I sure know how to keep a secret... But not when it comes to New Zealand's undiscovered wonders! Here are just some of my favourite things about this beautiful country that you may not have known:

Photo © Rob Tucker

A detour off the award-winning Coastal Walkway leads to Te Kainga Marire, a garden that has transformed a patch of urban New Plymouth. One of New Zealand's four Gardens of International Significance, Te Kainga Marire creates environments ranging from coastal lowland and native bush to an alpine area, all in a half-acre wonderland. This amazing garden is nestled near ancient Maori pa sites and integrates historical and cultural elements.

www.tekaingamarire.co.nz

There's a lot to do in the Whirinaki Forest Park, southeast of Rotorua. For a low-key outing, take a day walk, listen to native birds and check out the waterfalls. For a full-on adventure, go hunting, fishing, camping, mountain biking, four-wheel driving and horse trekking. Whirinaki Forest Park is 90km southeast of Rotorua, off Ruatahuna Road, via State Highway 38.

For more information contact the Murupara Visitor Centre on 0800 366 1080.

Some of Southland's best-kept secrets are found along this touring route between Dunedin, the Catlins, Invercargill and Te Anau. Perfect for independent Kiwis that want to get away from the crowds, here you'll find sandy beaches, a petrified forest, fresh seafood and prolific wildlife day after day. Loved by locals, the Southern Scenic Route combines all these and more into a unique three to five-day holiday experience that takes you off the beaten track. Click the link to learn more.

http://www.southlandnz.com/VisitSouthland/Activities/SouthlandSecrets.aspx#1ssr

Waitomo is world-famous for its boat trip through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the spectacular Ruakuri Cave and the Aranui Cave, as well as for its black-water rafting, abseiling, caving and other adventure activities. Enjoy free activities such as the Ruakuri bush walk, the Marakopa Falls walk and a stunning West Coast beach only 45 minutes up the road. If you're after campground facilities, you'll find the perfect spot at the Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park.

http://www.maui.co.nz/short-break

As summer melts into autumn, Queenstown's landscape ignites into vibrant colour and a touch of magic scents the air. It's the perfect time to soak up the atmosphere and rejuvenate in an awesome outdoor environment - enjoy a majestic mountain backdrop set against a deep blue sky. Out and about, fallen leaves crunch underfoot, vines are heavy with plump grapes ready for harvest and restaurant menus change to match the season’s produce.

www.queenstownnz.co.nz

AA Maps is New Zealand’s best interactive online mapping website for travel, tourism and day-to-day use. AA Maps has the most accurate mapping and driving directions in New Zealand; it uses the same maps as car navigation. AA Maps can help you find a place, address or business; you also have the option of printing turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Another enhanced benefit of the website is the real-time traffic information, which displays traffic cameras and traffic incidents that occur on New Zealand’s roads.

www.aamaps.co.nz

The picturesque Pohangina Valley is celebrated for its spectacular autumn colours. Quiet country roads wind through fertile farmland, river flats and dense podocarp forest. Totara Reserve Regional Park offers bushwalks and a popular riverside camping ground. Visit an award-winning vineyard or an Irish country pub. Take a horse trek, or discover a 'lost world' of accessible glowworm caves at the Limestone Creek Reserve. Enjoy country hospitality with a stay at one of the B & B's or rural retreats nestled in the valley - a perfect excuse to stay a while and explore or relax.

http://www.manawatunz.co.nz/manawatu_autumn_secrets.html

Seeking tranquillity and beauty? Head to the Queen Charlotte Track. This is an iconic New Zealand trail, offering visitors a 71km spectacular walk or bike through the Marlborough Sounds. The track passes through lush coastal forest, historic bays, and along skyline ridges with unsurpassed views of the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. Come and enjoy this piece of paradise for yourself. To find out about this gorgeous part of Marlborough, visit www.qct.co.nz or www.destinationmarlborough.com

The Heretaunga Plains in Hawke's Bay are known in Maori lore as the 'Land of a Hundred Pathways'. A fitting name, now that Hawke's Bay residents are enjoying the new off-road paths/cycle ways that link Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. The pathway provides a plethora of interesting sights. Jump on a bike and within two hours you will have taken in spectacular views of the Hawke's Bay coastline and country vistas.

http://www.hawkesbay.com/Hawkes_Bay_Kiwi_Secrets_3734.aspx

Tauranga's version of the New Orleans French Quarter is situated in the unique Historic Village on 17th Avenue. With cobbled streets and wooden verandas, the stage is set for a family day out like no other. The entertainment includes a large 'Classic Hits' outdoor stage with non-stop foot-stomping jazz action, a jam session stage, New Orleans-style Dixie music in the Village Hall, a Louisiana-style marching funeral band and barbershop quartets.

www.jazz.org.nz

When you rent a Budget car for three days or more, you'll receive $30 OFF* your rental and a FREE car upgrade*. Plus, use your AA Rewards card when you rent and go in the draw to WIN one of five prizes of 500 AA Rewards Points. This special offer is available for rentals between 01 April 2009 & 30 June 2009, so this autumn let Budget drive your dollar further. To take advantage of this special offer, please use coupon number MPNZ024 on your reservation.

https://www.budget.co.nz/new_reservation/default.aspx?did=316

Photo © Chris Garden

Rere Rock slide is an easy 50km drive from Gisborne. Almost all age groups can use this incredible natural rock slide, however care is advised. If you're not up for the adrenalin-pumping action of the slide, there's always the Rere Falls, swimming hole and picnic area to make the most of.

www.gisbornenz.com

Enjoy the splendours of the Whanganui River as you walk along the river bank and round the three bridges that span it - the Dublin Street Bridge, the City Bridge and the Cobham Bridge. Westmere Lake is located 6km north of Wanganui; this is a wildlife refuge featuring birdlife, native flora and fauna. The lake track walk is classified as easy and the round trip takes approximately 20 minutes.

www.wanganui.com

Choose from an extensive range of New Zealand accommodation options including Hotels, Motels, B&Bs, Holiday Parks, Backpackers, Deluxe Accommodation, Apartments and Baches and book online at www.aatravel.co.nz. It's secure, easy to use and you won't incur a booking fee; you'll also receive an instant booking confirmation email on the spot.

Get booking today!

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