Notes

New Zealand's 10 Biggest Cities
New Zealand is really a country of several contrasts, offering stunning scenery, beautiful coastlines and world class cities.

While many tourists travel here to experience the stunning natural attractions, many find that it is actually a country that also boasts a strong metropolitan feel.

New Zealand is decoratively dotted with pleasant cities; some large and some charming and small. Driving among these cities will reward you with some of the most untouched wilderness you will ever come across.

read more must-see cities include:

10. Queenstown

Referred to as the "Adventure Capital of the World", Queenstown could be small, but it is one you cannot be missed. Queenstown is New Zealand's premier ski destination as it is surrounded by magnificent mountains and crystal clear lake settings.

Queenstown can be a spring board for pursuits like bungee jumping, sky diving and white water rafting, making it a must-visit for anybody seeking a natural injection of adrenaline.

9. Rotorua

Similar to Queenstown, Rotorua is also a city that is home to "world first" adventure experiences. Claiming that they capture the best of New Zealand in one, Rotorua is really a city that encompasses the best of both natural and man-made attractions.

Most people happen to be Rotorua to experience Maori culture and the geothermal earth forces, which are among one of the most earth moving experiences you can ever have. Rotorua also boasts some incredible mountain and lake scenery, with mountain biking a favorite past time.

8. Nelson

Nelson is really a centre for arts and crafts and is famous for hosting the annual Nelson Arts Festival. The city is also home to some fantastic beaches and a sheltered harbour, with kayaking a favorite past time.

The Nelson region also covers the picturesque coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park, which is a must-see while visiting the South Island.

7. Dunedin

The people of Dunedin describe it as a "vibrant city surrounded by way of a giant outdoor playground", and this cannot be truer. It's perhaps most obviously natural highlight is needless to say the Otago Peninsula, that is home to some of New Zealand's most fascinating fauna.

Dunedin also regards itself among the most preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere, ensuring all the architectural beauty of Europe, minus the crowds.

6. Tauranga

Tauranga is one of New Zealand's main centers for business, international trade, culture, fashion, education and entertainment, and is particularly one of its fastest growing cities.

Every year Tuaranga hosts the National Jazz Festival, which attracts visitors from far and wide. Tourists are met with beautiful mountain and coastal scenery, along with a vast array of exciting things to see and do.

5. Napier

Located within Hawke's Bay, Napier is a port city that boasts incredible scenery and fantastic wineries. Commonly associated with Hastings City, Napier is really a popular tourist city with a unique concentration of 1930's Art Deco architecture.

Napier is also famous for the wide selection of water sports on offer, including water skiing, wind surfing, kayaking and parasailing.

4. Hamilton

Positioned within the Waikato region of the North Island, Hamilton has a wide selection of city attractions and will be offering everything a metropolitan centre should.

The Hamilton Gardens are a particularly popular spot, offering unique garden contrasts and idyllic settings. check here is another spot, allowing tourists to find a totally new animal world.

3. Wellington

New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, is a city of pleasant contrasts and a charming cosmopolitan feel. Added to the edge of a harbour, Wellington is surrounded by lovely rolling hills and stunning natural attractions.

Explore the fantastic outdoors, shop until you drop, sample fine foods and wander through splendid vineyards; Wellington has everything.

2. Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and lies just north of the Banks Peninsula. The city is centred round the lovely Cathedral Square; a location which is a must for just about any Christchurch tourist.

A few of New Zealand's best experiences start here, including the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, a lot of ski areas and swimming with dolphins.

1. Auckland

Topping the set of New Zealand's biggest cities is Auckland; New Zealand's premier city destination for breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, idyllic holiday islands, great food, wine and shopping and exciting nightlife.

Explore the city's many galleries and museums, head into the fantastic outdoors and go through the coastline or get out on the water on a sailing or kayaking expedition.

Auckland offers something to everyone.

Christine Barton

Christine Barton is a Content Writer for Discovery Campervan Hire, Australia's travel focused online campervan hire company. She also writes frequently for Discovery's Motorhome Hire New Zealand and enjoys travel all over the world.
My Website: http://qooh.me/schaeferkehoe8