No Snakes:

New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world with no native snake species, and strict biosecurity laws ensure that snakes are not introduced. The country is famously snake-free!

The Blue Lake:

Located in Nelson Lakes National Park, the Blue Lake (Rotomairewhenua) has the clearest natural fresh water in the world, with visibility up to 80 meters deep. It’s sacred to the local Māori people, and swimming is not allowed.

No Nuclear Power:

New Zealand is one of the few countries to have a legal ban on nuclear power. The country passed the New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act in 1987, making it a nuclear-free zone.

Bungee Jumping Birthplace:

The modern sport of bungee jumping was commercialized in New Zealand. A.J. Hackett started the first bungee jumping business in Queenstown in 1988, and the Kawarau Bridge remains a popular jump site today.

Unique Time Zone:

New Zealand is one of the first countries to see the sunrise each day. It operates in a time zone (NZST) that’s 12 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+12), and during daylight saving time, it moves to UTC+13.

Night Sky Sanctuary:

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky. It’s the largest gold-rated reserve, meaning it has exceptional views of stars and other celestial bodies due to minimal light pollution.

Auckland

Lets look at Auckland

City of Volcanoes:

Auckland is built on a volcanic field with around 53 dormant volcanoes. The most famous is Rangitoto Island, which emerged from the sea about 600 years ago, making it the youngest and largest of Auckland's volcanoes.

The Sky Tower:

Auckland’s Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere at 328 meters (1,076 feet). Thrill-seekers can even bungee jump or do a Skywalk around the tower’s outer ledge.

Two Harbours:

Auckland is one of the few cities in the world with two harbours on separate bodies of water. The Waitematā Harbour opens to the Pacific Ocean, while the Manukau Harbour connects to the Tasman Sea, earning Auckland the nickname "City of Sails."

Diverse Population:

Auckland is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. It has the largest Polynesian population of any city globally, and over 40% of its residents were born overseas, representing over 200 different ethnic groups.

Auckland Domain:

The Auckland Domain is the city's oldest park, established in the 1840s. It sits atop the Pukekawa volcano and includes the Auckland War Memorial Museum, gardens, and sports fields. The park’s Wintergardens, with Victorian-style glasshouses, are a highlight.

Western Springs Mystery: Western Springs Park is a beautiful area with a lake and abundant wildlife, but it also has a mysterious history. In the early 1900s, it was Auckland’s main water source, but there were numerous reports of strange phenomena, including mysterious lights and sounds around the reservoir, which remain unexplained to this day.

Wellington

Wellington

World's Windiest City:

Wellington is known as the world’s windiest capital, with average wind speeds of over 27 km/h (17 mph). The city's strong gusts are caused by its location between the Cook Strait and the surrounding mountains.

Beehive Building:

The city’s most iconic building, known as the Beehive, is the Executive Wing of New Zealand's Parliament. Its unusual cylindrical shape and layered structure have made it one of the world’s most distinctive government buildings.

Zealandia Sanctuary:

Wellington is home to Zealandia, the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary. It’s an ambitious project aimed at restoring a valley to its pre-human state, and visitors can see rare native species like the kiwi and tuatara in the wild.

Public Pianos:

Throughout Wellington, there are public pianos available for anyone to play. These colourful pianos are scattered across the city and often surprise pedestrians with impromptu performances by both amateurs and professionals.

Earthquake-Proof City:

Wellington is located on multiple fault lines and experiences frequent earthquakes. As a result, many of its buildings are equipped with base isolators—technology that allows buildings to sway during an earthquake, minimizing damage.

Café Capital:

Wellington has more cafes per capita than New York City. The city's vibrant coffee culture is legendary, and it’s known for serving some of the best brews in the world, with a particular focus on craft and specialty coffee.

Christchurch

Garden City:

Christchurch is known as the "Garden City" due to its numerous parks and public gardens. The Botanic Gardens, located in the heart of the city, are a popular attraction with over 150 years of history and a wide variety of plant species.

Punting on the Avon :

One of the quintessential Christchurch experiences is punting on the Avon River. You can relax on a flat-bottomed boat as a guide propels you along the scenic river, which winds through the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park.

Rebuilding and Innovation:

Following the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, Christchurch has undergone significant rebuilding. The city is now known for its innovative architecture and urban design, including the unique Cardboard Cathedral and the ReContainer Mall, which was an early post-earthquake shopping area built entirely from shipping containers.

Street Art Capital :

Christchurch has embraced street art as part of its regeneration efforts. The city is filled with vibrant murals and installations created by local and international artists, making it one of the world's street art capitals.

Sumner Beach :

Just a short drive from the city centre, Sumner Beach is a great spot for surfing, swimming, and enjoying the coastal scenery. The beach has a laid-back vibe and is popular with both locals and tourists.

Christchurch Gondola:

For stunning views over the city, the Canterbury Plains, and Lyttelton Harbour, you can take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola. At the top, there are walking tracks and a time tunnel exhibit that provides a journey through the area's natural and cultural history.

New Regent Street:

This picturesque street is famous for its pastel-coloured Spanish Mission-style buildings. It's a popular spot for shopping, dining, and enjoying a coffee at one of the many cafes.

Dunedin

Larnach Castle

This is New Zealand’s only castle, built in the 19th century by William Larnach, a prominent entrepreneur and politician. It offers stunning views of the Otago Peninsula and features beautiful gardens.

Botanic Gardens

Dunedin Botanic Gardens, established in 1863, are the oldest in New Zealand. They feature an extensive collection of native and exotic plants, a rose garden, and a duck pond.

Otago Peninsula

The Otago Peninsula is renowned for its wildlife, including the world's only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross at Taiaroa Head. It is also home to rare yellow-eyed penguins, sea lions, and seals.

Speight's Brewery

Established in 1876, Speight's Brewery is an iconic Dunedin business. It offers tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process and sample some of its famous beers.

Dunedin Sound

The city is known for its distinctive contribution to the music scene, particularly the "Dunedin Sound," a style of indie rock that emerged in the 1980s and is associated with bands like The Clean and The Chills.

Steepest Street in the World

Dunedin is home to Baldwin Street, which holds the title of the steepest residential street in the world according to the Guinness World Records. The street has a gradient of 34.8%, meaning it rises one meter for every 2.86 metres of horizontal distance.

Nelson

Sunniest Place in New Zealand:

Nelson is often recognized as one of the sunniest places in New Zealand, boasting over 2,400 hours of sunshine annually. This makes it a popular destination for outdoor activities and events.

Geographic Centre:

Nelson is close to the geographic centre of New Zealand, marked by a monument on a hill called Centre of New Zealand, which offers panoramic views of the city and Tasman Bay.

Abel Tasman National Park:

Nelson is the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and scenic hiking trails like the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

Nelson’s Wine and Craft Beer:

The region around Nelson is famous for its wine, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, and for its burgeoning craft beer scene. The area’s hops are considered some of the best in the world.

Historic Cathedral:

The Christ Church Cathedral in Nelson, with its prominent tower, is a landmark in the city. The cathedral was completed in 1965 after being rebuilt multiple times due to earthquakes.

Nelson’s Historic Streets:

The city has several historic streets, including South Street, which is one of the oldest preserved streets in New Zealand. Many of the cottages date back to the mid-19th century and are a window into Nelson's early European settlement.