LINDIS PASS

 The main inland link between Otago and the Waitaki Basin, the Lindis Pass climbs through rocky gorges before reaching the tussock-covered hills of a Department of Conservation reserve near the summit. Early Māori, like today’s holidaymakers, used the route in summer to get to Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. In 1858, John McLean, the first European to settle in the area, established the 2,000 sq km (772 sq mile) Morven Hills Station. Many of the original buildings can still be seen about 15 km (9 miles) south of the summit. These include McLean’s original homestead and a massive stone woolshed, built about 1880, which was capable of holding up to 1,500 sheep.

Lindis Pass, South Island, New Zealand

The dramatic Lindis Pass links the Mackenzie region with Central Otago and is crossed during the drive between Christchurch and Queenstown.

Received from Roman

OTIRA VIADUCT

Straddling the Southern Alps 153 km from Christchurch and 98 km from Greymouth, the 1,147 sq km  Arthur’s Pass National Park, the seventh largest in the country, is a place of huge geological and climatic contrasts. On the western side of the alps, where the rainfall is high, the park is clad in dense and varied rainforest through which steep, boulder-strewn rivers rush; on the drier eastern side, mountain beech forests and tussock-covered river flats predominate. Sixteen mountain peaks in the park exceed 2,000 m.

 Otira Viaduct, Arthur's Pass National Park, Canterbury

 

The park offers the well-equipped outdoor enthusiast superb mountain climbing and hiking opportunities, as well as many shorter walks suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. Otira Viaduct completed in 1999, this section of State Highway 73 spans the rugged Otira River. The TranzAlpine journey from Christchurch to Greymouth crosses the Canterbury Plains before cutting dramatically through the Southern Alps via the Otira viaduct.

 

Received from Roman 

NAPIER

Napier city is located in the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand, around 6 hours driving time south from Auckland. Perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, this elegant city is a memorial to a 1931 earthquake and fire that destroyed most buildings and killed many people. Napier is known as the Art Deco Capital of the world. It is enhanced by palms and the angular Norfolk Island pines and bounded by fertile fruit and grape growing plains, dramatic hills and the shores of the South Pacific. In Napier, you can enjoy the legacy of its brave rebuilding and savour the spirit of the optimistic Art Deco era. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s. 

 

 

 

HAMILTON

The gateway to the Central North Island, Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest inland city, straddling the superb Waikato River. With a young, smart and innovative population, Hamilton's warm and welcoming spirit, rich history and contrasting splendours ensure visitors are spoilt for choice for places to relax, enjoy and do business. From magnificent parks and gardens to a thriving cultural precinct, the city offers a vibrant combination of fine dining and nightlife options as well as an eclectic mix of leisure, lifestyle and activity choices.

Fast facts

• NZ's largest inland city.
• NZ's longest river, the Waikato, flows for 16 kilometres through the city.
• Hamilton's population ranks fourth in the 67 districts in NZ.
• Has a youthful population - around half of residents are less than 30 years old.
• NZ European make up three quarters of the population and Maori 19 per cent.
• The city is home to more than 80 ethnic groups.
• Mild climate and moderate year round rainfall keep the city and surrounding area very green.
• 145 parks and gardens and 63 sports areas.
• The city has more than 1,000 hectares of open space.
• Three international sports venues – the multi-purpose FMG Stadium Waikato, the boutique international cricket ground Seddon Park, and indoor sport venue Claudelands.

Tourist Information: Visit Hamilton

WELLINGTON

New Zealand's capital since 1865, Wellington is situated on the south-west tip of the North Island. Featuring a magnificent harbour and panoramic views from the surrounding hills, Wellington is a city of contrasts, offering a wide variety of commercial, cultural and recreational activities.

Background: Wellington from Northland. Top right: 'The Beehive'. Bottom from left: Cable car, City and Harbour, Carter Fountain.

In some ways it is similar to Naples, though it is only about one quarter the size. It is built on steep hillsides surrounding a large natural harbour and there is a cable car running up to the top of Mount Victoria. It is also close to a volcanic area. Wellington is a major port as well as a major financial and artistic centre, and has a vibrancy not found in any other New Zealand city.

Wellington at Dusk. This beautiful harbour retains New Zealand's seat of government, and is a major port facility for the lower North Island.

Known primarily as the home of New Zealand’s parliament and its public servant population, Wellington transformed itself during the 1980s and 1990s into a vibrant, culture-driven hot spot. Tucked around one of the world’s most picturesque harbours, the capital city is intimate, sophisticated, arty and packed with national treasures.

Aerial View showing Paremata, Mana, Plimmerton, Porirua Harbour and in the background, Kapiti Island, North Island, New Zealand.

Postcards received from Kelly - Wellington resident

CHRISTCHURCH

Christchurch is New Zealand's second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. Bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is a city of contrasts.It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness.

The 'Sign of the Takahe' - Christchurch New Zealand

This unique Gothic style building was conceived by Mr. H. G. Ell in 1918 as a roadhouse for the refreshment of travellers along the scenic Port Hills. I was constructed with primitive tools by relief workers during the 1932 depression and commands a panoramic view of the city, the Plains and the Southern Alps. The roadhouse is open daily for inspection and refreshments.

DUNEDIN

Dunedin is New Zealand’s largest city by area and arguably the most spectacular in terms of contrasting landscapes. Dunedin is a thriving city set amidst a magical landscape edged by the sea. It’s a place where the streets hum vibrantly with colour and culture, and the beauty of nature is everywhere. Setting it apart from other New Zealand cities, Dunedin has the finest examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. It has close historical links with the Scottish city of Edinburgh. 

Dunedin, Otago, NZ

The city is renowned for its proximity to incredible wildlife and is often referred to as the eco-capital of New Zealand. The 24 km-long Otago Peninsula (19000ha) is home to a colony of one of the world’s rarest penguins, stretching along the southern edge of the Otago harbour is an easy drive from central Dunedin. Dunedin is a city of rare and charm.

AUCKLAND

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It has a population of just under a million people and is located on North Island. This seaport is an important centre for business and industry. It is also the most dynamic and multicultural city in New Zealand. The history of the city goes back 650 years when the Maoris settled in the area. European settlement began in 1840 when the British arrived. New Zealand's first governor, Captain William Hobson, made Auckland the capital. Later, the capital moved to Wellington, because it was more central. Since 1945, the city of Auckland has grown and it now has large modern suburbs.

Auckland Waterfront, New Zealand. The ever-changing skyline of New Zealand's largest city is seldom better depicted than from the placid waters of the Waitemata Harbour.

Famous sights include Mt Eden, one of the many volcanic hills, as well as the Auckland Harbour Bridge. At the Parnell Village you can visit some of the first European settlers' homes. In the city is the beautiful Auckland Domain which is famous for its large palm trees and exotic plants. You can see Maoris perform their traditional dances at the Auckland Museum.
From wherever you are in the city, you can see the sea. Auckland's nickname is 'the city of sails' because it has more boats than anywhere else in the world. It has a warm climate with plenty of sunshine.