CITY & RESORTS GUIDE

Auckland | Bay of Islands | Christchurch | Dunedin
Fiordland & Milford Sound | Gisborne | Lake Taupo
Mount Cook National Park | Napier & Hawkes Bay | Nelson | Northland
Otago & Southland | Queenstown | Rotorua | Stewart Island | Wellington

General Information

New Zealand is a fantastic country for traveller and where else in the world can you walk through ancient rainforest, climb a mountain, marvel at geysers, follow a river through green countryside and swim in the ocean and all on the same day! Notice a sense of space and feel invigorated by the fresh pure environment that New Zealand has to offer and the best thing of all, is that it is also very accessible with uncrowded roads and a well built up network of public transport services, your only problem, will be what to leave out!

For a change of pace you can visit one of New Zealand's major cities such as Auckland, New Zealand's largest, with the tumultuous Tasman Sea on one side and the tranquil Hauraki Gulf on the other and nicknamed the "City of Sails" offers a rich aquatic playground right at its front shore or Wellington, the nation's, nestled on the most picturesque of harbours with a newly developed waterfront and is a maelstrom of social activity or Christchurch, a spacious English-style garden city with its world-famous botanical gardens, set beside the gentle meandering River Avon and the largest city on the South Island.

City Guide

Auckland

The largest city in New Zealand is Auckland, with a population of over 1,000,000 and almost enclosed by water and covered in volcanic hills. Like Sydney, Auckland has a spectacular harbour and bridge as well as a fanatical number of yachting enthusiasts, which has earned it the nickname of 'City of Sails'. A magnet for the people of the South Pacific islands, Auckland now has the largest concentration of Polynesians in the world.

Highlights include the Auckland Museum, which houses a memorable display of Maori artefacts and culture, and Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World & Antarctic Encounter, a unique simulacrum of ocean and exploration activities.

There is great shopping in the suburbs of Parnell and Newmarket, well-preserved Victorian buildings in Devonport, and Polynesian handicrafts, cafes, restaurants and markets in Ponsonby. Panoramic views of the city can be seen from the extinct volcano at One Tree Hill and there are good swimming beaches at Kohimarama and Mission Bay.

The Hauraki Gulf off Auckland is dotted with islands such as Rangitoto, Great Barrier and Waiheke, which have affordable accommodation, a number of walks and diving possibilities and, in the case of Waiheke Island, an excellent art galleries. Auckland is also a good starting-point for visiting the amazingly scenic Coromandel Peninsula and Hauraki Plains regions to the south east of the South Island.

So come visit Auckland, one of the most vibrant South Pacific cities situated between glistening harbours, surrounded by lush forest and subtropical islands. Auckland, "City of Sails," offers you an incomparable lifestyle unique within New Zealand and to the world.

Bay of Islands

The natural beauty of the Bay of Islands has to be seen to be believed. It's an aquatic playground lavishly furnished with 144 islands and a myriad of secluded beaches. Every bay, shore and cove has a story to tell.

Wherever you are in the Bay of Islands, it's impossible to escape the lure of the sea. There are almost endless opportunities for immersing yourself in the blue-green world of island and beach. Charter a yacht or launch. Dive or snorkel. Paddle a sea kayak in and out of the islands' nooks and crannies. Swim with dolphins.

Paihia is known as the jewel of the magnificent Bay of Islands being blessed with shimmering safe waters and superb beaches. A good place to be based for the Bay of Islands experience, for it is here you will find the warmest of welcomes alongside world class accommodation, restaurants and enchanting holiday activities.

Throw away your watch and let time stand still as you go barefoot along unspoilt beaches, join a cruise through history or try your luck in the famous fishing grounds. Or if your game is adventure perhaps skydiving, parasailing, scuba diving, kayaking or a beautiful bushwalk will take your pleasure.

A quick ferry ride across the water from Paihia is the charming, elegant township of Russell. It's hard to believe that this romantic place was once known as "the hell hole of the Pacific" when it was the shore leave destination for sailors, whalers and traders during the 19th century. Russell is still a preference for "boaties" today who seek safe anchorage and pleasure.

Waitangi is truly one of New Zealand's most historic sites, being the place where both Maori and European joined in signing the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. The Treaty House stands proudly amongst a vast peaceful estate. Included is a fully carved Maori Meeting House, one of the largest Maori War Canoes and a superb Visitors Centre and Gallery. This estate is a must see for any visitor interested in New Zealand's history and culture.

Christchurch

The largest city on the South Island is Christchurch and has a population of 337,000 and is the main international gateway to the Southland. It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping, award-winning attractions and a host of activities. Christchurch city is located midway down the east coast of the South Island, just north of Banks Peninsula.

It has all the amenities of a modern city, but is still very much a regional centre serving the rich rural hinterland, with a laid-back pace to life. Its Gothic revival cathedral, grey-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks have preserved the grace and charm of an earlier era. Alive with colour, atmosphere and world-class attractions, Christchurch is a graceful city that values its culture and heritage, but offers a year round range of fresh and exciting adventures and activities.

The city is full of delights, from the beautiful neo-gothic Arts Centre, to the historic tram which loops the city centre, to the Christchurch Gondola and unique attractions like the International Antarctic Centre. The shopping is superb and the restaurants are a celebration of fresh, natural New Zealand foods and fine wines.

Known internationally for its award winning gardens, Christchurch is also a place for events and festivals in whatever the season. Find a non-stop programme of entertainment with events like the Festival of Romance, the International Buskers Festival, the Winter Carnival and Showtime Canterbury in November.

Dunedin

The South Island's second largest city is Dunedin, with a population of 112,000 and the commercial centre for the Otago region. Its name is the old Gaelic one for Edinburgh - appropriate since the city was established by Scottish Presbyterians. It is a gracious city whose numerous grand nineteenth-century and Edwardian buildings are unrivalled anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere.

Visitors to Dunedin often comment that there is so much more to see and do in the city and surrounding area than they had expected. Dunedin's architectural heritage has provided the city with some rather notable buildings, including the train station, town hall, university and many churches. There are also special former private residences worth noting including Olveston, a Jacobean-style family home and Glenfalloch, surrounded by 12 hectares of woodland garden and Neo-Gothic Larnach Castle represents the finest of nineteenth century craftsmanship.

The world's steepest street is what you will find at Baldwin Street. The annual Baldwin Street Gutbuster is part of the Dunedin Summer Festival program. Challenge yourself and test your fitness level while you spare a thought for the folks who live at the top of the world's steepest street. Within the city boundaries are numerous noteworthy gardens, from the formally laid out annual colour displays of the Dunedin Railway Station gardens, to the delightful private gardens owned by local residents.

The Botanic Garden is famous for the Rhododendron Dell, its exotic beauty celebrated every year in the third week of October with the Rhododendron Festival. Glenfalloch Woodland Garden and Restaurant is a 30 acre harbourside garden featuring rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and fuchsias.

Fiordland & Milford Sound

Fiordland comprises the rugged, glaciated country and fjords in the south-west corner of the South Island. Te Anau is the gateway to the world-famous Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Area covering nearly 1.2 million hectares. Te Anau has a range of fine restaurants, seven days a week shopping and can cater for all levels of accommodation.

Fiordland represents nature on a grand scale, where waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into pristine, forested valleys, and glacier-carved fjords indent its coastal boundaries. The road to Milford Sound, which traverses Fiordland National Park below massive peaks and bluffs, is considered one of the finest alpine drives in the world. Arriving at Milford, visitors are confronted by the most famous of New Zealand icons - the majestic Mitre Peak.

As roads provide access to only a relatively small part of Fiordland, flightseeing provides one of the best ways to really appreciate this vast wilderness. Flights are available from either Te Anau or Milford. Taking the road one way and flying the other adds variety.

Fiordland National Park also contains five of the country's best-known hiking trails, ranging from 1½-day nature walks to three-day walks on well-established tracks. Other activities in the Te Anau area include sea kayaking, diving, cycling, golf, fishing, sailing, swimming, hunting and visits to spectacular glow-worm caves.

Gisborne

The Maori name for the district that Gisborne is in, is called Tairawhiti, which means "the coast upon which the sun shines across the water". Kaiti Beach, near the city, was where the Maori immigrational waka, Horouta, landed; and is also the first European landing place in New Zealand. Captain Cook first set foot here in 1769 and a European settlement was established in 1831. The town which developed was named after Hon. William Gisborne, the Colonial Secretary, in 1870.

Gisborne is a city where you can indulge in gourmet dining and wine tasting in contrast with the splendid seclusion of the East Cape. You'll find the Southern Hemisphere's first commercially grown black truffles, the finest cheeses and Chardonnay to die for.

Gisborne Harbour was formed in the 1920s when the Turanganui River was divided lengthways with the construction of a diversion wall and the dredging out of the inner harbour basin. The inner harbour is now a marina and a developing cafe and restaurant scene. Gisborne's magnificent Te Poho-o-Rawiri is one of the largest carved Maori meeting houses in New Zealand.

The Turanganui River is the shortest river in New Zealand being only 1,200 metres in length. Young Nick's Statue, situated at the mouth of the Turanganui River near Waikanae Beach, commemorates the young boy, Nicholas Young, reputed to have been the first crewman on board the "Endeavour" to sight land. The white cliffs across the bay bear his name.

Wyllie Cottage, built in 1872, is a six-roomed cottage furnished in the 19th century style. It was the first house built on the northern side of the Taruheru River and is now the oldest house still standing in Gisborne. It is part of the Gisborne Museum complex. Wi Pere Memorial in Reads Quay honours a Maori leader who was a member of parliament from 1884-1912. He commands the Riverside Walkway which winds its way around the cities riverbanks.

Heipipi Endeavour Park, on the corner of Gladstone Road and Customhouse Street is the site of the ornately carved canoe prow, Te Tauihu Turanga Whakamana. Botanical Gardens, Aberdeen Road, on the banks of the Taruheru River is a 4 hectare area close to the city centre featuring native bush and ponds, a species rose collection, a cactus collection, an aviary and a children's playground with picnic areas .

Watch for the sunrise as Gisborne is first to see the sunrise of each new day, then try soaking in a thermal hot pool deep in the forest or fish for trout and even try surf casting or visit one of the coastal gardens and arboretums of which the area is famous.

Lake Taupo

The Lake Taupo region makes you want to think Fresh .... as in fresh air, snow, trout, rivers, lakes, people, fun, food, attitudes. Explore its world and discover a fresh new holiday destination, a vibrant place to be with a lifestyle unique in New Zealand. Lake Taupo is one of New Zealand's leading holiday destinations and it's second fastest growing town, yet the region has managed to stay refreshingly natural.

Within an hour of enjoying a gourmet lunch at a boutique lodge where film stars and royalty have stayed, you could be trekking across a World Heritage national park. Or within minutes of catching a gleaming rainbow trout in a mountain fed stream you could be snow boarding down a live volcano.

Such strong, fresh contrasts are what make Lake Taupo a unique holiday destination. It really is the perfect base from which to explore a large part of some of the most stunning scenery and pure fun New Zealand's Central North Island has to offer. Just about everywhere you look you¹ll see a volcano. The most serene is Lake Taupo itself, created by an eruption so big the sun went hazy in China (relax that was a few thousand years ago!)

At the southern end of the Lake is one of the world¹s most spectacular parks - Tongariro National Park. It is one of only 20 places in the world to have been awarded dual World Heritage status as both a natural and cultural icon. You don¹t come across many of those in your average travels.

Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe, the three volcanoes that form the heart of the Park, were gifted to the people of New Zealand in 1887 by Te Heu Heu Tukino IV, paramount chief of Ngati Tuwharetoa. Ruapehu had more than it¹s 15 minutes of fame back in 1996 when it erupted, putting on a spectacular fireworks display that made world news. But its rumblings have long since stopped and once again thousands of skiers and snow boarders flock here in winter.

In summer the Park is just as spectacular. The Tongariro Crossing is now recognised as New Zealand's best one-day hike. But a lot less strenuous way to work up an appetite is to take a chairlift 2000 metres up the Whakapapa ski area to lunch at New Zealand's highest restaurant.

Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook, also known by its Maori name as Aoraki, at 3,754 metres is New Zealand's highest mountain. It towers above a splendid cast of massive snow-clad peaks that make up Mount Cook National Park. Nudging one side of Mount Cook is the mighty Tasman Glacier, a 30 kilometre giant and one of the longest outside the Himalayas.

Scenic flights from Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook afford breathtaking views over the Southern Alps and countryside, with ski-plane landings on the Tasman Glacier providing an unforgettable experience. All ski options are available, including heli-skiing and ski touring, and guides are available for climbing. Glorious mountain walks to suit every degree of fitness show off the park's rich flora, including the Mount Cook "lily", the largest buttercup in the world.

The gruelling four-day Copland Pass trek in the South Island's Mount Cook National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that can only be completed in good weather by well-prepared, experienced teams or with professional guides. The terrain varies from glaciers and snowfields to rainforest and thermal pools.

The pass is 2,150 metres high and is surrounded by dramatic 3,000 metre peaks. This is no stroll and should only be attempted by professional masochists experienced in the use of ice axes, crampons and alpine route-finding. Apparently the sense of achievement in crossing the pass entitles you to enter an elite club of euphoric high-achievers.

Napier & Hawkes Bay

The Hawkes Bay region encompasses the area around Hawke's Bay on the east coast of the North Island. Known for its sunny climate, sheltered coastal plains and long-established vineyards, it is also one of the country's largest pip fruit growing areas.

Napier, the main city in the Hawkes Bay region was razed by earthquake and fire in 1931, which virtually destroyed the entire of its city centre, with a loss of 258 lives in the region. Undaunted, the city was rebuilt over the next two years in the styles then currently fashionable - Spanish Mission, Stripped Classical, and above all Art Deco, the major style of the early 20th Century.

Today, Napier has one of the highest concentrations of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world, and attracts visitors from every corner of the globe. In 1999 the 5th World Art Deco Congress was held in Napier and the Brebner Print Art Deco Weekend, held every February, won the prestigious 1999 Best Large Event - Central award.

Wander through streets that evoke the razzmatazz of this bygone era, or dine alfresco in one of the many cafes and absorb the atmosphere. Take a tour with an expert guide (daily in summer) and relive the spirit of the 'moderne' era. Or, take a self-guided walk at any time with the Art Deco Walk leaflet, available from the Desco Centre in Tennyson Street, Napier.

The Hawkes Bay vineyards are all within a short distance of Napier and Hastings cities, with over 30 open to the public for free wine tasting. Many also operate cafes and restaurants in both indoor and outdoor settings. The region is especially known for its fine Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties.

Nelson

Nelson is known for its year-round sun, golden beaches, three national parks, 350 working artists, boutique wineries and the city for its historical streetscapes, waterfront cafes, fresh seafood, and a thoroughly relaxed lifestyle.

Situated around Tasman and Golden Bays at the top of the South Island, the Nelson region is surrounded by sheltering mountain ranges, giving it a mediterranean-type climate. Nelson itself, with a population 52,000 is named after Admiral Lord Nelson of Battle of Trafalgar fame, is the main commercial centre for the region, whose main industries are forestry, horticulture, fishing and tourism.

Nelson's artists include carvers, glassblowers, painters, potters and weavers, whose work can be seen by following any of the 13 craft trails that also take in Nelson's most attractive rural settlements. Within the sheltering confines of Tasman Bay, Nelson's beaches are safe, with silvery sand. Tahunanui Beach, within the city boundaries has the largest and best-equipped holiday park in the country.

In the Nelson Region there are three astonishing Parks, all within 90 minutes drive of each other. Catch trout in the Motueka River, snowboard or ski the slopes of nearby Mount Arnaud, try 4-wheel farm bike riding or go kayaking in the clear waters of the Abel Tasman Coast. The Abel Tasman National Park, a coastal haven for native flora and wildlife and resting humans alike, is the smallest national park in New Zealand with an area of 22,350 hectares. It stretches along a beautiful accessible coastline of sandy, bush-wrapped beaches locked between rocky headlands.

Northland

Northland is the cradle of both Maori and Pakeha culture, as it was here that the Pakeha first made contact with the Maori, the first whaling settlements were established and the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.

The sub-tropical north is a land of rolling, sometimes rugged countryside, tidal estuaries and mangroves, sparkling island-studded bays and long silvery beaches. In the more rugged areas are remnants of lush sub-tropical forest featuring giant kauris, which are among the largest trees in the world.

Often referred to as the "winterless north" because of its mild year-round temperatures, Northland has a number of interesting museums, including the Otamatea Kauri & Pioneer Museum. Many glorious, blonde beaches such as Ninety Mile Beach and a variety of scuba diving spots such as Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, which was reckoned by Jacques Cousteau to be among the top 10 diving sites in the world.

Northland is a favourite playground for lovers of anything aquatic. With 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is renowned for diving, boating, swimming and big game fishing. Inland, hiking trails and short walks in the native forests lead to some of the largest and oldest trees in the world.

Cape Reinga - where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean - is one of the most northern spots in New Zealand and visitors to the Cape can drive along the flat, silvery sands of Ninety Mile Beach. This is an historic "highway" which is actually only 64 miles or 103 kilometres long and is very popular with surfcasters and surfers. Finally, there are the historic towns of Pahia and Waitangi and flora and fauna reserves at the Waipoua Kauri Forest.

Otago & Southland

Three highlights dominate Otago and Southland, which cover the south of the South Island, the first being Queenstown, with its adrenaline activities; the second being the walkways of the Fiordland National Park; and finally, the Otago Peninsula, which boasts New Zealand's first foray into ecotourism.

Queenstown, set in a glacial valley on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, is a town synonymous with hair-raising adventures such as parasailing; schussing down icy rapids in jet boats; white-water rafting; and bungy jumping off Skippers Canyon Bridge, which is the most terrifying being a plunge 300 metres from a helicopter.

Fiordland National Park, which takes its name from its glacier-carved coast, is a wilderness of mountains, ice and beech forests. The scenic climax of Fiordland is undoubtedly Milford Sound, where cruise ships bob beneath the shadows of towering mountains and waterfalls. There are classic alpine walks, including the Routeburn Track in Mt Aspiring National Park, the Hollyford Valley and the Milford Track, which has been billed as the 'finest in the world'.

Otago Peninsula is a significant wildlife area with woodland gardens, albatross, penguin and seal colonies, plus aquariums, museums and historic sites. Dunedin, a student city on the peninsula, is a hub for arts and entertainment, and is famous for producing an eclectic pool of internationally successful rock bands. Scottish to its core, the city has a rich architectural heritage with many museums, galleries and castles.

There is a series of huge lakes in the area, including Hawea and nearby Wanaka in Otago, and Lake Te Anau in Southland. Te Anau, gouged out by a huge glacier, is New Zealand's second-largest lake and features caves full of glow worms, and waterfalls and whirlpools. The Catlins, the largest remaining area of native forest on the east coast of the South Island, is between Invercargill and Dunedin. It has reserves of rarefied plants and trees, plus fauna such as fur seals, sea lions, penguins and ducks.

Queenstown

Queenstown is an exhilarating, year round, alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps, the town was named because "...it was fit for Queen Victoria." Queenstown is today recognised internationally as New Zealand's premier visitor destination. Queenstown has more than just breathtaking scenery and a diverse range of attractions, it's the people visitors find enchanting.

Queenstown enjoys four distinct and captivating seasons. Summer burns hot under blue skies before cool autumn mornings bring fire to the hills, trees change to vivid reds and gentle golds. Crisp, clear days and miles of snow covered mountains, make winter a time for snow enthusiasts, before nature bursts into colourful life in the spring.

The resort boasts a range of activities second to none, all within easy reach of the compact town centre. The town centre is only one square kilometre in size and within easy walking distance of most major commercial accommodation. Queenstown offers relaxation at its best. There is gold in them there hills, and trout in the streams, so try your hand with a gold pan or a fishing rod.

Visit the Arrowtown Museum, one of the best boutique museums in the country then afterwards explore the Wakatipu Art Trail. Join the Queenstown Wine Trail and discover award-winning wines from the World's most southern vineyards. Return to town and sample the delights on offer in the many shops, cafes and restaurants. As night falls, get ready to experience the resort's buzzing nightlife.

For the thrill all adventure seekers, Bungy Jump from the world's first commercial bungy site, swoop and soar in your own controllable "rocket", whitewater raft or surf, jet boat down canyons, tandem hanglide or parapente...it simply doesn't stop! Long walks, four wheel drive treks, or lunch on a majestic steamboat, you choose, it's your holiday.

Rotorua

From the moment you enter Rotorua you know you're somewhere quite different with its geysers of steaming water that shoot up from the ground with bizarre smelling pools of boiling mud that bubble and belch. Here you can explore the vast expanse of a scarred volcano and even peer into the earth's core, such amazing natural wonders.

Rotorua is well known for its fun and adventure. There are over 16 lakes in the region, each teeming with trout, which along with numerous rivers offer some incredible adventures. Kayak, sail, jet-ski, water-ski, parasail, or simply cruise the many lakes and waterways. For the adrenaline junkie why not rap jump down the side of a volcano, bungy leap from up high, throw yourself down white water rapids or spy from the sky Rotorua's magnificent vista by helicopter or float plane.

Rotorua has it all, experience the life and pastimes of the Maori as you are taken on a cultural performance journey or indulge yourself in Rotorua's vibrant café scene. Luge your way down the side of a mountain and peer over the beauty of Mokoia Island or explore the geothermal reserves. Walk among native forest and view the fresh water springs filled with trout or discover life on the farm at one of New Zealand's award-winning farm show experiences and wander through the magnificent Redwood Forest and trek or mountain bike New Zealand's best trails.

Stewart Island

New Zealand's third largest island, Stewart Island is an ornithologist's delight: tuis, parakeets, kakas and bellbirds abound. The kiwi, rare in both the North and South Island, is common over much of this island, particularly around beaches. A good network of walking tracks and huts exist in the northern part of the island but the south is forgettable, being undeveloped and isolated.

Stewart Island is truly a magnificent, unspoilt paradise that evinces a character all of its own. With only one small township and just a handful of kilometres of sealed road, the island is mainly covered by native bush, sand dunes and wetlands. Thanks to this lack of human habitation, the place is a haven for native wildlife, which can be discovered on any number of bush walks, from half hour to half day, guided or non-guided.

Discover many of New Zealand's native plants and bird life, from songbirds like bellbirds to the plumage of our native wood pigeons. Stewart Island is in the process of becoming a National Park. But the most special of Stewart Island's wildlife experienced must be the opportunity to view kiwi feeding on the beach at night - a truly magical experience that will remain with you for life. Its empty, breathtakingly beautiful beaches are sufficient to gaze at for hours on end. The waters here are startlingly clear, and offer excellent fishing, snorkelling, diving and sea kayaking.

The people, of whom there are less than 400 all up, are hardy, taciturn and suspicious of mainlanders. The weather is changeable and the accommodation is basic; there are, however, excellent-value home-stays on the island. If you can possibly get to Stewart Island, make the journey, it is a special place that will leave you feeling privileged to have experienced it.

Wellington

The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington with a population of 345,000 and is situated on a splendid harbour at the southern tip of the North Island. Often maligned by its northern counterparts for its ill-tempered weather, as the winds are often of gale-force calibre in winter. Wellington is a lively city of culture and arts, with some for of festival on almost every month and great selection of ethnic restaurants and cafes. It is also home to the country's government and it's national treasures.

Buildings of interest include the modernist Beehive, which is the executive wing of Parliament, the old Government Building and one of the largest all-wooden buildings in the world. The National Library which houses the most comprehensive collection of books in the country and the Katherine Mansfield Memorials which is the property where the famous author was born in 1888.

In addition, there are museums, which include the excellent new Te Papa museum, a zoo and stunning views of the city from the top of Mt Victoria. Cuba Street has great shopping, Thorndon has historic sites of interest, Lambton Quay is the primary business street.

The Lambton Quarter has some of the most concentrated shopping anywhere! Experience the world's leading retailers mixed with unique shops found nowhere else. Explore Featherston Street, Woodward Street, Customhouse Quay and any of the 7 shopping malls.

Mt Victoria is the place to go for cheap accommodation and dining and the treetop walk at the Native Plant Museum is also worth the time to visit.