At the foot of the 230 m (755 ft) high extinct volcano, Mount Maunganui, lie the best beaches in the Bay of Plenty – a popular spot for surfers and sun worshippers. The volcano, also known as Maori Mauao, is now a highlight for hikers, who enjoy idyllic views over the green natural scenery and the bay from its summit. The settlement of the same name, Mount Maunganui, is a suburb of Tauranga on New Zealand’s North Island and is situated in one of the country’s main kiwi growing areas: the surrounding regions of Te Puke and Katikati are famous for their kiwi plantations that characterise the landscape.

Off the coast of New Zealand’s North Island, White Island rises up out of the waves in the Bay of Plenty. The Maori call this volcanic island Te Puia o Whakaari, the “dramatic volcano”, and the sight of its sulphur-yellow hissing fumaroles and blue crater lakes is truly impressive. Its moon-like scenery gives White Island a mystical feel, and a small gannet colony has made its home here in the rugged beauty, despite all the volcanic activity. Guided tours take visitors on a scientific discovery of a fascinating place offering the thrill of adventure.

Napier on the east coast of New Zealand welcomes visits with its unique charm. The city’s appealing art deco architecture gives it a very special kind of flair. Every February, the Art Deco Festival Napier turns the city into a lively backdrop for vintage cars, costumes and music to bring the spirit of the 1930s to life. Nestled in the Hawke’s Bay wine region, it is also a popular destination for wine lovers – wine tastings and top-class wineries make the region a place to indulge. Lined by gardens, Marine Parade runs along the ocean front to the National Aquarium of New Zealand. Its mild climate and many hours of sunshine make Napier the perfect spot for outdoor activities.

Wellington lies nestled between a natural harbour and green mountainsides. Known as the “coolest little capital in the world”, it features a seafront promenade, sandy beaches, a busy harbour and colourful skyscrapers on the surrounding hills. The iconic red cable car gently ferries visitors up to the Wellington Botanic Garden. Lovingly known as “Wellywood”, the city offers a range of options to learn about the film industry – film fans will recognise many filming locations for famous films like “The Lord of the Rings”.

Surrounded by the snow-topped summits of the Kaikoura Range, Kaikoura Bay in the north-east of New Zealand’s South Island offers a fascinating and impressive mix of sea and mountains. The Kaikoura Peninsula is a great place for hiking with breathtaking views, while the sea invites you to enjoy unique encounters with sperm whales and other species of whale all year round. The nutrient-rich sea currents attract not only whales, but also dolphins, seals and many different species of sea bird, making the bay a paradise for wildlife lovers. The name Kaikoura means “meal of crayfish”, referring to the long tradition of fishing in the region. Fresh seafood and lobster are just some of the culinary highlights that every visitor will not want to miss.

Set in a protected natural harbour, Lyttelton has an impressively picturesque location. The small town was the arrival point for the first settlers in New Zealand during the 1850s and is now the sea port for Christchurch. The green hills around Lyttelton are a great place for hikes, such as the Bridle Path Walk leading from the port to Christchurch. In nearby Christchurch, visit the award-winning Botanic Gardens and enjoy a special experience punting on the Avon River. The historic tram, a gondola and bicycles are other great ways of exploring Christchurch and its surroundings in a relaxed way.

Timaru on New Zealand’s South Island is famous for its woolly sheep and picturesque farming landscape. The port city was built on the lava fields of an extinct volcano and the bluestone buildings, which can be admired on a relaxing walk through the town, are typical of the area. While the protected Caroline Bay is a great place to enjoy the beach, the botanic gardens and the Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden offer some unbelievably lush displays of flora.

Raikura, “land of glowing skies”, is what the Maori call Stewart Island – New Zealand’s third largest island and an insider tip for nature lovers: almost 90% of the island is a protected national park, making it a paradise for hikers. With fewer than 500 inhabitants, Stewart Island is a subtropical wilderness waiting to be discovered. Keen birdwatchers in particular will be in their element here, since Stewart Island is home to the endemic brown kiwi and species of shearwater. Lying off the east coast and fed by the warm currents of the Great Barrier Reef, the island’s underwater Garden of Eden is a delight for snorkellers and divers alike.

Majestic rock faces, deep blue waters and unspoilt natural scenery make Milford Sound one of the most spectacular sights in the Fiordland National Park. The wild beauty of the fiord, which stretches for 15 km (9.3 miles) inland, is impressive – unsurprisingly it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The imposing Mitre Peak rises up to about 1,690 m (5,545 ft), while seals, penguins, dolphins and sometimes even whales swim through the water below. Around 200 rainy days a year ensure there are countless waterfalls, transforming the scenery into an even more dramatic spectacle. Although it has been easier to reach since the road was built at the beginning of the 1950s, Milford Sound has managed to maintain its unique, remote and magical feel that draws visitors under its spell.

A little piece of paradise awaits visitors to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. The park covers over 230 km² (89 square miles) of picture-book scenery, with granite cliffs, golden sandy bays and turquoise waters. The bay is fringed by lush green rainforests, where the air is filled with birdsong from a variety of species and the native flora blooms in all its glory. Kaiteriteri is a popular starting point for adventurers who want to explore the coastline, either by kayak, hiking on the famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track or simply relaxing on the beach.

Nelson lies at the end of the picturesque Tasman Bay. This small coastal city has appeal as a charming mix of historic buildings, culture and varied shopping opportunities. As the birthplace of New Zealand rugby and one of the oldest cities in New Zealand, Nelson is proud of its cultural heritage. The city is also known for its vibrant art scene, with numerous galleries and studios, including the impressive Suter Art Gallery, displaying works by local artists and international talents.

Picton lies in the midst of idyllic scenery at the end of Queen Charlotte Sound. Known as the gateway between the North and South Islands of New Zealand, this small town offers various sights including the restored three-masted sailing ship, the Edwin Fox, and the Whaling museum. However, it is above all the surrounding Marlborough Sounds that make Picton so unique: deep blue inlets, lush green forests and hidden bays make it a great place to enjoy nature and explore. With its interplay between water, woods and mountains, Picton is a charming starting point for every discovery tour.

On the west coast of the picturesque North Island of New Zealand, New Plymouth welcomes visitors with its unique blend of nature and culture. The snow-topped Mount Taranaki looms imposingly on the horizon, offering breathtaking panoramas that are simply perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. The city itself is appealing thanks to its lively art scene. The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and the adjoining Len Lye Centre are particularly impressive, with stainless steel facades reflecting the urban environment in a play of light and mirrors.

The Bay of Islands is one of the most popular holiday destinations in New Zealand and its idyllic beaches and numerous leisure activities are truly appealing. This beautiful bay stretches over 16 km (10 miles) of inlet and encompasses many little bays and peninsulas like Purerua and Cape Brett. The region also has great historical significance, since James Cook discovered the bay in 1769 and the first European missionaries landed here in the early years of the 19th century. These days, little towns steeped in history, such as Opua, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri, are inviting places to immerse yourself in the exciting past of the Bay of Islands and enjoy its unspoilt natural scenery.