New Zealand is more recognized for its environment than its cities, yet numerous cities are worth seeing and serve as excellent starting points for further exploration. But don’t picture enormous megalopolises like those seen in North America, Europe, or Asia.
New Zealand has a low population density. Although Auckland has a population of 1.5 million people, it is significantly greater than any other city in the nation.
In New Zealand, a city was traditionally defined as a community of more than 20,000 people. Many visitors are startled to learn that sites that they would consider mid-sized towns in their own countries are considered full-fledged cities in New Zealand.
Because the North Island is home to more than three-quarters of New Zealand’s 4.8 million people, there are significantly more cities to visit than on the South Island. Here are the top ten.
Kaikoura:
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Kaikoura is a scenic east coast town located approximately 2.5 hours north of Christchurch. It is famous for its magnificent coastline beauty, rich marine life, and beach walks on the Southern Island. It’s also an excellent site to eat crawfish.
Kaikoura should be on your bucket list if you’re a wildlife enthusiast. Whale-watching excursions are a popular pastime in these coastal waters, which are home to a thriving population of fur seals, dolphins, and whales. Explore the region by boat or on one of the many whale-watching excursions. If you can afford it, taking a trip to see these aquatic creatures would be a lot of fun.
The town is rich in history, both of the indigenous Maori people and European immigrants. The surrounding mountains are snow-capped, providing an unusual twist to this stunning view during the winter.
Wellington:
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Wellington is New Zealand’s capital and the second-largest city, with a population of roughly 420,000 in the broader metropolitan area. During the early decades of European colonization, New Zealand had many capitals.
Nonetheless, Wellington was selected due to its handy location near the bottom of the North Island, making it readily accessible from both the South Island and the remainder of the North Island.
While Wellington has a stifling bureaucracy, it is also a highly artistic and creative city. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (often known as Te Papa) is a must-see when in Wellington. A stroll along Cuba Mall and down Oriental Parade while the sun is shining is the best way to get a feel of Wellington’s distinct mood.
Because of its unique geographic and physical characteristics, Wellington’s weather is famously windy. Flying into or out of Wellington may be terrifying for worried passengers. If the weather is typically blustery during your stay, go to an inside site; otherwise, make the most of it by visiting the Mt. Victoria Lookout.
Queenstown:
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A journey to New Zealand would be incomplete without a stop in Queenstown. Queenstown is a tiny South Island town. Queenstown locates on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by high mountains. Because of its natural splendor and incredible location, Queenstown has been dubbed “a town fit for a queen!”
You don’t have to go far in Queenstown to understand how beautiful the town is. Even a short stroll across town will leave you amazed by the beautiful lakefront and busy streets.
If you’re feeling a little more daring, try going on one of Queenstown’s numerous walks, riding the gondola up to Bob’s Peak, taking a scenic cruise or jet boat ride, or even driving up to the Remarkables Ski Field.
Auckland:
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Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city and most people’s first port of call, is one of the best locations to live in the world in terms of quality of life. The two gorgeous bays shimmer in the sun, and several volcanic cones soar into the skies, creating an initial ‘wow’ factor.
Lush farmlands spread to the horizon on the city’s outskirts. The surrounding waterways are full of yachts and sailboats, while buildings rise impressively just beyond the shoreline and several small islands lie not far from the city. Auckland, a laid-back metropolis with a provincial vibe, is the world’s largest Polynesian city.
The city has a lot to offer, with fashionable boutiques, beautiful beaches, and many excellent restaurants and pubs. From any of its volcanic peaks, there are stunning vistas. Auckland offers it everything, with hot springs, rainforest reserves, and beautiful vineyards close outside the city.
Rotorua:
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If you could only visit one place in New Zealand, We would pick Rotorua. Rotorua, located on the North Island approximately 140 miles southeast of Auckland, is well-known for its geothermal activity. It is also famous for promoting Maori culture during cultural exhibitions.
The visuals are out of this world, with steam magnificently rising from the many geysers dotting the landscape. The Pohutu Geyser in Whakarewarewa is by far the most visited attraction there. But be careful: the water and muck emitted by these subsurface geysers are very hot!
Visit the Kuirau Park mud pool reserve for a spectacular lakeside sightseeing experience. Enjoy panoramic views from the gondola. Then go for a stroll in the nearby Whakarewarewa Forest, which is home to towering redwoods.
Another word of warning while in Rotorua: if you don’t want to wake up with a terrible sulfur smell all over your possessions, keep your tent windows closed at night.
Visit the cultural display to get a firsthand look at Maori culture. Traditional entertainment will perform, along with a crash tutorial on producing traditional Moari delights from subsurface heat.
Dunedin:
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Dunedin is well-known for its spectacular beauty and fascinating history. Its Scottish origins are so strong that it’s nicknamed “Edinburg of New Zealand.” Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only real castle, is located here.
It’s one of New Zealand’s main cities with a distinctive vibe, located on the South Island. It’s a terrific area to get up and personal with rare species, nestled amid hills and by a picturesque port. There are uncommon penguins that are practically hard to locate anywhere else on the globe. Fur seals and sea lions thrive and laze on the beach.
The city is built on hills and valleys that were formerly volcanoes. You may classically go to town by boarding an ancient steam engine train. It will take you across the Taieri Gorge and through lovely scenery. The best romantic retreat for lovers looking to rekindle their passion and create new memories together.
A visit to Speight Brewery in Dunedin is highly recommended. They make a popular locally produced beer in the area.
Christchurch:
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Christchurch, New Zealand’s third-largest city, is the largest on the South Island and is home to the country’s second main airport. The city of Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island for many tourists.
Earthquakes have marked Christchurch’s recent history, damaging and destroying major structures, including the iconic Christchurch Cathedral, in 2010 and 2011.
Since then, the city has recovered significantly, and the moving Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, located on the banks of the River Avon in the heart of the city, is a must-see.
In addition to being a comfy entrance to the whole South Island, Christchurch is near to the beautiful Banks Peninsula, which offers several recreational and wildlife-watching activities.
Conclusion:
New Zealand’s coastal towns are placed among some stunning natural views and are magnificent to see, with breathtaking landscape welcoming you virtually wherever you turn. Mountains and volcanoes surround them, and lakes, rivers, and islands border them; the top cities in New Zealand provide a multitude of incredible outdoor activities.
Aside from the adrenaline-pumping zip-lines and river-rafting, New Zealand has some fascinating festivals and cultural events, along with some fantastic museums and galleries.
With some of the best vineyards in the country and a thriving craft beer sector, along with delectable food and fantastic restaurants, your taste buds are in for a real treat. Its cities are fascinating and enlightening to visit due to the explosive combination of Pacific Island and United Kingdom cultures.