New Zealand is known for its natural beauty; the glaciers, peaks, rivers and magnificent landscapes meaning there is a different journey every day to discover. But there is a thriving creative side to New Zealand that must be added to the bucket list!
New Zealand is more than just a pretty place, it is a vibrant home of artisans, filmmakers and creatives – awaiting to be explored by avid travellers from across the globe. When you travel to New Zealand you will discover creativity around every corner particularly in the regions of Wellington and Marlborough!
This is truly a place for culture lovers as the two regions form New Zealand’s creative heart, a place that lovingly embraces its coffee craft, passionately brews its beer and has over 30 cellar doors all within easy reach.
With only a short flight time of 3 hours to New Zealand, you will discover a myriad of creative hot spots around every corner of the bustling regions.
Here are 10 creative thought-starters to inspire you to book New Zealand:
Zest Food Tours
Food is always a good reason to travel, and the fresh product and foodie culture of Wellington is well-worth exploring. Laneways full of coffee that would convert a Melburnian, bolthole bars and fantastic fine dining. A Wellington food tour has been ranked as one of the world’s best foodie tours by Lonely Planet, so make sure you go with a big appetite!
Marlborough wine
The Marlborough region is all about world-famous Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s largest wine-growing region, and the soils and enviable climate that create it. This region is full of artisan winemakers making the best of this part of New Zealand, producing amazing wine purity with a taste like no other wine in the world.
The Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa)
Discover Maori culture, art heritage, and fascinating history at Te Papa in Wellington. Discover the treasures and stories of New Zealand’s land and people under one roof.
Greenshell Mussel Cruise
In the waters of the Marlborough Sounds is some of the best seafood you will ever taste. Take a Greenshell Mussel Cruise where you head out for a day on the water that finishes with steamed mussels fresh from the bay and a glass of THAT Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
Sample the local produce
This part of New Zealand is farm-to-table heaven. Sample local produce from the farm gate or head to one of the many weekend Farmers Markets.
World-class conservation
Making sure that this region’s natural beauty is there for the next generation, Zealandia is the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary only 15 minutes from downtown Wellington.
Catch the Interislander ferry
Travel from Wellington to Picton at the top of the South Island, on the longest-running ferry service in New Zealand. Known for one of the most beautiful ferry trips in the world, discover stunning coastline and wildlife along the journey.
See Weta Cave
New Zealand’s creativity is now a global export thanks to the digital wizards at Weta, renowned director Peter Jackson’s special effects studio. Weta has provided the special effects to a range of films, from Avatar to Avengers: Infinity War, to the Middle Earth Franchise to name a few. See behind the digital curtain on a Weta Cave tour, New Zealand’s creativity at its most magical.
Marlborough Lodge
For a luxury stay, the Marlborough Lodge is unmissable. This 20th century convent has been converted into a boutique hotel that sits right next to a working Marlborough vineyard – and yes, there are plenty of chances to taste the end result.
Cruise Marlborough Sounds
Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds’ 1500km of winding coastline to discover secluded bays and historic sites. Enjoy the panoramic view of the flooded valleys coupled with a glass of the famous New Zealand wine.
WIN A TASTE OF WELLINGTON & MARLBOROUGH!
VISIT Tourism New Zealand’s trade website to find out how you can win a Wellington – Marlborough themed prize, full of Wellington chocolate, coffee, peanut butter and the famous Marlborough wine.
Tourism New Zealand will be giving away 5 hampers every week of the campaign, to the first agents every week to complete a Wellington or Marlborough module as part of the 100% Pure New Zealand’s Specialist Programme.
What experience is the top of your list to visit Wellington & Marlborough?
- READ: ADRENALINE PUMPING: The world’s biggest catapult just opened in New Zealand
- READ: LODGE REVIEW: Manu Whenua, Wanaka, New Zealand
Written by Paul Chai, KARRYON contributor
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