A ROYAL GUIDE TO NEW ZEALAND

Ever since the Queen first stepped ashore in 1953, generations of royals have continued to be drawn to New Zealand. This week, Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will head to New Zealand for a Royal State visit, exploring the very best of the North and South Islands.    

From wildlife sanctuaries in Dunedin to wineries in Nelson the couple will visit some of New Zealand’s most exciting destinations, experiencing famous New Zealand hospitality along the way. Follow in their footsteps with Tourism New Zealand’s insider guide to the destinations on their tour.

WELLINGTON, NORTH ISLAND
New Zealand’s capital city is also home to the country’s biggest arts and culture scene. Wellington is famed for its lively downtown cafés, shopping, nightlife and entertainment as well as a dramatic harbour setting.

The Royal Way: Prince Charles and Camilla will arrive on 4^th November to a traditional Māori pōwhiri / ceremonial welcome at Government House, before laying a wreath at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge also visited Government House in May 2014; their first visit with Prince George.

What else Wellington has to offer:  

• - Boutique Beer Tasting - New Zealand is known for its award-winning wines, but Kiwis are also beer drinkers and have developed a discerning palate that has prompted a boutique brewery boom. Today there are more than 250 beers brewed in New Zealand - many have won international awards. Sample some of the best on this personalised tour of the capital’s best watering holes with a Kiwi critic. www.wildaboutwellington.co.nz
• - ‘Wellywood’ film capital tour – Wellington or ‘Wellywood’ is the centre of New Zealand’s film industry and the home of film director Peter Jackson. Glimpse behind the scenes and visit the sites where filming began for The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Don't miss a visit to Weta Cave - shop front of the world famous Oscar-winning Weta Workshop. www.wellingtonrover.co.nz
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Lodging fit for a King: Head to the Cambridge Hotel where Queen Elizabeth stayed in the 1960’s. The hotel is a newly restored heritage building on Cambridge Terrace in Wellington. www.cambridgehotel.co.nz

DUNEDIN, SOUTH ISLAND
Located on the South Island’s southeastern coast, Dunedin is rich in Scottish heritage, historic architecture and is home to New Zealand’s oldest university. Otago Peninsula has colonies of rare birds that are the focus of world-leading sustainability projects.

The Royal Way: On 5^th November, Prince Charles and Camilla will visit Dunedin. Highlights of their visit include the Toitu Settlers Museum and the Orokonui Eco Sanctuary where they will spot some of New Zealand’s rare birds including kaka, takahe, tuatara and jeweled gecko.  

What else Dunedin has to offer:

• - Go wildlife spotting with Elm Wildlife Tours - For a chance to get up close and personal with New Zealand’s wildlife, including penguins, seals and sea lions and royal albatross. www.elmwildlifetours.co.nz
• - Take a tour at Cadbury World – A must do in Dunedin is Cadbury World, offering an educational chocolate experience with tours including lots of free samples! www.cadburyworld.co.nz
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Lodging fit for a King: Kaimata Retreat is a boutique luxury lodge on the scenic Otago Peninsula, just 30 minutes away from Dunedin city centre. The lodge is set in a peaceful rural location with sweeping water views of coastal birds and wildlife. www.kaimatanz.com

NELSON, SOUTH ISLAND
Situated in the north-west of the South Island, Nelson is one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand. Its diverse geography offers everything from long golden beaches to untouched forests and rugged mountains.

The Royal Way: On 7^th November, the Royal couple will head to Nelson. Here, they will attend the famous Nelson Market, meeting local artists and craftspeople from the region, before heading to a food and wine event.

What else Nelson has to offer:

• - Abel Tasman National Park – Charter a yacht from Nelson and enjoy the coastal paradise of New Zealand’s smallest national park. Endless activities are available to guests such as hiking, snorkeling and kayaking. www.abeltasman.co.nz
• - Horseback Riding – Throw your leg over a horse and trek across the rural landscapes or along the beach at Marahau. www.truenz.co.nz/horsetrekking

Lodging fit for a King: Eden House is located between Nelson and The Abel Tasman National Park, offering near by golden beaches, native bush and marine reserves. www.edenhouse.co.nz

TARANAKI, NORTH ISLAND
From green fertile lowlands to toy-like towns and rugged coastlines, no region in the North Island has more defined character than Taranaki. The region offers a huge range of activities from multi-day hikes to festivals and award-winning museums.

The Royal Way: On 9^th November, the Royal couple will travel to New Plymouth in Taranaki. Here, they will attend Tea with Taranaki at Brooklands Park before visiting the newly launched Len Lye Centre – a combined art museum and Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.

What else Taranaki has to offer:

• - Pouakai Crossing - Experience the diverse landscapes of New Zealand away from the crowds with the newly renovated Pouakai Crossing. This self-guided 19-kilometre hiking trail passes through ancient trees, native plants and the iconic Mt Taranaki. www.newzealand.com/int/feature/pouakai-circuit
• - Surf Highway 45 – Embark on a road trip and cruise one of New Zealand’s themed highways, Surf Highway 45. Hit Taranaki’s best surf spots including Back Beach, overlooking Sugar Loaf Marine Park. www.newzealand.com/surf-highway-45
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Lodgings fit for a King: Just 15-minutes from New Plymouth city, Taranaki Country Lodge is set on 56-acres of farmland and offers the best views of Mount Taranaki and the north coastline. www.taranakicountrylodge.co.nz. Alternatively, the luxury boutique King & Queen Hotel Suites are located across the street from the Len Lye Centre, right in the middle of the arts and cultural hub of New Plymouth. http://www.kingandqueen.co.nz

AUCKLAND, NORTH ISLAND
New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland – perched between Waitemata and Manukau harbours – offers a buzzing mix of culture, events, nightlife and restaurants with native rainforest, wild beaches and wineries all within half an hour of downtown.

The Royal Way: The Royal couple will end their New Zealand trip in Auckland on 10^th November. They will visit the Nga Rangatahi Toa Creative Arts Initiative as well as the Spirit of New Zealand – an iconic tall ship, whose homeport is Auckland. Prince Harry of Wales also paid a visit to Auckland on his visit in May 2015. He was caught having a kick-around on the grounds of FIFA under-20 Football World Cup.

What else Auckland has to offer:

• - Freefall amidst the skyscrapers – Millions (including Beyoncé) have taken the plunge from Auckland’s Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere, to enjoy the thrill of a 192-metre jump. www.skyjump.co.nz
• - Wining and zip lining on Waiheke – Dubbed the ‘Hamptons’ of New Zealand, just 35 minutes ferry ride from the mainland, Waiheke is a haven of art, sculpture, wineries and contemporary boutique hotels – and in true New Zealand style, home to its own flying fox zipline www.ecozipadventures.co.nz

Lodgings fit for a King: Built in 1841 as one of Auckland’s first hotels, the historic Hotel de Brett has been transformed into one of the country’s leading design hotels www.hoteldebrett.com. Alternatively check into the five-star Sky City Grand Hotel whose rooms (including the suitably named Premium Luxury King Suite) have spectacular views across the harbour www.skycityauckland.co.nz.