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Quake City
A must-visit for anyone interested in the Canterbury earthquakes and conveniently located in the Re:START Mall, this compact museum tells stories through photography, video footage and various artefacts, including bits that have fallen off the Cathedral. Most affecting of all is th
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Wairere Falls
Tumbling down the cliffs behind town, picture-perfect Te Wairere occupies a deliciously damp nook, and once powered flax and flour mills and supplied Whakatane’s drinking water. Its a gorgeous spot, and goes almost completely unheralded: in any other country thered be a ticket boot
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Hukutaia Domain
Around 8km south of town is Hukutaia Domain, home to one of the finest collections of native plants in NZ. In the centre is Taketakerau, a 23m puriri tree estimated to be more than 2000 years old and a burial place for the distinguished dead of the Upokorehe hapu (subtribe) of Whak
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Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre
Staffed by marine experts and graduate students from the University of Auckland, this centre is packed with interesting exhibitions on the ecosystem of the marine reserve, and is worth visiting before venturing into Goat Islands waters. The interactive displays and the tide pool fu
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Shantytown
Eight kilometres south of Greymouth and 2km inland from SH6, Shantytown evocatively presents and preserves local history through a recreated 1860s gold-mining town, complete with steam-train rides, pub and Rosie’s House of Ill Repute. There’s also gold panning, a sawmill, a gory ho
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Pompallier Mission
Built in 1842 to house the Catholic mission’s printing press, this rammed-earth building is the missions last remaining building in the Western Pacific. A staggering 40,000 books were printed here in Māori. In the 1870s it was converted into a private home, but it is now restored t
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Slope Point
A 20-minute walk across farmland leads to a signpost designating the South Island’s true southerly point in underwhelming fashion. The views more than make up for it, not only of the ocean but of the chunky rocks tumbling down to meet it. The track is closed in September and Octobe
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Katherine Mansfield Birthplace
Often compared to Chekhov and Maupassant, Katherine Mansfield is one of NZ’s most distinguished authors. Born in 1888, she died of tuberculosis in 1923 aged 34. This Tinakori Rd house is where she spent five years of her childhood. Its now a lovely heritage home with exhibitions in
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Golden Bear Brewing Company
In Mapua village it wont be hard to sniff out the Golden Bear – a microbrewery with tons of stainless steel out back, and a dozen or so brews out front. Authentic Mexican food (burritos, quesadillas and huevos rancheros; meals $10 to $16) will stop you from getting a sore head, and
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Clendon House
Clendon House was built in the bustling 1860s by James Clendon, a trader, shipowner and magistrate. After his death, his 34-year-old half-Māori widow Jane was left with a brood of kids and a whopping £5000 debt. She managed to clear the debt and her descendants remained in the hous
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Bill Richardson Transport World
At the time of writing, the doors were soon expected to be flung open to this vast private museum, housing what is reputed to be the worlds biggest collection of vintage trucks (over 300, including a significant number of rare Fords) and petrol bowsers (over 150). If for any reason
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Waipapā Lighthouse
Standing on a desolate but beautiful point surrounded by farmland, this lighthouse dates from 1884, three years after 131 people lost their lives in the wreck of SS Tararua . Information panels recount the terrible tale. Tip-toe through the sea lions to survey the beach. The turn-o
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National Transport & Toy Museum
Small armies of Smurfs, Star Wars figurines and Barbie dolls share billing with dozens of classic cars and a mysteriously acquired MiG jet fighter in this vast collection, which fills four giant hangers near the airport. There are around 30,000 items in total, including plenty of t
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Parliament House
Wellingtons austere grey-and-cream Parliament House was completed in 1922. Next door is the 1899 neo-Gothic Parliamentary Library, as well as the modernist Beehive ; across the road is the Government Building .Free one-hour tours depart from the visitor centre in the Beehive, on th
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Omata Estate
With a growing reputation for red wines – especially their old growth Syrah – Omata Estate is one of Northlands finest wineries. To complement the tastings and stunning sea views, shared platters ($40) are available. Phone ahead from April to October to confirm its open. The winery
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Peregrine
Peregrine is one of Gibbstons top wineries, producing excellent sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, riesling and, of course, pinot noir. Also impressive is the winerys architecture – a bunker-like building with a roof reminiscent of a falcons wing in flight. They host occasional outdoor c
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Haratu
Run by the local marae society, Haratu has Māori art and craft, mostly available for purchase. There are also audiovisual displays and information boards. Check the website to download an app (US$4.99) providing a one-hour walking tour of Russell based around local Māori legends an
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Old School Arts Centre
A community hub, the Old School Arts Centre has changing exhibitions and workshops, including weaving, carving, yoga and storytelling. Movies screen here regularly during summer ($11): grab a snack and a beer to complete the experience. The hippie/artsy Raglan Creative Market happe
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McCahon House
It’s a mark of the esteem in which Colin McCahon is held that the house he lived and painted in during the 1950s has been opened to the public as a mini-museum. The swish pad next door is home to the artist lucky enough to win the McCahon Arts Residency. Look for the signposts poin
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Lost Spring
This expensive but intriguing Disney-meets-Polynesia thermal complex comprises a series of hot pools in a lush jungle-like setting complete with an erupting volcano. It’s the ideal spot to relax in tropical tranquility, with a cocktail in hand. There’s also a day spa and cafe. Chil
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