Top 25 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

by Paras Holidays Pvt. Ltd Travel Agent

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.

Source- https://www.parasholidays.in/blog/top-25-places-to-visit-in-new-zealand/