New Zealand is an island nation made up of the North and the South Islands. Travelers can ski on snow-capped mountains and bask on subtropical beaches, learn about Maori culture and discover its British heritage, sip on some of the world’s finest wines and hike through uninhabited wilderness. Whatever kind of travel experiences you enjoy, you can probably find it in New Zealand.
Here are the 10 best places to visit in New Zealand.
1. Rotorua
In the central North Island, Rotorua is famous for its geothermal features and Maori culture. Travelers short on time can visit on a day trip from Auckland, but it’s a convenient stop when traveling through the North Island. Hell’s Gate, Wai-O-Tapu, or Orakei Korako (on the way to Taupo) are good options for bubbling mud pools, boiling geysers, and colorful rock formations, and many resorts and holiday parks in the area have hot spring bathing facilities. You can also learn more about Maori culture at tourist villages like Mitai, Whakarewarewa, and Tamaki with their cultural shows of traditional music and dancing, and a hangi meal cooked in an underground pit.
2. Waitangi
Waitangi is one of the most significant places in New Zealand’s modern history. In 1840, Maori chiefs signed a treaty with representatives of the British Crown, the Treaty of Waitangi, which was a founding document that gave the sovereignty of New Zealand to British rule. Visit for a crash course in the country’s history in this beautiful coastal location. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds include an indoor museum, the Treaty House, an ornately carved marae (Maori meeting house), and a ceremonial waka (canoe), spread over a large area. There are beautiful views of the Bay of Islands.
3. Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula reaches 50 miles into the Hauraki Gulf, across the Firth of Thames from Auckland. It’s a microcosm of all that’s good in northern New Zealand—stunning beaches, hiking trails, and arty, laid-back towns. During low tide at Hot Water Beach, dig a few inches beneath the sand to create your own natural hot spring bath, spend the day at Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches (which is saying something), and hike the Pinnacles Walk or Coromandel Coastal Walkway.
4. Tongariro National Park
On the high central plateau of central North Island, Tongariro National Park is a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed both for its natural and cultural significance. Most sights and activities revolve around three volcanic peaks: Mounts Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a moderately challenging day hike that is a spectacular day hike. In winter, ski at the Whakapapa or Turoa ski fields.
5. Hawke’s Bay
The Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s premier wine-producing regions, and the oldest—there are more than 200 vineyards in the region. The area is popular for its sunny climate, Art Deco allure, and the world’s largest gannet colony. The city of Napier, in particular, is famous for its Art Deco architecture, because after a huge earthquake in 1931, much of the city was rebuilt in this style. Keen bird watchers should visit the gannet colony at the Cape Kidnappers Reserve.
6. Akaroa
Jutting southeast from Christchurch, the Banks Peninsula is a volcanic land mass comprised of several volcanos. There are many harbors and bays, wildlife-spotting opportunities, and the French settlement of Akaroa, the oldest town in the Canterbury province. There are many 19th-century buildings there and cute French cafes. The Hector’s dolphin—the world’s smallest and rarest—live in the waters off the Banks Peninsula. (Sea kayaking is a good way to see them.) There are also many biking and hiking trails on the peninsula.
7. Aoraki Mackenzie
The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the largest dark sky reserves in the world. In the central South Island, far from any major settlements, it’s almost completely free of light pollution, making it an incredible destination for stargazing. Stargazing tours are informative, or you can just find a quiet, dark spot on your own. If you’re lucky, you might also see the Aurora Australis (the Southern Lights, similar to the Northern Lights). Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain (12,220 feet), is also in this area.
8. Queenstown
Queenstown is not a typical Kiwi town—its real estate is among the most expensive in the country, and the style is more designer than farmer. But there’s no denying that Queenstown is blessed with beautiful geography as it’s set on Lake Wakatipu with views of the Remarkables mountain range. Take the cable car to the top of the hill behind the city for spectacular views. Popular activities in the area include mountain biking, bungee jumping, speedboat rides, whitewater rafting, kayaking, canyoning, skiing in winter, or hiking the many trails.
9. Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
Dunedin is a university town on the South Island’s east coast. Dunedin is the Scots Gaelic name for Edinburgh, and the Scottish influence is strong. The neo-gothic architecture of the University of Otago, the Dunedin Railway Station, and some churches lend an Old World aesthetic to Dunedin. The world’s second steepest street (as of August 2019), Baldwin Street, is also a quirky sight to see. (The first is in Harlech, Wales.)
A short drive from Dunedin is the hilly, windswept Otago Peninsula, one of New Zealand’s finest eco-tourism and bird-watching destinations. Drive (or take a tour) out to see the penguin, albatross, and seal colonies of the Otago Peninsula, making a stop at Larnach’s Castle en route.
10. Fiordland National Park
In the south-west of the South Island, the Fiordland National Park is New Zealand’s largest, and it’s part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. A vast area of forests, mountains, and glacial fiords, visitors can be as active or relaxed as they like here, on sightseeing cruises, scenic flights, or multi-day treks. The small town of Te Anau is a good base, and has caves with glow worms.
Milford Sound is perhaps the most famous sight, with pointy Mitre Peak rising from the water offering perfect reflections on a clear day. Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri are beautiful places to cruise or kayak.