A man shoots the sunset at Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, Southland, New Zealand.
PHOTOGRAPH: MATTEO COLOMBO/GETTY IMAGES
Few spots in the world rival New Zealand for spectacular natural beauty, peace and quiet, and unique adventures. Beyond the country’s serene landscapes, though, you’ll find world-class dining, new and spectacular five-star hotels, a thriving fashion and arts scene, and cool cafes and cocktail bars aplenty.
All this luxury has boomed in recent years—a response to the country’s sustained border closure amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the need to entertain New Zealanders stuck inside the border for two years. During that time, Kiwis spent an additional NZ$1.1 billion ($700 million) on local travel, compared to pre-pandemic levels.