The 37 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in New Zealand

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.