25 Photos of New Zealand That Will Make You Want to Book a Flight ASAP
![Autumn on the Shotover River](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/13420842795_3f9f0e5e32_k.webp)
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.
![Autumn on the Shotover River](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/13420842795_3f9f0e5e32_k.webp)
But if you’re more of a summer person, definitely set your sights onto North Island gems like the tip of Cape Reinga.
![Cape Reinga Lighthouse](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/30240060771_f4ea7fb2dc_k.webp)
Stargazers will fall in love with New Zealand’s dark skies, especially if they manage to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Australis.
![Aurora Australis in New Zealand](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/34654043232_ecedef6ac7_k.webp)
Whether you’re a hiker, kayaker or just a nature-loving soul, the Milford Sound is going to be a remarkable experience.
![Mitre Peak and Milford Sound Landscape](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/mitre-peak-2278361_1280.webp)
Queenstown may be a bundle of adventure, but its neighbour Wanaka definitely deserves some loving too.
![Lone tree in Lake Wanaka](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/new-zealand-2315449_1280.webp)
Movie buffs will fall in love with the fantasy-like Cathedral Cove in the North Island’s Coromandel Region.
![Cathedral Cove, New Zealand](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cathedral-cove-1592274_1280.webp)
Various Lord of the Rings film sites like the Bridge of Rivendell.
![The ‘Rivendell Bridge’ in Kaitoke Regional Park](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bridge-2268169_1280.webp)
Let’s not forget Aoraki/Mount Cook, known for its movie appearances as well as being the country’s highest peak.
![Mount Cook, New Zealand](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/mount-cook-537224_1280.webp)
If you’ve got an affinity for ice and snow, the Franz Josef Glacier is guaranteed to dazzle.
![Franz Josef Glacier](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/7312407300_8a356aa2e0_k.webp)
Breathtaking coastlines are abundant too, so why not soak up the summer days in an idyllic place like Kapiti Coast?
![Kapiti Coast Sunset](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/sunset-1171082_1280.webp)
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.
![Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/new-zealand-83645_1280.webp)
Maybe you want to head up to the North Island to explore natural geothermal wonders like the Wai-O-Tapu springs.
![Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Springs](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/new-zealand-1832256_1280.webp)
Perhaps you want to delve deep into the South Island to marvel at its compelling Moeraki Boulders.
![Moeraki Boulders, Otago](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/26411317600_b33ee91498_k.webp)
Or maybe a glimpse into historic marvels like Lake Taupo’s Mine Bay carvings are more to your interests.
![Mine Bay Maori Carvings, Lake Taupo](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/new-zealand-583177_1280.webp)
Lush forests will bring you plenty of native plants and waterfalls to cherish.
![Bridal Veil Fall, New Zealand](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bridal-veil-fall-52450_1280.webp)
The majestic Huka Falls always impresses with its majestic force and adjoining rapids.
![Huka Falls](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/5383750498_33e988fc44_b.webp)
Even the tourist hotspots are filled with picture-perfect moments, like Queenstown with its Skyline Gondola.
![View of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from Skyline Gondola](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/new-zealand-679068_1280.webp)
Wellington with its panoramic hills.
![Wellington, New Zealand](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/33522578970_c6a15f554d_k.webp)
The City of Sails (AKA Auckland) with its always glistening skyline.
![Auckland Skyline at Night](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/night-461707_12801.webp)
Perhaps you’re an architecture fan, in which case heritage sights like the Dunedin Train Station are going to be right up your alley.
![Dunedin Railway Station Building](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/station-dunedin-2140363_1280.webp)
As are Rotorua’s beautiful Government Gardens, which adorn the local museum.
![Rotorua Government Gardens](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/rotorua-1581472_1280.webp)
New installations should definitely stay on your radar too, Christchurch’s Cardboard Cathedral being a notable example.
![Christchurch Cardboard Cathedral](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/cardboard-cathedral-1534194_1280.webp)
In the end, whether you choose to embrace the local viticulture…
![Marlborough Vineyard](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/2369762335_3ecb8afacf_b.webp)
Or you decide to head on a scenic New Zealand road trip…
![New Zealand Road](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/34549013601_a6bb6dc289_k.webp)
You know you’ll always be surrounded by an incredible amount of unspoiled beauty.
![Takaka Hill, New Zealand](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/14519823314_83d3bed5a0_k.webp)