Lonely Planet New Zealand

The freshness and majesty of New Zealand will give you an electric charge like no other. These outdoors are truly great, showcased by misty Milford Sound and Rotorua's thermal pools, and the indoors ain't so bad either - dip into Wellington's art scene or the latest restaurants in Auckland.

Maximize your trip with this Lonely Planet New Zealand Travel Guide:
The sun shows up here first for a reason. Come for bracing light or caverns underground, glacial valleys or black volcanic sand. Tour every landscape on earth, all rolled into one country. Dig for pipis on the beach, or sample oysters on a platter. Savour solitude with a view, or city culture. Things are never just black and white in New Zealand. STICK OUT YOUR TONGUE – taste the freshest seafood, world-class wines, or the best lamb roast there is ROLL YOUR EYES – yet another magnificent view of mystical mountains, braided river plains or calming coastlines SLAP YOUR THIGHS – a good time’s easy to find, from happening Auckland to waterfront Wellington STAND UP PROUD – and experience Maori culture firsthand: take part in a powhiri, or fill your puku at a hangi RUN AT IT SHOUTING – bungy jump, sea kayak, surf, trek and hit the white water with the best of them