NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand’s cities rank highly for quality of life. Vibrant Auckland is infused with laid-back, urban charm, inviting you to stroll Tamaki Waterfront Drive or sail the harbor on a prize-winning yacht. On the southern tip of the North Island, quirky Wellington seems to get it all right—with charming historic architecture, impeccable restaurants and a bourgeoning art scene.

The Rotoura area’s natural hot springs have drawn visitors for centuries, including the native Maori people, who still use the geothermal pools for bathing, cooking, washing and heating, as they have for generations. Visit the Maori village of Whakarewarewa and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute with your native guide to gain insight into the fascinating, ancient Maori culture.

Charming Napier was rebuilt from a devastating earthquake in the 1930s in the whimsical, art-deco style of the day. It is now the world’s foremost repository of art-deco buildings and a delight to wander. On the South Island, a more recent earthquake wrought havoc on the Bristish-style city of Christchurch. In typical New Zealand style, the rebuilding efforts have inspired the creation of innovative new buildings, like the Cardboard Cathedral—a design-driven temporary church made of—yes—cardboard.

Tucked away among the fiords of the South Island, the sounds of Milford and Doubtful offer some of the world’s most scenic sailing excursions—a marvelous way to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s natural wonders. Lush islands dot the waters while majestic peaks tower above sheer cliffs. Hope for rain while you visit— it forms impromptu cliffside waterfalls that make the area’s beauty even more stunning.

New Zealand’s gorgeous natural landscape isn’t all about adventure sports. Travelers in search of the sophisticated side of New Zealand’s wilderness areas need look no farther than the sumptuous lodges that dot Abel Tasman National Park or board the TranzAlpine Train between Christchurch and Greymouth for an elegant and supremely scenic journey.

The wineries that dot the picturesque countryside around the North Island’s Hawkes Bay produce some of New Zealand’s tastiest vintages. On the South Island is Marlborough, which boasts more than 40 wineries and arguably the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. In both locations, enjoy tours by bicycle or chauffeured vehicle and enjoy tastings at sprawling vineyards or small, family-run wineries.