The surreal beauty of a film set was created in nature in New Zealand. Wonderful natural wonders are packed into such a small area in so few destinations. Some of the treasures travelers can explore are snow-covered peaks, sparkling bays, coastal glaciers, rain forests, fjords, and fish-filled rivers. Visitors will witness the powerful forces that created these landscapes in bubbling mud pools and hissing springs at Rotorua, one of the worldwide largest geothermal areas.
New Zealand is a place for adrenaline-powered sports thanks to its dramatic topography. The list of outdoor adventures is rounded off by white rafting, lugging, jet boating, skiing, skydiving, hiking, and mountain biking, and the country is home to the highest jumping bungee in the world.
New Zealand is a brief place to travel strategically. The country’s diverse facilities, from quaint bed and breakfast inns and environmentally friendly lodges to some of the most luxury hotels in the world, are very popular for self-service holidays. Read our list of the best attractions in New Zealand for additional ideas on things to do.
- Milford Sound, South Island, Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park, a world heritage site, protects some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. Glaciers carved the famous fjords of Milford, Dusky, and Doubts of Sounds, and created this dramatic landscape. Visitors can explore gushing waterfalls, islands offshore, vacant rainforests, vast lakes, and rocky peaks.
Not surprised, this park is a haven for hikers, including the famous Milford Track, with some of the best walks in the country. Sea kayaking is a famous way of exploring the fjords and you can also enjoy a beautiful flight through the park, to enjoy an amazing sight of the beauty of the park.
- Northern Island, Bay of Islands
The beautiful Bay of Islands is one of the most popular holiday destinations in this country, a 3-hour drive north of Auckland. The glittery bay is surrounded by over 144 islands and is a haven for sailing and sailing.
In these fertile waters live penguins, dolphins, whales, and marlines, and the area is a popular sports fishing spot. Visitors can enjoy sea kayaking, hiking along many island trails, sunbathing down in secluded beaches, touring Cape Brett, and the well-known rock formation called Hole in the Rock. The picturesque towns of Russell, Opua, Paihia, and Kerikeri are excellent grounds to explore these beautiful bays.
- Northern Island, Coromandel Peninsula
The rough Coromandel Peninsula appears to be the world far from the busy urban heat just across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland. Craggy mountains in the native forests form a backbone along the peninsula and provide excellent walking and birding opportunities.
For tourists, you can also relax on the golden beaches, kayaking on the offshore islands, skydiving, and visit the many galleries and art studios. A dip into the bubbling hot pools at Hot Water Beach is a great way for a busy day out.
- Taupo Lake and North Island Tongariro National Park
In the center of northern Northern Island and a few miles from the sparkling Taupo Lake, New. The Maori Chief Te Heuhei Tukinos 4V, who in 1887 was donated to the people of New Zealand to protect this sacred land, as a dual World Heritage site because of its spectacular volcanic characteristics and its importance to Maori culture, volcanic peaks of Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and part of Ruapehu.
A dramatic beauty land with towering volcanoes, turquoise lakes, arid plateaus, mountain meadows, and hot springs, Tongariro is among the world’s oldest national parks. One of the most popular day trips in the country is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Camping wanders and hiking trails in the park and time spent in its interesting visitor center are a fun thing to do here.
- North Island, Rotorua
Rotorua is one of the most active geothermal regions in the world on the turbulent Pacific Ring of Fire. It’s a land the earth is talking about. The forces which brought forth much of New Zealander’s dramatic topography are betrayed by boiling mud pools, hissing geysers, volcanic craters, and steamboating thermal springs.
Tourists can walk through these geothermal wonders and enjoy steaming minerals in a variety of attractions to discover the rich history and culture of the Maori region.
- South Island, Fox and Franz Josef.
The main attractions in the spectacular Westland Tai-Poutini National Park are the glaciers of Franz Josef and Fox, one of the most accessible in the world. These two ice flows from some of the highest peaks in the Southern Alps to the nearby seaside, where it is easy for visitors to visit on foot thanks to the gentle coastal climate.
Guided walks lead to the deformed ice caves and ice peaks at the foot of the glaciers, plus a fascinating series of warm pools. Seaplanes and helicopters fly visitors on top of this huge language of ice to view the aerial panorama.
- Abel Tasman National Park and South Island’s Abel Tasman Coast Track
The Abel Tasman Coast Track is one of the great walks of New Zealand in Abel Tasman’s National Park. This scenic hike is located in one of the sunniest areas of South Island, along the sparkling Tasman Bay, from Marahau to the Separation Point. Visitors will enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, and wandering in isolated bays, walks through cool forests, and panoramic views from the rugged coastal cliffs, and the chance to see the fur seals, dolphins, penguins, and diverse birds.
The many weathered climbing formations, especially Split Apple Rock, are also great for photographers. The walk takes approximately three days and the lodges range from the campsites to the cottages to the plush private lodges. Kayaking in the sea is also an important way to discover this lovely coast.
- South Island National Park Aoraki / Mount Cook
Next to the alpine scenery of the National Park of Aoraki, also known as the Mount Cook, the highest peaks in New Zealand lie in the heart of the Southern Alps. The Tasman Glacier, the country’s highest mountain in Aoraki / Mount Cook. It is located within the borders of the park, making it the top destination for mountaineering, accounting for more than 40% of the park. The legendary Mount Everest climb was trained here by Sir Edmund Hillary.
The diversity of flora and fauna, with over 300 species of alpine plants and 40 bird species, will be appreciated by nature-lovers. Mount Cook Village is an ideal base from which to explore the park and organize activities like scenic flights, ski tours, and heli-skiing.
- Napier, North Island’s Hawke’s Bay
Napier’s gourmet cuisine and Art Deco architecture are known in the sunny Hawke Bay region. It was reconstructed in the Spanish mission and Art-deco style, which Miami Beach is also famous for after the powerful earthquake that destroyed the town in 1931. Today, visitors can enjoy a self-guided visit to see those buildings, some of them enhanced by Maori motifs, or spend time on Napier Beach.
The town’s famous statue, called Pania of the Reef, is located along the promenade of the Marine Parade. Napier’s a foodies’ haven as well. Here, gourmet restaurants specialize in the use of fresh local produce, and the city hosts popular farmers’ markets. Close by are walking trails and the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony.
- Northern Island, Auckland
The “Sails City,” Auckland, is the world’s largest city and Polynesia’s most populous city (population = 1.6 million), with two sparkling harbored harbors. The city is surrounded by blond, black-sand, rain forest hiking, picturesque coves, islands, and volcanoes, which makes it a perfect starting point for day trips and wildlife.
Visitors can zoom up the 328-meter Sky Tower for amazing views throughout town as well as the hinterland to appreciate Auckland’s amazing location. Additional fun in Auckland includes top-quality dining, a sampling of its vibrant arts scene, and a refurbished waterfront district packed with restaurants and shops.
