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    PAID CONTENT FOR TOURISM NEW ZEALAND
    <p>The Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean at Cape Reinga, a sacred site of the Maori people. The lighthouse overlooks the clashing of the seas, where Maori believe the spirits of the deceased begin their journey to their ancestral homeland.</p>
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    <p>Clouds cover Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island. The inland lake is surrounded by mountains, providing a stunning backdrop for thrill-seekers who want to try out Flyboards or hydro jet packs.</p>
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    <p>The Wellington suburb of Kelburn is home to the capital’s botanic garden, which has 64 acres of ponds, forests, and floral displays.</p>
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    <p>Road-tripping through New Zealand allows for stops at roadside stands like this one in Awanui, where Frank Walters and his grandson Arcadian Drewet sell tamarillos and <i>kumara</i> (sweet potatoes) out of the back of a van.</p>
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    <p>The Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree, towers over two girls in the Waipoua Forest. Visitors can take a highway running through the forest and stop at several walking tracks to get magnificent views of the ancient trees up close.</p>
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    <p>The Wellington Cable Car connects Lambton Quay to Kelburn on New Zealand’s only running funicular railway. Along the route, riders can visit the Wellington Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum, Space Place at Carter Observatory, and Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary.</p>
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    <p>The 20-mile Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Most hikers cover the route’s beech forests, stunning vistas, and sweeping valleys over a three-day trek, staying in huts and campsites along the way.</p>
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    <p>The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed, is a must-see site along the Bay of Islands. The House of Assembly features intricate Maori carvings and was opened in 1940—a hundred years after the signing of the treaty.</p>
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    <p>The vineyard at the Landing, a luxury development in the Bay of Islands, benefits from the subtropical climate of New Zealand’s Northland wine region. Aside from wine tasting, guests at The Landing can go paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling at its six private beaches.</p>
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    <p>The Mount Victoria Lookout boasts gorgeous panoramic views of city lights overlooking Wellington Harbour. A drive to the top of the 643-foot peak is best ended with a sunset picnic.</p>
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    <p>The Shotover Jet takes riders on a thrilling trip down the Shotover River just outside Queenstown. The jet boat zooms by rocky outcrops and through narrow canyons at more than 50 miles an hour.</p>
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    <p>The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is the country’s national museum, located in the capital city of Wellington. It holds more than half a million items spanning history, science, and art.</p>
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    <p>The T.S.S. <i>Earnslaw </i>carries passengers across Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand. The vintage steamer has been operating for more than a hundred years, making it one of the region’s oldest tourist attractions.</p>
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    <p>A mountain biker rides a trail overlooking Lake Wakatipu at the Queenstown Bike Park, where mountain bikers can ride a gondola-assisted bike lift up to the top of Bob’s Peak. From there, they can choose from 30 trails that cover 19 miles and drop nearly 1,500 feet.</p>
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    <p>The Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean at Cape Reinga, a sacred site of the Maori people. The lighthouse overlooks the clashing of the seas, where Maori believe the spirits of the deceased begin their journey to their ancestral homeland.</p>

    The Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean at Cape Reinga, a sacred site of the Maori people. The lighthouse overlooks the clashing of the seas, where Maori believe the spirits of the deceased begin their journey to their ancestral homeland.

    Photograph by Krista Rossow
    • Travel

    14 Photos of New Zealand to Inspire Your Next Trip

    From beaches to biking, this archipelago has fun activities for any traveler.

    ByEmily Shenk
    Photographs byKrista Rossow
    Published December 21, 2017
    This is Paid Content for Tourism New Zealand. The editorial staff of National Geographic was not involved in the preparation or production of this content.

    With its vast wilderness and rugged landscapes, New Zealand takes traveling to a whole new level. Whether being explored by foot, boat, or car, the island country has something for every kind of adventurer.

    Discover more of The Ultimate New Zealand Experience.

    Krista Rossow is a contributing photographer to National Geographic Travel. You can follow her on instagram @kristarossow.

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