• New Zealand Regions
      • Hawke's Bay
      • Bay of Plenty
      • Waikato
      • Whanganui
      • Manawatu
      • Northland
      • Auckland
      • Gisborne
      • Taranaki
      • Wellington
      • West Coast
      • Nelson
      • Canterbury
      • Otago
      • Marlborough
      • Southland
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      Hawke's Bay

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      Beaches, wineries and Art Deco. The Hawke's Bay has a diverse economy, including business services that support its sectors to be the second largest contributor to regional GDP in the country. A popular tourist destination, the region has some of the countries best restaurants as well as stunning scenery, markets and festivals.

      Districts

      HastingsNapier

      Bay of Plenty

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      The Bay of Plenty is officially New Zealand's sunniest destination, enjoying short-lived winters and long summer days. The Region offers some of the country's most spectacular views and many ways to enjoy the pristine scenery and natural wonders. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Bay's Māori heritage and pre-European roots.

      Districts

      OpotikiOpotiki iSiteKawerauWhakatane

      Waikato

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      The Waikato is known for its rolling plains, fertile land and the mighty Waikato River. The region is the fourth largest regional economy in New Zealand, with a strong focus on primary production and associated manufacturing.

      Districts

      South WaikatoWaikato District

      Whanganui

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      Welcome to Whanganui. This is our place; where history is full of stories, legends and rich legacy. Where a thriving arts scene, creativity and evolving culture inspire our modern lives. Where breath-taking natural landscapes capture imaginations at every turn.

      Manawatu

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      Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience.

      The main in the region are Palmerston North, most notable for Massey University. Palmerston has a vibrant, arts and culture scene.

      The region's economy is based on food production and processing, research and education. The region is also home for the New Zealand defence force.

      Northland

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      Northland was originally home to some of our country's first human inhabitants. Today, it is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and home to nearly 189,000 people. Rich in culture and history, the region boasts a stunning natural environment.

      Auckland

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      Auckland Region stretches from the the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east to the expansive beaches of the rugged west coast of the Tasman Sea. Auckland City, the largest urban area in New Zealand is considered the main economic center of New Zealand and a popular destination for international students and travellers.

      Gisborne

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      Gisborne is a Region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The region has maintained a strong Maori heritage. The region's economy is made up mainly of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

      Taranaki

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      Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Taranaki, its namesake volcano, which lies within the rainforested Egmont National Park.

      The port city of New Plymouth is the area's cultural and commercial hub. Taranaki's economy is diverse and includes dairy, oil and gas. The region is the highest contributor or national GDP per capita. 

      Wellington

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      The Wellington Region covers Wellington city in the south, Upper and Lower Hutt valleys to the north-east, and Porirua to the north-west. The region takes its name from Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

      Wellington is famous for its arts and culture scene and is also the centre of New Zealand's film industry.

      West Coast

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      The West Coast, or as some locals call it, the "Wild West", is a long thin region that runs down the South Island's west coast.

      The region has the lowest population in all of New Zealand. It is famous for its rugged natural scenery such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.

      The main industries in the region are dairy farming and mining. Tourism also plays an important role.

      Nelson – Tasman

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      Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape. With one in five people internationally born, Nelson Tasman has 48 different cultures living in its environs.

      The region prides its self on being New Zealand’s leading Research and Development areas, with the highest proportion of people working in the research, science and tech sectors out of anywhere in New Zealand.

      Canterbury

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      Canterbury is a region on New Zealand’s South Island marked by grassy plains, clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its largest city, Christchurch, is famed for its art scene and green spaces.

      Otago

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      There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.

      Marlborough

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      Marlborough Region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island. The region is well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands.

      Apart from the wine industry, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism play an important role in the local economy.

      Southland

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      Southland is New Zealand’s most southerly region and includes the World Heritage ranked Fiordland National Park.

      The region's only city Invercargill offers a relaxed pace of life with wide streets, little traffic, spacious parks and gardens, striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture and impressive sporting facilities including New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome. Southland's location is such that views of Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights are common.

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Top activities SWDC

Top Activities The New Zealand Timber Museum The NZ Timber Museum is located just south of Putāruru on State Highway 1. The museum offers an opportunity to see and touch the history of New Zealand’s timber industry in attractive rural surroundings. The museum was established in 1927 to celebrate, record and preserve the history of the […]

Hamilton

Hamilton Hamilton, or “Kirikiriroa” in Maori has always been in the shadow of the huge Auckland city just north of Hamilton.But with unique events like the Balloons Over Waikato, a 5-day event held in autumn where hot air balloons of all shapes parade over the city, Hamilton is hard to miss.The Waikato River runs through […]

Things to do in the Waikato

Things to do in the Waikato Behind picturesque green scenery and soft hills, Waikato hides many jewels and a strong Maori culture mixed with welcoming locals. As well as the appeal of vibrant Hamilton, the region is home to iconic attractions such as Raglan’s surf coast, Te Aroha Mineral Pools, Hobbiton and much more. Spread […]

Hamilton gets paint job

Hamilton artists bring dull wall to life with mural featuring Waikato River, tūī A large grey concrete wall in Hamilton has been transformed by what’s thought to be one of the biggest murals in the country. Two artists have been up on cherry-pickers painting the mural for the last couple of weeks. The design includes […]

False tsunami alarm

False tsunami alarm: Bay of Plenty residents evacuate as sirens sound on North Island coast, Waikato Panicked Waihī Beach residents evacuated on Sunday night, believing there was a tsunami warning, after a wave of sirens sounded across the Bay of Plenty. Civil Defence and Waikato police later confirmed there was no tsunami warning for the […]

Regions need teachers too

Teacher shortage eases in Auckland, still critical in Northland, Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Southland The teacher shortage has eased slightly in Auckland, but is still critical in some provincial areas such as Northland, Waikato and Hawke’s Bay. While the Ministry of Education has run recruitment drives oversase which have helped ease the problem it hasn’t […]

We all float

Floating bliss to glide down the Waikato River at Taupō Each day, a growing number of people are launching inflatable rings and boats, kayaks and rafts to glide down the Waikato River. They launch either at the lagoon below the Control Gate Bridge or at Cherry Island, and get out at the hot pools at […]

Taupo bans vaping

Taupō introduces smoking and vaping ban, but it won’t be enforced The Taupō council yesterday voted to make the district “smoke and vape free”, which will include “smoke free” signage and education and awareness campaigns. The council stoped short of making the plan a bi-law meaning there will be no repercussions for thoes who flaunt […]

‘once in a lifetime’ infrastructure spend

NZ’s ‘once in a lifetime’ infrastructure spend set to create up to 9000 construction jobs The New Zealand government announced $8 billion for roads, rail, schools and hospitals on Wednesday, part of a $12 billion package. Around half of the cash splash will go to Auckland, the country’s biggest and most congested city, home to […]