When it comes to the most beautiful places to visit, New Zealand doubtlessly stands as a top contender.
Plus, local Kiwis are famously friendly and welcoming!
As such, it regularly draws folks from all over seeking something new.
Here are the most picture-perfect places as you kickstart your tour of New Zealand.
Lets go on the voyage of a lifetime.
The area with a subtropical microclimate is famed for its astonishing beauty and rich history.
Close to 140 small islands between the Purerua Peninsula and Cape Brett lay bare New Zealands pristine beaches.
The region is a paradise for seafront lovers who can sample beautiful walking trails and campsites on the seaside.
Watch dolphins, penguins, whales, and more.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is a picture-perfect town on the east coast and is about 2.5 hours north of Christchurch.
Its also a wonderful place to eat crayfish.
If youre crazy about wildlife, then add Kaikoura to your bucket list.
Explore the area by boat, or the various whale watching trips.
The town has plenty of history about the indigenous Maori people as well as the European settlers.
Surrounding mountains are snow-capped over winter adding an intriguing twist to this spectacular landscape.
The Castlepoint Lighthouse is a famous attraction here, set on the backdrop of a stunning beach.
Get there by climbing over 500 feet to the top of Castle Rock, then walk right in.
New Zealand fur seals and various dolphins commonly visit the area.
Its safe to swim in the reef with the family or take leisurely walks on the beach.
There is a myriad of other beautiful sceneries in the area that you shouldnt skip.
First, theres the historic Tinui, a place where theworlds first Anzac Dayservice was commemorated in April 1916.
Hobbiton
Hobbiton quickly comes to mind when one thinks of New Zealand.
Hobbiton is located on a farm 6 miles southwest of Matamata on the North Island.
Its celebrated unspoiled beaches, pristine forests, and the happy-go-lucky attitude of its locals complete its attractive profile.
Pristine is the feel of the Peninsulas over 250 miles of sandy beaches.
TheCathedral Coveis a massive cave located on the beach.
Its a jewel of natural beauty that screams for a photo moment.
The Coromandel Peninsula features a range of accommodation options ranging from upmarket cabins to tent sites.
Spectacular views and convenient access make it easy to stay at one of these beautiful places in New Zealand.
Rotorua
If you were to visit only one site in New Zealand, I would recommend Rotorua.
Its also popular for its promotion of Maori culture at the cultural exhibition.
The sights here are simply out of this world, with steam impressively rising from the multitudinous geysers dotting.
Pohutu Geyser located in Whakarewarewa (say that five times fast!)
is the most visited.
But be careful, though; the water and mud coming from these underground geysers are sizzling hot!
Tour the Kuirau Park mud pool reserve for a fantastic sightseeing experience by the lakeside.
Take in sweeping views from the gondola there.
Then, hike in the adjacent Whakarewarewa Forest thats home to towering redwoods.
Experience the Maori culture first-hand by visiting the cultural exhibition.
Youll encounter a traditional show plus a crash course in preparing traditional Moari delicacies from underground heat.
The Mirror Lakes
The Mirror Lakes are inFiordland National Park, found between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Walking along the lake is a breeze for all ages with possible wheelchair access.
Moreover, the walkways and parking area are clearly marked.
They offer a great picture opportunity when you take a break and stretch as you drive to Milford Sound.
The kids will certainly love this scenic stop-over.
Lake Wanaka
What will immediately strike you about Lake Wanaka is its captivating beauty.
The 27-mile long lake situated in Otago on the South Island is the fourth largest in New Zealand.
Its tucked within the range near Mount Aspiring National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The plentiful outdoor activities here are but a bonus to the main attraction of marveling at the surreal lake.
What makes Wanaka an even better destination is that theres something to do all year round.
In summer, its a go-to destination for watersports, biking, and hiking.
Spring, meanwhile, is the ideal time to hit the tracks and trails.
Nearby galleries, world-class wineries, international triathlons, and superb restaurants top off the magnificence of Lake Wanaka.
Its no wonder this gem is among the most beautiful places in New Zealand.
Its the perfect spot for daring weekend warriors who want to attempt the fascinatingheli hiking tour.
Take a guided ice-walk to learn about the interesting history of this glacier.
Explore the beautiful lake by kayak tour.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is a photographers dream with a landscape covered in volcanoes and more.
The unique natural attraction is a must-see destination for anyone touring New Zealand for the first time.
Tongariro is the premier national park in New Zealand since 1887.
The main attractions in the park are the three volcanoes of Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe.
These volcanoes are still active; Ruapehu eruptted last in 1996 and Ngauruhoe in 1975.
Be sure you keep an eye on the volcanic activity of the area before you visit Tongariro National Park.
Additionally, the three iconic emerald lakes make this a perfect hiking ground.
Add to the mix a handful of waterfalls, and the unusual flora and fauna.
Tongariro is worth exploring by all means.
TheTongariro Alpine Crossingtraverses this fascinating scenery of volcanoes, lakes, and mountains.
Enjoy enviable views of Mt Taranaki, Lake Taupo, and Waitonga Falls.
Start trekking from Whakapapa Village that has a visitor center.
Overnight hikes over several days in the park are common.
The view is ecstatic.
A visit to New Zealand would be incomplete without exploring these inspiring magical limestone formations.
When you visit the iconic Waitomo Caves, you get more than you bargained for.
Its a melting pot of culture, cuisine, nature, and action-packed adventure.
Outdoor enthusiasts have the captivatingMakara Peaktrack for hiking and biking.
And, to experience Wellingtons coastline take a stroll on theCity to Sea Walkway.
Foodies will love the award-winning restaurants and sequestered bars.
Coupled with pulsating nightlife, Wellington is the definition of exciting city life.
Lonely Planet must have had good reasons to recognize Wellington asthe worlds coolest capital.
So its not surprising thats featuring on our list of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.
Huka Falls
Witness the sheer power of a rumbling waterfall as it crashes into a pool 11 meters below.
Huka Falls is an awesome sight along Waikato River, the longest river in New Zealand.
The river acquires a characteristic foamy appearance as it passes over the falls.
A footbridge right over the falls offers a vantage viewpoint to experience the river in its beautiful fierceness.
There are numerous observation points from where you’re free to capture postcard-like photos of the falls.
If you have nerves of steel then take up a jet boat ride over the rivers length.
The boat can reach an impressive speed of 50 miles an hour but has a good safety record.
Move downstream with the increasing crescendo as you near the prize, Huka Falls.
Theres also a bus from Taupo that ferries tourists interested in visiting attractions in the area.
The park takes its name from Mount Aspiring which is one of the highest peaks in New Zealand.
A hikers haven with intricate hiking trails that traverse the stunning countryside.
you could choose from a mix of short walks and long walking trails within the park.
Traverse the vast wilderness to the accompanying music of chirping birds and crashing waterfalls.
The rock-formations create such a scenic landscape.
Otago Peninsula
At half an hour from the town of Dunedin, Otago Peninsula is just phenomenal.
Rolling hills covered in a carpet of evergreen grass, precarious cliff-tops, and untouched sandy beaches define Otago.
If you dont come here for the scenery, then the wildlife will do.
Bay of Plenty
As the name suggests, the Bay of Plenty has tons of attractions.
When New Zealanders go for vacations, this is their preferred destination.
Its home to beaches that are easy on the eye, geothermal marvels, and luscious kiwifruit.
Tauranga area has acres upon acres of fruit trees added to the abundant seafood.
Local craft beer tops off the fine dining and winning experience of the Bay of Plenty.
Lovers of arts will find Katikati town magnetic as its grown to be a hub for the arts.
The expansive glittering sandy beaches of Mount Maunganui are ideal for surfing all year long.
Indeed, theres something for everyone in the Bay of Plenty.
Mount Cook
New Zealands highest mountain standing at over 12,000 feet.
Mount Cook (Aoraki) is a sight to behold.
On the east is the magnificent Tasman Glacier while the Hooker Glacier sits to the west.
The best viewing options are by hiking from the renowned Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park.
Stirling Falls is the most memorable of them all plunging over 450 feet below.
As you cruise it’s possible for you to spot dolphins, penguins, and a host of birds.
Milford Track offers excellent hiking trails that allow for spectacular views of the fjord from the shores.
The road to Milford also gives some fine views; and you might also go kayaking.
But a scenic flight over the area is the ultimate jaw-dropper.
Dunedin
Dunedin is famed for its unique scenery and awe-inspiring history.
Located on the South Island, its one of the big cities of New Zealand with a quirky ambiance.
Youll find rare penguins that are almost impossible to find elsewhere in the world.
On the beach, fur seals and sea lions flourish and lounge lazily.
The city is sprawled on hills and valleys that were previously volcanoes.
It will pass over the Taieri Gorge and youll meander through picturesque sceneries.
The ultimate getaway for couples whod want to reinvigorate their relationship and feed on fresh memories.
In Dunedin, a visit to Speight Brewery is recommended.
They produce a locally crafted beer thats popular in the region.
Conclusion
New Zealand is a global magnet that attracts local and overseas tourists.
From stunning natural landscapes to rare wildlife, it remains a gem thats worth exploring.
Hit our comment section with a place you think we should have included on our list.
