A country of heavenly beauty, New Zealand is truly a marvel of nature. Forming great backdrops of the legendary ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies, this country is unmatched in its charm. The hot water springs, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear beaches, steaming geysers, deep fjords, untamed wilderness, and shimmering glaciers are only some of the elements of magnificence here. There are so many beautiful places in New Zealand that are sure to leave you enchanted. Be prepared, because you are sure to have a tough time choosing among the many spectacular places for your travel list. Better yet, you can visit them all!
Most beautiful places in New Zealand
- Bay of Islands
- Tongariro National Park
- Napier in Hawke’s Bay
- Rotorua
- Coromandel Peninsula
- Auckland
- Fiordland National Park
- Queenstown
- Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
- Abel Tasman National Park
1. Bay of Islands
A haven for yachts and sailing boats, the Bay of Islands is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. 144 islands adorn the necklace that is Bay of Islands. With several exciting adventures and activities, this is one of the best places in New Zealand. The coves and forests, along with picturesque walking trails make the islands truly marvellous. The scenic views and landscapes are very mesmerizing. Marine life is abundantly found here. Dolphins, whales, penguins, and big marlin can be easily spotted in the Bay of Islands.
Things to do in Bay of Islands
- Kayak along the coast
- Explore the secluded coves
- Go fishing
- Hike the trails of the islands
- Venture into the serene forests
- Go on a cruise around the Bay
- Visit Rainbow Falls
- Challenge your inner daredevil by skydiving
- Go scuba diving
- Explore ‘Hole in the Rock’, a well-known rock formation
Best time to visit
Between February and March
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2. Tongariro National Park
One of the oldest national parks in the entire world, Tongariro National Park is a gem of beautiful New Zealand. The hot springs, arid plateaus, wild forests, turquoise lakes, and towering volcanoes create an alluring painting-like landscape. The lush meadows here add to the magic of the Tongariro National Park. A region that is absolutely stunning in its pristineness, this national park is home to several varieties of flora and fauna. The famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the greatest highlights of this park.
Address: Manawatu-Wanganui 4691, New Zealand
Things to do in Tongariro National Park
- Hike along the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
- Visit the Lake Taupo
- Marvel at the Taranaki Falls
- Witness the lava line of volcanic eruptions
- Take a stroll in the meadows
- Experiment with your photography skills
Best time to visit
Between December and February
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3. Napier in Hawke’s Bay
Famed for two things – gourmet food and Art Deco, a predominant decorative style of art (1920s – 1930s), Napier in Hawke’s Bay is one of the best places in New Zealand. A perfect place to take a look at the Maori World, Spanish Mission-style architecture, and Art Deco design buildings dot the city of Napier. Adorned with Maori motifs, some of these structures elevate the beauty of this city with their majesty and uniqueness. While you are here, you cannot afford to miss out on the scrumptious food offered at the gourmet restaurants. Everything about Napier is unique, from its art and architecture to its food.
Things to do in Hawke’s Bay:
- Visit the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers
- Dine in a gourmet restaurant
- Admire the Art Deco design style
- Witness the spectacle of the Yearly Art Deco weekend that happens in February
Best time to visit
Between July and August
4. Rotorua
Situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua is one of the most thrilling places in beautiful New Zealand. A very famous geothermal region, it has a striking topography. Boiling pools of mud, active thermal springs, steaming geysers, and volcanic craters accentuate the extraordinary topography here. For all the adventurers out there, Rotorua is the perfect place for you. With many sporting activities and challenges, the geothermal wonders here offer an adrenaline rush like no other.
Things to do in Rotorua
- Witness the red lava line
- Discover the many geothermal wonders
- View the Lady Knox Geyser
- Go fishing for trout
- Visit the Champagne Pool
- Take a ride on a luge
- Go skydiving
- Trek the difficult terrain
- Ride a mountain bike
Best time to visit
Between November and April
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5. Coromandel Peninsula
Another one in the list of beautiful places in New Zealand, the Coromandel Peninsula is a very tranquil region. Tucked away from the chaos of the mainstream society, Coromandel Peninsula enjoys a sublimity that will leave you at harmony with yourself. A truly heaven-like place, the Coromandel Peninsula is for all those who yearn for some undisturbed time. Famed for their golden sands, the beaches here are a sight to see. Many adventure activities are also available in the Peninsula for you to make the most of your holiday.
Things to do in Coromandel Peninsula
- Go kayaking
- Hike along the pictorial trails
- Try skydiving
- Enjoy some pristine time and space
- Visit Thames for its famous gold mining history
- Dig your own hot water pool at Hot Water Beach
6. Auckland
A city that is a pearl-like no other, Auckland is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. The two active harbours, the Manukau Harbor and the Waitemata Harbor, are the key highlights of this city. With several hidden coves, rainforests, wild hiking trails, mystic volcanoes, and captivating islands, Auckland is a great base for adventure enthusiasts. The stunning black and gold beaches add to the beauty and enigma of this city. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand, Auckland is a mystery waiting to be unravelled.
Things to do in Auckland
- Witness the unusual black and gold beaches
- Visit the Sky Tower for a zoomed-in view of the city
- Dine at the Orbit-revolving restaurant
- Explore the charm of the two harbours
Best time to visit
Between June and September
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7. Fiordland National Park
Emanating splendid beauty, Fiordland National Park is among the top 10 beautiful places in New Zealand. Truly deserving of that position, this national park has very magical walking trails. The offshore islands, majestic mountain peaks, pristine forests, and lovely waterfalls contribute immensely to the consistent charm of the region. You are sure to not have even one dull moment in the Fiordland National Park – that is how magnificent its aura is. A visit to this place must definitely be on your travel list.
Address – Southland, New Zealand
Things to do in Fiordland National Park
- Watch the popular fjords of Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, and Doubtful Sound
- Go kayaking in the sea
- Take small flights to get a bird’s eye view of the park
- Take a stroll
- Explore the beauty of the forests
Best time to visit
Throughout the year
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8. Queenstown
With absolutely spectacular views, Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure hotspot. Offering almost all sorts of adventure activities, this place is rightly known as ‘New Zealand’s Adventure Capital’. If you are an adrenaline junkie and are extremely restless to go on a spree of adventures, Queenstown is the place for you. Go ahead, challenge the risk-taker in you! Nothing can get better than the feeling of an adrenaline rush amidst some of the most scenic vistas.
Things to do in Queenstown
- Go white-water rafting
- Take a ride on a mountain bike
- Try bungee jumping
- Go hiking
- Take a jet boat
- Go rock-climbing
- Ski downhill
- Experience paragliding
- Explore gold mining towns
- Witness the beauty of snow-covered peaks of the Remarkables Range
Best time to visit
Between June and August
9. Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
One of the most accessible glaciers in the world to tourists, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers is a spectacle worth seeing. As a top-rated tourist destination in New Zealand, these glaciers are absolutely amazing. The frozen landscape of caves made of ice and mountain peaks at the foot of the glacier are the first things you will notice when you get here. This is definitely a sight to behold. Whatever you do, do not miss a chance to witness these breathtaking wonders of the earth.
Things to do in Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
- Take a walk in the vicinity of the glaciers
- Go on a helicopter ride and witness a fantastic sight
- Go on a guided hike to the glaciers
- Explore the exquisiteness of this region
Best time to visit
Between June and August
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10. Abel Tasman National Park
Covering an expansive area of land, Abel Tasman National Park is one of the prettiest places in New Zealand. Every hiker’s paradise, this national park is blessed with incredible wilderness. Weathered rock formations form a great backdrop for the park. Shimmering beaches with clear waters attract huge numbers of tourists to Abel Tasman National Park. You can spot rare species of birds such as wekas, blue penguins, oystercatchers, and woodpigeons. There are also many adventure activities to elevate the fun element in your vacation.
Address – South Island 7183, New Zealand
Things to do in Abel Tasman National Park
- Enjoy exotic bird-watching
- Explore the weathered rock formations
- Go trekking along the Tasman Coast
- Discover the marvel of the Split Apple Rock
- Go snorkelling
- Stay in a tent
- Have a great relaxation time
- Go hiking
Best time to visit
Throughout the year
How amazed are you by only reading about these marvels? You are eagerly waiting to pack your bags and set out on a remarkable trip, isn’t it? Go on an adventure and start exploring the most beautiful places in New Zealand.
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