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The 37 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in New Zealand

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A visit to New Zealand will allow you to enjoy some of the most beautiful and geographically diverse landscapes in the world. From rocky alpine terrains to pristine beaches, here are 15 exquisite destinations you won’t want to miss.

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Natural Feature, Ski Resort

Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand
James Pere / Unsplash

Hiker? Mountaineer? Nature lover? If you’re any one of these things, head into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to marvel at mountain ranges, glaciers and rocky terrains. The national park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage area, is in the southwest of the South Island. It’s home to Aoraki/Mt Cook – the tallest mountain in the country.

Piha Beach

Natural Feature

Determined to catch the last wave of the day, Piha Beach, Auckland, New Zealand
Bill Fairs / Unsplash

Piha Beach is most popular among surfers, landscape photographers and holidaying Aucklanders not wanting to stray too far from the city. Black sand and a rugged appearance make this a natural idyll, while Lion Rock – a volcanic monolith with a war memorial and Māori carvings – is a ‘grammable manmade marvel.

Cape Reinga

Natural Feature

Cape Reinga, New Zealand
Ashish Ansurkar / Unsplash

Cape Reinga is at the northernmost of the North Island – though it’s not quite the northernmost point of New Zealand. Māori legend tells us this is the place where spirits depart from Earth and into the ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. However, for those not quite ready to pass into the underworld, the lighthouse provides some spectacular views of the coastlines and surrounding greenery.

Lake Tekapo

Natural Feature

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
© Nadly Aizat / Shutterstock

During the day, Lake Tekapo dazzles with bright-blue glacial waters. At night, the area becomes a stargazing haven, with the township and nearby Mount John Observatory all part of the International Dark Sky Reserve. In spring, you get another picturesque bonus: the lupins that colour the roadside in a carpet of purple and pink hues.

Milford Sound

Natural Feature

Milford Sound, New Zealand
Sébastien Goldberg / Unsplash
Milford Sound is a secluded fiord in Fiordland National Park that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Many of them come locally, from Queenstown or Te Anau, to spend a day cruising the clear waters and admiring natural scenery. The more adventurous should explore the Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s most sought-after multi-day hiking routes.

Coromandel peninsula

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Hoho Rock, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
© Dmitry Pichugin / Shutterstock

The Coromandel peninsula is a summer holiday favourite among New Zealanders. A collection of picturesque coastal towns, campsites, surf spots and fishing locations are serious assets; gems such as Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are bonuses.

Hokitika Gorge

Natural Feature

A suspension bridge at the Hokitika Gorge, New Zealand
Aaron Howland / Unsplash

Located on the west coast of the South Island, the Hokitika Gorge is one of those rare places that look as good as the pictures. A walking track 33km (20.5mi) outside the town of Hokitika will bring you to the shimmering turquoise waters and densely forested surrounds. As you reach the viewing platform, a stunning swing bridge comes into view: the ultimate spot for a photo opportunity.

Wanaka

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Lake Wanaka, New Zealand869655
© weerasak saeku / Shutterstock

Just an hour’s drive from Queenstown, Wanaka is a getaway loved for the small-town quaintness and incredible natural beauty. In winter, it’s an ideal base for skiers, as the town is en route to some of the premier resorts on the South Island; summertime offers plenty of water-based activities in the expansive lake.

Wai-O-Tapu

Natural Feature

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Reporoa, New Zealand
Hongbin / Unsplash
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, just outside Rotorua, has long impressed visitors with geysers and hot pools. The geothermal park is notable for the colourful springs, including the vibrant Champagne Pool and the fluorescent-green Devil’s Bath. There’s also the spouting Lady Knox Geyser and bubbling mud pools that aptly showcase the local volcanic activity.

Nelson Lakes National Park

Natural Feature

Nelson Lakes National Park, New Zealand
Nicholas Rean / Unsplash

Set on the upper end of the South Island, Nelson Lakes National Park marks the beginning of the Southern Alps. At the heart of the park, you’ll encounter two breathtaking alpine lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa, surrounded by forested valleys. The lakes and parkland are great for camping, fishing, hiking and swimming.

Tongariro National Park

Natural Feature

Mt Ngauruho, New Zealand
© Sangchai Olanrittinunt / Shutterstock

Tongariro National Park is a rare Unesco Dual World Heritage site, because of both the Māori cultural associations and remarkable volcanic features. The park is home to three active volcanoes – Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and the ski slopes of Ruapehu – as well as the glacial Emerald Lakes (best viewed by hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing). For something a bit more “out there”, there’s also the boiling mud pools of the active Red Crater.

Marlborough

Winery

Marlborough, New Zealand
Mark de Jong / Unsplash

Many are lured to Marlborough by the wine tasting. This beautiful stretch of the South Island has put New Zealand viticulture on the world map – not least because of the pioneering cultivation of sauvignon blanc varietals. If you like hiking, pay a visit to Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound.

Mount Taranaki

Hiking Trail

Beautiful views of Mt Taranaki in New Zealand
Abraham Godsell-Slade / Unsplash

Also known as Mount Egmont, Mount Taranaki is a quiescent stratovolcano on the western coast of the North Island. The symmetrical shape gives it a strong resemblance to Mount Fuji – so much so that Taranaki stands in for the Japanese peak in The Last Samurai (2003). Hiking tracks around Egmont National Park provide access to this magnificent summit.

Castlepoint

Natural Feature

119A Jetty Rd, Castlepoint 5889, New Zealand, Castlepoint
Louis Andrew Tungol / Unsplash

Castlepoint is a small seaside town on the Wairarapa coast, just north of the capital city, Wellington. Its lighthouse is the tallest on the island – a walk to this 23m (75ft) beauty will expose you to some of the North Island’s most dramatic seaside views. A collection of fossil shells are found on the lighthouse route; if you’re lucky, you might spot native fur seals and birds hiding in full view. The sheltered lagoon at the base is another highlight.

Moeraki

Natural Feature

Moeraki Boulders Beach, Moeraki Boulders Road, Hampden, New Zealand
Eddie Bugajewski / Unsplash

The claim to fame Moeraki has is the spherical boulders scattered around Koekohe beach. These intriguing rock features on the Otago coast are notable for their size; they’re also of great interest to geologists, making this area part of a protected scientific reserve. Ooften in clusters, they’ve been carved out of mudstone erosion and turbulent waves.

The Most Beautiful Islands in New Zealand

Kapiti Island

Natural Feature

Kapiti Island, New Zealand
© TWEITH / Shutterstock

Kapiti Island is where the coast, shrubland and native forestry come together in perfect harmony. It’s 5km (3mi) outside the western shores of the lower North Island and is home to two protected conservation sites with various native birds, marine animals and critically endangered species. Its proximity to Wellington has made the island a popular tourist site – particularly for birdwatchers; however, daily visitor numbers are capped to protect the local environment.

Aotea/Great Barrier Island

Natural Feature

Medlands beach view from Mt Hobson, Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
© Evgeny Gorodetsky / Shutterstock

Aotea/Great Barrier Island is the largest island in the Hauraki Gulf. As with Waiheke, passenger ferries departing from downtown Auckland will take you to the island. Its eastern shores feature high cliffs and awe-inspiring surf beaches, while the western side is best known for its serene, sheltered bays. Native forestry is another major asset, and you’ll find several walking tracks around the island that are worth exploring.

Rakiura/Stewart Island

Natural Feature

Rakiura/Stewart Island is the third-largest island in New Zealand. It lies 30km (19mi) south of the South Island and only has one town to its name: Oban, which lies on the eastern side of the island in Halfmoon Bay. Stewart Island is home to unique wildlife, stunning natural features and epic walking and hiking routes.

Waiheke Island

Natural Feature

While Stewart Island is one of the largest islands, Waiheke Island is New Zealand’s most densely populated. This picturesque destination is also the second-largest island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf and the most accessible – you can easily catch a ferry and reach Waiheke in 40 minutes. The island is a popular day trip and wedding and honeymoon destination because of its stunning vineyards and picturesque beaches.

Rangitoto Island

Hiking Trail, Natural Feature

View of Rangitoto Island
© Ian Rushton / Shutterstock

Rangitoto Island and its young volcano are among Auckland’s most recognisable natural landmarks. The island, which emerged from the sea just 600 years ago, is a short ferry ride from the city and a favourite spot for those wanting to go hiking and participate in water sports. Sea kayaking, birdwatching and walking up Rangitoto’s summit are some of the island’s most popular activities.

Matakana Island

Natural Feature

Matakana Island seen from the Mount Maunganui, New Zeland
© Ventura / Shutterstock

Matakana Island is a long, flat island that borders the Western Bay of Plenty’s Tauranga Harbour. Even though it’s 20km (12mi) in length, the island is fairly narrow – only 3km (2mi) wide. Conservation is a significant part of Matakana Island’s operations. You’ll find hundreds of indigenous plant species in the area, and the surf side of the coastlines are known for being a prime nesting location for various native seabirds.

Whakaari/White Island

Natural Feature

Volcanic Sulfur Crater Lake, Whakarri Island in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
© Unicus / Shutterstock

Whakaari/White Island is New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. It sits 48km (30mi) off the North Island’s east coast in the Bay of Plenty region and is as much a place of interest for scientists as it is a popular tourist attraction. Dramatic geothermal beauty aside, the island’s surrounding waters are another notable asset. Here, divers can marvel at the underwater steam vents and resident marine critters, while avid fishers will have plenty of opportunities to cast a line during specialised chartered boat tours.

Chatham Islands

Famously the first place in the world to welcome the New Year, the Chatham Islands comprise 10 islands within a 60km (37mi) radius. The two largest islands, Chatham and Pitt, are the only ones inhabited; most of the other islands have restricted access or are completely off-limits. You can fly in from Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington to immerse yourself in a hilly showcase of shrubbery, photogenic beaches, dunes and epic lagoons.

Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island

Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island is home to New Zealand’s first nature reserve, established in 1896. Its importance to local conservation efforts means that access to the pest-free island is highly restricted. If you want to visit, you’ll need to get a special permit from the Department of Conservation before you’re allowed to embark on an approved commercial charter that will transport you to the island. Little Barrier lies 80km (50mi) north of Auckland and is a good place for birdwatching, diving and snorkelling.

Rangitoto ki te Tonga/D’Urville Island

Named after French explorer Jules Dumont d’Urville, this picturesque island lies the Marlborough Sounds. Natural remoteness is a strong part of the island’s appeal. Here, you can immerse yourself in various nature-based activities, such as diving, snorkelling, cycling, walking and marine wildlife spotting.

Motu Ihupuku/Campbell Island

Motu Ihupuku/Campbell Island is part of a subantarctic Unesco World Heritage site 700km (435mi) south of the South Island. It is the main island among the Campbell Islands, which are surrounded by various rock formations and islets – the most well known are Dent Island, Folly Island and the Isle de Jeanette Marie. Campbell Island is steep, rocky and surrounded by cliffs and is also home to several endemic birds, including the Campbell Island teal and snipe, both of which are critically endangered.

Walkers trekking across Campbell Island, Sub-antarctic Islands, New Zealand

Poor Knights Islands

Poor Knights Islands are off the Tutukaka Coast in the North Island’s Northland region. They’re the remnants of some ancient volcanoes that have been moulded into a spectacular network of underwater caves, arches, tunnels and cliffs. Diving and snorkelling are the island’s main activities; indeed, the sea surrounding the islands has been a marine reserve since 1981, thanks to its incredible biodiversity.

Enderby Island

Enderby Island is one of the Auckland Islands, a subantarctic New Zealand territory that sits 465km (290mi) south of the South Island. Just north of Auckland Island (the largest in the archipelago), it’s notable for its fauna. Enderby is a key nesting site for endemic seabird species such as the Auckland shag, teal and snipe, as well as being an excellent place to spot New Zealand sea lions, brown skua, northern giant petrels and yellow-eyed penguins.

Moutohorā/Whale Island

Venture slightly beyond White Island to meet the lesser-known gem that is Moutohorā/Whale Island. It’s a remnant of an eroded volcano and home to several endangered native plants, birds, marine mammals and lizards. It is considered a protected nature reserve, and access is highly restricted. Similar to Little Barrier Island, only a small selection of approved boat operators can take you to Moutohorā.

Matiu/Somes Island

Matiu/Somes Island, the largest island in northern Wellington Harbour, is presently a scientific and historical reserve. In the past, it has served as a military defence point, a human and animal quarantine station and an internment camp – you can still see the historic remains of its colourful past by walking around the area’s main loop track. A scheduled ferry service runs from Wellington to Matiu/Somes Island seven days a week, making this an ideal spot for an island-based day trip.

The Most Beautiful Towns in New Zealand

The following are recommendations from Helen Armitage.

Queenstown

Park

michael-amadeus-W47UMydgshw-unsplash
Michael Amadeus / Unsplash
Dubbed the ‘adventure capital of New Zealand’, Queenstown is nestled on the edges of the crystal clear Lake Wakatipu on South Island. Its lakeside location offers everything from high-energy jet boating to relaxing river cruises and fly fishing, while the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains is suited to walkers, hikers and photographers hoping to capture the area’s iconic rugged landscape. Small and laid back, but simultaneously cosmopolitan and lively, Queenstown boasts fine dining restaurants, a bustling bar scene and a packed cultural calendar with events such as the Queenstown Winter Festival, a huge celebration centered around raucous street parties.

Picton

Architectural Landmark, Natural Feature

Picton, New Zealand
Nico Smit / Unsplash

A charming coastal village tucked into a bay in the South Island’s stunning Queen Charlotte Sound, Picton is a must-visit for any budding wine connoisseurs; the Marlborough Wine Region, which produces most of New Zealand’s wine, is just on the town’s doorstep. You needn’t leave town to experience the area’s natural beauty, however, with Picton’s peaceful harbor perfect for sampling locally caught seafood and shopping for craft gifts. For more energetic pursuits, the neighboring Queen Charlotte Track offers 71km (44mi) of breathtaking coastal scenery and regular water taxis back into town.

Kaikoura

Natural Feature

Tail of a whale on the coast off Kaikoura, New Zealand
Davide Dalfovo / Unsplash

Located a few hours’ drive north of Christchurch, the picture-perfect seaside town of Kaikoura is known for its laid-back vibe, eco-friendly attitude and stunning location where rugged mountains meet stunning seascape. The town boasts rich Maori culture, even down to its name, Kaikoura is Maori for ‘eat crayfish’, which is the town’s culinary specialty and can be bought freshly caught and cooked at local food trucks and restaurants. Hike the Kaikoura Mountains for breathtaking views over the coast and don’t miss out on a boat trip out of Kaikoura. The town offers some of the best whale, dolphin and seal-spotting in the world.

Mangawhai

Natural Feature

Mangawhai Heads, Mangawhai, New Zealand
David P / Unsplash

It may be just 100km (62mi) north of New Zealand’s biggest city, Auckland, but the charming Northland town of Mangawhai could be a whole world away. A varied beach town, Mangawhai’s Pacific beaches offer the thrill of surfing while its peaceful harbor, flanked by sand dunes that are home to rare trees and birds, offers safe swimming and kayaking. Events such as the Mangawhai Walking Weekend held each autumn encourages residents and visitors alike to discover the town’s natural beauty. A longtime haven for artists too, Mangawhai has a thriving arts scene and is home to many galleries and studios.

Feilding

A 14-time winner of Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s Most Beautiful Town award, Feilding is known for its beautiful Edwardian architecture, boutique shopping, historic museum collections and rural charm. Located just north of Palmerston North, Feilding is the rural center of the Manawatu District. It is home to Feilding Saleyards, a livestock sale held in town since 1880 and the weekly Feilding Farmers’ Market. For history buffs and motoring enthusiasts, there is The Coach House museum and Manfeild Racing Circuit, while for art lovers a walk around Feilding’s central business district should entertain as the walls of its buildings are adorned with murals by local artist Eric Brew.

Whakatane

A jewel of the North Island’s Bay of Plenty, Whakatane boasts history, culture, stunning coastal scenery and, as the four-time winner of the New Zealand’s Sunshine Capital title, an ideal respite from some of New Zealand’s harsher climes. Discover local Maori culture at Mataatua Wharenui, a 130-year-old Maori meeting house and the Whakatane Library And Exhibition Center, or perhaps at events such as The Summer Arts Festival. The nearby White Island, home to New Zealand’s only active marine volcano and Ohope Beach, one of the country’s best-loved beaches, offers plenty of activities for outdoorsy types.

Raglan

Located just west of Hamilton, New Zealand’s fourth-largest city, is the picturesque coastal community of Raglan. A town whose beaches are often hailed as home to the best surfing in the country, Raglan’s rugged surroundings also offer plenty of other activities from hiking at Bridal Veil Falls to traversing the Te Toto Gorge. The town’s laid-back, bohemian vibe is just as refreshing, with friendly residents and an eclectic community of cafes, bars and art galleries.

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