New Zealand must be one of the top places to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is the country of contrasts, where one can find the hip vibrant cities with a lively scene as well as unspoiled nature retreats, untouched by the humans. The latter is the most fascinating part of New Zealand, therefore natural wonders dominate this list as well!
10. Spoil Yourself in Blanket Bay
Situated on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by the Southern Alps, the luxury lodge is indeed an amazing retreat in this gorgeous country. Blanket Bay is a world known lodge, attracting guests from all around the world to stay in South Island.
Why to go there?
The lodge offers a wide range of activities: from relaxing in a hot tub and pool to fly-fishing, heli-skiing, jet boating, kayaking, horse riding, visiting vineyards and even flight tours above Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
9. Visit the Volcano in Auckland
Rangitoto Island was created only 600 years ago after series of eruptions! It is clearly visible from Auckland and beautifully supplements its panorama. It is also one of the most favorite tourist destinations: the island features great hiking trails and more than 200 species of plants.
Why to go there?
Auckland is a hip city, while Rangitoto is geologically very interesting place, providing numerous activities.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
8. Visit the Blue Lake
Found in Nelson Lakes National Park, a relatively small lake is said to have the clearest water in the world! It is almost as clear as distilled water, meaning that its visibility is up to 80 meters. The lake is considered sacred to Māori, who call it Rotomairewhenua, therefore swimming or entering the lake is not allowed.
Why to go there?
The lake is found in the beautiful park, which provides a great retreat, hiking, fishing and camping opportunities.
Photo by Klaus Thymann
Photo by Klaus Thymann
Photo by Klaus Thymann
Photo by Klaus Thymann
7. Visit Waitomo Caves
The 2 million year old cave system under a small village hides a rare species of Arachnocampa luminosa worms, that create a glowing effect. The blue bioluminescence makes these spaces look unearthly and magical indeed. Australia is another place where these radiant worms are found – a true phenomenon, that makes nature the best artist around!
Why to go there?
The Glowworm caves on the North Island in New Zealand are the only place where you can admire this kind of effect.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Joseph Michael
Photo by Joseph Michael
Photo by Joseph Michael
6. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
New Zealand is another emerging wine producer. The best places to go wine tasting are Cromwell and Wanaka. Both fascinate with amazing nature, where besides the wine tours visitors go hiking, fishing and exploring the local cuisine at the restaurants. Meanwhile Rippon Winery in Wanaka is said to the most photographed winery in the world!
Why to go there?
Explore the beautiful nature and taste the fine local wines.
Photo by Lorenzo Montezemolo
Photo by Martin Tyler
Photo by Siwat Suttisanyapan
Photo by Molly Brown
5. Get Active in Queenstown
The resort town in the south-west of South Island attracts tourists all year round. Built around Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is surrounded with the Southern Alps. Tours in the lake by a historic “Lady of the Lake” boat are very popular. Plenty of other attractions, like cycling, fishing, bungee jumping, horseback riding, skiing, paragliding, wine tasting and many more, entertain the tourists.
Why to go there?
Amazing nature, plenty activities, one of the most famous resort towns in New Zealand.
Photo by Patrick Imrutai
Photo by Ronald Kuiper
Photo by Manon Hooijschuurv
Photo by Anuparb Papapan
4. Go to Hobbiton
One of the most successful movie sagas Lord Of The Rings was mainly filmed in New Zealand, whose rich nature offers a variety of differing sites. Hobbiton was a set, built for the movie. However, after the filming was finished somebody got the idea to leave this Hobbit village as the tourist attraction. And it definitely was a great idea.
Why to go there?
The visitors feel like they are walking around a real Hobbit village. Even the sheep pasture in the fields of Hobbiton! The site adds up extra excitement on the trip to New Zealand.
Photo by Daniel Kordan
Photo by Jacob Surland
Photo by Tom Wrench
Photo by Unknown
3. Relax in the Cook Islands
Although 15 islands in the South Pacific Ocean are a parliamentary democracy, they are associated with New Zealand. The remote islands provide the best vacation. Rakahanga island looks like a football pitch! The shores form a rectangle and a lagoon. Besides the amazing nature, warm climate, crystal clear water and white sandy beaches, the islands also offer cultural activities. The culture is a mix of Christian and local – Polynesian – traditions.
Why to go there?
It is easy to book a holiday on the Cook Islands, since tourism and facilities are very well developed here. The coral atolls can be reached by plane from Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles.
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Unknown
Photo by Patrick Jaussi
Photo by Jim Harding
2. Explore Tongariro National Park
Located on the North Island Tongariro is the oldest park in New Zealand and the fourth national park in the world. The versatility in the park is peerless: from three active volcanoes to a number of Māori religious sites, Tongariro is a wonderful natural retreat in the country. Many endemic animals live in the park, including kiwi – a national symbol of New Zealand.
Why to go there?
Climbing and hiking are the most popular activities in summer, as well as fishing, biking, rafting, while skiing and snowboarding are the main activities in winter.
Photo by Mark Watson
Photo by Ansley Snapp
Photo by Black Diamonds Images
1. Have a Boat Trip to Milford Sound
This is one of our most favorite natural wonders! The fjord is a favorite tourist destination in New Zealand and owns a legendary appraisal by Rudyard Kipling, who called it the eighth Wonder of the World. The fjord has two waterfalls – Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, accompanied by the hundreds of temporary falls after a heavy rain. Well developed tourism provides with the best service and tours to this magnificent place.
Why to go there?
Number one site in gorgeous New Zealand. Scenic, Nature or overnight cruises are offered, as well as canoeing in Milford Sound.
Photo by Tiffany Zau
Photo by Karen Larsen
Photo by David Capellari
Photo by David Capellari
Photo by Danny Xeero