Best Places in New Zealand

If you are into watersports then this first paradise on our list might be your next destination. This sanctuary is ideal for fishing, sailing, kayaking, diving, and many other similar things! Explorers may get the chance to hop on a ferry, then head out along the bay to discover a new majestic location. The Bay of Islands will treat you not only with various adventurous sports, but also phenomenal nature views including cerulean waters and fantastic marine life that will surely highlight your travel. Among its best tourist hubs is the Hole in the Rock where you have to sail to see the fascinating rock formation during the right tide level. Another one is the Fullers GreatSights Hole on the Rock Dolphin Cruise where you can see adorable whales and dolphins!

#14 Christchurch

Tragedies challenge one’s strength and resilience to face the difficulties in life. It tests how one can overcome a struggle and if they can end with hope in their heart. This ideal destination to visit in New Zealand will make you feel motivated, determined, and inspired to push through until the end so you won’t have any regrets. After being devastated by a surprising four large earthquakes between the period of September 2010 and December 2011, Christchurch was reborn, and it seemed like it hadn’t happened. Even though it underwent total renovation, the original attractions are still present, such as Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where you can witness amazing trees of the country and the Christchurch Gondola, where you can ride a cable car and see the breathtaking sites around the vicinity.

#13 Waiheke Island

Are you fond of drinking wine? You might want to consider checking out this hub. If you want to take your meal somewhere relaxing and soothing, reserve your schedule to visit Waiheke Island and dine at the Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant where you can get a taste of a setting of grandeur and luxury of life. Waiheke Island is a place where every wine enthusiast across the globe is welcomed to explore. It is a small island resting in the middle of Hauraki Gulf and there’s no wonder why it’s famous for being a home of vineyards as it is a popular and highly recommended attraction that is sure to mesmerize you. The Waiheke Island Wine Tours is a type of exploration where visitors are guided with professional tour guides that tour them around the astounding three vineyards and 14 various samples of wines!

#12 Auckland

Being the largest city and having the best international air travel spot in New Zealand, this could be the ideal hub to start off your voyage. You can do tons of outdoor activities that can make every day of your stay worth it. Among the things to do in this city are learning and figuring the past. Auckland is said to be rich in the traces of history, as you can visit the countless museums including the iconic Auckland Art Gallery that exhibits over 15,000 masterpieces. Whether it be about history, modern, or contemporary art, everything about art is here for you. If you prefer to stroll around and satisfy your hungry tummy, then you can take the path to the numerous restaurants that serve different kinds of cuisine!

#11 Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley 

Your journey in New Zealand wouldn’t be complete if you missed out seeing this precious pearl of Te Puia. Inside this wonder, you get to witness active geysers including the Pohutu which is said to be the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. The Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley is composed of stunning mud pools. They are not your ordinary pools to swim in as they boil up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit! Aside from the precious geothermal valley, there’s also another great hub at this site, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. It is situated at the Rotorua’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley where you may get the opportunity to experience the authentic and legit “steambox” meal which is said to be prepared through the use of ancient geothermal cooking styles. You can also learn the Maori welcome ceremony with their traditional song and dance performance.

#10 Franz Josef Glacier

Every corner in the world has designated hubs for a remarkable journey intended for every type of traveler. Since not everyone is suitable for every site, as not all sites offer everything, you may look for one that is more suited to you. An example is this trail spot for hikers, trekkers, thrillers, and adventurers who can walk over the 6-8-mile-long glacier pathway! Franz Josef Glacier is another splendid destination that features a walkway where you will be guided and astonishing helicopter tours that will leave you breathless. You don’t have to worry about freezing. You won’t feel the cold breeze at the Franz Josef Glacier because it receives a great amount of sunlight and its temperature is not super cold like you might think. You can treat yourself to a hot and relaxing dip in the Glacier Hot Pools.

#9 Castlepoint

Walking along a pathway leads to a site where you’ll see scenic views that will relieve your exhaustion from the endless walk. If you want to experience the fun and relaxing getaway, then head to the small seaside town of Wairarapa located North of Wellington. Try out a stroll inside the tallest lighthouse in New Zealand where you go up 23-meters. You can witness the North Island’s iconic seaside scenery. On your way up, you’ll be surprised by the fossil shell collection sitting along your route. You can spot the native fur seals and birds around the area, and there is a sheltered lagoon resting at the base.

#8 Wanaka

Call your travel buddies to take a short escapade to this paradise that will make your stress from the city’s noise fade away. This place is a small-town area with a friendly and impressive lake along with alpine features. It is now the new loved getaway place among explorers. Wanaka is another hub for a getaway, especially for skiers or those who are skiing during the winter season. Those who are into water sports and thrilling adventures in the water can book a visit during summer periods when Wanaka offers a lot of water-based activities.

#7 Piha Beach

For professional surfers, expert divers, photography enthusiasts, or people wanting to head over to the nearest yet majestic spot, this magical attraction might be a quick castaway place to breathe some fresh air and stay for a few days to regain energy. This paradise is surprising as it has almost everything you look for. It showcases its black sands and rugged look which make this site glitter with an exquisite aura. The next highlight of this destination is the Lion Rock. This attraction is a volcanic monolith with a war memorial and one-of-a-kind Maori carvings. It is said to be a famous photo spot among visitors.

#6 Lake Tekapo

Mornings in this gem destination are sure to charm you. You get to see alluring vibrant blue glacial waters, and at night you will be welcomed by fascinating stargazing. Lake Tekapo has an impressive lake that is inviting to explore. Its blooming lupins brighten the roadside of the area with a wonderful tone of pink and purple. The popular South Island’s International Dark Sky Reserve is where the Mt. St. John Observatory rests. The picturesque wonders are treasures of nature.

#5 Hokitika Gorge

Not just a beauty in picture but also in person, this wondrous site is simply stunning.
Somewhere around the West coast area of the South lsland, you can find the paradise named Hokitika Gorge. It features many splendid sites where you can complete your wanderlust goals. There are shining, shimmering turquoise waters surrounded with marvelous dense forest and a spectacular swing bridge where you can be exposed to the magnificent views. The richness of nature around Hokitika Gorge is evident.

#4 Tongariro National Park

Gear up for an extreme volcanic tour as this site is another remarkable spot that will lead you to the home of the three active volcanoes – all in just one place! Due to that exceptional feature, this place has been a dual holder of UNESCO World Heritage titles. With that and its extraordinary Maori cultural associations and the great volcanic sites, there’s no doubt why the organization recognized this place for two grand statuses. It really showcases masterpiece and unique creations that are rare. Aside from it, explorers can take a look over at the glacial Emerald Lakes. To capture the awe-inspiring view, one must hike over the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The real attraction is the Red Crater’s boiling mud pools.

#3 Moeraki

Boulders are not only an ordinary rock formation but also a dramatic feature of a site. They exhibit a masterpiece that not everyone knows about. There is a sanctuary where a massive amount of boulders scatter around Koekohe Beach. It captivates a lot of attention among explorers who visit this hub in Moeraki. Forming in the shape of a sphere, this notable rock formation garners curiosity from geologists who perform scientific investigations about its amazing concretions. There have been theories regarding the creation of these spectacular boulders but there have been a few that are closely related. The exact story is yet to be discovered. Another cool thing about this wonder is that it is a well-secured and a protected scientific reserve. The boulders that are spread out in the area seem to be made from mudstone erosion and the beach’s turbulent waves.

#2 Queenstown