Travelpass Benefits
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 :: Cape Reinga - according to Maori legend, this is the place where spirits depart on their journey back to their homeland - Hawaiki. :: Bay of Islands (Paihia) - the birthplace of the nation. The 144 sheltered Islands of the region provide a marine playground for dolphins and whales. Take a cruise to the famous 'Hole in the Rock'or discover the history behind the arrival of the first Maori settlers in the Hokianga. :: Auckland - catch a game of rugby or venture out west to the famous black sand surf beach of Piha. Auckland is a diverse region with vineyards, volcanoes, shops, surf and coffee all within a short distance. :: Whangarei - a subtropical city by the edge of a beautiful harbour. Mount Parahaki watches over the city - you can walk or drive to the summit for great views.  :: Waitomo - think adventure, caving, blackwater rafting, and glowworms in a natural labyrinth of subterranean caverns adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, millions of years in making. :: Rotorua - with its unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture, natural hot springs and plenty of options for adventure, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most famous destinations. :: Whakatane - the main centre for the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Whakatane is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand. Just off shore is the spectacular White Island, an active volcano that can be visited by launch or helicopter. |
:: Gisborne - the first city in the world to greet
the sun each morning. Gisborne has a reputation
for great food, wine and surf beaches. Close to
the city is Kaiti Beach, the site of Captain Cook's
first landing and meeting with Maori in 1769.
:: Taupo - Lake Taupo is actually a huge volcano which last erupted in 181 AD. According to Maori legend, the lake is the pulsating heart of Maui's fish. Try fishing for trout, ski Mount Ruapehu or take a guided kayak expedition to view the rock carvings at Mine Bay. :: Palmerston North - One of New Zealand's largest provincial cities, is a vibrant youthful city with an active student population. For sports enthusiasts, the rugby museum is an essential stop.  :: Napier/Hastings - completely rebuilt following the devastating earthquake in 1931, Napier has one of the most outstanding collections of 1930s architecture in the world. The region is also famous for its many award winning vineyards and the accessible gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. :: Wellington - New Zealand's capital city, Wellington is also known as our arts and culture capital. The central city is nestled between a beautiful harbour and forested hills. Museums, galleries, fine food and great live entertainment venues make this city a great place to visit in any season. |
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 :: Nelson - a pocket of paradise in the top northwest corner of the South Island. Take your pick from the many outdoor adventure activities in the region including sea kayaking in the famous Able Tasman National Park, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, sailing, horse trekking or swimming with seals. :: Blenheim - situated in the heart of winegrowing Marlborough, it is one of the sunniest towns in New Zealand, with an estimated average of 2,438 hours of sunshine a year! :: Westport - first a gold town in the1860's and then a coal town, a number of museums in the town provide a glimpse of what it's like to work underground and provide a fascinating insight into the region's turbulent past. The seal colony nearby at Cape Foulwind is also a must see. :: Punakaiki - the closest town to the amazing Pancake Rocks and accompanying blowholes. The rocks are the result of a layering of limestone and weathering process. Catch the blowholes during high tide for the best action! :: Greymouth - The Shantytown museum is a great place to appreciate the rich local history of gold mining. Greymouth is also famous for the great beer boycott of 1947 when the price of beer was raised by hotels in the area. The standoff between locals and hoteliers lasted four-and-ahalf months before the hotel keepers capitulated and the price returned to normal. For the short term at least. :: Hokitika - a small friendly town sandwiched between surf & river, only 20km from the mighty Southern Alps. Hokitika’s icon event is the Wildfoods Festival, which is held at the end of summer and features delicacies such as goat testicles, possum pies and huhu grubs! :: Christchurch - in 1850 the first English ships arrived in Christchurch. Their legacy lives on in the city’s grand heritage buildings and stately parks. Today the city offers an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement. |
 :: Franz Josef / Fox Glacier - Amidst the greenery and lushness of the temperate rainforest, these glaciers are easily accessible on a guided ice walk or heli-hike. :: Queenstown - the resort town of Queenstown is sophisticated and stunningly scenic. Its lake and mountain landscape is an adventure playground for numerous adventure activities. :: Milford Sound - A truly breathtaking sight and one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders. Whatever the weather, either teeming with rain or sun shimmering off the deep water, the fiord will inspire you. :: Wanaka - the lakeside town of Wanaka is a great base for some of the best snow venues including Treble Cone, Cardrona and Waiorau. :: Mt Cook - the highest peak in New Zealand at 3,754 metres (12,316 ft). The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at the base of the mountain is well worth a visit. :: Dunedin - a large student population keeps the town abuzz. Dunedin was built with the riches of the gold rush. It has one of the best collections of Edwardian and Victorian architecture in the southern hemisphere. |
