Also known as Aotearoa, New Zealand is one of the most beautiful island countries in the world. Located in Oceania, New Zealand attractions are on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list. The mesmerizing beauty of its untouched landscapes, wildlife, rich heritage and culture are the key attractions for tourists from all over the world every year.
If the travel bug has bitten you, your planning starts after you select your next travel destination. And what a better country to begin with, than the mesmerizing New Zealand. Plan a trip to the island country, and soak in its natural beauty and wildlife.
New Zealand seascape
Here are the top attractions in New Zealand that you must visit:
Milford Sound
Located on the southwest of the South Island of New Zealand, Milford Sound is known for its towering Mitre Peak, lush green rainforests, and waterfalls. For wildlife lovers, there are fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins that can be spotted. At the Milford Observatory, you can enjoy the breath-taking view of marine life, and spot rare black corals.
Mitre Peak off Milford Sound is one of the New Zealand attractions you won’t want to miss
Franz Joseph Glacier
This 12km long glacier is the fastest moving and the steepest in NZ. Franz Joseph is a small town in the West Coast glacier region, lively, and bustling. It a temperate maritime glacier, located in the Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Surrounded by rainforest-clad lush mountains, the glacier can be found on the Southern-most island of New Zealand. To explore the ice floes and caves, one can take a licensed tour, which also includes a helicopter ride, making it a one of a kind experience.
Franz Joseph Glacier
Mount Cook
Also known as Aoraki, at 3,724 meters, this is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Due to erosions and rockslides, it has been shrinking down, but its beauty is mesmerizing. It is primarily known for the incredible beauty of its Alpine forests, and snow-clad peaks. The mountain ranges are a part of the Southern Alps and run along the South Island of New Zealand. The alps are home to other mountain ranges like Mount Aspiring and Mount Tutoko, as well as lush green forests and glaciers.
Mt. Cook
Lake Tekapo
Known for its immense beauty, Lake Tekapo is one of the top tourist destinations in NZ. The USP of this lake is its unique turquoise colour. It is a small town, and is home to merely 400 residents, and is one of the only five settlements in the Mackenzie Basin. It is a part of International Dark Sky Reserve, and tourists flock here to witness breath-taking natural wonders. For viewing the Southern Lights, the Mt. John Observatory located near it is a must-visit.
Lake Tekapo
Bay of Islands
If you’re looking to spend your vacation having a quiet time by the water, the Bay of Islands must be on your list. Spend your days fishing, sunbathing at raw beaches, and picking out Maori artefacts here. One can reach the Bay of Islands by a 3-hour drive from Auckland. The Bay of Islands is an enclave of New Zealand, having more than 140 subtropical islands. You can make Paihia as your base, and explore the islands and its surroundings. The enclaves are also home to the whaling post of Russel, which is a 19th century port of the colonial times.
Bay of Islands
Abel Tasman National Park
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you mustn’t miss a trip to the Abel National Park. Located on the northern end of the South Island of NZ, the unique feature of the wildlife reserve is its iconic Coast Track. It is a long trail of beaches and ridges, one of NZ’s 9 Great Walks. The park area is great for sports activities like hiking and kayaking to explore flora and fauna. The park, along with the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, is home to colonies of New Zealand Fur Seal, blue penguins, and dolphins.
Abel Tasman National Park
Tongariro National Park
Home to three active volcanoes, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park is one of the top spots for tourism in New Zealand. The location where the filming of “The Lord of The Rings” took place, Mount Doom, is right here. The park boasts of immense wildlife and a breath-taking topography of different terrains. The Ruapehu active volcano is famous for its ski Slopes. Here, one can spot brown kiwi and blue duck. This is the 4th National Park in the world and is significant because of its unique culture and nature. The Tongariro river flows through this UNESCO world heritage site.
Tongariro National Park
New Zealand Attractions: Natural Beauty, Rich Cultural Heritage
With its breath-taking terrain, unique wildlife, waterfalls, lakes and much more, the island of New Zealand is sure to bring you closer to nature. Its remoteness from the world, rich cultural heritage, and largely untouched natural beauty are things that make New Zealand stand out.
New Zealand path trail
For More:
- New Zealand Tourism, https://www.newzealand.com/int/
- On our site: Best of Australia: 7 Unforgettable Adventures
Photo Credits:
- Cover photo, Pixabay
- New Zealand seascape, Pixabay
- Milford Sound, Pixabay
- Franz Joseph Glacier, Pixabay
- Mount Cook, Pixabay
- Lake Tekapo, Pixabay
- Bay of Islands, Pixabay
- Abel Tasman National Park, Pixabay
- Tongariro National Park, Pixabay
- New Zealand path trail, Pixabay
