The park is wrapped around One Tree Hill and its obelisk monument, which was erected in memory of the donor of the park Sir John Logan Campbell. Regular guided tours, workshops and other events are held here, and the park is a beautiful area for a stroll through nature and to enjoy magnificent gardens, a large tree and bird diversity and stunning views.

This beautifully landscaped zoo is home to 138 different species and over 875 animals and it as the largest collection of native and exotic animals in New Zealand. The zoo is conveniently located just minutes from central city and truly has a lot to see including events, animal encounters, behind-the-scenes experiences and more.

Hard to miss and easy to linger in, this L-shaped square is basically an open-air museum. Grab a seat at a café (yes, it’s pricey, but the people-watching is worth every euro), and you’ve got front-row views of Palazzo Vecchio, the Fountain of Neptune, and the statue of Cosimo I on horseback. Just off to the side is the Loggia dei Lanzi, packed with Renaissance sculptures—all free to see, no ticket needed. Early mornings or late evenings are quieter if you want to take it all in without the daytime crowds.

Siena still runs on medieval time—in the best way. Its centre hasn’t changed much in centuries, and that’s part of the charm. The Piazza del Campo is the heart of it all—it’s where the Palio horse race happens twice a year. Climb the Torre del Mangia for wide views across the rooftops. The cathedral’s worth the time, especially its black-and-white striped interior, detailed floor mosaics (open seasonally), and the Piccolomini Library tucked inside. Don’t skip the crypt or the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo—they’re quieter and give you a different angle on the city.