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Best Cities to Visit in New Zealand, The Heart of Oceania

New Zealand

There are over 40 cities to visit in New Zealand and each city has something unique to offer. New Zealand is overall one of the most beautiful countries in the world, known for its long stretch beaches, crystal clear lakes, majestic mountains, and most importantly ever welcoming and friendly New Zealanders. 

Having a number of beautiful landscapes, jaw-dropping rainforests, farmland, New Zealand is one of the most remarkable countries you would ever visit. In case you are planning to tour New Zealand for the first time and wondering where to start, then check out some of the best cities to visit in New Zealand with top tourist attractions and things to do.  

Also Read: 17 Best places to visit in New Zealand

5 Best Cities to Visit in New Zealand 

1. Auckland

Auckland - botanical garden

via – envato

Also referred to as the” City of Sails”, Auckland is one of the best cities to visit in New Zealand in terms of a rich lifestyle. It is the largest city in the country and also the entry spot to New Zealand. It is an ideal place for those looking for adventure and several outdoor activities. 

Among the top tourist attractions in Auckland include the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Sky Tower, the farmer market of Matakana, and many more. Also, the city has plenty of outdoor activities and things to do. Here you can go sightseeing or stargaze at the Great Barrier Island or go for a hike at Aotea Take.  

Best Time To Visit: March to May or September & November 

Top Things To Do:

  • Stargazing 
  • Taste the world-class cuisine
  • Skydiving or Skyjump

Major Tourist Attractions:

  • Visit the Farmers Market 
  • Rugged Beaches of West Scotland
  • Auckland  War Memorial Museum  

Where To Stay: These are some of the cheap hotels in Auckland for Indians 

  • Kiwi International Hotel – Per day rent around 3,397 INR with free cancellation facility 
  • Ascotia off Queen – Per day rent around 3,959 INR 
  • Auckland Rose Park Hotel – 4,064 INR per day 
  • Ibis Budget Auckland Central – 4,651 INR with pay on stay facility and free cancellation 

2. Christchurch

Places to visit in Christchurch

via- envato

One of the most popular cities in New Zealand, Christchurch is a city with z plenty of places to explore including cultural heritages, sports complexes such as rugby and cricket stadiums, and many more. The main city of Christchurch features some of the fine architecture along with some of the oldest buildings in the country. 

The magnificent city of Christchurch is surrounded by Canterbury Island which offers fabulous picturesque views which make you will feel like not going back. Christchurch is not only the most unique but also one of the most diverse cities to visit in New Zealand. 

Best Time To Visit: It is best advised to visit this city during the summer season i.e December to March as the warm climate is considered the best time for hiking and mountain biking.

Things To Do:

  • Cycling at Alps 2 Ocean
  • Mountain Bike Lesson 
  • Hiking at Godley Head
  • Helicopter Tour 
  • Rafting 

Top Tourist Attractions:

  • Bridge of Remembrance 
  • TranzAlpine Train
  • Avon River
  • Port Hills  

Where To Stay: Some of the cheap hotels to stay in Christchurch

  • Colonial Inn Motel – 5,248 INR per day
  • Ibis Christchurch – 5,592 INR per day 
  • Christchurch City Hotel – 5,916 INR per day with free cancelation facility
  • Quest Christchurch – 6,171 INR per day with free cancelation facility 

3. Hamilton 

Hamilton - Waikato river

via – envato

 

Hamilton has one of the most pleasant cities to visit in New Zealand with a variety of gardens, forests, and wildlife sanctuaries. The tourist attractions in Hamilton are Waitomo Caves, Sanctuary Mountains, Zoo, and many more. Hamilton is basically a University town, thus you feel the diversity in this city with plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants. 

While in Hamilton, you just can’t miss visiting the majestic Waikato River which flows towards the city. The Hamilton garden and Waikato museums also reside near the Waikato River. As you go further, do visit Matamata which is quite famous for sightseeing, and also a major tourist for being featured in the famous Hollywood franchise “Lords of the Rings”. 

Best Time To Visit: April to June 

Things To Do: 

  • Surf at Raglan
  • Taste the delicious tea at Zealong tea Estate  
  • Cycling at Waikato, Timber, and Hauraki rail trail
  • Hot Air Balloon tour

Top Tourist Attractions:

  • Waitomo Caves
  • Hamilton Gardens
  • Sanctuary Mountain
  • Hamilton Zoo

Where To Stay: Some of the budget hotels to stay in Hamilton city 

  • Backpackers Central Hamilton – 3,870 INR per with free cancelation 
  • Makepeace Place – 4,152 INR per day with free cancellation 
  • Lake Domain Hotel – 4,754 INR per day with free cancellation
  • VR Hamilton – 5.123 INR per day

Also Read: Best honeymoon destinations in New Zealand to visit once in a lifetime

4. Willington

Willington -Waterfront

Willington -Waterfront

As you must have heard the phrase ”Good things come in small packages”, this is what the city of Willington is all about. Being the Capital of New Zealand Willington is considered the safest city in the country. There is a huge list of places to visit in Willington where you can get away from the busy city life. The must-visit tourist attractions in Willington include Te Papa Togarewa Museum, Princess, or the Zealandia Ecosanctuary. 

Te Papa Tongarewa or the National Museum of New Zealand represents the culture of the Maori community who first settled in New Zealand before becoming a British colony. The museum features the several Ars Te Papa collection, 11 artworks from various New Zealand, and other arts from Pacific Island.  

Best Time To Visit: March to May 

Top Tourist Attractions:

  • Papa Tongarewa Museum
  • Zealandia Ecosanctuary
  • Matlu Island
  • Parliament House in Beehive
  • Willington Museum 
  • Princes Bay 

Where To Stay: Below are some of the budget hotels to stay in Wilmington

  • Holiday Inn Express Derby – 3,223 INR per day with pay on stay and free cancellation facility
  • Premier Inn Derby City Center Hotel – 4,202 INR per day with free cancellation  
  • The Stuart Hotel – 4,836 INR per day 
  • International Hotel – 5,024 INR per day with free cancellation 

5. Queenstown

Queenstown - skiing

Queenstown – skiing

The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown is a city situated on the river banks of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown is a major tourist destination in New Zealand and it is completed dedicated to tourism, and thus offers several options for travelers to choose from. Queenstown is world-famous for being the home to bungee along with several other outdoor activities. 

Some of the top things to do in Queenstown include boating, cruise tour, rafting, parachuting, trekking, and many more. If you are visiting New Zealand during the winters they do visit the Remarkables and Coronet Peak which are quite famous for various snow sports such as Snowboarding and Skiing

Best Time To Visit: December to February 

Things To Do: 

  • Cruise Tour in TSS Earnslaw
  • Jet boating at Shotover River
  • Skiing at the Remarkables Mountain range
  • Bungee Jumping at Kawarau Bridge

Top Tourist Attractions:

  • Lake Wakatipu
  • Skippers Canyon
  • Skyline Gondola
  • Lake Wanaka 

Where To Stay: Cheap hotel to stay while on a trip to Queenstown

  • Swiss Belresort Coronet Peak – 4,477 INR per day with pay on stay and free cancellation facility
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Queenstown – 5,156 INR per day with free cancellation
  • The Lofts Apartments – 5,754 INR per with pay on stay and free cancellation facility
  • Heartland Hotel Queenstown – 5,812 INR per day with pay on stay and free cancellation facility 

Also Read: 7 Best Wildlife Reserves In New Zealand To Visit On Your Next Trip

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