Stop for a moment and think of a country with one of the most breathtaking sceneries imaginable.
Chances are New Zealand’s somewhere at the top of the list. And rightfully so.
Known as the backdrop of the Lord of the Rings trilogy—as well as housing some of the world’s most brilliant natural wonders—New Zealand is a place on many nature lovers’ bucket lists.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adrenaline junkie, or simply want to spice up your life, New Zealand’s grand and varying landscapes have something to offer for anyone.
Without further ado, here are some of the most marvellous spots in New Zealand that you have to see to believe!
1) Rotorua
Located in the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island, Rotorua is a destination unlike any other in the world. This city features a staggering array of hot springs, boiling mud pools, steaming lakes, active geysers, and fauna and flora that are only endemic to this region.
You’re ripe with choices for activities here, from taking a dip in the mineral-rich waters to exploring bubbling geysers like the Pohutu Geyser which erupts 20 times a day. You can also hike, cycle, and trek through local trails and parks beforehand to make the time in the mud pools speckled around the city even more worth it.
This volcanic wonderland isn’t only nature’s paradise; it’s also endowed with rich Maori culture and heritage, which you can explore in the nearby Waitangi Treaty Grounds or Whakarewarewa villages. When you’re there, don’t forget to stop to see the redwoods too!
2) Milford Sound
Venture to the western region of the South Island and you’ll come across one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed sites: the Milford Sound.
From its steep mountains to its lush rainforests, this tourist destination is nothing short of magical. The area surrounding the sound is picturesque to the extreme, with grand waterfalls cascading down from above.
While many people would find rainy days to be gloomy and dull, the occasional showers do quite the opposite in the Milford Sound. The drizzle adds a mystical allure to the various waterfalls here as more water gushes forth, giving its lucky guests a magnificent sight in the process.
Unlike other attractions, don’t expect to cover the vast expanse of this destination in one day either. Besides the picturesque lake, there are various day hikes available such as the Gertrude Saddle and Key Summit to truly feel the beauty of the area at its fullest.
3) Abel Tasman National Park
Don’t let its title as the smallest national park in New Zealand fool you, Abel Tasman National Park is a world-famous park that’ll delight any visitors.
Found in the northern region of the South Island, endless golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and turquoise waters await you in this corner of the map. You can head out for a swim or kayak through the park’s glistening waters as you take in its beauty firsthand.
Apart from its mesmerizing scenery, the park also allows you to camp and hike around its trails. Don’t be alarmed when you spot blue penguins and seals along the way too, as there’s an abundance of them in this park.
While accessing the park with a Go Rentals rental car is the easiest (and arguably most scenic) option, water taxis are also available to ferry you from the seas.
4) Mount Cook National Park
If you want to get swept off your feet with the magnitude of New Zealand’s grandeur, then a visit to Mount Cook National Park is an absolute necessity.
Situated on the South Island, this park features the country’s tallest summit—Aoraki Mount Cook —and its longest glacier, Tasman Glacier.
This mountain base is the pinnacle of any trekker’s dreams. With dozens of trails and peaks to climb on, you’re flooded with a barrage of trail options in this glorious park. The Kea Point track and Hooker Valley track are some of the most famed ones for day hikers.
Of course, experienced mountaineers can also take on the park’s toughest challenge—scaling up to the peak of Aoraki Mount Cook.
But if you’re just there to enjoy the vastness of the park, that’s perfectly fine too. You can still experience the grandeur of Mount Cook by taking photos and enjoying its grand scale.
5) Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Beauty can’t only be found in high mountains and lush forests; sometimes, it can be found in places that aren’t usually seen.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the North Island of New Zealand is a prime example of this. Found in the Waikato region of the North Island, this underground cave boasts thousands of glowworms on its walls and ceilings that are unique to the island nation.
Entering the cave requires you to be on a wooden boat with a boat guide as you drift around the cave’s many chambers, with the glowworms guiding your path through their bioluminescent glow.
Besides the presence of these fascinating creatures, the cave also showcases a variety of limestone formations and stalactites that are jaw-dropping in their own right. While mountains and beaches can be found anywhere, these caves provide an otherworldly experience that you should see before you die.
