Despite Samoa only being a four-hour flight away, New Zealand didn’t have an eatery dedicated to the island nation’s unique cuisine until recently – and it swiftly became a local favourite. The innovative menu at Tala from chef Henry Onesemo is well matched to the moody venue’s laid-back atmosphere. Think crunchy, salty raw ramen inspired by Onesemo’s childhood, lamb sapasui (savoury vermicelli pearled with vegetables and lamb pieces, similar to chop suey) and spatchcock wrapped in banana leaves cooked on hot stones in an umu (earth oven), which is visible from the dining room.

Part gourmet food hall, part makers’ market, Made is a creative hub in Hamilton – about 90 minutes south of Auckland – that opened its doors in 2023. The space is small enough to stroll around in an hour or two but the cool and quirky offerings may inspire you to linger longer. Pore over Alex Wilkinson’s kaleidoscopic tableware at Mystery Creek Ceramics or trawl the handwoven goods at Sawubona. Toast your shopping success at Neat, the sleek cocktail bar where you’ll likely rub shoulders with Made’s vendors nearby.

It’s art. It’s fashion. It’s the most fabulous addition to a jam-packed Wellington itinerary. Now in its fourth decade, the annual World of Wearable Art competition celebrates the boundary-pushing creations of designers from around the world. The series of high-energy catwalk shows across September and October fuse art, music, dancing and aerial choreography. No vision is too surreal – no material off limits. Past entries have included everything from carefully strung seashells to illuminated electricity-powered frocks as the designers vie for a total prize pool of NZ$200,000.

From thrilling cultural events to fine harvest fare, New Zealand’s biggest surprise is how much it thrives in the off-season. Start planning your adventure today.

New Zealand is mad for a brewery and Brewtown in Upper Hutt is a destination dedicated to celebrating the art of the craft. A mere 30-minute drive (or just over an hour by train) north-east of Wellington, this laid-back craft beer fan’s oasis brings together half-a-dozen local brewers. Order a pint of Panhead’s Batch 293, a soft hazy ale that claimed the title of best wheat beer from the Brewers’ Guild of New Zealand, or opt for Te Aro Brewing’s Weasel Juice, a hoppy American-style IPA.

One of the world’s top spots for whale watching, Kaikōura – a 2.5-hour drive north-east of Christchurch – was also recently named one of 22 Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world. On a clear night, the Milky Way glitters with crystal clarity and Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Mercury can all be seen with the naked eye. By day, get an aerial perspective of the town as you zoom down EcoZip Kaikōura’s 2.2-kilometre long ziplines while admiring the surrounding mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the native trees and rolling valleys of the 3000-acre Rakanui Station.

Taking off from Wellington’s waterfront, you’ll soar above the Cook Strait before weaving through green hills and blue inlets in the Marlborough Sounds – you might spot dolphins or whales along the way – on the 20-minute flight to New Zealand’s Bay of Many Coves. Breathe in the cool air and listen to the sound of rustling leaves and gently lapping waves at this luxe wilderness resort. Tuck into a leisurely three-course lunch at The Kumatage Lounge, where specialities include freshly caught fish and venison. Discover the local wildlife as you wander the nearby forest’s walking trails. If you’re lucky, you might spy the curious, flightless brown weka bird.

From dazzling Milky Way views to up-close wildlife encounters, experience the best of Mother Nature in New Zealand. Start planning your trip now.

Wake to floor-to-ceiling views of waves crashing against a rocky shore circled by rolling green hills – with no other humans in sight. Castaway chic is an apt description for Seascape, just one of several luxury lodgings at Annandale on the Banks Peninsula. It’s an 11-minute helicopter ride (or a couple of hours’ drive) from Christchurch. There’s also a historic five-bedroom villa and the romantic Shepherd’s Cottage. Take advantage of an onsite cooking class with the private chef and explore some of the nearby trails with complimentary bike loan. However you decide to spend your time, you’ll experience the true sense of manaakitanga (Kiwi hospitality).

Few areas embody the relaxed Kiwi attitude like Auckland’s Grey Lynn neighbourhood – especially at Lilian. Sinking into the chocolate leather banquette seating feels like having a relaxed meal at a friend’s house but instead you’re being treated to Euro-inspired takes on Kiwi classics, including melt-in-the-mouth lamb ribs or woodfired pizza topped with prosciutto, grapes, parmesan and thyme. Order as the locals do and pair your meal with a sweet, perky Cherry Manhattan (cherry bourbon, 144 Islands #2 sweet vermouth, black cardamom and orange).

Wai Ariki takes the wellness benefits of its picturesque Lake Rotorua location, renowned for its natural geothermal water and healing mud, and combines it with traditional Māori healing practices and a generous amount of luxury to make this one of the North Island’s most reinvigorating experiences. Book in for the signature two-hour Restorative Journey treatment package and soak up the centuries-old legacy of Ngāti Whakaue culture as you move from sauna to ice bath to mud wrap.

Slip into New Zealand’s magical geothermal waters and watch your worries melt away. Book your revitalising break now.

North of Central Auckland, among the leafy forests of Warkworth, Brick Bay vineyard’s sprawling grounds house its very own Sculpture Trail. It’s a roughly hour-long walk past more than 60 large-scale artworks by contemporary New Zealand artists, including Virginia King (creator of Willinga Plume at Canberra Airport and Reed Vessel in Melbourne’s Docklands) and John Reynolds. Treat yourself afterwards to the briny Matakana oysters, tender venison carpaccio and Brick Bay’s own dry rosé all on offer at The Glass House restaurant – or, if you’re visiting on a Saturday, head into the Matakana Village centre to check out the local farmers market.

After hiking for 30 minutes through streams and farmland to reach your private pod at Te Wepu – located on a Banks Peninsula cattle farm east of Canterbury – the sight of your own woodfired hot tub will be a welcome one. Feeling less energetic? Skip the hike, take a 4WD up the track and make a beeline for the hot tub, where the only sounds you’ll hear are grass rustling in a gentle breeze and the occasional bird call. When your appetite stirs, a hamper filled with grass-fed beef and local salmon will be waiting to be barbecued and devoured beneath the twinkling night sky.

The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track, the latest in New Zealand’s lineup of Great Walks, opened in 2024. About 2.5 hours south-west of Queenstown, the 62-kilometre track winds its way through cinematic Fiordland National Park, delivering a spectacular, up-close view of mountains, sea and forest. And with fully equipped lodges dotted along the way,  complete with clean linen, hot showers and three-course meals there’s no roughing it  – unless you want to…

Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure, a complete escape from reality or something in between, New Zealand delivers. Book now.

25 Spectacular New Zealand Locations You Don’t Know About Yet