The Elms - Te Papa Tauranga

Hamilton Zoo is home to over 600 native and exotic animals and boasts the only tapirs in New Zealand, the only fishing cats and the largest free-flight aviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants. See exotic species like giraffes, zebras, chimpanzees, red pandas, lemurs and Sumatran tigers as well as farm animals like kune kune pigs and alpacas. Get to know some animals during free daily Meet the Keeper talks. For a special experience, go behind the scenes on a Face2Face encounter and meet a southern white rhinos, siamang gibbons, giraffe, red pandas, or lemurs. Every visit is different, with breeding and baby animals at any time of the year. Hamilton Zoo is committed to inspiring conservation action through participation in various projects and contributing to breeding programmes for endangered species like southern white rhino, once there were only 100 left in the world, now there are more than 20,000. http://www.visithamilton.co.nz/see-and-do/attractions/hamilton-zoo

Action Stations provides nature and cultural based experiences in the Tauranga region and beyond, including around the upper half of the North Island of NZ. https://www.bayofplentynz.com/things-to-do/action-stations-28579

This stylish outdoor shopping complex on Tauranga’s northern city fringe is open seven days a week and features a range of boutique stores, large retail chains, popular cafes and professional service providers. https://www.bayofplentynz.com/things-to-do/bethlehem-shopping-centre-15042497

A classic car museum with something designed to cater for every member of the family.We have over 100 cars for display and an extensive collection of petrol, pedal cars and early pin ball machines. http://www.visithamilton.co.nz/see-and-do/museums-and-galleries/classic-car-museum

Explore an enchanting world of secret gardens at Waikato's most visited tourist destination. The international award-winning Hamilton Gardens is unique; it tells "the story of gardens". http://www.visithamilton.co.nz/see-and-do/hamilton-gardens/hamilton-gardens

Our pure mineral geothermal pool complex, situated in an oasis of spectacular bush and park-like grounds 5 minutes from downtown Tauranga. We have one large main pool nestled among towering tree ferns and native foliage, enjoy the bird song during the day and the magical lighting at night. Or choose one of 8 spacious private pools, all have a changing area, toilet and shower. Our pools are 100% pure, crystal clear natural mineral water. All pools have a continuous flow of fresh mineral water and are emptied cleaned and refilled daily. A great stopover for camper vans with large sites and a tranquil environment, free access to the main pool is included. https://www.newzealand.com/au/plan/business/fernland-spa-thermal-mineral-springs-3114618/

Bring your family, swimsuits, barbecue supplies or picnic and make a day of it with one of our two adventure park pass options, or if you’re short on time, come down and rent a kayak by the hour. Our adventure park pass system is designed so once you have purchased a pass for the park you won’t need any more money for the rest of the day. You can enjoy, get wet, relax and most importantly have fun, without needing to reach for your wallet. Enter the park knowing that the day is yours to enjoy with our supreme pass. The Blob, The UFO, rock climbing and unlimited kayak hire; the fun is just starting. Slide down NZ’s only kayak slide. Beach volleyball is a hit while others enjoy the challenge on Waimarino’s new low ropes course. https://www.newzealand.com/au/plan/business/adventure-park/

While staying at Mount Tutu Eco-Sanctuary, a 16-acre nature park, feed the unique Mount Tutu Sheep which are a closed flock of Heritage Sheep. The preservation of heritage flocks is considered to be very important. Mount Tutu Sheep, unique to Mount Tutu Eco-Sanctuary, are characterised by their majestic horns and piebald markings. They have been selectively bred over 18 years. The lambs look like little panda bears, and are equally as cuddly! Get up close and personal with these special sheep! https://www.newzealand.com/au/plan/business/mount-tutu-eco-sanctuary-3123383/

Claim your bragging rights! High excitement, stomach-churning and a great confidence builder. Test your skills by taking on an Adrenalin Forest aerial obstacle course. Located among natural surroundings in the Bay of Plenty, Adrenalin Forest courses feature over 100 fun-filled challenges across six levels. Each level is harder than the last, with obstacles starting at 1.5 metres above the ground that are suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. To conquer the whole course and claim your bragging rights, you’ll be climbing, jumping and swinging up to 23 metres up in the air. But this isn’t just a test of your physical skills - each obstacle can be conquered in different ways, so you’ll be stretching your brain as well. https://www.newzealand.com/au/plan/business/adrenalin-forest-bay-of-plenty/

Hells Gate is the only place in New Zealand where you can soak and relax in an outdoor Mud Bath, used for generations by Maori to ease joint and muscle pain. Get down and dirty in a mud bath or unwind in a Sulphur Spa overlooking a spectacular geothermal landscape, before cooling off in a beautiful spring-fed waterfall and plunge pool. Take a Twilight Spa and bathe under the stars until 10 pm. The Hells Gate reserve features three types of therapeutic thermal mud: Black Mud – used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism White Mud – used for the relief of burns Grey Mud – used to gently exfoliate the skin Hells Gate is also New Zealand’s most active geothermal attraction and features the biggest mud volcano in the country as well as the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Take a Guided Tour around 50 acres of erupting waters, coloured pools, hot water lakes, bubbling mud, steaming cliffs, sulphur crystals and land coral. You can also enjoy a Native Bush Walk around the thermal park. https://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/geothermal-wonders/hells-gate-geothermal-mud-bath-spa

Mitai Maori Village is an indigenous cultural experience incorporating a traditional hangi meal, cultural performance, warrior canoe and sacred freshwater spring. Nau Mai, Haere Mai - Welcome! An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori Culture, leaving you inspired as well as entertained. Learn about our history, carvings and ta moko (tattoo art). Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat, coupled with the grace and beauty of the poi dance, followed by a spine tingling haka finale. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting where you will see warriors in traditional dress padding a waka (ancient canoe), and don’t miss your only opportunity to see glow worms in the Rotorua area. https://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/maori-culture/mitai-maori-village-(1)

3D Trick Art Gallery is the first and only 3D Trick Art Gallery in New Zealand. It offers an educational, creative and imaginative experience to the visitors of all age. In the gallery, you can create over 50 masterpieces of your own. 3D Trick Art Gallery has been rated by TripAdvisor as one of the Top 5 most recommended out of 118 must-see attractions in Rotorua. So come and have fun with your creativity and imagination. https://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/museums-galleries/3d-trick-art-gallery

Skyline Rotorua Gondola is the most spectacular way to take in the 180-degree views of Lake Rotorua, the city and surrounding district. Skyline’s Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, open daily for lunch and dinner, is renowned for its delicious New Zealand cuisine, and the Market Kitchen provides a multitude of tasty options for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. No visit would be complete without a ride down one of Skyline’s luge tracks. The luge is a world first! With three different track options and over 5kms of track to ride, once is certainly never enough! Riders have full control, over the 3 wheels, gravity-based luge cart. https://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/family-fun/skyline-rotorua

Skyline Rotorua is now home to New Zealand's first year-round Gondola assisted bike lift, accessing world-class downhill mountain biking. Skyline Rotorua MTB Gravity Park gives riders easy access to an 8.5-kilometre trail network featuring trails with varying terrain for all ability levels. http://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/cycling-mountain-biking/skyline-gravity-park

Paradise Valley Springs is Rotorua's must-see wildlife park where visitors of all ages can interact closely with a range of New Zealand’s wild animals, native birds, farm animals and trout, as well as view and get up close to a large pride of African Lions. The wildlife park is set amongst beautifully maintained New Zealand native bush, offering easy walking along flat accessible walkways in all types of weather. You can hand-feed animals that are found wild around the country such as Deer, Goats, Tahr and Wallabies. Visit the Kea, New Zealand’s infamous and comical alpine parrot in their walk-through aviary. Stroll through the waterbird wetland for great views of native and introduced waterfowl, and look out for the different native birds living wild around the park. Pat and feed the very sociable farm animals - alpacas, donkey, emus, sheep and more. Hundreds of Rainbow and Brown trout can be fed in the natural stream as well as in the spring-fed display pools, and viewed at eye level through an underwater window below their pool. Spot some of the large native long-finned eels lazing in their pools. Drink straight from the cool waters of the freshwater spring, or purchase some of their bottled ‘Paradise Pure’ to take away with you. Take the elevated treetops to walk in a secluded area, putting you up near the canopy of the trees. In a separate area of the park, there is also a pride of African Lions that can be seen all day in an enclosure that allows visitors to get very close to these wild animals. Lion pride feeding is at 2.30pm, followed by kea and possum feeding at 3pm every day. 10-15 minutes drive from central Rotorua. Open every day of the year including all public holidays. https://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/leisure-wildlife-parks/paradise-valley-springs-wildlife-park

A number of the Rotorua lakes were named by Ihenga, a grandson of the captain of the Arawa canoe Tamatekapua.Lake Rotorua is the largest lake in the district and the most productive trout fishery in New Zealand. http://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/explore/lakes/lake-rotorua

Discover Rotorua's rich culture, volatile landscape and legendary figures in this ‘must-see' museum. Explore the fascinating stories of Rotorua’s beautiful Government Gardens during the free walking tours hosted by Rotorua Museum guides who won the TrustPower Rotorua Lakes Council Community Supreme Award for their Outside the Walls walking tours. Despite Rotorua Museum being closed for earthquake strengthening until 2021, Museum guides have continued taking tours, sharing the fascinating history of the area that became known as the Government Gardens. Visitors learn about New Zealand’s most photographed building, the iconic Rotorua Bath House*, from spa to restaurant, cabaret to a night club and finally home to Rotorua Museum. Their stories include the Spanish Mission/Art Deco style Blue Baths, almost as famous as the Bath House and those of the other heritage buildings in the vicinity. https://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/museums-galleries/rotorua-museum

Rotorua's spas and geothermal activity have been attracting visitors to the region for centuries and continue to be a highlight. A myriad of spa options is within easy reach, whether you're after a simple soak in a natural bush-lined thermal stream or hot pool or a full day at a luxuriously-appointed spa complex. There are two types of mineral waters used for health purposes in Rotorua: “Rachel”, which is alkaline, sulphur water, softening the skin and sedative, and the “Priest”, which is free-acid water. The Rachel waters and mud baths are used to manage rheumatic diseases that required a “softening effect”. The waters are regarded as soothing and sedative, relieving pain and reducing swelling in joints and tissues. http://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/explore/spa-and-wellness

Experience spectacular volcanic craters, enormous hot water springs, beautiful geothermal features, rare and unusual plant life, brilliantly coloured micro biology and a wide array of birds. We immerse visitors in the stories of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption, its people, and the resulting dramatic landscape changes that created the world’s youngest geothermal valley Treat yourself to some of the best walking trails in Rotorua, set amongst awe-inspiring volcanic craters and incredible geothermal activity. Choose from a range of self-guided nature walks and hiking trails, mostly down hill, through pristine New Zealand bush. Included with your entrance fee is a guide sheet, available in many different languages, to refer to for interpretation as you make your way through our wonderful valley. https://www.rotoruanz.com/visit/see-and-do/family-fun/waimangu-volcanic-valley

The latest attraction in Taupo is the spectacular new Lava Glass Sculpture Garden set in an acre of manicured grounds with more than 500 glass sculptures. https://www.greatlaketaupo.com/things-to-do/listings/lava-glass-sculpture-garden/

The sheer volume of water flowing over the falls amounts to 220,000 litres per second - enough to fill one Olympic sized swimming pool in 11 seconds! https://www.greatlaketaupo.com/things-to-do/must-do/huka-falls/

Taupo Museum contains an array of exhibits with everything from Māori treasures, a ‘cute as’ Kiwiana caravan, a 'virtual' tour of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Art Galleries and a fishing tale or two. https://www.greatlaketaupo.com/things-to-do/listings/taupo-museum-ora-garden-of-wellbeing/

With over 20 rides and attractions, there's something for everyone, every day of the year except Christmas Day. If you are a thrill seeking enthusiast, the Stratosfear, our brand new ride, is just for you. Or if you'd like something a little less scary, perhaps the Log Flume or Pirate Ship. It's your fun, and you can put it together any way you like! https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/discover/entertainment/amusement-park/rainbows-end-theme-park-ltd-manukau

Ambury farm park lies among the southern suburbs fronting the Manukau Harbour. Take in the various farm animals as you wander around the open pasture. Ambury is a significant habitat for shorebirds and the coast has excellent examples of basalt lava flows. http://regionalparks.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ambury

For exceptional views of Auckland city make your way up Maungakiekie, otherwise known as One Tree Hill. Rising up 182 metres, this volcanic peak is the largest, intact volcanic cone in Auckland - apart from Rangitoto - and is a relaxing drive, walk or cycle up. The volcano is made up of three craters and a lava field that stretches all the way out to the Manukau shoreline. https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/auckland/one-tree-hill/one-tree-hill

Take an underwater journey through the world famous SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's, Auckland and discover a diverse collection of aquatic life up close. See the world’s largest sub-Antarctic penguin colony display, the world’s biggest species of stingray and New Zealand’s largest collection of sharks. Journey through a unique Southern Ocean experience and marvel at our amazing live jellyfish display, find out how we work with rescued sea turtles and visit the magical Seahorse Kingdom where you’ll find the world’s only display of Spiny Sea Dragons, all these and more. For the adventurous we have thrilling Shark Cage Adventure, snorkel in our Shark Cage; Penguin Passport where you can get into our penguin enclosure, get up close and personal with penguins. https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/discover/activities/wildlife-activities/other-wildlife/sea-life-kelly-tarltons-auckland

Emerging from the sea just 600 years ago, pest-free Rangitoto Island is the youngest volcano in New Zealand. An Auckland icon and deeply enriched with history, it's long been a favourite day trip for walkers, and a much loved boating destination.https://www.doc.govt.nz/rangitoto

Welcome to Auckland Museum, where exciting stories of New Zealand people, the Pacific, flora, fauna and landforms of our unique islands, are told within a memorial dedicated to those who have sacrificed their lives for our country. https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/discover/arts-culture-heritage/art-gallery/auckland-museum-tamaki-paenga-hira

Located a short distance from Auckland CBD, Auckland Domain is a mecca for relaxation and a must-see when in the region. Spread over 75 hectares of land, Auckland Domain is the oldest park in the city and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike especially on a warm summer day. There are a number of different gardens located in the park including the Wintergardens, one of the most recognisable with the Auckland War Memorial Museum sitting at the highest point, the Formal Gardens, a display from the 1860s with exotic trees, birds and trout, the Duck Ponds, which was the first piped water supply in Auckland back in 1866 and the Band Rotunda standing there since 1912. Auckland Domain is open to the public 24 hours a day for free. There are a number of facilities on the grounds including a water fountain, toilets, sports fields and a dog exercise area located on Gum Tree Hill. https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/auckland/auckland-domain/auckland-domain

Located in the heart of the CBD, Albert Park is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city scene. Easily accessible by walking paths around the city, exploring Albert Park is a definite must for visitors to the region. Open to the public 24 hours a day, there is so much to see and do in the Park. Some of the main highlights of the park include the Victorian fountain, Queen Victoria statue and the Laidlaw floral clock that was constructed in 1953. There are a number of different paths leading through the park making exploring it easy and enjoyable. In terms of facilities, the park is fitted with public toilets located between Albert Park House and the Wellesley Street East walkway. https://www.experienceoz.com.au/en/auckland/albert-park/albert-park

The Sky Tower has stood tall at 328 meters as an icon of Auckland's sky line for 20 years. It's an exciting hub of adrenaline activities, superb dining and breathtaking views. View the city from 220 metres high above street level. Enjoy panoramic 360˚ views up to 80 kilometres in every direction and spot key landmarks, volcanoes and other historical locations within the greater Auckland area. If dining with a view is what you're after, then you're spoilt for choice with three restaurants and cafes up the Sky Tower - Orbit 360˚ Dining revolving restaurant, the superbly chic and elegant The Sugar Club or relax with your coffee, cheese board or ice cream at the Sky Café. The Sky Tower Gift Shop offers a wide range of Kiwiana gifts and souvenirs, official All Blacks Adidas merchandise as well as many other great keepsakes from the Sky Tower and New Zealand. https://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/sky-tower/

Pick up fresh local and organic produce at the Matakana Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. Browse the art and craft galleries and find everything from paintings by local artists to the renowned Morris & James Pottery.Visit some of the beautiful white-sand beaches along Matakana’s stunning coastline. https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit/destinations/auckland-north/matakana-coast

Any New Zealand gourmet trail would be incomplete without a visit to Hawke’s Bay, with top vineyards and producers who make the most of the local bounty. Blessed with long sunshine hours and fertile plains, Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s most productive growing regions. It is also the second largest when it comes to wine production. Wineries and vineyards are dotted throughout Hawke’s Bay, although Gimblett Gravels and Ngatarawa Triangle are two of its most famous wine producing sub-regions. These regions produce a large portion of the Bordeaux blend reds that Hawke’s Bay is revered for. Owing to its geographical diversity, Hawke’s Bay is also capable of producing a number of other varietals to a high standard, including Chardonnay. Hawke’s Bay’s wineries can be explored on leisurely tours – guided tours are available and are a great way to discover the local gems. Another brilliant way to experience the wineries is on a cycle, riding on especially created trails that link towns and wineries. A number of the wineries have cellar doors and many boast superb winery restaurants that make the most of the abundant fresh local produce. Hawke’s Bay also forms part of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail that takes you to more than 100 cellar doors across four New Zealand regions. https://www.newzealand.com/au/feature/wineries-in-hawkes-bay/

Walk through New Zealand's oldest prison! Listen to a 50-minute self-guided audio tour of Napier Prison while inspecting the vacant prison cells and deserted exercise yard. Learn the history and feel the oppressive atmosphere of the hanging yard, the solitary confinement and the death row cells. Hear the tales of Australasia's richest drug baron, numerous escape attempts, the ominous Eye Eater, and the graveyard. Take your time walking through the empty halls and enjoy several photo opportunities that are great for the family! Opening in 1862, Napier Prison is New Zealand's oldest penal complex. Begin your tour at the front gate and enter through the prisoner-built wall and walk through the Visiting Area where family members could see their loved ones. Take a look at the The Pound and see what solitary confinement meant in the 1900s, and visit the Detox Room where inmates would be disinfected and begin their new life behind bars. Next, step through the Courtyard where the Shower Block, Toilets, and Mess Hall are located. Learn about their meager meals and the few recreational activities available. As you enter the living areas, you'll witness the living conditions that inmates were subjected to, see how they left their mark on the Prison, and learn about the Earthquake that levelled Napier City. You'll make your way through the back of the Prison where you'll learn about the Graveyard and the prisoners that remain here. Finally, around the Cleaning Building, you'll visit the ominous Hanging Yard where several inmates met their end. This audio-guided tour allows you to take your time (or skip) certain parts of the Prison. The tour allows you to read extra information and take great photo opportunities along the way. http://www.nz.com/new-zealand/activities/napier/napier-prison-audio-tours.aspx

Napier's Art Deco town centre is unique. Rivalled only by Miami beachfront Streamline Moderne, it is the most comprehensive Art Deco styled town in the world. Fascination with cinema, Hollywood and exotic imagery from Africa and South America mixed with expressions of new and exciting transport engineering; railway, steamships, cars and airplanes, is what gives Art Deco its distinct look. Other period styles such as Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical were also tested and mixed in. Notable Architect J. A. Louis Hay also experimented with the palette of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Style. Despite this altogether global influence, the town retains its kiwi nature in building and street scale, bright colour, and New Zealand's typically quirky and innovative appropriation of international trends. An architecture that embodies an era's optimism in the face of such a tragedy; enjoy this town's many architectural treasures with a variety of walks and guided tours, or take it in at your own pace as you stroll down the palm-lined Marine Parade. http://www.napier.nz.com/art-deco.aspx

Following dedicated cycle paths and the occasional country road, this delightful trail network traces the coast from Bay View in the north to Cape Kidnappers in the south, and ventures inland through idyllic rural and riverside scenery. With mostly flat terrain, fantastic attractions, great food and gorgeous weather, Hawke’s Bay is brilliant for biking at any time of year. These trails are the perfect way to explore the region and offer something for everyone – from world-class wineries and wildlife, to art deco architecture, art galleries and ice cream. Well located bike tour and hire depots and an excellent map with themed rides – Water, Landscapes & Wineries – make it easy to plan the perfect sightseeing tour from an hour to all day, with nearly 200 km of trails to choose from. https://nzcycletrail.com/find-your-ride/22-great-rides/hawkes-bay-trails/

The Hastings Farmers’ Market has been around for seventeen years and is one of the oldest and largest Farmers’ Markets in the country. Every Sunday the Waikoko Gardens come to life with the best seasonal produce on offer - so pop us on your Hawke's Bay Playlist https://www.hawkesbaynz.com/visit/us/hawkes-bay-farmers-market

18 pou, each representing an ancestor from marae around the Heretaunga district stand proudly in the centre of Hastings, presenting a tangible link to the regions' cultural heritage. https://www.hawkesbaynz.com/visit/us/nga-pou-o-heretaunga