25 Photos of New Zealand That Will Make You Want to Book a Flight ASAP

New Zealand’s photogenic landscapes never cease to amaze. With many wonderful natural sites on show, this idyllic destination is certain to spark strong feelings of wanderlust in those who have yet to visit. Allow us to take you on a scenic journey as we showcase 25 photos that are guaranteed to inspire your next travels.
Autumn is a great time to visit the South Island and embrace its sublime scenery.

But if you’re more of a summer person, definitely set your sights onto North Island gems like the tip of Cape Reinga.

Stargazers will fall in love with New Zealand’s dark skies, especially if they manage to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Australis.

Whether you’re a hiker, kayaker or just a nature-loving soul, the Milford Sound is going to be a remarkable experience.

Queenstown may be a bundle of adventure, but its neighbour Wanaka definitely deserves some loving too.

Movie buffs will fall in love with the fantasy-like Cathedral Cove in the North Island’s Coromandel Region.

Various Lord of the Rings film sites like the Bridge of Rivendell.

Let’s not forget Aoraki/Mount Cook, known for its movie appearances as well as being the country’s highest peak.

If you’ve got an affinity for ice and snow, the Franz Josef Glacier is guaranteed to dazzle.

Breathtaking coastlines are abundant too, so why not soak up the summer days in an idyllic place like Kapiti Coast?

Eager to do a bit of hiking? You only need to look at Tongariro to understand why it’s considered one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Maybe you want to head up to the North Island to explore natural geothermal wonders like the Wai-O-Tapu springs.

Perhaps you want to delve deep into the South Island to marvel at its compelling Moeraki Boulders.

Or maybe a glimpse into historic marvels like Lake Taupo’s Mine Bay carvings are more to your interests.

Lush forests will bring you plenty of native plants and waterfalls to cherish.

The majestic Huka Falls always impresses with its majestic force and adjoining rapids.

Even the tourist hotspots are filled with picture-perfect moments, like Queenstown with its Skyline Gondola.

Wellington with its panoramic hills.

The City of Sails (AKA Auckland) with its always glistening skyline.

Perhaps you’re an architecture fan, in which case heritage sights like the Dunedin Train Station are going to be right up your alley.

As are Rotorua’s beautiful Government Gardens, which adorn the local museum.

New installations should definitely stay on your radar too, Christchurch’s Cardboard Cathedral being a notable example.

In the end, whether you choose to embrace the local viticulture…

Or you decide to head on a scenic New Zealand road trip…

You know you’ll always be surrounded by an incredible amount of unspoiled beauty.

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meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
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