New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, steaming volcanoes, glistening lakes, lush valleys, and miles of stunning coastline. Travelers can go hiking in the country’s wide areas of untouched wilderness, visit metropolitan cities like Auckland and Wellington, or learn about the Maori people’s rich history and culture.
An uninhabited island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, some 2,000 kilometers east of Australia and north of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. North Island and South Island are the most populated and largest islands, respectively, although the country also includes more than 700 smaller islands and subantarctic archipelagos. Its long and tight borders are quite hilly, and inside them are not only lovely landscapes and forests but also hot springs, glittering glaciers, and stunning beaches.
Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city, is where most visitors to the country will begin their journey because of its beautiful location between two enormous natural harbors. It’s close to alluring beaches, rainforests, hot springs, and vineyards, and it’s home to a variety of superb museums and art galleries.
Tourists go to Wellington for the city’s beautiful waterfront and active arts and culture scene, while those interested in hot springs and learning more about the Maori people should head to Rotorua. Known as the “adventure capital of the world,” Queenstown attracts many visitors due to its abundance of exciting outdoor activities, such as bungee jumping, zip – lining, skiing, climbing, and paragliding.
In fact, New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and plenty of exciting outdoor pursuits are a major draw for tourists. Visit the picturesque Hobbiton Movie Set, observe adorable penguin colonies on the Otago Peninsula, and have spectacular cruises through its wonderful fjords, not to mention go up the massive Aoraki mountain and kayak beside golden dunes in Abel Tasman National Park.
New Zealand is an exotic and beautiful country with welcoming locals that provides unrivaled opportunities for exploration and adventure. The ecologically concerned government and culture have done a great job of preserving the wild forests, mountains, beaches, glaciers, thermal regions, and fjords that can be found throughout the rocky islands. Maori culture coexists with the contemporary world in New Zealand’s bustling cities, quaint villages, and huge stretches of unspoiled wilderness. The following are some of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand, a country that is both beautiful and diverse.
10. Coromandel Peninsula
In addition to its famed white and golden sand beaches, the coastline beauty, forests, and other natural treasures of this northeastern peninsula are well known. Beginning in Thames, a small yet lovely city with a long and storied history in the gold mining industry, Don’t forget to relax in a hot spring dug right out of the sand at Hot Water Beach.
9. Abel Tasman National Park
This massive national park is a hiker’s paradise, and it’s found at the far northern end of the South Island. Accessible only by boat, foot, or small plane, getting there is a challenge but well worth it. Rare birds such as blue penguins, wekas, oyster catchers, and wood pigeons can be seen when hiking through the mountains.
8. Sky Tower
New Zealand’s largest city is home to the Sky Tower, a communications and viewing structure. The Sky Tower has become an instantly recognizable part of the Auckland skyline, rising 328 meters (1,076 feet) into the air to become the highest free-standing building in the Southern Hemisphere. The tower’s spinning Orbit restaurant serves gourmet fare and provides panoramic views for up to 80 kilometers in every direction.
7. Napier Art Deco
Hawke’s Bay, located on the eastern coast of the North Island, is home to the small city of Napier, which is well-known for its striking art deco architecture. In 1931, an earthquake destroyed most of Napier. Because its time of reconstruction coincided with the brief Art Deco period, Napier’s architecture is starkly distinct from that of any other city. In February, Napier hosts the annual Art Deco Weekend, a popular event that attracts thousands of visitors interested in the period’s aesthetic and other related topics (such as vintage cars, picnics, and the soapbox derby).
6. Kaikoura
To those with a taste for fresh seafood, this South Island fishing town is heaven. Off the coast, you can see fur seals, dolphins, sperm whales, and albatrosses, and then feast on fresh crayfish, mussels, blue cod, and more. Those interested in exploring the great outdoors can do so in the wild and dramatic Kaikoura Forest.
5. Franz Josef Glacier
One of the most approachable glaciers in the world can be found in the southwest, inside Westland National Park. Tourists can either fly a helicopter over the magnificent remnant of the Ice Age or go right up to its foot. It is one of South Westland’s primary tourist attractions, along with Fox Glacier.
4. Wai-o-tapu
Wai-o-tapu is a fantastic vacation spot located on the North Island, not far from Rotorua. Hiking across volcanic landscapes that appear more like outer space than the rest of New Zealand is possible in this park full of geothermal activity. The Lady Knox Geyser is a must-see attraction in Wai-o-tapu, as it puts on a breathtaking show every day by shooting water hundreds of feet into the air. After a day of climbing the volcanic trails of Wai-o-tapu, relax in one of the nearby geothermal spas.
3. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Tongariro Alpine Crossing is situated in the heart of the North Island’s Tongariro National Park. This traverse is a full day’s hike, taking you around the base of Mount Ngauruhoe and then up and over Mount Tongariro. Fans of the Lord of the Rings films may recognize the bridge as the site of many memorable moments. Major picturesque stops along the trip are the Blue and Emerald Lakes, which are also of historical value to the local Maori and need the greatest sensitivity from visitors.
2. Bay of Islands
One of New Zealand’s most well-known tourist hotspots is the Bay of Islands. There are 144 islands in the vicinity, as well as several isolated bays and wonderful sandy beaches. Whales, penguins, dolphins, and even the huge marlin can all be found in this stunning bay. Sailing yachts on world cruises and international sport fishermen flock there, and for good reason.
1. Milford Sound
When people think about things to do in New Zealand, they often think of Milford Sound. Milford Sound, at the northernmost and most accessible end of Fiordland National Park, has some of the most breathtaking coastline scenery in the world, with towering peaks and dark blue waters. The South Island is especially stunning after a downpour, when several waterfalls cascade down the cliffs.
