-
Taranaki Cathedral
The austere Church of St Mary (1846) is NZs oldest stone church and its newest cathedral! Its graveyard has the headstones of early settlers and soldiers who died during the Taranaki Land Wars, as well as those of several Māori chiefs. Check out the fabulous vaulted timber ceiling
-
Old Government House
Built in 1856, this stately building was the colonys seat of power until 1865 when Wellington became the capital. The construction is unusual in that its actually wooden but made to look like stone. Its now used by the University of Auckland, but feel free to wander through the lus
-
University Clock Tower
The University Clock Tower is Aucklands architectural triumph. This stately ‘ivory tower (1926) tips its hat towards art nouveau (the incorporation of NZ flora and fauna into the decoration) and the Chicago School (the way its rooted into the earth). Its usually open, so wander ins
-
Pohaturoa
Beside a roundabout on the Strand is Pohaturoa, a large tapu (sacred) rock outcrop, where baptism, death, war and moko (tattoo) rites were performed. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here by Ngāti Awa chiefs in 1840; there’s a monument to the Ngāti Awa chief Te Hurinui Apanui here
-
Hanmer Springs Animal Park
With more animals than Dr Dolittles Facebook page, this farm park is great for kids. Llamas, Tibetan yak, deer, goats, guinea pigs and chinchillas all feature, and many of the critters can be hand fed; pony rides are also available. For mum and dad theres a licensed cafe and a craf
-
Mangungu Mission House
Completed in 1839, this sweet wooden cottage contains relics of the missionaries who once inhabited it, and of Horeke’s shipbuilding past. In the grounds theres a large stone cross and a simple wooden church. Mangungu is 1km down the unsealed road leading along the harbour from Hor
-
Shalfoon & Francis Museum
Opotiki’s original general store has been born again, with shelves piled high with old grocery and hardware products. Handbags, sticky-tape dispensers, sets of scales, books − you name it, they had it. An amazing collection. Admission is included in your ticket to the main Opotiki
-
Pukeahu National War Memorial Park
You can see the art-deco National War Memorial tower (1932) from almost everywhere in Wellington, but whats new here is the park surrounding the tower – a sensitive and symbolic homage to New Zealands servicemen and women. Its a sobering and oddly tranquil space – even the skaters
-
Andris Apse Wilderness Gallery
Okarito is home to world-class landscape photographer Andris Apse. His precisely composed gallery showcases his beautiful works, printed on-site and available to purchase, as are infinitely more affordable books. Ring ahead to check its open, or look for the sandwich board at the e
-
Pukeiti
This 4-sq-km garden, 20km south of New Plymouth, is home to masses of rhododendrons and azaleas. The flowers bloom between September and November, but its worth a visit any time. The drive here passes between the Pouakai and Kaitake Ranges, both part of Egmont National Park. Theres
-
Historic Cape Light & Museum
A replica of the Cape Egmont Lighthouse , the Historic Cape Light & Museum is 3km down Bayly Rd, a bit north around the coast from the original. It was built to house the original lighthouse light after the lighthouse was automated in 1986. The museum details the lights history
-
Mangawhai Heads
A narrow spit of sand stretches for kilometres to form the harbours south head, sheltering a seabird sanctuary. Across the water sits the holiday town with a surf beach at its northern tip. Lifesavers patrol on weekends in summer and daily during school holidays, but it’s not espec
-
The Square
Taking the English village green concept to a whole new level, the Square is Palmy’s heart and soul. Seventeen spacey acres, with a clock tower, a duck pond, giant chess, Māori carvings, statues and trees of all seasonal dispositions. Locals eat lunch on the manicured lawns in the
-
St Patricks Basilica
If youve ever fantasised about being transported back to Ancient Rome, stroll through the Corinthian columns and into this gorgeous Catholic church (built in 1873). Renowned architect Francis Petre went for the full timewarp with this one, right down to a coffered ceiling and a cup
-
Transitional Cathedral
Universally known as the Cardboard Cathedral due to the 98 cardboard tubes used in its construction, this interesting structure serves as both the citys temporary Anglican cathedral and as a concert venue. Designed by Japanese disaster architect Shigeru Ban, the entire building was
-
Lake Rotorua
Lake Rotorua is the largest of the district’s 16 lakes and is − underneath all that water − a spent volcano. Sitting in the lake is Mokoia Island, which has for centuries been occupied by various subtribes of the area. The lake can be explored by boat, with several operators situat
-
Rabbit Island/Moturoa
Around 9km from Richmond on SH60 is the signposted turn-off to Rabbit Island/Moturoa, a recreation reserve offering estuary views from many angles, sandy beaches and quiet pine forest trails forming part of the Great Taste Trail . The bridge to the island closes at sunset; overnigh
-
Hamilton Zoo
Hamilton Zoo houses 500-plus species including wily and curious chimpanzees. Guided-tour options include Eye2Eye and Face2Face opportunities to go behind the scenes to meet various animals, plus daily Meet the Keeper talks from the critters’ caregivers. The zoo is 8km northwest of
-
East Coast Museum of Technology
Think analogue rather than digital; old-age rather than space-age. About 5km west of the town centre, this improbable medley of farm equipment, fire engines and sundry appliances has found an appropriate home in a motley old milking barn and surrounding outhouses. Dig the millenniu
-
Firth Tower
Firth Tower was built by Auckland businessman Josiah Firth in 1882. The 18m concrete tower was then a fashionable status symbol; now it’s filled with Māori and pioneer artefacts. Ten other historic buildings are set around the tower, including a school room, church and jail. It’s 3
Total
840 -travel
FirstPage PreviousPage NextPage LastPage CurrentPage:
27/42 20-travel/Page GoTo Page:
