Condé Nast TravelerOct 29
Planning Your First Trip to New Zealand? Here's Where to Go
Plus, our recommendations for how long to stay.
Summit Experience for nighttime stargazing.
23 things in this story
- Dark Sky ProjectMuseumIndoor experience brings Māori astronomy and science together.
- Mount John ObservatorySightSummit Experience for nighttime stargazing.
- Aoraki/Mount Cook National ParkSightExcursion from Lake Tekapo.
- Cairns Alpine Resort’s Alpine LodgesHotelInspiration from musterers’ huts with two bedrooms and kitchen.
- Elsewhere
- Lake TaupoSightTaupo, New ZealandTake a boat or kayak trip to Māori rock carvings.
- AostaRestaurantArrowtown, New ZealandNorthern Italian cooking using Central Otago produce.
- AyrburnSightArrowtown, New ZealandFormer 150-acre farm with restaurants in restored buildings.
- Billy’sRestaurantArrowtown, New ZealandServes modern Chinese food in the original homestead.
- Arrowtown HouseHotelArrowtown, New ZealandSmall boutique hotel in town, easy walk to dinner.
- Millbrook ResortHotelArrowtown, New ZealandResort feel with apartments, rooms, and a spa.
- Huka FallsSightTaupo, New ZealandWater forces its way through a narrow rock channel.
- Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori rock carvingsSightTaupo, New ZealandStriking example of contemporary Māori art.
- Poronui Safari CampHotelTaupo, New ZealandTwo canvas tents beside the Mohaka River.
- City GalleryMuseumWellington, New ZealandReopening has moved it up the list.
- PuffinRestaurantWellington, New ZealandOn the list for a glass of natural wine.
- RitaRestaurantWellington, New ZealandKnown for its changing set dinners.
- Super RitaRestaurantWellington, New ZealandDaytime deli, expected to open early next year.
- The Intrepid HotelHotelWellington, New Zealand18 rooms in Te Aro, near Cuba Street.
- Lake Te AnauSightTe Anau, New ZealandGlowworm caves across the lake.
- ManapouriSightTe Anau, New ZealandStarting point for route to Doubtful Sound.
- Huka LodgeHotelTaupo, New Zealand
- Milford SoundSightTe Anau, New Zealand
- Doubtful SoundSightTe Anau, New Zealand