Overview of Regions

New Zealand consists of two main islands — the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu) — plus the small Stewart Island far to the south. The country is about 268,000 km², roughly three-quarters the size of Germany, but has only 5.2 million inhabitants — fewer than Berlin and Hamburg combined.

🌋 Auckland

For whom: Arrivals, city lovers, gourmets
New Zealand's largest city (1.7 million inhabitants) is located on an isthmus between two harbors and over 50 extinct volcanoes. Polynesian diversity, excellent restaurants, and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf on the doorstep.

🌋 North Island

For whom: Culture enthusiasts, geothermal fans, Lord of the Rings pilgrims
Bubbling geysers and colorful thermal springs in Rotorua, the volcanic landscape of Tongariro, the cinematic Hobbiton, the wild Coromandel coast, the charming capital Wellington, and the subtropical Bay of Islands in the north.

🏔️ South Island

For whom: Nature lovers, adventurers, hikers
The Southern Alps with the 3,724 m high Aoraki/Mount Cook, the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound, glaciers reaching into the rainforest, Queenstown as the adrenaline capital, whales in Kaikoura, and endless vineyards in Marlborough.

🏛️ Christchurch & Canterbury

For whom: Culture travelers, train enthusiasts, connoisseurs
The rebuilt "Garden City" after the 2011 earthquake, the French-like Banks Peninsula with the village of Akaroa, the TranzAlpine train ride, and Arthur's Pass as the gateway to the Southern Alps.