What’s New
Gap Filler, Christchurch
Thanks to this eccentric project, new things are constantly springing up on Christchurch’s flattened blocks – and many of them are delightfully oddball. Check the website to see what’s new.
Rotorua Canopy Tours
A new network of flying foxes, zip lines and rope bridges, 22m high in a canopy of native New Zealand forest outside Rotorua.
Nga Toi/Arts Te Papa, Wellington
This new and improved multigallery space within the national museum shows frequently changing art exhibitions from its own collection and beyond.
Transitional Cathedral, Christchurch
Called the Cardboard Cathedral by practically everyone, Christchurch’s pop-up architectural showcase is endeavouring to fill the big shoes left by its wounded stone sister.
Quake City, Christchurch
The tragic story of Christchurch’s earthquakes is succinctly told in this affecting new museum in the heart of the devastated city centre.
West Coast Wilderness Trail
Crossing a spectacular landscape at the foot of the Southern Alps, this 120km cycle trail offers easy day rides through to a four-day journey from Greymouth to Hokitika.
MTG Hawke’s Bay, Napier
Napier’s sparkling new waterfront Museum Theatre Gallery complex is a sure-fire winner, the many millions spent on renovations rewarding visitors with accessible film, theatre, museum and art experiences.
Silo Park Markets, Auckland
From December to March, Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter hosts weekly markets with local arts and crafts and a selection of food trucks serving tasty food. On Friday nights, classic movies are shown outdoors.
Good George Brewing, Hamilton
Make the short trek from central Hamilton to this excellent craft brewery in a renovated church. Acoustic music sessions in the garden bar make for a perfect Sunday afternoon.
Whakatane District Museum
On the Whakatane waterfront, this beaut new regional museum and gallery delivers the historic low-down on NZ’s sunniest town.
Coaltown Museum, Westport
Doing justice to its pioneer settlers, the rehomed and reinvented Coaltown Museum retells the old yarns of hard times in a truly modern fashion.
Hairy Feet, Piopio
The newest addition to NZ’s array of Hobbit-themed movie locations is in the rugged Mangaotaki Valley in the King Country. Here’s your chance to visit Trollshaw Forest.
For up-to-date tips and suggestions from travellers, see lonelyplanet.com/thorntree