Taranaki & Whanganui
Just off the Whanganui River Rd near Matahiwi is the restored 1854 Kawana Flour Mill and waterwheel – an exercise in optimism. There's historical info, a…
Taupo
At the end of the long town beach are patches of warm water right in front of a car park. It’s no Coromandel, but have a dig and you might find some…
Bay of Islands
This secret swimming hole is not easy to find, but those who do are rewarded with a plunge in the crisp cold water. Ask the locals how to get here; you…
North Island
A glimpse into historic Wellington by way of restored wooden trams and museum displays housed in a large garage. Take a 2km tram ride through Queen…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Set between Whangarei's old and new library buildings is this intriguing sculpture consisting of 10 large poles carved with Māori, Polynesian, Celtic,…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
About 15km northeast of Matamata are the spectacular 153m Wairere Falls, the highest on the North Island. From the car park it’s a 45-minute walk through…
Napier
Whoa! A massive waterfall right in the middle of Napier! There may be an artificial pump system in play, but we don't mind – it's still an impressive…
Wellington
The showcase of the esteemed New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts (founded 1882), the Academy Galleries presents frequently changing exhibitions by NZ artists…
Gisborne
The town gardens are sitting pretty beside the Taruheru River – a beautiful spot for a picnic and a romp around the big playground. Wiggle through the NZ…
Bay of Islands
The historic buildings and gardens of Paihia's First Mission Station include a restored stone store, and now house a community library and a community…
The Far North
The eclectic exhibits of the Far North Regional Museum feature natural history and local cultural stories. Artefacts include kauri gum, carved greenstone…
Lift Machinery Housing Lookout
Whanganui
High on Durie Hill atop the machinery housing for the Durie Hill Elevator, there's a lookout platform from where the city views are eye-popping. Climb the…
Coromandel Peninsula
The Waihi Arts Centre & Musuem has an art gallery and displays focusing on the region’s gold-mining history. Prepare to squirm before the collection of…
North Auckland
This agricultural attraction offers farm experiences for little city slickers (pony rides, lamb feeding) and the ubiquitous sheep and dog show, including…
Taranaki & Whanganui
Inglewood’s cute toy museum exhibits (and sells) old-fashioned sand-cast toys. It doubles as the local visitor information centre. Everybody shout, 'Fun…
Taranaki & Whanganui
Right next door to Stratford i-SITE, this progressive community gallery (named after a former mayor) displays eclectic local, regional and national art…
Wellington
Tucked under a stand at the Basin Reserve, the NZ Cricket Museum is a must-see for fans of the old game. It's only open during cricket matches or by…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Near Waitomo Adventures, a steep 20-minute walk leads through bush then along farmland to the abandoned Opapake Pa, where terraces and kumara pits are…
Whanganui
Established in 1903, astro-geeks will be delighted to know that this 24cm telescope is the largest unmodified refractor operating in NZ. Roll up on Friday…
The Far North
Part of the Carrington Resort complex, Karikari Estate produces wines of all hues and has a cafe attached. While the wine tastings are shamelessly…
Waiheke Island
Peacock Sky combines a rustic vineyard ambience with wine tasting (from $3), and main dishes ($30 to $35) and shared platters ($34 to $48) tinged with…
Wellington
Cuba Mall's landmark (and sneakily splashy) fountain mocks the surrounding commerce with its Zen-like tilt-and-pour processes. The kids (and the wandering…
Gisborne
Sustainable winery with lovely wines across the board, including a delicious malbec. Look forward to vineyard and valley views but call ahead to make sure…
Bay of Plenty
A whimsical 1965 statue of local heroine Wairaka stands proudly atop a rock on the mouth of the Whakatāne River.
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
In the town’s ornate former thermal sanatorium (aka the ‘Treasure of Te Aroha’). Displays include quirky ceramics, old spa-water bottles, historical…
Bay of Islands
An impressive waterfall on the Kerikeri River that can also be accessed via the road. An historic tea house is close by for those walking from the river…
Napier
An interesting historic curio (1969) along Napier's waterfront promenade with tidy floral arrangements set into the ground below street level. A pretty…
Parnell & Newmarket
Built of volcanic stone, this 1857 home displays the watercolours and memorabilia of the Reverend Dr John Kinder (1819–1903), headmaster of the Church of…
The Far North
This spectacular lookout on the bluff behind Ahipara is reached by an extremely rough road leading off the unsealed Gumfields Rd, which starts at the…
Bay of Plenty
About 16km from Whakatane on the road to Rotorua (SH30), this old-fashioned holiday park has a large thermal mineral pool, two smaller children's pools…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Te Kuititanga-O-Nga-Whakaaro is a beautiful pavilion of etched-glass, tukutuku (woven flax panels) and wooden carvings that celebrates the town’s history.
