Places to Visit in New Zealand

Bay Of Islands is a series of captivating islands known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With over 140 stunning islands lining its alluring waters, travellers can explore all historical sites, including Waitangi Treaty Grounds, or cruise through the Hole in the Rock.

Considered to be the bluest lake in the whole of New Zealand, Lake Tekapo scores very high in terms of natural beauty. It even has its own hot springs, apart from some really amazing cafés and restaurants with spectacular views. The town of Lake Tekapo is very close to the popular Mount cook national park.

The Waitomo glowworm caves are one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions as it involves a boat ride inside a cave that is lit up by glowworms. The ceiling of this cave is lit up by millions of bioluminescent insects, making it one of the best New Zealand tourist places to explore by all exciting souls.

The Tongariro holds the designation of being New Zealand’s first national park and has dual UNESCO world heritage status. This national park is spread over an area of 80,000 hectares and is dotted by volcanic wonders including old lava flows, steaming craters, emerald lakes and alpine gardens. The ancient forests that run parallel to the Whanganui river are worth exploring as well.

The Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand is famous for its misty forests and pristine beaches. It is one of the most famous holiday destinations because of its laid-back vibe. Either lace up your hiking boots to unravel the rainforest-covered mountains or just relax at the beach paradise of New Zealand, the Coromandel peninsula has a lot to offer.

Fiords are basically u-shaped valleys carved out by glaciers and flooded by the sea. In simpler words, they are basically a grand show put up by mother nature and the Fiordland National park is full of them as it is home to more than fourteen fiords. The Milford sound region is so visually stunning that it is often described as the eighth wonder of the world.

Franz Josef town is renowned to be one of the prettiest towns in the entire world. Take a glacier helicopter flight or visit the west coast wildlife centre to witness rare kiwis in their habitat. For an adventure that you will never forget, head over to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers as they have almost everything – awe-inspiring places to stay, amazing hikes and so much more!

The Abel Tasman National Park is an absolute coastal paradise that you can explore by sailing a catamaran, cruise boat, sea kayak, or water taxi. There are luxurious lodges where you can stay but camping here, under the stars is considered to be one of the best experiences. Sunbathing, sedate snorkelling, and hiking are some of the most famous activities here.

Many interesting nature places can be found in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the Southern Alps. Aoraki is the Maori name for Mount Cook, which is New Zealand's tallest mountain. It stands tall above the rest of the land. It's a great sign of how lovely the country is. In the wild parts of this park, you can find eight of New Zealand's twelve biggest glaciers. The beautiful Tasman Glacier is one of these huge ice shows.

Kaikoura is a small coastal town in New Zealand that is primarily famous for its abundant wildlife. This quaint little town is home to dusky dolphins, blue-eyed penguins, fur seals and sperm whales. Swim with wild dolphins, witness the native fur seals or go on a kayaking tour – you’re bound to have a great time in Kaikoura.

Tucked neatly within the Taupo volcanic zone of New Zealand, Waimangu Volcanic Valley is an iconic natural wonder spanning over 18 square kilometres. Formed after the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, it is a brimming volcanic valley and the world’s youngest geothermal system.

Within the valley, you may experience different geothermal features, including hot springs, steaming cliffs, and colourful mineral terraces. On your New Zealand trip, you may explore the Waimangu Volcanic Valley through properly maintained walking tracks lined by a rich collection of flora and fauna.

Milford sound is one of the most popular fiords in New Zealand and is a part of the Fiordland national park. With its unique wildlife, hundreds of waterfalls, and towering mountain peaks, the Milford Sound is one of New Zealand famous places, and you have to witness its raw beauty to affirm the same!

The white island attracts volcanologists and tourists alike from across the globe as it is home to the world’s most dynamic spring made out of gushing lava. It is home to New Zealand’s one of most active volcanoes which can be witnessed from a scenic helicopter ride. There are many lookout points from where you can easily spot the steam clouds puffing from the crater at The Whakatāne Heads.

Renowned for its stunning beaches, remarkable wineries, and emerald landscapes, Waiheke Island is one of the most beautiful places to see in New Zealand. It is only a few minutes boat ride or seaplane ride away from downtown Auckland and a place to relax, refresh, or entertain. Its white sandy beaches are ideal for swimming, kayaking, or picnicking. Whereas, coastal walks covering little coves, vast vistas, exotic birdlife, and the ancient mansions please most tastes.

This island is also known for its wine refineries and stunning vineyards. Opt for a wine or food plus wine tasting tour and savour unique flavours that island has on the offer. Sculpture on the Bay is an art exhibition that makes you buy something for yourself or your friends out there. Add this island to your itinerary and relish different wines and scenery.

Featuring a simpler and slower lifestyle, Stewart Island boasts of a perfect combination of greens and sea. Also known as ‘the land of glowing skies’ it is the place with outstanding sky quality and is a Dark Sky Sanctuary. The sky gets illuminated with Aurora Australis and presents a majestic sight making the island one of the must places to visit in New Zealand to enjoy the natural phenomenon of Southern Lights.

Over 85% of the island area comes in reserved National Park and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking or spotting a wide range of wildlife or birds. Its sprawling seascape is equally breathtaking and offers a great setting to indulge in boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, or diving. Plan a getaway to Stewart Island holiday to have a unique experience of fun, thrills, scenic beauty, and indulgence.

Otorohanga Kiwi House is a renowned sanctuary located in the heart of New Zealand. It is dedicated to protecting and preserving the country’s iconic kiwi bird. This kiwi house is situated in the picturesque town of Otorohanga, allowing travelers to glance at these nocturnal creatures up close.

Preached at a rugged terrain is the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, a geological marvel known for its unique rock formations. This iconic destination is composed of layers of limestones which appear like a stack of pancakes. It took over several million years to form these.

The Canterbury Plains, stretching across the eastern coast of New Zealand's South Island, captivate with their vast, undulating landscapes. Characterized by fertile soils and framed by the Southern Alps to the west, these plains are the agricultural heartland of the region.

Discover the secrets of Weta Cave on an interactive guided tour when you are in search of the top Wellington tourist attractions. Take a peek behind the scenes of the world-renowned Weta Workshop and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of movie-making. Learn how the creative geniuses of Weta bring movie magic to the screen and experience the world of fantasy and imagination.

Ruakuri Cave is a breathtaking landscape nestled in between lush greenery and majestic views of Waitomo, New Zealand. The name Ruakuri Cave means "den of dogs" and is a true representation of the place's rich culture and heritage. This limestone cave took millions of years to form, offering travelers a captivating sight to explore!

Stirling Falls is a beautiful natural wonder secreted in New Zealand's Milford Sound. It proves how strong and lovely nature can be. At 155 metres high, the falls are in the middle of Fiordland National Park.

Mitre Park is New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonder known for its striking mountain situated in Fiordland National Park. standing at an elevation of 5551 feet from the ground level, Mitre Peak is a sharply and distinctive pointed submit which appears like bishop’s mitre. Mitre Peak is renowned for its steep rise directly from the fiord, creating an awe-inspiring and photogenic landscape.

The Dark Sky Project in Lake Tekapo, New Zealand, offers an extraordinary stargazing experience in one of the world's clearest night skies. Nestled within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, this project provides a unique opportunity to explore the cosmos with minimal light pollution. Visitors can join guided tours led by expert astronomers, who share insights into the Southern Hemisphere’s stars, planets, and constellations.

In New Zealand Lake Pukaki is a large glacial fed lake located between Tekapo and Twizel. It's clear turquoise-blue water comes from glacial melt from the Southern Alps, the little rock particles in the water give it this beautiful colour. This gorgeous colour scheme reflects the majestic peaks of Mount Cook, which is New Zealand's tallest mountain. The lake's northern end is fed with the Tasman River, which flows from the Hooker and Tasman Glacier and has many curves. 

In New Zealand Puzzling World is an excellent example of creativity and cleverness. In 1973, it started out as a single-story maze. Over time, it grew into an award-winning complex of optical illusions, puzzle rooms, and the world's first 3-D maze. People know Puzzling World for the Leaning Tower of Wanaka and the strange Roman-looking toilet. As of 2020, more than 4 million people had visited Puzzling World, and about 200,000 people came every year.