New Zealand is one of the popular places where many backpackers and vacationers rant about. The country has different spectacular scenery from mountain ranges, majestic coastlines, active volcanoes, glaciers, lakes, fiords, and lush rainforests. With a population of around 4 million, New Zealand is one of the world’s minimum crowded countries thus allow it to become a tourist’s number one choice when it comes to relaxing get-away and holiday destinations.
The country has 27 regions and two main islands; the South and the North Island. Since the country is so small, you can easily visit many holiday destinations on both islands in your short stay. All you need to do is to plan your trip and to get intimate with the top places to visit in New Zealand.
Top New Zealand Tourists Attractions
1. Fiordland
This National Park is one of the most scenic places to visit in New Zealand. Fiordland is named for the fiords of Milford Sound and, Doubtful Sound which was carved by glaciers millions of years ago and rest within Fiordlands National Park.
The crystal-clear blue waters, from which mountains rise up on all sides, are part of some of the most goodly landscapes in all of New Zealand.
The mountain to sea vistas, with their forests and splashes of beautiful colour, are picture-perfect, as are many quality of this beautiful place. For a totally immersive experience, visitors to Fiordland can go hiking, camping, climbing, fishing, or kayaking.
How to Reach Fiordland :
Queenstown airport is the nearest, you can get to Fiordland National Park by air. Located at a distance of 235 km from Queenstown the national park can be arrived by taking a bus or driving into Te Anau – also known as the gateway to the park
Best Time To Visit Fiordland
You can visit anytime in a year.
Stay Options Near Fiordland
Mintaro Hut, Aden Motel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau, and Fiordland National Park Lodge
Suggested Read: 12 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
2. Bay of Islands
This attractive area got its modern name from Captain James Cook when he stopped by the island in 1769. It contains secluded bays,144 islands, and sandy beaches.
This well-known holiday destination has an abundance of marine life such as penguins, whales, dolphins and the big marlin. It is a popular spot for sailing yachts, diving enthusiasts, world cruises and international sport fishermen.
What is there to do in the Bay of Islands? Get on or in the water, Try scuba diving with Paihia Dive‘s intro to the diving path. You will be ferried far out into the bay to tour a whole new underwater world.
Or get up close and especial with the marine life in the Bay of Islands on a Fullers GreatSights Dolphin Eco Experience. You will get to view whales and dolphins from the boat and, if conditions allow, swim with wild dolphins.
Do not take off the Bay of Islands without seeing the Hole in the Rock, a start in a rock formation that you can sail through when the tide is right.
How to Reach Bay of Islands :
Auckland Airport is well connected with major international towns. New Zealand air flight operate in tandem from Auckland to Bay of Island Airport, which is known as Kerikeri Airport
Best Time To Visit the Bay of Islands
February to March is the best time to visit in the Bay of Islands.
Stay Options Near Bay of Islands
Sea Spray Suites, Veronica House, Paradise on the Strand, and Arcadia Lodge
3. Auckland
This city is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Many international flights reach New Zealand through Auckland Airport, which makes its a superb city from which to start your exploration of New Zealand.
It is known as the City of Sails, Auckland is the most populated and largest city in New Zealand. It is located on the North Island, and it is known for its foodie landscape and vibrant culture.
If you are interested in getting knowledge more about the history and heritage of New Zealand, then check out the Auckland Domain, which is the oldest part of the city. In the Auckland Domain, you will find special exhibits of Maori and Pacific Island artefacts at the iconic Auckland Museum.
How to Reach Auckland :
Auckland is well connected with major international towns. Auckland is well-connected with most of the towns of New Zealand by road.
Best Time To Visit Auckland
June to September is the best time to visit Auckland.
Stay Options Near Auckland
Skycity Grand, Parklane Motor Lodge, Warkworth Lodge, and Off-Broadway Motel
Also, Read – 12 most beautiful places to visit in Greece
4. Queenstown
Settle between the shores of shimmering Lake Wakatipu and the icy peaks of the Remarkables, Queenstown is New Zealand’s well familiar capital and one of the country’s ideal destinations for international visitors.
Downhill skiing, paragliding, white-water rafting, rock climbing, jet boating, and Bungee jumping are just some of the adrenaline-fueled games on offer, and visitors can explore the beautiful alpine scenery on the excellent network of hiking trails.
In addition to the adventure sports, Queenstown offers all the creature conveniences with first-class hotels, restaurants, galleries, spas, and shops, and beautiful holiday accommodations in Queenstown. It is also a great base for tours to the Central Otago region, where visitors can search gold mining towns and the Middle Earth scenery from the popular “Lord of the Rings” movies.
How to Reach Queenstown :
Queenstown International Airport on South Island is entirely connected with other major cities across the globe.
Best Time To Visit Queenstown
June to August is the best time to visit Queenstown.
Stay Options Near Queenstown
Adventure Queenstown Hostel, Heritage Queenstown, Coronation Lodge, and The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments
Suggested Read: Best Cities In The World To Visit in 2019-20
5. Tongariro National Park
It is the first national park of New Zealand, Tongariro is known for its extremes and surprises. The park’s diverse range of ecosystems includes active volcanoes, herb field, tranquil lakes, untamed forests, and desert-like plateaus.
Begin your trek at the Whakapapa Visitor Center, just a three-hour hike from the beautiful Taranaki Falls. The quick hike will take you through scrubland and forest and crosswise the lava line of volcanic explosions from hundreds of years ago.
How to Reach Tongariro National park :
Auckland & Wellington Airports are the nearest you can get to Tongariro National Park by air from major towns across the world. Book a taxi or take a transport autobus from the airport to reach Whakapapa Village- the gateway to Tongariro National Park.
Best Time to visit Tongariro National park
December to February is the best time to visit Tongariro National Park.
Stay options near Tongariro National park
Adventure Lodge and Motel, National Park Tavern, Pipers Lodge, and Chateau Tongariro Hotel
6. Christchurch Canterbury
Christchurch is a city on the South Island of New Zealand on the East Coast of the island and in the region of Canterbury. It is one of the best places to visit in Newzealand. It is the second-largest city in New Zealand and is known as the Garden City for its beautiful gardens and parks.
The fabulous English feel of Christchurch is offset by the common New Zealand feeling of never being too far from nature, and it is true: There are oceans, beaches, and hills at the city’s doorstep. The area of Canterbury is well known for its diverse landscape, with snow-capped hills, a green plain, and one of the beautiful lakes in the world– Blue lake
How to Reach Christchurch Canterbury :
The nearest airport is the Christchurch International Airport which is located Twelve km away from the city centre.
Best time to visit Christchurch Canterbury
March-May is the best time to visit Christchurch Canterbury.
Stay options near Christchurch Canterbury
Sunday hotel, Blue orchids beach hotel, Blue horizon hotel, Accra Beach hotel and spa, and Dover beach hotel.
Suggested Read: 11 Most Impressive Castles in the World
7. Franz Josef glacier
It is located within Westland National Park and viewed as a huge draw on the South Island coast. This glacier is one of the world’s most convenient tracks.
You can walk right up to the foot of the huge glacier or take a helicopter ride to see the unbelievable views of the surrounding rainforest and mountains. It is one of the famous places to visit in New Zealand
How to Reach Franz Josef glacier :
You can catch a flight from the Christchurch International Airport in order to reach your destination
Best time to visit Franz Josef glacier
February to November
Stay options near Franz Josef glacier
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Aspen Court Motel Franz Josef, rainforest Retreat Franz Josef, The Terrace Motel Franz Josef, and Franz Josef Oasis.
8. Napier
In the sunny region of Hawke’s Bay, Napier is popular for its gourmet food and Art Deco architecture. In 1931, an earthquake destroyed the town of Napier, killing over 250 people and damaging many of the town’s central buildings.
Rebounding and determined, the survivors of the earthquake began to rebuild instantly, and they did so in the style of the season. As a result, the town of Napier serves today as an excellent example of art deco architecture, with distinctly New Zealand touches such as Maori patterns and aesthetic details.
Delightful vineyards that produce pinot Gris and Syrah, farmers’ markets, and annual festivals to celebrate the town’s heritage are just a few of the other aspects that make Napier feel like a step back to a simpler time.
How to Reach Napier :
Napier’s Hawkes Bay Airport is about 450 km from Auckland Airport, the international airport well connected with major airports across the world. Napier’s Hawkes Bay can be reached by local air flights from New Zealand. By road, it’s a 5-hour trip.
Best Time To Visit Napier
July to August is the best time to visit in Napier.
Stay Options Near Napier
Scenic Hotel Te Pania, The Crown Hotel Napier, Art Deco Masonic Hotel, and The Country Hotel Napier
Suggested Read: 8 Top Breathtaking Scuba Diving Sites To Reveal Your Holidays
9. Piha
Famous among surfers, landscape photographers, and holidaying Aucklanders not requiring to delve too far out of the city, Piha Beach is positively one of those places that has something for everyone.
It is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Black sands and a rugged appearance are a fabulous part of this beach’s appeal. The Lion Rock, a volcanic monolith with a war memorial and different Maori carvings, is a favourite photo point for visiting shutterbugs.
How to Reach Piha :
Auckland Airport is the nearest airport to Piha at a distance of around 48 km
Best time to visit Piha
April and November
Stay Options Near Piha
Karekare Beach Lodge, Hotel Romantic Piha.
10. Milford Sound
Termed as the eighth wonder of the world, Milford Sound is one of those unmissable places to visit in New Zealand. Enclosed by glaciers, the landscapes of Milford Sound is amazingly beautiful.
The best way to travel here is by boat. Explore the waterfalls and wildlife around the area on a journey. You can still go for a kayaking tour if you want.
If you are already wanted by exploring the surface of the water, then you can go underneath the surface with a stay to the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory.
This is the only underwater lookout in New Zealand. You can go 30 feet deep into the water and experience a 360 degrees underwater view.
How to Reach Milford Sound :
It is only 40 minutes away from Queenstown if you are to catch a flight.
Best time to visit Milford Sound
March to November
Stay Options Near Milford Sound
Matakauri Lodge, Kamana Lakehouse, Mercure Resort, Reavers Lodge and Browns Boutique Hotel.
11. Kaikoura
It is a beautiful town situated on the southern island of NewZealand. It is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Kaikoura is known for its abundant wildlife and its sperm whale population. If you are a wildlife lover then these places are just for you.
Dolphine is common in this area, you can swim with small Dolphine. There is a strict law in this area to protect dolphins, which does not give you a bad experience.
Apart from dolphins, you can also enjoy stunning beaches and other marine life such as whales, stingrays, and orcas. Therefore it is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand.
How to Reach Kaikoura
It is 2hr 30min far from Christchurch International Airport. There is also a train service, Buses Service as well you can book a car.
Best time to visit Kaikoura
October and March are the best months to visit in Kaikoura
Stay Options Near Kaikoura
Kaikoura Boutique Hotel, Dusky Lodge & Backpackers, Alpine Pacific Motels & Holiday Park, Bella Vista Motel Kaikoura, etc.
Conclusion
So that’s it rundown of the best places to visit in New Zealand. It is a truly excellent country that everyone should try to visit at least once. There you will be treated to beautiful nature on your journey from tip to tail.
I hope that this quick guide could plant a seed in your mind and get you thinking about taking that flight to New Zealand. Trust, it’s deserving it
Suggestion To Read:
Ans:- 14 days or 2 weeks is a minimum travel time which is enough to explore both north and south New Zealand.
Ans:- December, January, February are the best time of the year to visit New Zealand as its middle summer, good for your vacation.
Ans:- South Islands of New Zealand is considered to be the most beautiful as compared to North islands of New Zealand. Moreover, South Island is much bigger in the area which means more places to visit in New Zealand.
Ans:- New Zealand is most famous for its national rugby team, its incredible Maori culture and its postcard view landscapes.
Ans:- Tongariro National Park
Waitakere beaches
Golden Bay
Abel Tasman Coast Track
and many more destinations which are the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand.
Ans:- Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch are the major 3 cities of New Zealand which are well expensive, but among these three Auckland is most expensive in New Zealand.
