With its two major islands, North and South, New Zealand is a wonderful place to visit. Unparalleled natural beauty and awe-inspiring sceneries make the island country a must-see for anybody who wants to fully appreciate it.
If you’re like adventure sports or even simply want to give them a try, New Zealand should be at the top of your list. Adventure sports like bungee jumping and mountain climbing are becoming more popular, as are extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding as well as more traditional sports like kayaking and canoeing. We won’t even begin to cover all of the possibilities for fun in the great outdoors that exist in this faraway locale.
Queenstown is a great place to learn about adventure sports because of its mountain and lake surroundings. For those who have seen Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, you may recognise the dramatic Fiordland, which was used as a backdrop for Peter Jackson’s film adaptations of Middle Earth. Rotorua is a great place to learn about Maori culture, and Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest metropolis. The following is a list of the top New Zealand tourist attractions:
10. Stewart Island
Even farther south than South Island, Stewart Island is the third-largest island in New Zealand. Over 80 % of the island has been designated as Rakiura National Park, allowing visitors to see New Zealand’s natural side up up and personal.
Hiking, camping, and bird-watching are among the most popular activities on Stewart Island. Stewart Island’s Northwest Circuit is one of the island’s most popular hikes, which may take even the strongest hikers several days to complete. The hike, on the other hand, offers breathtaking vistas and close encounters with exotic creatures.
9. Nelson
Nelson, located near the summit of the South Island, is renowned for having the most sunlight hours in New Zealand. Nelson is a superb destination for outdoor activities because of its wonderful climate and its proximity to three national parks.
Local agriculture and wines are also emphasised. Founder’s Park is a wonderful location in the city where you may enjoy farm-to-table food, relax in the sun, and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
Taking an early bus from Nelson to Abel Tasman National Area gives you just enough time to explore the park.
8. Glacier Country
The Westland National Park is the crown gem of Glacier Country on the Western Coast of South Island. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, two of the most impressive in the nation, may be found in the park.
Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers on the earth, which means that you can actually walk up to the glacier and even into the glacier valley itself. For those who want to get a closer look at the glaciers, guided excursions are the best way to see them in all their glory.
7. Napier
On North Island, a beach town called Napier is renowned as the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand for its abundance of 1930s architecture that was erected in the wake of a devastating fire that occurred there more than 80 years ago.
Napier’s National Aquarium of New Zealand is the ideal way to see the city after a city tour on foot or a self-guided architectural tour. The world-class exhibits at this massive aquarium include everything from turtles to crocodiles.
6. Rotorua
Rotorua, New Zealand’s “thermal wonderland,” is a well-known tourist destination. The city and its surroundings are home to a slew of geysers and hot springs. A large number of these may be found in protected areas.
Occasionally, steam, hot water, and muck erupt naturally in new places. In addition to the Lady Knox Geyser, Wai-O-Tapu has a number of hot springs that are known for their vibrant colours.
5. Paihia
Visiting Paihia in New Zealand is a terrific way to see the Bay of Islands. Paihia is known for its small-town charm, but it also has a slew of excellent lodging options and fun things to do for tourists.
A trip to the Rainbow Warrior shipwreck is an option if you’re looking for something more athletic and adventurous. Once you’re back on dry ground, go to Marsden Road, where you’ll find some of the city’s best eateries offering up locally caught fish.
4. Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest and most populous city, is known as the “City of Sails.” It’s on the North Island, and it’s well-known for its eclectic mix of people, places, and cuisine. Climb the Auckland Harbor Bridge for breathtaking panoramas of this enchanting city.
The oldest portion of Auckland, the Auckland Domain, is a great place to learn about the country’s history and culture. Located in Auckland’s Domain, the venerable Auckland Museum showcases a diverse collection of indigenous items from New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
3. Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand’s South Island, is a haven for thrill-seekers in pursuit of action and excitement. New Zealand’s Queenstown is on Lake Wakatipu in an area that is surrounded by some of the world’s tallest mountains.
The lake itself, Wakatipu, is a great place to take in the views. Cycle the lake’s circumference, or take a boat tour of the lake’s beautiful waters, all of which are available. Small core area crowded with pubs and restaurants makes a lively nightlife.
2. Tongariro National Park
Known as New Zealand’s first national park, Tongariro is a wonderland of contrasts and surprises. Lakes, volcanoes, herb meadows, untamed woods, and desert-like plateaus are only some of the park’s various habitats.
The Whakapapa Visitor Center is about a three-hour walk from the Taranaki Falls. Hiking through scrub and woodland, you’ll reach a lava flow from a volcano that erupted thousands of years ago.
1. Fiordland
The Fiordland National Park in New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places in the country. In the south-west part of the South Island, you may go hiking, fishing for trout, or cruising through the stunning fjords (called sounds here). Fiordland’s most famous site, Milford Sound, is a glacial-carved fjord.
The steep rock walls rising above the sea at Milford Sound may be seen on a cruise, as can waterfalls and fauna like dolphins and penguins.
