Comprised of two main islands, North Island and South Island, New Zealand is an incredible destination to discover. Packed with unforgettable landscapes, breathtaking scenery, and an unparalleled combination of lakes, mountains, and lush greenery, the island nation has to be seen to be truly understood.
New Zealand pretty much needs to be on your list if you’re at all an adventure sports enthusiast – or even if you’re just interested in trying them out. Bungee jumping, mountaineering, skydiving, paragliding, mountain biking, kayaking, canyoning, parachuting, caving, zip lining… Let’s just say that the list is endless when it comes to what outdoor activities you can get up to in this far-flung destination.
You can get to grips with adventure sports in Queenstown, surrounded by mountain and lake scenery. Then there’s the dramatic Fiordland – part of the landscape that made up Peter Jackson’s movie interpretation of Middle Earth for Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit (you can even visit The Shire!). Get to know Maori culture at Rotorua, and if you’re missing city life, head to sunny Auckland – the largest city in New Zealand. Here’s a look a the best places to visit in New Zealand:
14. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park offers alpine adventures and picturesque vistas straight from a storybook. With awe-inspiring scenery in every direction and trails catering to various skill levels, it’s a must-visit on any South Island itinerary.
The family-friendly Hooker Valley Route spans 10km with partly paved paths, scenic suspension bridges and little elevation gain. Leading to the stunning Hooker Lake, littered with floating icebergs, the sight is undeniably worth the journey. It typically takes 3 to 4 hours for a round trip. Yet allow extra time to take in the lake and surrounding white-capped peaks.
For the daring, the Mueller Hut Hike begins with the Sealy Tarns Track, featuring endless stairs and breathtaking panoramas. You will continue on a rocky steep journey to Mueller Hut to unparalleled valley views. This 5.2km trek ascends 1050m over 3 to 4 hours one way. It comes with a day trip option or a book a night in the hut for once in a lifetime sunset view over Aoraki.
13. Stewart Island
Stewart Island is the third-largest island of New Zealand, and it is found even further south than South Island. Most of the island is forested and undeveloped with over 80 per cent of the island is set aside as the Rakiura National Park, giving you the chance to explore the wild side of New Zealand.
Most of the pastimes on Stewart Island have to do with the outdoors, including hiking, camping and birdwatching. One of the most popular treks on Stewart Island is the Northwest Circuit, which can take several days to complete for even the fittest hikers. However, the trek offer spectacular views and access to amazing wildlife.
12. Nelson
At the top of the South Island is Nelson, a spot known for having the greatest number of sunshine hours per year in all of New Zealand. This great climate and the fact that the city is surrounded by three national parks makes Nelson a fantastic spot for outdoor recreation.
There is also an emphasis on local agriculture and the area’s wineries. Founder’s Park is an amazing spot in the city where you can dine on local farm-to-table cuisine, and soak up the sunshine right in the heart of an urban area.
You can even do a day-trip to Abel Tasman National Park from Nelson using an early bus, which give you just enough time to enjoy the park.
11. Coromandel Peninsula
With its golden coastline, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery, the Coromandel Peninsula has long been a favorite holiday spot for Kiwis. Cathedral Cove stands out as a top attraction. It’s known for its towering cliffs and a massive arched cavern connecting two secluded coves.
The scene is straight from your top New Zealand travel inspiration. Travelers can spend the day swimming in the crisp water or seeking refuge from the sun beneath the shady pohutukawa trees. Unfortunately, storm damage has temporarily closed the trek to the sandy shore. But access via boat or kayak remains available.
For a truly unique experience, visit Hot Water Beach. You will want to time your trip to arrive within two hours of low tide and bring along a shovel. Why a shovel? Beneath the beach’s surface, geothermal activity allows visitors to create their own natural hot springs right on the sand. Settle in for an unforgettable beachside soak!
10. Kaikoura
The picturesque coastal town of Kaikoura offers an ideal setting for marine life encounters and scenic coastal walks. Not to mention savoring a plate of fresh fish and chips.
Positioned along a prominent whale migration route, Kaikoura is famous for its whale-watching tours. Fortunate visitors will be treated to sightings of orcas, humpback, and sperm whales, as they breach high above the sea.
To top that off, sunrise dolphin swims provide a thrilling, surreal and memorable experience. Participants that embark on the early morning tour are suited up in wetsuits and get to dive into the midst of playful dolphin pods.
In addition, we recommend a midday stroll along one of Kaikoura’s many coastal walks. Those looking to encounter even more wildlife should checkout the Point Kean Seal Colony Walk. As the sun sets, venture into the quaint downtown area for a taste of the freshest seafood New Zealand has to offer.
9. Abel Tasman National Park
Nestled at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is a coastal paradise waiting to be discovered. Renowned for its beautiful beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coastal track, it is a place where New Zealand’s natural beauty is on full display.
Abel Tasman may be New Zealand’s smallest national park, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its breathtaking beauty and the diversity of experiences it offers. Named after the Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman, who first sighted New Zealand in 1642, the park was founded in 1942, exactly 300 years after Tasman’s visit.
The park’s crowning jewel is the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks.” This 60-kilometer trail weaves through lush native forest, over gentle hills, and along the edges of pristine beaches. Kayaking is another way to explore the park’s intricate coastline, with its clear turquoise waters offering a window into an underwater world teeming with marine life.
8. Glacier Country
Glacier Country is found on the Western Coast of South Island, and its jewel is the Westland National Park. In the park, you’ll have the chance to see the country’s two most spectacular glaciers: Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers on the planet, meaning that you can actually walk up to the glacier and even through the glacier valley itself. Guided tours give you a closer look at the expanding glaciers, and you can relax after a day of hiking by soaking in the incredible glacier hot pools.
7. Napier
The seaside resort of Napier on North Island is known as the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand, thanks to a large amount of 1930s architecture built when the city suffered a large fire more than 80 years ago.
Travelers should begin their exploration at the Art Deco Trust. Here you will find a collection of era inspired buildings and exhibits detailing Napier’s history. This includes how a devastating earthquake in 1931 shaped what you see today. To top it off, every February Napier holds the Art déco Festival, attracting around 40,000 participants from around the world who don their finest attire.
Beyond its intriguing architecture, the charming town entices locals and tourists alike with its mild climate, stunning beaches, and plethora of wineries. Hawke’s Bay is globally acclaimed for its exquisite chardonnay and cabernet merlot vinos. With over 70 wineries and 30 cellar doors, the region is a haven for wine enthusiasts.
Join a guided tour with a knowledgeable sommelier or, weather permitting, rent a bicycle to meander through the scores of vineyards. This provides an excellent opportunity to explore the countryside while indulging in the nectar of some of the finest grapes.
6. Rotorua
Known as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand, Rotorua is home to some of the world’s most impressive natural phenomena. The most notable is Pohutu Geyser. With eruptions happening up to twenty times per day at heights reaching 30 meters, it’s the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. To see the best of it, visit the vibrant hot springs such as the Champagne Pool and the bubbling mud pots of Hell’s Gate.
Beyond its natural wonders, Rotorua serves as a hub for Maori culture, providing several hubs where visitors can delve into Maori history, traditions, and art. Te Pā Tū stands out as a must-visit. After all, it is “New Zealand’s Most Awarded Tourism Attraction”.
Te Pā Tū will blow you away with captivating cultural performances, including the famous Haka war dance. This is capped off with a traditional Hangi meal, cooked using hot stones in the ground, for an authentic taste of Maori culinary tradition.
5. Paihia
If you’re interested in exploring the Bay of Islands, then Paihia is a great place to visit in New Zealand. Paihia is all about the small-town feel, but it boasts an array of great hotels and recreational opportunities to appeal to travelers.
If you’re feeling adventurous and active, you can swim with dolphins or even go scuba diving to see the underwater shipwreck called the Rainbow Warrior. Back on dry land, make your way to Marsden Road for exceptional restaurants serving up an array of freshly caught seafood.
4. Auckland
A vibrant and multicultural hub on the North Island, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. Auckland hosts several museums and galleries, including the expansive Auckland War Memorial Museum, which showcases the nation’s history and culture. Also worth visiting is the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, which houses over 15,000 pieces of artwork.
A key part of the city’s skyline is the SkyTower. Here you can get sweeping city views from its observation platform. For the adventurous, take the heart-stopping opportunity to walk 192 meters above ground level along the tower’s pergola while strapped to a harness.
But many of its treasures lay beyond the CBD. Auckland’s most iconic island, Rangitoto, is a dormant volcanic cone which offers a gentle yet rewarding climb. Plan your trip to reach the summit by sunset and be rewarded with colorful vistas of the metropolis. Visitors can access the island via a short ferry ride from downtown.
3. Queenstown
On New Zealand’s South Island is Queenstown, a destination known as the dream spot for those in search of adrenaline and adventure. Surrounded by the towering peaks of the Southern Alps, and right on the banks of deep-blue Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is also an incredibly beautiful spot.
One of the best ways to experience the scenery is on Lake Wakatipu itself. You can cycle around the lake’s perimeter or set off on a cruise of the lake’s magnificent waters. There is also a vibrant nightlife with the town’s small central area packed with bars and restaurants.
2. Tongariro National Park
Encompassing three volcanoes: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park highlights New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. It was established as the nation’s inaugural national park in 1887.
This 80,000-hectare expanse showcases nature’s magnificence with emerald lakes, steaming craters, ancient lava flows, and colorful silica terraces. What really sets it apart is its distinction as the world’s first dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. With UNESCO acknowledging both its importance in Maori culture and its exceptional volcanic features.
The famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often regarded as New Zealand’s greatest day walk, offers a challenging journey across a remarkably changing terrain. Open from November to May, hikers can expect to spend 7-9 hours completing the nearly 20km trek.
Hiking outside of season is only recommended for experienced climbers equipped with a guide. Despite its challenges, those who embark on this adventure find it immensely rewarding, capturing the quintessential beauty of New Zealand with every step. Lord of the Ring fans may say they conquered Mount Doom!
1. Fiordland
A cherished natural treasure of New Zealand is Fiordland National Park. Home to glaciers, dramatic alpine ranges, unique flora and fauna dating back to the supercontinent Gondwanaland era, it truly is a sight to be seen!
A must-do in Fiordland is a cruise along Milford Sound. Sit on the balcony of one of the many boats, coffee in hand, and marvel at cascading waterfalls as you sail along the iconic Mitre Peak. With plenty of day tours available, consider an overnight journey to catch a glimpse of the starry skies over the sound.
The park offers several day hikes suitable for various ages and abilities. For adventurous souls, the renowned Milford Track awaits. It’s a 33-mile, four-day journey through waterfalls, mountain vistas, and the dramatic Pompolona Icefield. You can bring along a tent or book ahead to sleep in one of the many huts. Plan your trek between October and April to experience the best of this stunning landscape.
Arrowtown and Wanamaker should have been included in your list.
Napier was destroyed in a big earthquake, not a fire, although parts of the city caught fire afterwards.