Often you’ll be faced with a number of choices. Do you want to walk for 30 minutes, three hours or three days? Our national parks have vast networks of tracks that make it easy to find a walking experience that matches your fitness level and the time you have available.

Or maybe you’re coming to New Zealand with a particular walking adventure in mind - like the Milford Track in Fiordland or the volcanic Tongariro Crossing in the North Island. Take your pick from a multitude of intrepid on-foot adventures that will entice you to journey far beyond the reach of civilisation.

While Auckland Airport serves the largest number of international arrivals and departures, airports in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Palmerston North and Queenstown also receive flights from other countries.

Domestic airports make every part of the country accessible, from Kaitaia Airport in the far north to Ryan’s Creek Aerodrome on Stewart Island. Airport facilities vary according to the size of the local population.

• Aukland Airport
• Hamilton Airport
• Wellington Airport
• Christchurch Airport
• Queentown Airport
• Dunedin Airport

Shrouded in forest or speckled with farms and holiday homes, islands have a special charm that kicks in the moment you step ashore.

Not counting the North and South Islands, our largest island is Rakiura - known to most as Stewart Island. This southern paradise is home to our newest national park. It’s a place for hiking, bird watching and star gazing.
Other islands devoted to the protection of wildlife include Kapiti north of Wellington and Tiritiri Matangi in the Hauraki Gulf.

From Auckland city, you can catch ferries to populated islands such as Waiheke and Great Barrier. Waiheke is a picturesque blend of farmland, forest, beaches, vineyards and olive groves. Great Barrier has the kind of rugged, untouched beauty that appeals to adventurers.

Further north you can discover the Bay of Islands, a large area of offshore islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. Charter a boat, hire a kayak or catch a cruise to enjoy this spectacular maritime playground.