< PreviousFRESH FA CE OF NEW ZEALAND 100 THE JOURNEY A LIST OF NEWLY-OPENED AND TOP-RATED ATTRACTIONS IN NEW ZEALAND TO HELP YOU PLAN FOR EXTRAORDINARY EXPLORATIONS IN 2024. Text by Tourism New Zealand and Somkamol Mukdamanee Photo by Hero Miles Holden101 Across its North and South Islands, New Zealand is home to iconic natural landscape, rich cultural experiences and adrenaline- pumping activities. No matter what kind of traveller you are, whether an outdoor enthusiast, a culture buff, or a seeker of natural wonders – New Zealand has something for everyone. NORTH ISLAND NEW ATTRACTIONS AT HOBBITON™ MOVIE SET, WAIKATO Immerse yourself in the enchanted and whimsical atmosphere of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set! Make sure you check out the latest attraction, open from December 2023 onwards, at Bagshot Row™ where you can explore a Hobbit Hole™. All tours of the Hobbiton Movie Set now include a Hobbit Hole experience, designed by the renowned creative team behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. Located on Bagshot Row, these Hobbit Holes offer a glimpse into the charming dwellings of hobbits going about their daily lives in the Shire™. Mind your head as you wander and weave through the maze of rooms and hallways, all constructed with a hobbit’s stature in mind. Each delicate stroke of a paintbrush has left intricate hand-painted details and carvings into the walls, complimented with a plethora of colourful hand-stitched linens and decorative flourishes throughout. Photo by Destination Coromandel HOT WATER BEACH, COROMANDEL “Unique” doesn’t begin to describe how rare Hot Water Beach is. Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth and emerges through the golden sand at the appropriately named Hot Water Beach. To find the area, head towards the rocks at the southern end of the beach and here you can dig your own spa pool in the sand. Be sure to visit when it's two hours either side of low tide, as that's when the tide is low enough to expose the area of sand with hot water underneath. Don't forget to bring along your swimming gear and a spade or shovel – and if you don't have the latter, you can hire one from a local café. It's certainly a memorable experience to be lying in a pool of hot water just metres from the refreshing ocean! From the hot water area, the long sandy beach stretches north and then curves east under a headland. Here you'll find sheltered and secluded spots for quiet, sleepy sunbathing. There are also some cafés and galleries nearby and another one of Coromandel's popular spots, Cathedral Cove, is just a five-minute drive away. Photo by Waitakiki102 Photo by Corin Walker Bain Photo by Sandra Whipp THE JOURNEY TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING Often described as New Zealand's greatest day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape. It’s heralded as among the top ten single-day treks in the world. Many who complete the 19.4 km-journey will tell you the climbs can be steep and the weather unpredictable, though worth it in every aspect. The crossing is located in Tongariro National Park, which is the first national park of New Zealand and the first in the world gifted by an indigenous people. It is listed as a World Heritage property with dual status for its outstanding natural and intangible cultural values. The park is rich in both cultural identity and dramatic, awe-inspiring natural scenery. Unique landforms, including the volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu ensure the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered a world-renowned trek. The Lord of the Rings fans might also recognise the familiar landscape as Mount Doom in the iconic films. WAITOMO CAVES, WAIKATO Waitomo Caves are an ancient wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites and millions of glow- worms. Named by early Maori explorers, Waitomo translates as wai (water) and tomo (hole). For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, take a guided kayak tour down Waikato River at night, when the only light will come from tens of thousands of glow-worms which call the canyon home. The easiest way to see the caves is by a walking or boat tour. If you’re into adventure, try the unique experience of black water rafting – you'll crawl, swim and float through the caves on a rubber tube. Or, you could abseil or zip-line through the darkness. However you choose to explore Waitomo Caves, you'll agree they are a wonder of nature.103 There is as much to see and experience above ground. Nearby, you can enjoy good cafés and walks as well as natural wonders including the beautiful Marokopa Falls and limestone Mangapohue Natural Bridge. A walkway begins near the Waitomo Museum of Caves and continues through farmland where you'll see fascinating rock forms. For a quirky insight into rural New Zealand life, take in one of the local farm shows or go exploring on a guided horse trek. If you'd like to see some of New Zealand’s rarest birds, including the national icon the kiwi, head to Otorohanga Kiwi House in Otorohanga. Nearby, the town of Piopio offers guided tours of the Denize Bluffs, a filming location seen on The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, and further south the Pureora forest provides some great short and long hikes suitable for all levels, as well as the Timber Trail. WAI ARIKI HOT SPRINGS & SPA, ROTORUA Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is the largest spa and wellness centre in the Southern Hemisphere, and also a five-star experience. Photo by Rach Stewart Photo by Zhi Yuen YAP Maori-owned, Wai Ariki is a haven of relaxation and rejuvenation offering a unique blend of traditional Maori healing practices and modern wellness experiences. The facility even has a purpose-built stargazing pool for twilight bathing overlooking Ngati Whakaue mountain. This unique spa and wellness centre offers authentic manaakitanga, the centuries-old concept of welcoming and caring for manuhiri (visitors), who can indulge in the therapeutic mineral-rich hot springs here renowned for their healing properties and soothing effects. KOHUTAPU LODGE & TRIBAL TOURS If you’re happy to hang out with the locals, Rotorua’s Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours is a must-do. The unique lodge immerses guests in a real home and lifestyle of a modern Maori community. The cultural experience starts when a guide welcomes you into the tribal lands of Ngati Manawa (The Eel People), and regales you with stories of the area. During a tour you’ll learn about the ancestors, land settlement, spiritual connection with eels, and you’ll be taken on a short bush walk to see hidden ancient Maori rock art carved 400 years before the Great Migration. Later, you’d join in the preparations for a hangi dinner at the lodge overlooking the lake, before enjoying any of the optional afternoon cultural activities. Kohutapu Lodge also offers daytime tours and gourmet indigenous lunch tours for the mature market, overnight accommodation, full- and half-day guided fishing and hunting trips, as well as overnight Marae stay and community visits/cultural exchange within the school and community. WHIRINAKI TE PUA-A-TANE CONSERVATION PARK Leave your city life behind and rejuvenate yourself in nature by treating your mind, body and soul with forest bathing in Whirinaki Forest, one of the world’s largest and last prehistoric rainforests. The forest is located within the public Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tane Conservation Park. Learn about the spiritual importance of the forest on a Whirinaki Forest Footsteps guided forest-bathing day tour, during which you will also learn about Maori medicine, get the chance to touch a 1,000-year-old Totara tree, and spot native and endangered birds. AUCKLAND – PONSONBY Check out Ponsonby, a trendy Auckland neighbourhood close to the city centre. Hip, residential Ponsonby is known for shopping and dining with its stylish boutiques, independent bookshops and trendy cafés along Ponsonby Road. The foodie scene ranges from gourmet taco trucks and burger stands in Ponsonby Central to upscale gastropubs and seafood bistros. Small galleries showcase Kiwi crafts and edgy modern art, while buzzing bars specialise in craft beers and cocktails. Ponsonby has been ranked 33 of the top 40 coolest suburbs in the world by Time Out, a testament to its reputation for fun, food, culture and community.104 THE JOURNEY SOUTH ISLAND MILFORD AND DOUBTFUL SOUNDS Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest national park, spanning almost 13,000 sqm. in the southwest corner of the South Island. Pretty much every visitor to New Zealand will visit the area during their travels. Fiordland could well be known as the “hiking capital” of New Zealand due to its large number of world-class walks. One of the things that takes visitors by surprise is the scale of Fiordland National Park – it’s home to far more sounds and fjords than most realise. Milford Sound New Zealand and Doubtful Sound are the most well-known and accessible. Milford Sound is a must-see with its towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and jaw- dropping views. A stone’s throw away, Doubtful Sound – sometimes nicknamed the “Sound of Silence” – is the deepest and second-longest of the South Island's fjords. Both Milford and Doubtful Sounds offer stunning scenery that you shouldn’t miss. WHALE WATCHING, KAIKOURA The undersea Kaikoura Canyon brings abyssal depths and sperm whales close to the coast, and whale watching has been a major tourist attraction here since the 1980s. Crisp blue skies and winter peaks are the backdrop to amazing whale watching opportunities. Whale Watch Kaikoura offers boat tours for a closer look to the mammals, or you can take to the skies for a spectacular bird’s-eye view with Wings Over Whales, or else watch from land also for the many seals that line the rocky Kaikoura coast. Photo by Milford Sounds Photo by Mountain105 MOUTH COOK Aoraki Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in the country, and famous for being a training ground used by Sir Edmund Hillary before he became the first person to climb Mount Everest. Lying long and deep in the Aoraki/ Mount Cook National Park is the incredible Tasman Glacier, the biggest glacier of New Zealand. You can explore Mount Cook National Park in a few ways, such as by an easy hike through the Hooker Valley Track, or by a scenic helicopter flight to see the mountain closer-up for yourself. MACKENZIE REGION The Mackenzie Region in New Zealand stands out as an unparalleled destination for stargazing, thanks to its pristine and secluded night skies. It is home to Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve. The Southern Hemisphere's unique celestial features, such as the Southern Cross and the Magellanic Clouds, offer an enchanting view that is truly one-of-a-kind. The two stargazing experiences that you should not miss in New Zealand are: A) Dark Sky Project, Lake Tekapo, Mackenzie – There are three different experiences to choose from, including a Mt John summit stargazing experience, and two private indoor stargazing experiences. B) Tekapo Springs Star Gazing, Mackenzie – This guided hot pool and stargazing experience makes it a literal star bathing experience. Their floating hammocks are the ultimate way to relax with the best views, especially on a cold winter night. FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER Located on New Zealand’s stunning West Coast, Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most remarkable glaciers in the world, and one of the best ways to see it is by helicopter. The Franz Josef Glacier Adventure is a new unique and bespoke glacier experience that operate from October to May. Departing Franz Josef, you will head on a breath-taking helicopter flight taking you up to the upper areas of Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere/Franz Josef Glacier. You will fly along the valley over lush rainforest, then land at around 1,200 m. high on the upper ice fall where you will be fitted with crampons and any other equipment needed for a day’s adventure. On your return helicopter flight, you will fly up around the ancient Almer Hut and up toward the Franz Josef Neve. This 5.5 hours on the glacier exploring exclusive trails and glacial features with your guide would be a truly unforgettable experience. ECOZIP KAIKOURA Calling all adventure lovers! EcoZip Kaikoura is the South Island’s newest zipline adventure, set amongst 12 km. of native bush just outside of Kaikoura. The new EcoZip experience will send you flying down five side- by-side ziplines over a distance totalling more than 2 km. Conservation also sits at the heart of the project with native tree planting and pest eradication programmes set to maintain the site in a well-preserved state. Photo by Rob-Suisted106 THE JOURNEY EMBRACING THE CULTURAL MARVELS OF INDONESIA Text by Chondarin Subarna Na Ayudhya Nestled within the embrace of 17,000 enchanting islands, Indonesia beckons like a treasure trove of natural wonders, cultural splendours and thrilling adventures. With each island a glistening gem between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, this dazzlingly diverse destination promises awe-inspiring beauty and immersive experiences for every traveller. From vibrant urban energy in the FROM JAKARTA TO BALI: capital to paradisiacal beaches on the "Island of the Gods", embark on an exhilarating journey to unveil cultural treasures and wonders of this multifaceted destination. Begin your cultural odyssey at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, fondly known as “Indonesia Miniature Park”, in Jakarta. Designed to showcase the incredible diversity found across the nation, this park condenses Indonesia's rich cultural tapestry, history and heritage from its 17,000 islands into one captivating destination. Each meticulously crafted replica represents a different local tribe and region, showcasing traditional houses, landmarks and cultural artefacts. Additionally, within the park, explore the Batik Museum which delves into Indonesia's iconic art form, and discover a dedicated museum for the unique 107 Komodo dragon, offering fascinating insights into this endangered species. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is an essential stop for those seeking an enlightening cultural journey of Indonesia. Follow the miniature park with a visit to Fatahillah Square in Old Batavia, which will be like taking a step back in time to the heart of Jakarta's historical centre. This iconic square, named after a national hero, is surrounded by beautifully preserved Dutch colonial buildings that exude olde-worlde charm. At its core stands the Jakarta History Museum, housed in the former City Hall, where visitors can explore a national treasure of artefacts, documents and exhibits detailing the city's rich and Dutch-influenced history. The square also comes alive with vibrant street performers and local vendors creating a lively atmosphere, and you might even spot locals joining in or renting colourful bikes to explore the area. Despite the strong sun, the gentle breeze makes it an enjoyable experience. It's a place where visitors can not only gain a deeper appreciation of Jakarta's heritage and colonial past but also witness the present-day lifestyle of its local inhabitants. As you leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets and immerse yourself in the architectural grandeur of Fatahillah Square, you'll discover a hidden gem nearby – Makhutarama Puppet Studio, a traditional Javanese puppet workshop. Despite its modest size, the studio houses an impressive collection of hundreds of puppets including exquisite shadow puppets crafted from buffalo skin, and intricate wooden puppets. Each character depicted in these puppets originates from the ancient and revered tales of the Ramayana. It's a place where you can not only witness the artistry behind these remarkable creations but also delve into the captivating stories and traditions that have shaped them over generations.108 Fly from Jakarta to Bali, and conclude an afternoon in Jimbaran with a visit to the iconic Uluwatu Temple, perched dramatically on Bali's western Bukit Peninsula. While renowned for its sunrise vistas, make sure you do not miss this spectacle – a classical Kecak dance performance against the backdrop of a stunning Balinese sunset over the sea. This captivating show blends rhythmic chanting, intricate choreography and fire, creating an THE JOURNEY aura of mystique and drama. Highlighting the performance is a reenactment of the epic Ramayana tale with characters like Hanuman, Ravana and Sita brought to life through mesmerising dance and music. As the sun dips below the horizon, the fiery climax of the performance where Hanuman lights up the stage with his burning tail adds an unforgettable touch to this enchanting cultural experience. 109 Exploring the enchantment of southern Bali continues with a visit to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, where guests can immerse themselves in the island's rich spiritual heritage. The park is home to a colossal statue which holds several impressive titles – it's Indonesia's tallest statue, the world's tallest Hindu god statue, and ranks as the fourth tallest statue in the world. This monumental masterpiece portrays the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical eagle Garuda. The sheer scale of the statue is so immense that it can be glimpsed from an aeroplane upon arrival in Bali and dominates the skyline of Denpasar. Beyond the statue, the park offers an array of activities from traditional dance performances to art exhibitions, making it a cultural hub where visitors can not only marvel at its grandeur but also engage in enriching experiences that showcase Bali's artistic and spiritual significance. Venturing approximately two hours from Bali brings you to Ubud, the cultural and spiritual epicentre of the "Island of the Gods." Here, an enthralling tour of the Monkey Forest awaits. While the forest is home to charming primates which are considered sacred by the local Balinese people, it also hides enchanting secrets – ancient temples and revered relics that whisper tales of Bali's spiritual legacy. As you step into this lush sanctuary, you'll encounter a series of centuries-old temples that have withstood the test of time. These temples are not mere monuments; they are living testaments to Balinese Hinduism. Nevertheless, the temple sections remain restricted to the public due to their profound sacredness and are exclusively reserved for HOW TO GET THERE: A three-hour flight connects Jakarta with Bali, with frequent options available between Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Ngurah Rai International Airport. Upon arrival it's highly recommended to rent a car with a driver – the rates are generally affordable, and a local driver can navigate through the occasional traffic congestion and ensure a seamless and efficient journey. WHERE TO STAY: For the best location in Jakarta, we recommend Best Western Premier The Hive, a stylish upscale hotel perfectly situated in Jakarta's Cawang business district. In Bali, consider staying at Best Western Kamala Jimbaran, strategically located with easy access to several stunning beaches in the area. prayers; this practice reinforces an enduring connection between the community and its spiritual heritage. By exploring this sacred enclave, you'll be transported to a world where history meets spirituality. Discover the sheer fascination of Jakarta and Bali, where every corner unveils something incredible and unforgettable. From Jakarta's historical marvels to Bali's spiritual enchantment, these destinations are nothing short of amazing. Don't just take our word for it – come and experience their charm firsthand. Your exploration awaits!Next >