From Christchurch to Noumea

Lyttelton is a port town on the north shore of Lyttelton Harbour, at the northwestern end of Banks Peninsula and close to Christchurch, on the eastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. According to the 2013 census, Lyttelton had a usual resident population of 2,859.

Stewart Island / Rakiura, commonly known as Stewart Island, is New Zealand’s third-largest island, located 30 kilometres south of the South Island, across the Foveaux Strait. It is a roughly triangular island with a total land area of 1,746 square kilometres.

Dunedin is a city in New Zealand, at the head of Otago Harbour on the South Island’s southeast coast. It’s known for its Scottish and Maori heritage, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and a large student population. Hiking and cycling trails crisscross the dramatic landscape of the adjoining Otago Peninsula, home to colonies of albatross, sea lions and rare yellow-eyed penguins.

Akaroa is a town on the Banks Peninsula, southeast of Christchurch, New Zealand. Akaroa Beach is on the eastern shore of Akaroa Harbour, where rare Hector’s dolphins swim. The Akaroa Museum includes 3 heritage buildings and chronicles the town’s development, especially its 19th-century British and French colonial history. The Giant’s House has terraced gardens and features colourful sculptures and mosaics.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, sits near the North Island’s southernmost point on the Cook Strait. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, a working harbour and colourful timber houses on surrounding hills. From Lambton Quay, the iconic red Wellington Cable Car heads to the Wellington Botanic Gardens. Strong winds through the Cook Strait give it the nickname « Windy Wellington. »

Picton is a town on the north coast of the South Island, in New Zealand. It’s known as a gateway to the islands and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum is a 19th-century former convict and cargo ship. EcoWorld Aquarium shelters and rehabilitates native animals such as tuatara reptiles and blue penguins. Nearby, the Queen Charlotte Track traverses coastal forest, skyline ridges and bays.

Situé sur une péninsule, le Mont Maunganui est une banlieue décontractée connue pour son volcan éteint, un site sacré maori avec des sentiers de randonnée avec vue sur l’océan. La longue plage sablonneuse de Main Beach est populaire pour ses surf breaks, tandis que Pilot Bay Beach offre des eaux calmes pour la pratique du paddle board. Le complexe Mount Hot Pools propose des bains d’eau salée et des soins thermaux, tandis que des lieux de brunch, des restaurants internationaux et des boutiques remplissent le centre-ville.

Auckland, based around 2 large harbours, is a major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens. Near Downtown, Mission Bay Beach has a seaside

The Bay of Islands is a New Zealand enclave encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands next to the country’s North Island. It’s known for its undeveloped beaches, big-game fishing and Maori cultural artefacts. It’s also home to the 19th-century whaling port of Russell, whose waterfront promenade is lined with remnants from its days as the country’s first colonial capital.

L’île de Norfolk, une minuscule île australienne située dans l’océan Pacifique Sud, est définie par des pins et des falaises déchiquetées. Les plages de sable comprennent la baie Emily, dont les eaux sont protégées par des récifs. Le parc national de Norfolk Island offre des vues sur les forêts de palmiers depuis le Mt Pitt. Dans la capitale Kingston, le Norfolk Island Museum retrace le passé coloré de l’île. La zone historique de Kingston et Arthur’s Vale abrite une colonie pénitentiaire britannique en ruine.

Nouméa is the capital of the South Pacific archipelago and overseas French territory New Caledonia. Situated on the main island, Grand Terre, it’s known for beaches and its blend of French and native Kanak influences. The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre showcases Kanak heritage, and the Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie has exhibits from across the Pacific region. The Aquarium des Lagons introduces local marine life.