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

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.