For a dozen straight years, New Zealand has been a top destination for out travellers. Kiwi hospitality is renown for congeniality, and happily more operators are “getting it” and have laid out gay welcome mats.

 

Gay welcoming accommodations and tours are everywhere now, but for those who want gay exclusive or women-only/men-only experiences, they are easily found in all the tourist meccas.

 

Usually, Auckland is the first port of call for first-time visitors to New Zealand. The City of Sails, with two stunning harbours, a busy bee vibe and plenty of gay venues and activities, is a good introduction to NZ, but should not be your only port of call. (Author's Note: This is a good corner to visit while Christchurch in the South Island recovers from its recent devastation.)

 

Many times, visitors don't make it to the northeast coast of the North Island – a mere 3 hour drive or short flight away. For those who have the time and a spirit of adventure, they can fill up their travel blog with some pretty interesting experiences in Northland – especially the Bay o f Islands.

 

The Bay of Islands is a cluster of more than a hundred tiny isles and enjoys sheltered waters perfect for sailing, sport fishing, kayaking, and tramps to the historic places that gave birth to the nation. Overnight cruises are popular; longer eco-cruises are, too. There are gay-owned accommodations – from budget to modest to upmarket – and many restaurants devoted to local produce, wines and food of the sea.

 

For more information, see Rainbow Tourism New Zealand on the web and Facebook for close up looks at the lodging and tours that welcome rainbow travellers.

 

Dee has wanderlust, and it's taken her to four continents – so far. She was a charter member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), and 30 years on, writes for the IGLTA newsletter and the Inside Out Travel blog. She currently splits her time between New Zealand, Australia, America and Canada, writing about classic and emerging destinations of interest to lesbian and gay travellers like New Zealand.