New Zealand is formed by two islands offering a great
diverse and beautiful natural setting. Remarkable for its glaciers and beaches,
New Zealand is the ideal destination for adventure seekers and lovers of amazing
outdoors. Interesting national parks, diverse and engaging cities, and
refreshing weather make New Zealand an attraction that is necessary on
everyone's travel list.
1. Queenstown
Queenstown is known as the most remarkable destinations in
New Zealand for travelers. There are numerous outdoor activities can be tried
in Queenstown that takes a vast space in every traveler's bucket list.
Experience skydive or bungee jump, with picturesque views of lakes, canyons, and mountains on the
way down, or try whitewater rafting on the Shotover River. You can also watch
some of the prime filming locations from the Lord of the Rings series on a
guided tour of nearby Glenorchy.
2. Abel Tasman
National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is situated on the South Island popular
for its admirable sandy beaches and the amazing granite cliffs that rise up
above them. The best day trip excursion is to the serene beaches, where try
kayak, canoe, and sunbathe on a secluded stretch of sand, Abel Tasman National
Park is also famous for its hiking trails. The best would still remain the Abel
Tasman Coast Track, is nearly 40 miles long and takes an average of 3 to 5 days
to complete, but you can try shorter 1 day trips also for thrilling adventures.
3. Aoraki - Mount
Cook
The village of Mount Cook is located at the bottom of this
huge mountain, which at 12,218 feet at its summit is the tallest mountain in
entire New Zealand. The mountain lies within the boundaries of Aoraki / Mount
Cook National Park, which is an incredibly beautiful place filled with rocky
snow-capped peaks, blue glacial lakes, and some charming hiking trails. All the
trails in the area give perfect scenic views and take almost 3 hours to
complete.
4. Auckland
Auckland is one of the majors cities of New Zealand's North
Island. It's a fancy city with mesmerizing
nature right at its doorstep making ideal for stay in New Zealand. From here,
it's easily accessible to visit some of the fascinating surrounding nature and
for the adventure seekers - kayaking to a volcano or relaxing along the black
sand beaches, also try endless restaurants, shops, nightlife, and accommodation
when you're done.
5. Central Otago
Central Otago is in the heart of the South Island, in the
Otago Region. In sunny Central Otago tourists will experience dry, hilly
landscapes and some gorgeous heritage towns. Otago is in the gold rush in New
Zealand, and few small towns there such as Bannockburn, Naseby, and Ophir
showcases history with their old-school charm. The region is well known for
wine growing and is home to many outstanding vineyards, that are especially
popular for pinot noir and a must visit destination.
6. Chatham Islands
The Chatham Islands are known as the archipelago of about
ten islands situated around 500 miles east of New Zealand's South Island. The
Chatham Islands, with the rocky coastlines and rugged lush green wilderness,
were the royal home of the Moriori people, a Polynesian tribe just like the
Maori of New Zealand's prime islands. The islands are remarkable for mouthwatering,
fresh seafood, which can be tried at any of the restaurants on the Chatham
Islands. Here experience the wildlife, from the abundant colorful birds and
animals to the fresh flowering plants in the archipelago.
7. Christchurch
Canterbury
Christchurch is located on the South Island of New Zealand
on the East Coast of the island and in the area of Canterbury. It's referred as
the second-largest city in New Zealand and famous as the Garden City for its
vibrant gardens and parks. The traditional English feel of Christchurch is
carried throughout the
New Zealand Tour Packages. There are various oceans, beaches, and mountains embracing city
’s
beauty. The region of Canterbury is special for its varied landscape, with
snow-capped mountains, clear blue lakes, and lush plains.
8. Dunedin
Dunedin is also on the South Island established by Scottish
immigrants. The gorgeous Edwardian and Victorian architecture, thrilling for
hikers and bicyclists, and varied city life filled with yummy food, wild
nightlife, art, and trendy shopping all combine to make Dunedin an adorable
city. There are fantastic beaches, extraordinary food, and access to the Otago
Peninsula, where tourists might witness an albatross or a yellow eyed penguin.
9. Fiordland
Fiordland is called for the fiords of Doubtful Sound and
Milford Sound, that were carved by glaciers many years ago and placed within
Fiordlands National Park. The clean blue waters covered by majestic mountains,
are most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand. With mountain to sea, also forests
and splashes of cooler, are picturesque, as are many aspects of this amazing
destinations. For a complete extraordinary experience, tourists to Fiordland
can try hiking, climbing, fishing, camping, or kayaking.
10. Kaikoura
Literally named for its food, kaikoura in the Maori language
means "crayfish food." Most restaurants in Kaikoura serve this local
specialty, caught right off the coast. Kaikoura is actually very well known for
other marine life as well; there is an abundant population of seals, dolphins,
and whales that live permanently in the ocean near the town. A whale watching
tour taken from Kaikoura is almost always fruitful, with plenty of wildlife to
observe, including a local population of fur seals that are pretty
entertaining. Located just a few hours from Christchurch, Kaikoura is a great
spot for a day trip.
11. Lake Tekapo
The town in the geographical heart of the South Island. Lake
Tekapo is spectacular and colored an extraordinary cloudy blue due to the
glacier-ground rock flour in its waters and the town, with huge mountain vistas
rising from the lake, making it both ancient and friendly. Lake Tekapo might be
charming during the day time but once the sun sets the whole view becomes
unreal. It's listed as a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve that once night comes the
skies turns lit up by a million number of stars.
12. Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka is recognized as the fourth-largest lake in New Zealand, placed
inland on the South Island in the Otago Region. The clean waters of this
fantasy lake make for some perfect insta worthy photos as well as the sunny
inland weather gives more magical days spent out on the water. During the
summer Lake Wanaka is ideal for sailing, fishing, and kayaking, and the
mountains give an ideal setting for hiking, climbing and not to miss skydiving.
During the winter months, the peaks around Lake Wanaka becomes destination for
skiers racing down the slopes.
13. Marlborough
Marlborough is a region situated at the northernmost tip of
the South Island. The region is celebrated for its sauvignon blanc, which is
grown and produced at vineyards throughout the region. Other highlights for
Marlborough are its fresh seafood from the coastal waters and also picture
perfect landscapes. You can also try boating here.
14. Matamata
Matamata must be added in travel list for any Lord of the
Rings fans visiting New Zealand. This little town on the North Island has a
plethora of quirky cafes, and its location being the prime factor as the shadow
of the Kaimai Mountain Range makes it worth visiting. But what draws the
tourists here is the filming set and location for Hobbiton, the home of Frodo
Baggins and his hobbit companions in The Lord of the Rings series.
15. Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a pretty vision for its Forged thousands of
years ago by glaciers, its breathtaking waterfalls and flowing waters are
framed by majestic mountains, which intersects their rocky fingers into the
air. Boat cruises of the sound discovered both during the day and overnight the
ideal way to feel with natural beauty. Get a chance at Milford Sound to watch
the fiord from a sea kayak, from the air, or from a scuba dive.
16. Napier
Napier provides today as a great example of art deco
architecture, with uniquely New Zealand feels like Maori patterns and aesthetic
details. Mouthwatering vineyards that forms pinot gris and Syrah, farmers'
markets, and annual cultural festivals to celebrate the town's heritage are just
little of the other details that make Napier feel like a step back to a easier
time. You must add this place in your list to enjoy its different history and
know about how the city developed further.
17. Nelson Tasman
Nelson Tasman is the bright sunny region in all of New
Zealand, and its scenery filled with golden sandy beaches, dense green forests,
huge mountains, and freshwater springs showcases that sunny demeanor. On a sea
kayak journey, tourists can watch penguins, seals, and also some dolphins, while
on land they can head to Abel Tasman National Park. Nelson is a city known for
its Nelson Bay scallops, and cafes along the coast offering a fine glass of
local wine.
18. Northland
Northland is known as the northernmost region of New
Zealand. Its climate is subtropical providing sunshine, warm temperatures, and
refreshing days and the region encompasses not just the prime island but also
the Bay of Islands and thick forests of kauri trees and numerous marine life.
Snorkeling off the Poor Knights Islands witnessing dolphins from a boat tour,
surfing through the Te Paki sand dunes, or having a drink at the Duke of
Marlborough being the oldest liquor license in New Zealand are interesting
adventures that await.
19. Rotorua
Rotorua is lucky to be in treasure of a veritable natural
beauty with recreational options for everyone. Its lakes are great for fishing,
boating as well as relaxing on the water. Maori culture is found in this area,
and you should watch a performance of a traditional Maori song and dance in the
beautiful Maori Village or at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.
20. Taupo
Lake Taupo is also located the North Island. It is a large
and calm lake that was made in the caldera of a volcano with the same name. It
is considered as the largest lake in New Zealand based on surface area, also
the lake in its volcanic bowl, is an incredible place to go. You can soak in
the warm, geothermal pools at Wairakei Terraces, try fish for trout in the
lake, or cycle along the trail making it a lifetime experience. There are
various other options for adrenaline sports including bungee jumping and
skydiving and a strong presence of the friendly Maori people.
21. Tongariro
National Park
Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage site including
three active volcanoes such as Ngauruhoe, offering as Mount Doom in the Lord of
the Rings series. On the slopes of one volcano, skiers move down the sides,
from one to another, with boiling pools of mud and clean lakes filled with
volcanic gas. Hiking trails take you to the Red Crater, an active crater at the
top of Mount Tongariro. At the base of the volcanoes, tourists can paddleboard,
kayak, and be awestruck by the splendid lakes that lie peacefully at the
bottom.
22. Waitaki
The Waitaki Region spreads through the center of the South
Island with scenic coastlines as well the majestic mountains and lush plains of
the island's inland regions. In the coastal city of Moeraki there are boulders
strewn upon the beach around 65 million years old, and watch dolphins leaping
into the air as they play. Further inland, the town of Oamaru and its white
stone buildings are amazing stop on the way to the most celebrated Aoraki /
Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand.
23. Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Township is known for its green and hilly beauty,
however underneath the sunny, glassy regions gives something much darker and
more intriguing: filled with caves and underground streams. People with a more
adventurous heart can also try to explore the dark caves via a zipline or
experience blackwater rafting by holding tight to a rubber tube as they
navigate the thrilling twists and turns of the underground river.
24. Wellington
Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand situated at
the North Island. There's a vast art scene in this city, unique for its
creative spirit. Tourists to Wellington will view many art museums and
galleries, trips movie sets and locations, and all the shopping and food that
the city provides. A quick ride on the celebrated Wellington Cable Car will
give visitors with an awe inspiring view of the city and surrounding areas, and
a short duration drive out of the city will provide tourists in some definitely
pretty natural regions.
25. West Coast
Glaciers
The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers is set on the West Coast of
the South Island, are two large glaciers that flow near to sea level. Their
lower altitude compared to most glaciers and the favorable climate making two glaciers
easy to visit, and tourists will be thrilled by climbing among the ice having
open tunnels like caves that visitors can discover. To head to the glaciers,
you must book a helicopter or ski plane to the beginning point and take a guide
to lead the trip onto the ice.
