On your first visit to New Zealand, the chances are that you’d be lost in the breathtaking wonders of Mother Nature. There are many places to visit that you might need to schedule another holiday in the country. Notwithstanding, there are must-visit attractions you shouldn’t miss out when you step into New Zealand. Please sit back and enjoy our pick.
Check Out Milford Sound
At the northern side of the Fiordland National Park lies the Milford Sound. Up here, it’s rainforest scenery. The Mitre Peak towers and the waterfalls make Milford sound a beauty to behold. Down the mountains, the Bowen and Stirling falls cascade downwards majestically. All around, you would see seals and penguins having a great time in their natural habitat.
With 69 NZD, you can charter a boat. You also get to see underwater wildlife like the Dolphins frolicking in the dark blue waters.
Bay of Islands
When you hear “Bay Of Islands,” what comes to your mind? If it is a combination of many islands, you are absolutely right. The Bay Of Islands is an ideal tourist spot you should not miss. Yachts and boasts are regularly parading this location. Likewise, whales, penguins, dolphins, and marlin make up marine life. Penguins also wander around the sea banks. And you will probably see other tourists competing in fishing sports.
A three-hour drive from Auckland is a small price to explore the famous Hole in the Rock and tour Cape Brett. You can also hike trails on the island and enjoy secluded coves. The best time to visit the Bay of Island is February/March.
Tongariro National Park
If your holidays fall between December and February, the Tongariro National Park is worth visiting. The volcanic eruptions, thick forests, and grand scenery are some of the wonders to look forward to. The Taranaki Falls are right in this park, and Lake Taupo is set to make your day a pleasant one.
The closest airports to the Tongariro National Park are the Auckland and Wellington airports. You can take a bus or cab to Whakapapa Village at the airport. This village is the gateway to Tongariro, one of the world’s oldest parks.
Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula is preferable if you want to have a swell time, but with some peace. Kayaking, hiking, and skydiving are pretty popular in this location. Dip your hands into the sand and sprinkle them. You will discover the unique golden appearance.
Whenever you are around the Coromandel Peninsula, don’t forget to check out the city of the Thames, well-known for its gold mining sites. There’s also a fascination with the hot beach. Tourists are permitted to dig their hot water pool on the beach.
Transport to Coromandel Peninsula is available by air, road, and ferry, depending on your choice.
Kaikoura
Catch a glimpse of tropical wildlife and savor the taste of the best seafood in Kaikoura. While watching the birds and spotting the seals and dolphins, you can treat yourself to tasty mussels and crawfish.
Wherever you reside, you can reach Kaikoura through the Christchurch International Airport. Then you can take a road trip to Kaikoura. It takes about 2.5 hours of bus or cab travel. And you should also note that April, June, and October are the best months to visit.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
If you are a fan of the famous movie trilogy, Lord of the Rings, you must have seen a long crossing across the mountains. This crossing is not just fiction. Indeed, it is real. Just in the center of the North Island, The Tongariro National Park plays host to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
Tourists can hike all day long at this crossing. It covers Mount Tongariro, while passing the base of Mount Ngauruhoe. Parts of the attractions are the historical blue and emerald lakes. These lakes are of utmost significance to the Maori people. So it would be best if you held these lakes in high regard.
Christchurch
Your visit to New Zealand is incomplete without a visit to Christchurch city. The significance of this city is in its daunting spirit. Between 2010 and 2011, massive earthquakes did not spare Christchurch. Breathtaking structures including malls and public facilities were destroyed. But it was only a matter of time before the city would come back to life.
Christchurch is famous for its botanic gardens. And some of New Zealand’s most prominent, tallest, and oldest trees bask in these beautiful gardens. Cable cars are also available to ride over Mt. Cavendish.
You can book a flight to the Christchurch International Airport. The distance from the airport to the city is 12km. The highway also connects Dunedin to Christchurch city.
Queenstown, South Island
Queenstown maintains a reputation for the most heart-pumping sporting activities in New Zealand. This place is located between the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the snowy peaks of the Remarkables.
Paragliding, mountain biking, jet boating, and bungee jumping are just a few of the adventures in Queenstown. In addition, you should check out the gold-mining towns. And it would be a big blow if you missed the Middle Earth scenery depicted in the famous movie Lord of the Rings.
Comfort is assured with 5-star hotels. Spas, galleries, and restaurants are also nearby for easy access.
Rotorua, North Island
Rotorua attracts the curiosity of tourists with its volcanic eruptions. You can take a walk around boiling mud pools and get more insights into the history of the Maori people surrounding the region.
Rotorua is not only known for active geothermal layers. Mountain biking, sky diving, and trout fishing are popular activities on the North Island. More so, you can take the Rotorua route to reach the ski fields at Mt. Ruapehu.
Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
Located in the Westland National Park, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers flow downwards from the highest levels in the Southern Alps. Visitors can feel the ice flow with the friendly coastal climate. You can also enjoy spectacular aerial view in a seaplane or helicopter.
Final Words
Without a doubt, New Zealand is a country with surreal beauty. The internet is littered with mesmerizing pictures of the landscape. And the blend of the Maori culture with modernity is a big deal that you should look forward to. So get your bags and book a flight to the adventure-filled country!
