New Zealand is without a doubt a top contender when it comes to the most beautiful places to visit. It was challenging to choose the most gorgeous spots in New Zealand.
While this list might go on and on, I’ve reduced it down to the top 10 most beautiful places in New Zealand to visit for breathtaking natural beauty.
You will be stunned by postcard-like views around every corner in New Zealand while traveling. New Zealand is a fantastic destination for photographers and even those who simply enjoy sightseeing.
Table of Contents
Here is the list of the top 10 most beautiful places in New Zealand to visit:
10. Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most famous tourist locations for a reason.
Soaring peaks, forest-clad cliffs, gushing waterfalls, and playful species like dolphins and seals can all be found in this remote fiord.
I was skeptical at first, but the sight is genuinely breathtaking, especially early in the morning when the triangular Mitre Peak is mirrored in the calm water.
Because this remote location has only one hotel, most visitors take a bus trip from Queenstown that includes a two-hour sail down the fiord.
However, because the bus trip takes four hours each way, I would recommend taking a scenic flight there instead if you can afford it.
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9. Aoraki / Mount Cook
New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand to visit.
The 3724-meter peak may be seen from a variety of locations, including Lake Pukaki (see below) and the West Coast (see it mirrored in Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier), but getting up close in Mt Cook Village is the best option.
The tiny village is located in the midst of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, which contains 23 mountains and glaciers with altitudes over 3000 meters.
The scenery is breathtaking, yet it’s also quite accessible—nowhere else in the country can you get so close to soaring peaks without hiking.
There are several easy yet worthwhile treks, even if you just want to appreciate the view from the Hermitage Hotel.
Not to be missed:
- Hooker Valley Track — A largely level 10km trail with views of Aoraki for most of the way to the iceberg-filled Hooker Lake.
- Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake – A 3km walk to the Tasman River’s source. At sunset, the reflections of Aoraki in the lake are breathtaking.
- Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier View — A 2-kilometer return hike leads to a small, beautiful lake and a vantage point overlooking the glacier and its lake.
- Kea Point – A 40-minute return trek to a perspective of Aoraki and the Mueller Glacier lake.
There are plenty of lengthier hikes up into the mountains if you’re feeling more adventurous.
You can visit Aoraki Mt Cook in the summer, but the mountains are even more magnificent (and quieter) in the winter when covered with snow.
8. Queenstown
Queenstown will be the ultimate place for serious thrill seekers. Almost any extreme sport imaginable may be found here, and the international resort draws visitors from all over the world who wish to skydive, bungee jump, or snowboard.
Queenstown is centered on Lake Wakatipu, a long, thin lake with a lightning bolt shape that connects to the Shotover River. The Shotover Jet, an astonishing and unique vehicle that skids around the river’s surface, is presently based on the Shotover River.
The jet pilots strive to go as close to the cliff’s edge as possible, which is a rather nerve-wracking experience. White water rafting is also a good choice, and you can even get to the river by boat.
7. Mount Aspiring National Park
Mount Aspiring National Park is a breathtakingly beautiful location that should be at the top of your New Zealand bucket list.
There are fairy tale mountains, alpine lakes, native vegetation, serpentine river basins, and glaciers in this area. Mount Aspiring, one of New Zealand’s highest peaks, is the inspiration for the park’s name.
Hikers will love the intricate hiking routes that wind across the beautiful landscape. Routeburn Nature Walk, Blue Pools Walk, Lake Sylvan, and Haast Pass Summit are just a few of the well-known paths. Within the park, you can pick from a variety of short and long walking pathways.
Travel across the wide woods while listening to the sounds of chirping birds and crashing waterfalls. In every direction, virgin vistas of alpine woods, imposing mountains, glacier-sculpted valleys, and vividly colored rocks surround you.
6. Huka Falls
Huka Falls is a genuinely gorgeous natural sight that is one of New Zealand’s most visited attractions. Witness the majesty of a roaring waterfall as it smashes into an 11-meter-deep pool.
Huka Falls is a spectacular site along the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river. The river flows into Lake Taupo along a large riverbed before narrowing into a tight valley immediately before the enormous plummet that is Huka Falls. As it flows over the falls, the river takes on a characteristic frothy aspect.
A footbridge that runs straight over the falls provides a great vantage point for viewing the river in all of its majesty. There are various vantage spots from which to take postcard-worthy shots of the falls.
Take a jet boat ride down the river’s length if you have steel nerves. The boat has a solid safety record and can reach a top speed of 50 miles per hour. Hike through the indigenous trees on the trail between Spa Park and Huka Falls to trace the build-up to the falls.
5. Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is a must-see attraction for anybody visiting New Zealand. The distinctive volcanic scenery is unlike any other in the globe, making it ideal for photographers.
Mount Ngauruhoe (commonly known as Mt Doom by Lord Of The Rings fans) and the famous 3 emerald lakes can be found in Tongariro National Park. Tongariro National Park is ideal for hiking, however if you want a more relaxing activity, consider a helicopter flight.
The three volcanoes of Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe are the park’s principal attractions. These volcanoes are currently active; Ruapehu last erupted in 1996, and Ngauruhoe last erupted in 1975. Before visiting Tongariro National Park, make sure to keep a watch on the area’s volcanic activity.
In addition, the three renowned emerald lakes provide excellent trekking opportunities. Add a few waterfalls and some exotic flora and fauna to the mix. Tongariro National Park is definitely worth visiting.
4. Rotorua
If you could only visit one place in New Zealand, I would choose Rotorua. Rotorua is noted for its geothermal activity and is located on the North Island about 140 miles southeast of Auckland. It is also well-known for its cultural exhibitions that promote Maori culture.
The scenery here is truly incredible, with steam rising majestically from the numerous geysers that dot the landscape. The most popular is Pohutu Geyser in Whakarewarewa. But be careful: the water and dirt from these geysers underneath are extremely hot.
You can go to the Kuirau Park mud pool reserve, walk along the beautiful lakefront, or wander through the government gardens. Then go for a hike in the nearby Whakarewarewa Forest, which is home to massive redwoods.
3. Hobbiton
When one thinks of New Zealand, one immediately thinks of Hobbiton. Because of the famous success of the Lord of the Rings films, it is one of the most photographed sites in the city.
On the North Island, Hobbiton is situated on a farm 6 miles southwest of Matamata. For added bragging rights, meander Bagshot Row’s neatly manicured path, relax beneath the Party Tree, and drink a pint or two at The Green Dragon.
2. The Coromandel
The Coromandel is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions, attracting thousands of visitors each year as a favorite vacation destination. Its famed natural beaches, pristine forests, and the friendly attitude of its residents round out its appealing profile.
A large cave on the beach is known as Cathedral Cove. It’s a gem of natural beauty that begs to be photographed. It’s impossible to resist. Then there’s the Hot Water Beach, where you can scoop sand off of the beach to create a boiling water spa.
You may enjoy fishing, cycling on the Hauraki Rail Trail, skydiving, or taking a guided kayak tour along the coast in addition to hiking on Pinnacle Walk.
Art lovers can visit one of Cormomandel’s many art studios to purchase a wonderful piece of artwork or attend a local concert.
1. Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is about a 35-minute flight or a three-hour drive north of Auckland. The subtropical microclimate area is known for its breathtaking beauty and rich history.
Between the Purerua Peninsula and Cape Brett, about 140 tiny islands lay bare New Zealand’s magnificent beaches.
Beautiful walking routes and beach campgrounds exist in this region, making it a heaven for seaside enthusiasts. While on land, take in the beautiful subtropical rainforests that are home to the famous Kauri tree while learning about the Maori people’s history.
The perfect method to see the beautiful islands amidst the calm blue ocean waves is to cruise through the area by boat. Join a group for a daily cruise or lease a yacht for a once-in-a-lifetime ocean adventure. See dolphins, penguins, whales, and other sea creatures.
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Final Words
I hope this essay has given you some inspiration for your next trip to New Zealand. It was really difficult to narrow it down because it is a country rich in natural beauty.
I recommend combining some of the popular sites with your own research to discover your own favorite most beautiful places in New Zealand. Let us know what you think.
