Nature crafted New Zealand with the surreal beauty of a movie set. Few destinations boast so many staggering natural wonders packed into such a small area. Snow-capped peaks, sparkling coves, coastal glaciers, rainforests, fjords, and fish-filled rivers are some of the treasures travelers can explore. In Rotorua, one of the world’s largest geothermal areas, visitors can witness the powerful forces that birthed these landscapes in the bubbling mud ponds and hissing springs.
Image: Rough Guide
Thanks to its dramatic topography, New Zealand is a hotspot for adrenaline-fueled sports. Whitewater rafting, luging, jet boating, heli-skiing, skydiving, and mountain biking round out the list of outdoor adventures and the country is home to one of the highest bungee jumps in the world. Strategically, New Zealand is a breeze to travel around. Self-drive vacations are popular, and the country’s diverse accommodations range from quaint bed and breakfast inns and eco-lodges to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels.
South Island
Christchurch Image: Ywca.org.nz
1. Christchurch
Set against a majestic Alps to ocean backdrop, Christchurch offers visitors one of the world’s most unique destinations. Urban regeneration, creativity and innovation flow through the city with new restaurants & bars, street art and vibrant new retail areas. At the same time the city stays true to its heritage, offering a traditional English feel.
Stunning gardens and parks, the serene Avon River, beautiful beaches and the Port Hills all embrace the city. Within a short drive you can ski at a world-class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, raft, mountain bike, hot-air balloon, windsurf, whale watch and visit internationally-acclaimed wineries.
Described by Lonely Planet as a “vibrant city in transition, coping resiliently and creatively,” Christchurch’s energy is evident wherever you go. The city has bounced back after the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 with innovative new attractions, as well as some old favorites.
Visit the transitional Cardboard Cathedral, and some of the many pops up restaurants and bars. Contemporary art galleries, boutique shops and open-air markets add to Christchurch’s creative vibe.
Must visit：Botanic Garden, Akaroa, The Cathedral, Avon River
Greymouth Image: Toplanit.com
2. Greymouth
Once the site of the Maori pa Mawhera (which means ‘wide spread river mouth’, in reference to the town’s river mouth location), Greymouth is the largest town on the South Island’s west coast. The area has a history of gold mining, which can be appreciated at the local museum and nearby Shantytown. Local brewery Monteith’s is something of a New Zealand legend; it runs tours that include a tasting session.
Around the town you’ll find galleries specialising in pounamu (New Zealand jade). Other Greymouth entertainments include sea fishing, fly fishing, and adventure activities like rafting and caving.
The 2-hour Point Elizabeth Walk passes through a scenic reserve and old gold mining sites. It begins 12km north of Greymouth at Rapahoe Beach, which also happens to be a favourite swimming spot during summer.
Must visit：Pancake Rocks, Southern Breakwater Viewing Platform
Fox glacier Image: Everythingnewzealand.com
Franz Josef glacier Image: Rooftopantics.com
3. Franz Josef glacier and Fox glacier
Among the most accessible glaciers in the world, Franz Josef and Fox glaciers are the main tourist attractions in spectacular Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Both of these rivers of ice flow from some of the highest peaks in the Southern Alps to near sea level where the gentle coastal climate makes it easy for visitors to explore them on foot. Guided hikes lead to the contorted frozen landscape of ice caves and pinnacles at the foot of the glaciers. For an aerial view, seaplanes and helicopters fly visitors to the top of these vast tongues of ice.
Lake Wanaka Image: Doc.govt.nz
Lake Hawea Image: Lakewanaka.co.nz
4. Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea
Excavated by massive glaciers more than 10,000 years ago, Lakes Wanaka and Hawea lie side by side. At a sliver of land known as The Neck, which is just 1000 metres wide, the glaciers were once joined.
Lake Wanaka is the source of New Zealand’s largest river, the Clutha. Lake Hawea feeds into the Hawea River, which joins the Clutha at Albert Town.
Ringed by pebbly beaches and with magnificent views to the surrounding peaks, both lakes offer a variety of adventures, especially during the long, hot months of summer.
Walking tracks skirt the southern edge of Lake Wanaka. The walk up Mount Iron is a good choice if you’re interested in geology. The mountain shows classic signs of glaciation – rounded on its upstream face and steep and craggy on the downstream side.
From Lake Hawea township you can find an excellent walk by following Timaru River Road to Timaru Creek, a picnic and camping area. The trail that begins here leads through a valley of beech forest until it flattens onto a braided riverbed.
Queenstown Image: Grownups.co.nz
5. Queenstown
Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges; it’s rumoured that gold prospectors – captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers – gave this now cosmopolitan town its name.
With a smorgasbord of outdoor activities, Queenstown is the home of the ultimate adventure bucket list. There’s skiing in the winter and activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round. It has also become a renowned cycling destination, providing everything from easy scenic tracks to backcountry trails, road rides to heli-biking and the Southern Hemisphere’s only gondola accessed downhill mountain biking.
Te Anau Image: Newzealand.com
6. Te Anau
The picturesque township of Te Anau is the main visitor base for the glacier-carved wilderness that is Fiordland National Park. Home to a wide range of accommodation including lodges, hotels and campgrounds, Te Anau is the perfect place to stay when visiting Milford Sound. It’s best to book accommodation ahead in the busy months of January, February and March.
Restaurants are plentiful and give visitors the opportunity to sample delicious local fare like venison, lobster and seafood.
At the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre you can make plans to walk the Milford, Routeburn or Kepler Tracks. Apart from hiking, popular local activities include scenic flights, lake cruising, fishing, kayaking and exploring the Te Ana-au Glowworm caves. There’s also a bird sanctuary that specialises in native birds.
Dunedin Image: Jasons.co.nz
7. Dunedin
Known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, Dunedin is the country’s city of the south, wearing its Scottish heritage with pride. Surrounded by dramatic hills and at the foot of a long, picturesque harbor, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. The accommodation is good and plentiful; the nightlife buzzes with funky bars and delicious restaurants and the natural attractions are unique and fascinating.
Don’t miss a drive up the Otago Peninsula – the views are endless and the beaches are beautifully rugged. Nestled at the foot of Taiaroa Head is the Royal Albatross Centre, the only place in the world on the mainland where you can view Northern Royal Albatross in their natural habitat. On Dunedin’s doorstep you will also find incredible wildlife including the world’s rarest penguin colonies.
Lake Tekapo Image: Tekapo.co.nz
8. Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is about three hours drive south-west of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water.
Church of the Good Shepherd
On the shores on the lake you’ll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. The church was built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district and is still used as a place of worship. The church is a popular photo spot for visitors – please note that when you visit the church, weddings and services may be taking place, respect is needed from visitors.
Close by is the “sheepdog monument” – a bronze statue sculpted to recognise the district’s debt to the sheepdog “without the help of which the grazing of the mountainous country would be impossible”.
There are walking tracks following the lake shore. For huge views of the Mackenzie Basin you can hike up to Mount John Observatory (1031 metres) or Cowans Hill.
The Southern Lights
The southern hemisphere’s equivalent of the Northern Lights, Lake Tekapo is one of the best places in New Zealand to see this symphony of colour come to life. Best seen between April and September, Lake Tekapo is known for it’s clear nights and lack of light pollution, making it a great viewing destination. Head to Mount John Observatory – perched high in the mountains and south-facing – for your best chance of experiencing this spectacular natural light show.
North Island
Auckland Image: Redox.com
1. Auckland
Blessed with two sparkling harbors, Auckland, the “City of Sails,” is New Zealand’s largest city and the most populous Polynesian city in the world. Blond- and black-sand beaches, rainforest hiking trails, picturesque coves, islands, and volcanoes surround the city making it a perfect base for day trips and wilderness adventures. To appreciate Auckland’s stunning location, visitors can zoom up the 328-meter Sky Tower for spectacular views across the city and hinterland. Auckland is also home to top-notch dining, a vibrant arts scene, and a revamped waterfront district packed with boutiques and restaurants.
Rotorua Image: Stayatbase.com
2. Rotorua
On the tumultuous Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua is one of the most active geothermal regions in the world. This is a land where the earth speaks. Boiling mud pools, hissing geysers, volcanic craters, and steaming thermal springs betray the forces that birthed much of New Zealand’s dramatic topography. Visitors can take a walking tour of these geothermal wonders, soak in steaming mineral springs, and learn about the region’s rich Maori history and culture. Adventure seekers will also find plenty of things to do. Sky-diving, luging, and mountain biking are some of the activities on offer. Trout fishing is also popular, and Rotorua is the gateway to the ski fields of Mt. Ruapehu. Nearby Wai-O-Tapu is also a popular tourist attraction with colorful hot springs and the famous Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser.
Hobbiton Image: Hobbitontours.com
3. Hobbiton
The rolling hills of The Shire were once again brought to life near Matamata, where Hobbiton was re-built for The Hobbit Trilogy. Also used in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Hobbiton has remained open as an attraction for Middle‑earth fans. Enjoy peering over a Hobbit’s front gate, dancing under the party tree or swigging back a beer at The Green Dragon Inn. Hobbiton Movie Set – booking in advance is recommended.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Image: Planetden.com
4. Waitomo Glowworm Caves
The Waitomo region is home to unforgettable sightseeing attractions. Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 125 years of cultural and natural history. Our expert guides will draw you into this awesome environment, sharing the Caves’ historical and geological significance. World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. More than 30 million years ago, the legend of Waitomo began with the creation of limestone at the bottom of the ocean. Now these limestone formations stand as one of New Zealand’s most inspiring natural wonders and a must-see destination.
Taupo Image: Mustdonewzealand.co.nz
5. Taupo
Beautiful Lake Taupo is actually a huge volcano with a fiery history. Its most recent eruption, in 181 AD, was large enough to change the sky as far away as Europe and China. According to Maori legend, the lake is the pulsating heart of Maui’s fish (New Zealand’s North Island). The lakeside town of Taupo provides a base for visitors who love to fish for trout, ski Mount Ruapehu and explore the local geothermal phenomena. Popular Taupo experiences include Huka Falls, geothermal walks, a prawn farm, lake cruises, New Zealand’s first public cable wakeboarding park and guided kayak expeditions to see the rock carvings at Mine Bay. Lake Taupo is a fantastic region for year-round mountain biking, with the recent completion of the Great Lake Trail. Along with cycling, there’s excellent hiking and golf opportunities.
Triplisher.com Recommend New Zeakland Road Trip:
Article: Planetware.com Written by Karen Hastings, Newzealand.com