Lonely Planet New Zealand

,

• Publisher: Lonely Planet
• Year: 2018
• Print ISBN: 9781786570796
• eBook ISBN: 9781788681360

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet's New Zealand is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Glide through turquoise waters past pods of orcas in Bay of Islands; try black-water rafting in astonishing Waitomo Caves; watch the ground breathe steam in volcanic Rotorua; and hit the slopes in Queenstown and Wanaka - all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of New Zealand and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet's New Zealand: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - covering history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics Covers Auckland, Bay of Islands & Northland, Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula, Taupo & the Central Plateau, Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty, the East Coast, Wellington & Around, Marlborough & Nelson, the West Coast, Christchurch & Canterbury, Dunedin & Otago, Queenstown & Wanaka, Fiordland & Southland The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's New Zealand is our most comprehensive guide to the country, and is designed to immerse you in the culture and help you discover the best sights and get off the beaten track. Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet's New Zealand's North Island or New Zealand's South Island for a comprehensive look at all the country has to offer. About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more. 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia)eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages i

Christchurch & Canterbury

Christchurch

Around Christchurch

Lyttelton

Banks Peninsula

North Canterbury

Lewis Pass

Hanmer Springs

Waipara Valley

Central Canterbury

Selwyn District

Arthur’s Pass

Methven

Mt Somers

South Canterbury

Timaru

Inland & Mackenzie Country

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Colour section 4

Christchurch & Canterbury

Why Go?

Nowhere in New Zealand is changing and developing as fast as post-quake Christchurch. The scaffolding is coming down, the hospitality scene is flourishing and the central city is once again drawing visitors to its pedestrian-friendly streets.

A short drive from the city, Banks Peninsula conceals idyllic hidden bays and beaches that provide the perfect backdrop for wildlife cruises, with a sunset return to the attractions of pretty Akaroa. To the north are the vineyards of the Waipara Valley and the relaxed ambience of Hanmer Springs, while westwards, the Canterbury Plains morph quickly into the dramatic wilderness of the Southern Alps.

Canterbury’s attractions include tramping along alpine valleys and over passes around Arthur’s Pass, and mountain biking around the turquoise lakes of Mackenzie Country. During winter (June to September), attention switches to the ski fields. Throughout the seasons, Aoraki/Mt Cook, the country’s tallest peak, stands sentinel over this diverse region.

When to Go

A Canterbury is one of NZ’s driest regions, as moisture-laden westerlies from the Tasman Sea dump their rainfall on the West Coast before hitting the eastern side of the South Island. Visit from January to March for hot and settled weather, with plenty of opportunities to get active amid the region’s spectacular landscapes.

A The shoulder seasons of Oc...

Table of contents

• Table of Contents
• Welcome to New Zealand
• New Zealand’s Top 20
• Need to Know
• First Time New Zealand
• What’s New
• If You Like
• Month by Month
• Itineraries
• Getting Around New Zealand
• Hiking in New Zealand
• Skiing & Snowboarding
• Extreme New Zealand
• Eat & Drink Like a Local
• Travel with Children
• Regions at a Glance
• Auckland Region
• Bay of Islands & Northland
• Waikato & The Coromandel Peninsula
• Taranaki & Whanganui
• Taupo & The Ruapehu Region
• Rotorua & The Bay of Plenty
• The East Coast
• Wellington Region
• Marlborough & Nelson
• The West Coast
• Christchurch & Canterbury
• Dunedin & Otago
• Queenstown & Wanaka
• Fiordland & Southland
• Understand New Zealand
• New Zealand Today
• History
• Environment
• Māori Culture
• Arts & Music
• Directory A–Z
• Transport
• Behind the Scenes
• Our Writers