North and South Island - from Auckland to Christchurch in 12 days

The presence of a rich volcanic substrate, due to the presence of a chain of now extinct volcanoes, and abundant rainfall make this region one of the greenest and most fertile in the world. The most famous tourist destination on the North Island, and perhaps in all of New Zealand, stands out first and foremost for the strong smell of rotten eggs due to the abundant presence of sulfur. A lively geothermal activity with geysers, lakes and hot water streams, bubbling mud pools, and multicolored silica terraces are the main characteristics of this region, which also stands out for its large Maori population with interesting cultural activities. It is also a paradise for fishermen, with the best trout fishing in the world.

A UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural value and Māori cultural significance, Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's oldest national park and guards three active volcanoes in the heart of the North Island: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro itself. Its lunar landscapes of steaming craters, emerald lakes and lava fields have provided the backdrop for famous film settings. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered among the most spectacular day hikes in the world, crosses volcanic saddles and thermal springs amid breathtaking scenery. In winter the slopes of Ruapehu become ski fields. Tongariro is the sacred land where fire and myth meet.

Begin a magical journey into the fantasy universe of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, created by Tolkien and made even more famous by the New Zealand director Peter Jackson. Traveling south, you pass through the Bombay Hills, the agricultural region of Waikato, and the historic town of Cambridge. Stop at the Shire's Rest in Matamata, the green countryside where the Hobbit trilogy was set. You will see the 37 hobbit holes, the double-arched bridge, the party tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and the door of Bilbo's house; a splendid view as far as the eye can see over the hills. The capital of New Zealand, Wellington stretches across the southern tip of the North Island, gathered around a spectacular bay and ringed by hills dotted with colourful houses. Lively and cosmopolitan, it is regarded as the country's cultural and creative heart, renowned for its food scene, cafés and passion for craft beer. On the waterfront stands Te Papa Tongarewa, the remarkable national museum that tells the nation's history, nature and Māori culture. The historic Wellington Cable Car climbs to the Botanic Garden and a panoramic lookout over the city, while the Cuba Street district pulses with life among vintage shops, venues and murals. The city is also a capital of cinema, home to the studios that brought The Lord of the Rings saga to life. Among culture, sea and a brisk breeze, Wellington wins visitors over with its urban energy and independent character.

Nelson stretches across the northern tip of the South Island, facing Tasman Bay, and proudly claims the title of the exact geographic centre of New Zealand. Blessed with one of the country's sunniest climates, the city combines golden beaches, a lively arts-and-crafts scene and a respected food-and-wine tradition. Above all, it is the gateway to two parks of great beauty: Abel Tasman, famed for its coastal trails between turquoise coves and forest, and the wilder, more untouched Kahurangi. The surrounding countryside, rich in orchards, vineyards and hop gardens, feeds a thriving culture of craft breweries and local produce. Nelson is the ideal destination for those seeking sun, sea, nature and fine food all in one place.

At the mouth of the Grey River, on the west coast of the South Island, Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast and an ideal starting point for exploring this wild, off-the-beaten-path region. Grown around its mining history of coal and gold, it retains a rugged, authentic character, facing the Tasman Sea. It is the terminus of the TranzAlpine, one of the world's most scenic railways, crossing gorges, beech forests and the passes of the Southern Alps. Nearby, the rock formations of the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and the rainforests offer unforgettable excursions. Between stormy seas and untamed nature, Greymouth is the rugged soul of the West Coast.

Begin a magical journey into the fantasy universe of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, created by Tolkien and made even more famous by the New Zealand director Peter Jackson. Traveling south, you pass through the Bombay Hills, the agricultural region of Waikato, and the historic town of Cambridge. Stop at the Shire's Rest in Matamata, the green countryside where the Hobbit trilogy was set. You will see the 37 hobbit holes, the double-arched bridge, the party tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and the door of Bilbo's house; a splendid view as far as the eye can see over the hills. Franz Josef owes its fame to a rare geological spectacle: the Franz Josef Glacier, which tumbles down from the Southern Alps to within a few hundred metres of sea level, amid lush temperate rainforest. This meeting of ice and exuberant vegetation, unique in the world, forms part of the Te Wāhipounamu protected area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small village set along the West Coast lives on adventure: guided ice walks, scenic helicopter flights landing on the snowfield, and trails leading to lookouts over the glacier's tongue. After the hikes, the village's hot pools offer relief among the ferns. A short distance away, the twin Fox Glacier completes the picture. Between age-old ice and emerald forests, Franz Josef reigns as the kingdom of adventure on the wild coast.

Begin a magical journey into the fantasy universe of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, created by Tolkien and made even more famous by the New Zealand director Peter Jackson. Traveling south, you pass through the Bombay Hills, the agricultural region of Waikato, and the historic town of Cambridge. Stop at the Shire's Rest in Matamata, the green countryside where the Hobbit trilogy was set. You will see the 37 hobbit holes, the double-arched bridge, the party tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and the door of Bilbo's house; a splendid view as far as the eye can see over the hills. Queenstown rises on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, embraced by the jagged peaks of the Remarkables, and is widely known as New Zealand's adventure capital. The tourist heart of the South Island, it blends the energy of outdoor pursuits with the charm of a compact lakefront, where cafés, restaurants and boutiques enliven the town's streets. From here come bungee jumping on the Kawarau Bridge, cruises aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, jet boating through the gorges, and the ski fields of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. The Skyline Gondola climbs to Bob's Peak, offering a spectacular view over town and lake. Nearby, the picturesque gold-mining town of Arrowtown and the wineries of the Central Otago region, famous for its Pinot Noir, round out the experience. Among mountains, crystal-clear waters and adrenaline, Queenstown is a destination for every season of the year.

Begin a magical journey into the fantasy universe of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, created by Tolkien and made even more famous by the New Zealand director Peter Jackson. Traveling south, you pass through the Bombay Hills, the agricultural region of Waikato, and the historic town of Cambridge. Stop at the Shire's Rest in Matamata, the green countryside where the Hobbit trilogy was set. You will see the 37 hobbit holes, the double-arched bridge, the party tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and the door of Bilbo's house; a splendid view as far as the eye can see over the hills. Twizel stands in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin, founded in the 1960s as a service town for the great Upper Waitaki hydroelectric scheme. Today it is the ideal starting point for exploring lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, with their strikingly milky-blue waters, and for admiring Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain, protected by its namesake national park. The area is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, among the best places in the world for stargazing. The Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail, linking the mountains to the sea, also passes through here. Twizel is the perfect base for lovers of mountains, starry skies and wide-open spaces.