Having 2 main islands, the South Island and North Island, the country of New Zealand is a spectacular destination that one should discover. Filled with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable landscapes and incomparable combination of mountains, lush greenery, and lakes, this island nation must be seen first so that one can truly understand it.
If you’re an adventure or sports enthusiast, or perhaps you just want to try it out, New Zealand must definitely be in your list. Mountaineering, bungee jumping, paragliding, canyoning, caving, skydiving, mountain biking, zip lining, parachuting, and so on. The list of the things that you can do in this nation is endless!
You can begin with your adventures in Queenstown which is surrounded by lake and mountain scenery. Also, there is the wonderful Fiordland – a part of its landscape made up the movie interpretation of Peter Jackson, The Hobbit and Middle Earth for Lord of the Rings. You can also learn about the Maori culture in Rotorua, and if you miss the city life, visit to the sunny Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Here are some of the best places travelers must visit in New Zealand:
Tongariro National Park

New Zealand’s first national park, the Tongariro is popular for its extremes and surprises. The diverse range of this park’s ecosystems include active volcanoes, untamed forests, tranquil lakes, desert-like plateaus, and herb fields.
You can begin with your trek here at Whakapapa Visitor Center, a 3-hour hike from the spectacular Taranaki Falls. This short hike will be taking you through forest and scrubland across the volcanic eruption’s lava line from over hundred years ago.
Fiordland

Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots. There, you can experience remarkable hikes, cruise on the magnificent fjords, or fish for trout in the South Island’s south-west corner. Fiordland’s biggest attraction is the Milford Sound, a true fjord that was shaped by a glacier.
On your cruise all over Milford Sound, you get to spot waterfalls, see wildlife such as penguins and dolphins, and admire the fine rock faces that tower over the water.
Auckland

Auckland, or the city of Sails, is the most populated and largest city of New Zealand. You can find this on North Island, and this city is famous for its foodie landscape and vibrant culture. If you want to see the amazing views of this wonderful city, you can climb up the Auckland Harbor Bridge.
If you want to learn more about New Zealand’s heritage and history, then make sure that you visit Auckland Domain, the oldest part of the city. In Auckland Domain, you will discover spectacular exhibits of Pacific and Maori Island artifacts at the incredible Auckland Museum.
Queenstown

Are you an adventure enthusiast just like my brother who works for Rx Catering? Queenstown is in the South Island of New Zealand. A lot of people know this destination as the dream spot for the seekers of adventure and adrenaline. Being surrounded by Southern Alps’ towering peaks and being right on the deep-blue Lake Wakatipu’s banks, indeed, Queenstown is a remarkable spot.
A best way for you to experience its amazing scenery is to visit Lake Wakatipu. You can cycle round the perimeter of the lake or ride a cruise on the magnificent waters of the lake. Moreover, there is an active nightlife with the small central area of the town that is full of restaurants and bars.
Napier

On Napier’s seaside resort on North Island is the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand. This is all thanks to plenty of 1930s architecture that was built at the time when this city suffered a huge fire for over 80 years ago.
After you tour this city on foot, visiting the National Aquarium of New Zealand is the best way for you to enjoy Napier. This massive aquarium is the home to almost everything from crocodiles to turtles, also it has world-class modern exhibits.
Paihia

If you want to explore the Bay of Islands, Paihia is the perfect place for you to visit. Paihia is about a small-town feel, however it brags a wide variety of amazing recreational opportunities and hotels that entices tourists.
If ever you feel to be active and adventurous, try out swimming with the dolphins or go scuba diving and observe the Rainbow Warrior, an underwater shipwreck. On its dry land, you can visit Marsden Road for excellent restaurants that serves a wide array of fresh seafood.
Glacier Country

On South Island’s Western Coast, you can find the Glacier Country. In this park, you will get the chance to see 2 of the country’s most remarkable glaciers – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier.
The Franz Josef Glacier is one of the planet’s most accessible glaciers. This means that you can walk up to it and the glacier valley. The tour guides will provide a closer look to these expanding glaciers and after you hike, you can soak in the wonderful glacier hot pools to relax.
Rotorua

The Rotorua is known as New Zealand’s thermal wonderland. Inside and around this city, you will find plenty of hot springs and geysers. Most of these are in reserves and parks.
The natural eruptions of the steam, mud, and hot water occurs occasionally in new locations. The adjacent Wai-O-Tapu is also a famous place that tourists visit. It has a lot of hot springs that were noted for its colorful appearance, an addition to Lady Knox Geyser.
Stewart Island

The Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third largest island and you can find this in further south of South Island. Most islands here are undeveloped and forested with over 80% of the islands were set aside as Rakiura National Park, hence giving you an opportunity to explore New Zealand’s wild side.
Your pastimes on this island have something to with outdoor adventures like camping, birdwatching, and hiking. One of this island’s most famous treks is in the Northwest Circuit. This trek can take up to several days even if you are a fit hiker. On the other hand, this trek will offer breathtaking views and give you an access to the wildlife.
Nelson

Nelson is on top of South Island and this is a spot that is famous for having New Zealand’s greatest sum of sunshine hours in a year. This perfect climate as well as the fact that 3 national parks surround this city makes Nelson an incredible spot for any outdoor recreations.
There is also a great emphasis on the wineries of the area and its local agriculture. The Founder’s Park is a stunning spot in this city. Here you can soak-up the sunshine and dine in the farm-to-table cuisine. Also, you can take a day-trip to Abel Tasman National Park through an early bus. This trip will give you enough time to witness and enjoy this park.
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