Top 5 Places to Visit in New Zealand
Whether you’re after sandy beaches and tropical forests or snow-capped mountains, New Zealand has it all.
1. Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound – South Island
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Fiordland features some of the most stunning scenery in the country. You can take in the sights by hiking along one of the best tracks in New Zealand. If you want to see the vast waterfalls up close, rent a kayak and paddle through the fjords.
Stirling Falls, Milford Sound
2. Bay of Islands – North Island
If you’d rather relax on the beach, head up to the sunny North Island. The Bay of Islands has 144 islands dotted throughout. It’s a great place for sailing, kayaking, and fishing. These waters are also home to penguins, whales, and dolphins.
Urapukapuka Island, Bay of Islands
Whangaruru Bay, Bay of Islands
3. The Pinnacles – North Island
Spend the day wandering through a maze of rock formations in this eerie landscape. This area features huge pillars of rock that are slowly being eroded by rain. There is a campsite nearby for those who want to hike around the entire area.
4. Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park – North Island
Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s biggest lake. It’s a great place for a summer getaway. Not far from the Lake is Mt. Ruapehu, an active volcano. The Tongariro Crossing is a popular hike that runs close to the top of Ruapehu and the beautiful Emerald Lakes.
5. Queenstown – South Island
Queenstown sits between the shores of a lake and the peaks of snowy mountains. Bungee jumping was invented here, and visitors can expect to find all sorts of adrenaline filled activities including jet boating, white water rafting, skydiving, rock climbing, and skiing. There are also plenty of luxury hotels and expensive restaurants for when the adrenaline wears off.
Bungee jumping at Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown
