New Zealand might not be very large, but it is a land of dramatic contrasts. There are striking shorelines and majestic peaks where, if you plan your trip right, you can snow ski and surf in the ocean all in the same day. It’s also a nation where the inhabitants are dedicated to sport, art, culture, history and the great outdoors.
From winter to summer, spring to autumn, there’s always plenty going on. To help plan your visit, we have provided 10 great reasons to visit New Zealand in 2016. Whether you want to pedal or peruse, cheer or clap, there’s sure to be an activity, event or location in New Zealand for you.
1.
Visit Peter Jackson’s Great Trench Experience
Lord of the Rings director Sir Peter Jackson has taken on what used to be Wellington’s Dominion Museum, to create a world-class World War I experience. Commemorating the role played by New Zealand in the
First World War, visitors are invited to journey through the conflict, year by year, encountering to the challenges faced by the soldiers. Experience the throb of fear and the hardship and horror of the battlefields. The museum exhibition opened in 2015, but the Great Trench Experience, due to open in 2016, promises an even more chilling, multi-sensory experience. The exhibition will be open for the next four years, and while the main exhibition space is free to visit (a donation is appreciated), the Trench Experience will have an entry fee.
2.
Stay at a remarkable new luxury lodge
Helena Bay is one of the most beautiful bays along a coastline full of breathtaking, sheltered, sandy coves – and in 2016, three exclusive villas will be open to guests right on the water. This new luxury lodge cost millions of dollars and took many years to complete. The complex includes a Turkish bath, a gym and a swimming pool – all designed to blend in seamlessly with the scenic surroundings.
3.
Run a marathon in a natural wonderland
If you’ve ever wanted to pound the path of a brand new marathon, be sure to head to
Hawke’s Bay in May. With a full marathon, half marathon, 10km run and a kids’ course, this inaugural event follows roads and bike trails before making its way through the vineyards. Taking in some of the highlights of this productive region, the last 10km will have you running through private vineyards and olive groves, with the finish line for all events at the gorgeous Sileni Estates Winery.
4.
Cycle the West Coast’s newest trail
Cycling the South Island’s rugged West Coast is an adventure you’ll treasure forever. Recommended as a four- or five-day adventure if you do it from end to end, the trail’s mostly smooth surface travels from Ross to Greymouth via Hokitika and Kumara. Trundle alongside rugged shores, rushing rivers, languid lakes and pass through forests of towering trees. Bird watchers will have plenty to occupy themselves, while history buffs will want to stop at the Shantytown Heritage Park. With more and more dining and accommodation options sprouting up around the trail, all tastes and budgets can be catered to.
5.
Visit New Zealand’s first museum of contemporary art
Len Lye, the pioneering filmmaker, kinetic sculptor, painter and poet, is one of New Zealand’s most influential artists and, in 2015, a gallery dedicated to his work was opened with great fanfare. Located in the coastal city of New Plymouth, The Len Lye Centre includes massive galleries and a 62-seat theatre, where a range of original and duplicated versions of Lye’s kinetic sculptures and unique films are on display. The building housing these treasures is described as New Zealand’s first piece of destination architecture and will give Guggenheims around the world a run for their money.
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6.
Have a taste of Christchurch’s burgeoning hospitality scene
Five years after the earthquake of February 2011, Christchurch has a host of new restaurants and a confident local identity, led by the likes of the fine diner
Roots in Lyttelton. Craft brewers have opened throughout the city – including
Dux Central, in a beautiful old building – along with cafés such as
C1-Espresso in a 1930s bank building, and
Supreme Supreme in an
artfully reworked former Chinese restaurant. Meanwhile, everyone’s favourite popup,
The Smash Palace, just moved to High Street next to sister restaurant Brick Farm.
7.
Cruise into an Art Deco paradise
The Hawke’s Bay city of Napier is renowned for its Art Deco architecture, having largely been rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in 1931. Taking advantage of those beautiful buildings since 1988, The Art Deco Trust’s expert guides have ushered thousands of visitors through the elegant streetscapes to explore the hidden gems of the past on foot, by mini bus and bike – and even aboard luxurious vintage cars. In February 2016, for the first time ever, Carnival Cruises’ Pacific Pearl will call into the Port of Napier. Following a multimillion-dollar revamp in 2010, the Pacific Pearl is a comfortable ship, spread over 11 decks and offering a range of dining, entertainment and lounging options, with capacity for 1,800 passengers.
8.
Go mountain biking in Rotorua
Crankworx is the world’s biggest mountain biking festival with events in Whistler (the festival’s birthplace), Les Deux Alpes in France, and also Rotorua, from March 9 – 13, 2016. Celebrating epic endurance riding and sheer bravery on two wheels, there are events for adults and children – plus it’s great for those who just like to watch. Based at the Skyline Gravity Park, this adrenalin spectacular is all about competition, concerts, culture and cranking, with six key events. The entertainment isn’t just limited to bikes – there is an extensive outdoor expo, not to mention a music festival featuring top New Zealand artists.
9.
Challenge yourself at Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is bigger than Singapore, and cycling around it is epic. It is largely accessible to the relatively fit cyclist. Whether you take on the 40th anniversary Lake Taupo Challenge in November (with 8,000 other cyclists) or just take on a small section of the 160km circumference, here you’ll find some of New Zealand’s most beautiful cycling. Thanks to the free-draining pumice terrain, this year-round cycle heaven has plenty of companies offering cycle rentals and Sherpa services. The Great Lake Trail can be ridden across two days and a night, or split into sections to suit your fitness levels and timeframe.
10.
Wine and dine on Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island has steep hills and craggy cliffs running down to white sand beaches, and locals swear it’s warmer there than on the mainland. The island produces superb wine and fabulous food: the wineries are currently pouring 2013 syrahs, a vintage considered among the island’s best. It’s a small wonder that Lonely Planet recently named the Waiheke Island as the “best in travel” for 2016. Head to Casita Miro for a rustic, Spanish-inspired lunch followed by a swim at Onetangi, and then to Cable Bay for an upscale dinner – the view back to Auckland is mesmerizing.
To create your unique New Zealand adventure, please visit:
NewZealand.com and check out the “Wishlist” handy vacation planner.
