7 Most Beautiful Places in New Zealand
New Zealand’s North Island is home to incredible geothermal wonders, epic hikes, beautiful islands (with excellent wine!) and so much more. Scroll down to see some of the amazing places you can see when you explore New Zealand!
1. Waiheke Island
In landscape, lifestyle, and experience, Waiheke is a world away.
The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic.
If you’re a walker, explore the island’s trails which meander along cliff tops, down to the beaches and into cool enclaves of native forest. At the eastern end of the island, the Stony Batter walkway leads you to a system of World War II gun emplacements and underground tunnels.
To stay overnight, rent a beach house and wake up to the sound of the waves, if you’re on a budget, go to a friendly backpacker hostel.
Getting around is easy too. Catch one of the regular ferries that run to Waiheke from downtown Auckland. Once on the island, there are public buses and taxis, or you can hire a mountain bike, motor scooter or car. And if you've already got a car or bike, you can bring it over with you on the car ferry.
Source — Newzealand.com
2. Hooker Valley Track
The track leads through the sacred Tōpuni area of the Hooker Valley, which has special significance and values to Ngāi Tahu iwi, towards Aoraki/Mount Cook.
From the first of three swing bridges along the way, enjoy the views over the Mueller Lake and listen for the rumbling of avalanches from the distant Mount Sefton. Try to spot them before they crash into the Mueller Glacier below.
After crossing the Hooker River, the track goes between old moraine ridges and humps. From the second swing bridge, the vegetation changes to a more open tussock and a wider valley floor. A third swing bridge leads to the East Hooker and the source of the Hooker River.
The track ends with an amazing view over the iceberg-speckled Hooker Lake and up to majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
Return on the same track, enjoying more views down the valley and across to the Sealy Range.
The best time to walk this stunning track is at dawn when you can view the first rays of the sun creeping over the Southern Alps, including over New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. Early risers will be rewarded with the serenity of sharing the track with only a handful of other walkers along its 10k m length.
Source — Doc.govt.nz
3. Wai-O-Tapu
Visit one of the most unique regions in New Zealand, the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, with a short but fantastic morning tour from Rotorua!
After picking you up from your accommodation in Rotorua we'll head out to these amazing natural wonders, traveling along the Thermal Highway. Before reaching the park we'll stop promptly at 10:15am to see the Lady Knox Geyser erupt!
From here we'll enter into the park where you'll be free to explore on your own for up to 2 hours! Discover the steaming hot springs and mud pools as you wander through the park! At 12:30pm we'll head to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley! This region is a must for any visitor to Rotorua.
Formed after the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, this volcanic region is home to multiple crater lakes such as the pale Inferno Crater Lake and the Frying Pan Lake - the largest hot springs in the world - as well as unique plant life and the Marble and Warbrcik Terraces.
Source — Tours4fun.com
4. Rotorua
In the heart of the North Island, you will find the city of Rotorua. Home to the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley (where you find Te Puia, mentioned above), Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity including hot springs renowned for its health benefits.
Head up via gondola to Skyline Rotorua to go on the luge, a ‘gravity fuelled’ toboggan-cum-go-kart that is fun for all ages, children, and adults (big children) alike! If you don’t fancy racing down luge tracks, then simply take a leisurely gondola ride up to the Skyline complex and enjoy the spectacular views over Rotorua city and Lake Rotorua.
Rotorua is also considered one of the mountain biking meccas of New Zealand so if you’re a fan, don’t miss out on the routes here! 160km of MTB trails are on offer in this area of North Island, including through the Whakarewarewa Redwoods Forest.
Source — Theflyawaygirl.com
5. Milford Sound Nature Cruises
Take the time to enjoy the best of Milford Sound with our leisurely Nature Cruise day tour. Exploring the length of the fiord you’ll learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide.
Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as a move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins.
Our Nature Cruises have a flexible, extended itinerary that gives you plenty of time to appreciate the scenery and take in the highlights.
Our experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you’ll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day.
Informative, participative and relaxed, a Nature Cruise is the perfect way to experience what’s been called the “eighth wonder of the world”.
Real journeys nature cruise at 10:30 am was pretty much the best deal on Milford. The best ships from all of those sailing here & I assume their service cannot get any better. Staff on board was really great looking after all of the guests to a 5-star standard. I had food on board which was a really good deal and very much valuable for the money spent.
They have taken really good efforts to ensure guests on board are given a memorable time. I highly recommend this tour to all those going to Milford sounds. Keep at least 15 mins time to park and walk to the pier as it’s a bit of a distance here.
Source — Realjourneys.co.nz
6. Te Anau
The mighty Lake Te Anau is rimmed by native forest with the snow-capped peaks of Mount Luxmore and Mount Murchison rising up in the background. Hugging the lake is the pretty settlement of Te Anau, often called the "walking capital of the world.
This is Fiordland's main base, and the unhurried and relaxed charm of this tiny town (with a population of 2,000) beguiles all who make the long journey here.
The lake is the South Island's largest and the second biggest in New Zealand (only beaten to the number one spot by Lake Taupo), and plenty of cruises and kayaking tours explore the lake's gorgeous setting.
Great day walks are also available in the vicinity for keen hikers who don't have time to tackle one of the longer treks.
Just out of town is a family-friendly attraction, Te Anau Wildlife Centre, where you can meet the endangered Takahe bird, which was thought extinct until it was rediscovered in Fiordland in 1948.
Source — Planetware.com
7. Waikato River
Born on the eastern slopes of Mt Ruapehu, the longest river in New Zealand drains Lake Taupō through Taupō town, blasts through a narrow rock chasm to create the Huka Falls, then winds more peacefully northwards towards Port Waikato, south of Auckland.
Travelling the Waikato (meaning ‘flowing water’) by river float, scenic boat cruise or jet boat is one of the best ways to experience its power and beauty.
Almost 100km of Waikato River Trails and 34km of Huka Trails wind alongside the river, passing through native bush, exotic forest, historic landmarks, interesting rock formations, farmland, open reserves, boardwalks over significant wetlands, and expansive lake and river landscapes.
Almost 100km of Waikato River Trails and 34km of Huka Trails wind alongside the river, passing through native bush, exotic forest, historic landmarks, interesting rock formations, farmland, open reserves, boardwalks over significant wetlands, and expansive lake and river landscapes.
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