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Don't tick New Zealand off the bucket list! You forgot to visit these two regions

New Zealand is one of those places that truly has it all. From amazing glaciers to stunning lakes, epic waterfalls and national parks - and all within a day’s travel of each other.

New Zealand is one of those places that truly has it all. From amazing glaciers to stunning lakes, epic waterfalls and national parks – and all within a day’s travel of each other.

It’s a maze of diversity – and the little-known regions of Northland and West Coast are making waves as the next two NZ destinations to tick off your bucket list.

It’s almost impossible to uncover the sights, experiences and tastes of these regions alone, which is why Tourism New Zealand has launched a campaign to help Travel Agents and consumers discover the best of these regions.

Running until 23 March 2018, the campaign invites agents to read up on the Northland and West Coast regions of New Zealand and participate in a quiz for the chance to win some pretty wicked prizes via Tourism New Zealand’s trade website.

The two selected regions are relatively new to Aussie travellers, and chances are, even Agents aren’t overly familiar with them – yet.

Intrigued? Here’s our round-up of the best experiences waiting to be discovered in New Zealand’s Northland and West Coast:

Ancient trees & golden beaches in the Northland

Aerial view of the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Image: Tourism New Zealand

Aerial view of the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Image: Tourism New Zealand

If golden beaches and lush rainforests pique your interest, Northland should be next on your list.

First, fly into Auckland and spend a day taking in panoramic city views at Sky Tower and shopping along the famous Queen Street. Once you’ve had your fill of the city, pack your gear into a hire car and drive along the picturesque Twin Coast Discovery Highway.

A few hours from Auckland lies a world of stunning scenery. Image:

A few hours from Auckland lies a world of stunning scenery. Image: Alistair Guthrie/Tourism New Zealand

The six-day journey starts with a visit to the Bay of Islands where you can explore the idyllic beaches on boats, go sailing, fishing, surfing or take a dolphin-watching cruise to the Hole in the Rock – a sea cave referenced in Māori legend for its spiritual influence on warriors.

Hop back in the car and head to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a historical site where the British and Māori signed the Treaty of Waitangi and learn about Aotearoa’s rich cultural history. Follow the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to Tane Mahuta or Waipoua Forest, where you will find the largest and oldest living rainforest trees in the world, including the majestic Tane Mahuta – the 2,000-year-old ‘Lord of the Forest’.

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Waipoua Forest, home to the ‘Lord of the Forest’. Image: Alistair Guthrie/Tourism New Zealand

The final stop on the journey is Cape Reigna, which also happens to be the meeting point for the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Take a dip in or attempt to capture towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see along the beach.

You’ll return to Auckland like…

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Walk on ice & jade stones along the West Coast

Literally walk on ice in Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers. Image: Fraser Clements/Tourism New Zealand

Literally, walk on ice in Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers. Image: Fraser Clements/Tourism New Zealand

Welcome to the West Coast.

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Fly into Christchurch and spend a good 24 hours visiting new buildings, sporting grounds and more in the rebuilt city, then wind your way across the South Island on the TranzAlpine train to discover the untamed natural wilderness of the West Coast.

What exactly classifies as ‘untamed natural wilderness’? The Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers are a good place to start. Take a guided hike through the ice caves or get a bird’s eye view of the natural wonder via helicopter.

The experience is like no other and it’s part of the ‘West Coast Highlights’ itinerary.

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Located near Fox Glacier is Lake Matheson. Image: Miles Holden/Tourism New Zealand

The trip starts in Christchurch where you take the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth, a town known for jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods.

From there, it’s a trip to Westport to experience the magic of the Oparara Arches where the extinct moa bird once lived. The limestone arches are found in the corner of Kahurangi National Park, where they’ve remained undisturbed and intact for millions of years.

Watch water skyrocket into the air at Panukaiki Pancake Rocks. Image: Miles Holden/Tourism New Zealand

Watch water skyrocket into the air at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Image: Miles Holden/Tourism New Zealand

Continue on to the stunning Hokitika Gorge along the Hokitika River where you can walk, hike or kayak along its bright blue waters before visiting Haast River, a 100-kilometre body of water connecting to the Tasman sea.

Want to discover more about New Zealand’s Northland and West Coast? Visit Tourism New Zealand’s trade website from 8 January to 23 March and complete a knowledge quiz for the chance to WIN 1 of 3 $250 Visa gift cards.

 

Have you experienced New Zealand’s Northland or West Coast yet?

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