New Zealand is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, thrilling activities, and serene beauty that make it one of the most traveled destinations in the world. There are plenty of exciting places to visit, but be more specific, especially for those who might be visiting New Zealand for the first time. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, family-friendly adventure romantic spots, or otherwise, New Zealand tailor-made holiday packages will have something for all. Here are the top places to visit in New Zealand:
1. Queenstown: There might be a lot of divided opinions on which is the best city in New Zealand, and while many do come to mind, it’s inevitable that this list begins with Queenstown. The Lake Wakatipu adorns Queenstown. This is disbelief-defying, as it’s that gorgeous. It’s also the country’s adventure capital, situated in South Island and boasts breathtaking vistas as well as adrenaline-injecting activities that made it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts. Fun activities here are bungee jumping, rock climbing, canyoning, abseiling, white water rafting, paragliding, heli-biking, and skiing. But if you are in search of saner pursuits, there’s enough here for even the ones with family. You just bask in all the beauty around you, and you will wish never to leave again.
2. Auckland: Sitting at the top of New Zealand’s North Island is Auckland–the most populous city in the country. But there is something very earthy and elemental about the city too, which is located around two large harbors. The views over superyachts and fashionable bars and cafes at Viaduct Harbour mean that Auckland is a treat for the outdoors and adventure of an exotic kind. There are around 48 volcanic cones in Auckland alone, and these can be climbed for some of the most amazing views you’ll get to see. There are guided walks, and the volcanoes have much cultural and spiritual importance for the Māori. Auckland is full of arts and culture, but it’s the culinary space that gets the wows. The gastronomic experience that you can enjoy in here, whether it’s in a farmer’s market or a fine dining restaurant, is just so delicious.
3. Christchurch: Located on the East Coast of South Island, Christchurch is one of New Zealand’s quiet English beauties. The town is full of several heritage spots to peruse and is actually famous for street art. The Avon River in the middle of the city creates a completely breathtaking natural landscape. For those who want to explore South Island, Christchurch is a great place to begin, and you can head to the Banks Peninsula, the Southern Alps, or Canterbury Plains. Within the city itself, there are countless things to see and do, and you can ride your bike along the banks of the Avon River. Take advantage of Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
4. Rotorua: It is located on the North Island of Lake Rotorua. This town is well known for bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and the mighty Pohutu Geyser, which erupts several times in a day. If one desires something more than a glimpse of the mystical Māori culture, Rotorua is the place to go. There is never a moment’s boredom here and one feels that they have traveled into another world altogether. The forests are full and almost magical. Enjoy the waters of a natural stream while your strung body unwinds as the tension melts away from every kind of stress.
5. Dunedin Hoopers Inlet Dunedin is one of the cities in New Zealand with Scottish heritage and awesome scenic views. Wonderful gardens, clean cycle paths, and beautiful heritage attractions such as gothic-style buildings, museums, and castles feature Dunedin as a wonderful city to visit in New Zealand.
If you love wildlife, you should not miss this place and see little blue penguins and yellow-eyed penguins, too, as they are also an endangered species.
Dunedin’s beaches may be perfect for water sports, but you can visit them at night for breathtaking visuals of starry skies. Not too far from Dunedin, you can visit the lush Purakaunui Falls in the Caitlins.
6. Wellington: The capital of New Zealand, is located on the North Island and is a beautiful city offering the best experiences in every way possible. There’s culture, history, nature, and remarkable food here, and that is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Well, visitors can be found lounging in Oriental Bay and participating in more enthusiastic activities, such as mountain biking or seawater kayaking. The Te Papa Tongarewa is an excellent interactive museum where one learns about New Zealand’s history and culture. For Lord of the Rings fans, Wellington is the place where you can get into a Weta Cave and learn about the magic that went into making the movies. A cable car ride up to Kelburn offers some remarkable views of the city, while gourmands and oenophiles will find themselves more than adequately indulged here.
7. New Plymouth: New Plymouth, in the Taranaki region of North Island, is beautiful, and with Mount Taranaki forming the stunning backdrop, it’s indeed one of the most memorable cities you will visit with tailor-made holiday packages. There are beautiful parks here as well as some lovely art galleries and a thriving arts and culture scene. The Mt. Egmont National Park has some intriguing hiking trails and is popular among those who seek adventurous pursuits.
The promenade stretches 13 kilometers from Brooklands Zoo to Ngamotu Beach. Walk along it, enjoying the spectacular views and popping into one of the many cafes or restaurants to replenish yourself. Among the other fantastic places to visit in New Zealand would be Hamilton, the place with its very famous Hamilton Gardens; Nelson, boasting fabulous beaches, lakes, and breathtaking mountains; Raglan-a laid-back beach town; Mangawhai; and Kaikoura, where you could easily spot dolphins, seals, and whales. The lasting appeal of New Zealand stems from the fact that it blends so well the ease and luxury of the urban sphere with its culture and support for its Indigenous Māori people.
