17 Natural Wonders in New Zealand That Will Take Your Breath Away

The Waitomo Caves are located in the Waikato Region, approximately 200 kilometres from Auckland. An underground boat tour of this popular destination will expose you to a fluorescent blanket of glow-worms.

The Tongariro National Park is a world heritage site as well as being New Zealand’s oldest national park. Its 19.4-kilometre Alpine Crossing is a popular hiking destination and is lined with some of the most remarkable landscapes.

Ever wanted to hike up a glacier? Then consider making an expedition to the fascinating Franz Josef. Guided tours of this frosted beauty usually take approximately 2-3 hours to complete, rewarding you with plenty of fabulous vistas.

While you’re in a cool, alpine mood, don’t forget to check out the majestic Fox Glacier too, as its grandness is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. And in case you’re wondering, the Fox Glacier is slightly larger than its neighbouring Franz Josef.

This compelling hot water pool, 27 kilometres south of Rotorua, is quite memorable for its unique champagne hues.

Another famed hiking destination greatly embellished by picture-perfect, mountainous scenery. Hidden within the Milford Sound you will also find the exquisite, and underrated, Lake Quill.

The Haast Pass is a fantastic travelling route, and its Blue Pools are an added bonus for nature-loving drivers.

New Zealand’s largest freshwater springs will douse you in crystal-clear colours and native greenery. Its full name is actually Te Waikoropupū, and the spring’s place in local culture and history means its waters are strictly off-limits.

Exquisite rock formations make for an interesting sight, and the handsome Pancake Rocks on the South Island’s West Coast region are very much proof of this.

Snowy mountains are a Kiwi speciality. Mount Taranaki on the North Island’s west coast is among the best renowned, mostly for its beauty, but partly because of a special cameo in the 2003 film The Last Samurai.

New Zealand’s third largest lake adds a special sparkle to Queenstown and the surrounding Otago Region.

Amazing remote wilderness, remarkable river valleys, and high mountain peaks line this interesting national park. Tolkien fans will also recognize Mount Aspiring as the location for Isengard in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The Farewell Spit is New Zealand’s longest sand spit, and is particularly renowned for its rich bird life and engulfing dunes.

Admire this 55 metre waterfall adorning the Northwestern Waikato district. You’ll find this aptly-named Bridal Veil Falls within a 10-minute walking distance from the beachside town of Raglan.

The sheer size of the trees in this Rotorua forest is enough to leave everyone astonished.

See The Catlins in its best possible light. Literally. Nugget Point is a lighthouse that has been greatly embellished by its wildlife and surrounding Otago landscapes.

This iconic beach actually has a misleading name, as it’s less than 60 miles long. Still, those gorgeous coastlines won’t disappoint with their continuous stream of oceanic views.