New Zealand is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in the world with such a diverse range of attractions and scenery on offer throughout the North and South Islands. Below is a list of the places we are most looking forward to seeing (or have already seen in a couple of cases) and are our must see places in New Zealand.
The list is ordered from North to South, starting at the north-most point of the entire country!
1. Cape Reinga and the Ninety Mile Beach
The path down to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse where you can see the distinct line formed by the meeting of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean Drive along the vast sands of the Ninety Mile Beach! Photo Credit …and sandboard down the giant sand dunes at the Ninety Mile Beach! Truly a once in a life time experience
2. The Bay of Islands
Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands – you’ll stop here if you do the boat tour around the islands! Can you really say no to that? Photo Credit The view over Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island The infamous ‘Hole in the Rock’ in the Bay of Islands
3. Hobbiton Film Set (Matamata)
The beautiful Hobbiton movie set, an amazing place in the middle of nowhere! A must see whether you’re into the films or not (we’re not that keen on them but loved Hobbiton!) It’s a gorgeous place but our advice is to try your best to plan your visit for a nice and sunny day Finish your tour of Hobbiton with a drink of actual Hobbit beer in the perfect Green Dragon Inn
4. The Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Seriously… does that look like something you want to miss out on? Photo Credit
5. The Steaming Lakes & Hot Pools of Rotorua
Experience the geothermal activity with your own eyes in the truly unique Rotorua. Photo Credit Where else can you see the multi-coloured volcanic rocks and steamy hot pools that you can witness in Rotorua? Photo Credit
6. Tongariro National Park
The Tongariro Crossing (otherwise known as Mordor!) is considered the best one day trek in the country and it’s easy to see why! Photo Credit The Tongariro Crossing takes 7-9 hours to complete but you are soon rewarded with stunning views like this over the surreally beautiful Emerald Lakes. Photo Credit You will also come across the monstrous Mt Ngaurahoe, more widely known as Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings! Photo Credit
7. The Seal Pups at Ohau Waterfall in Kaikoura
Head to Ohau stream in Kaikoura to watch an entire colony of seal pups playing in the waterfall – one of New Zealand’s best hidden gems! Photo CreditPhotos don’t do this justice, so here’s a video to try and get across just how special this place is! Video Credit
8. Abel Tasman National Park
The Abel Tasman National Park at the top of the South Island is arguably one of the most beauitful areas of the whole country! Photo Credit If ever there was a place to get you in the mood for some water-based activities, it’s Abel Tasman. Photo Credit
9. The Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki
The Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, millions of years in the making! Photo Credit …not forgetting the blow holes, too! Photo Credit
10. Franz Josef Glacier
The franz Josef Glacier is pretty special… Photo Credit Why not do the popular trek across the ice? Not something you get the chance to do every day. Photo Credit
11. Star Gazing at Lake Tekapo
On a clear night, Lake Tekapo offers unbelievable views of the night sky, with the Milky Way galaxy clearly visible Photo Credit
12. Milford Sound
Milford Sound is probably number one on my list of must see places in New Zealand and is it any wonder why? Photo Credit Stirling Falls at Milford Sound Photo Credit A tour of Milford Sound by cruise is an absolute MUST do for anyone travelling New Zealand Photo Credit
And that concludes our list of must see places in New Zealand! So far, we have done numbers 1-3 and from next month we will be going through the rest of the list one by one! You can see where else we are going by taking a look at our North Island driving route and South Island driving route blog posts.
