New Zealand, or Aotearoa in the Māori language, is globally renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes. From the dramatic black sand beaches and soothing thermal springs to serene sandy coves, majestic towering mountains, and vivid aquamarine lakes, the country offers a diverse range of visual experiences. While vibrant city escapes in cosmopolitan Auckland, the cool capital of Wellington, and the ever-evolving Christchurch are appealing, the truly Best Places To Travel In New Zealand often lie beyond the urban perimeters, inviting you to fully immerse yourself in the spectacular outdoors.
As you start planning your itinerary for Aotearoa, consider these nine exceptional destinations that should undoubtedly be at the top of your list for an unforgettable journey.
A contemporary glass building perched on a hilltop offers panoramic views of Queenstown's skyline, featuring snow-capped mountains and the expansive Lake Wakatipu with a verdant peninsula extending into its waters.
1. Queenstown
Best for adventure activities
Queenstown, New Zealand’s undisputed adventure capital, rightfully earns its popularity among visitors. Nestled on the shores of the stunning Lake Wakatipu and encircled by majestic snow-capped mountains, Queenstown’s picturesque location makes it a highly desirable place for both living and recreation. The area boasts three excellent ski fields, accompanied by an equally impressive après-ski scene that adds to its allure.
Queenstown’s reputation as an adventure hub is well-earned, offering a plethora of adrenaline-pumping activities. From bungee jumping and exhilarating zip lining to paragliding and high-speed jet boating, there are countless ways to satisfy your adventurous spirit. In the summer months, the experiences expand to include exceptional hiking and cycling trails, along with various water sports on the pristine lake, ensuring year-round excitement.
Detour: Take some time to discover the charming valleys and settlements surrounding Queenstown. Explore the tranquil Lake Hayes, the quaint lakeside village of Glenorchy, and the historically rich Arrowtown. Consider spending a day or more in nearby Wānaka, celebrated for its relaxed atmosphere and the iconic, Instagram-famous Wanaka Tree. The Gibbston Valley, a short drive away, is home to some of the finest wineries in the country, perfect for wine enthusiasts.
2. Coromandel
Best for beautiful beaches
For those seeking a quintessential beach holiday, the Coromandel Peninsula, located on the east coast of the North Island, is an ideal destination. While access to the iconic Cathedral Cove area is currently restricted due to storm damage from 2023 (requiring a boat or kayak tour to visit), the region is still brimming with numerous other breathtaking beaches waiting to be explored.
You can enjoy a relaxing swim in the calm waters of Cooks Beach or embark on a 30-minute walk through lush native bush to discover the more secluded yet popular New Chums Beach. The Coromandel Peninsula also offers a variety of engaging activities, including cycling through the dramatic Karangahake Gorge, challenging yourself with a hike on the Pinnacles Trail, and kayaking to the protected Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Donut Island, a pristine natural haven accessible only from the water.
Planning tip: Enhance your experience by renting a bach (holiday house) in one of the charming seaside towns such as Hahei, Pauanui, or Whangamatā. These towns serve as perfect bases for your Coromandel explorations.
A woman in a blue jacket and black pants stands beside a yellow kayak, gazing out at a prominent rocky outcrop in the ocean, under a slightly overcast sky.
3. Abel Tasman National Park
Best for hiking and kayaking
Abel Tasman National Park, situated on the South Island, is a pristine natural paradise characterized by lush native forests, sparkling clear bays, and inviting white sandy beaches. While it is possible to visit on a day trip from Nelson, this remarkable destination truly deserves a more extended stay to fully appreciate its beauty.
The Abel Tasman Coast Track, recognized as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, stretches for 60km (37 miles) along the coastline, offering captivating beach views. Completing the entire track typically takes three to five days, but shorter sections can be enjoyed as day or afternoon hikes, utilizing water taxis for convenient return trips. Alternatively, explore the park by kayak, paddle to the national park’s seal colony, dive into the refreshing waters, or simply unwind in secluded hidden coves and bays.
Planning tip: Vehicle access is limited to Tōtaranui at the northern end of the national park and Mārahau at the southern entrance. Visitors must either walk to their desired locations within the park or utilize water taxis to navigate the coastal areas efficiently.
4. Fiordland National Park
Best for epic landscapes
Located on the southwestern edge of the South Island, Fiordland National Park is home to one of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions, the majestic Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Here, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls plunging into the fiord and the chance to spot rare marine wildlife, including the Fiordland crested penguins and Hector’s dolphins. The national park also boasts numerous hiking trails, including the renowned Milford Track, New Zealand’s most famous multi-day hike. These trails lead adventurers past snow-capped mountains and dramatic ice-carved fiords, offering continuous panoramic vistas of lakes, valleys, and waterfalls.
Planning tip: The equally stunning Doubtful Sound/Patea is nearby, offering a similarly spectacular experience, although it is less accessible. Trips to Doubtful Sound require a guided tour and boat transportation to fully explore its remote beauty.
Two hikers, equipped with backpacks and ice axes, ascend a series of ice steps within a glacier tunnel, surrounded by blue glacial ice.
5. West Coast
Best for glaciers
The rugged western coastline of the South Island presents a dramatic contrast of dense rainforests, sharp, rocky terrains, and ancient glaciers. The primary highlights of this untamed and remote region are the magnificent Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. These glacial rivers of ice, remarkably flowing almost down to sea level, offer visitors a unique and accessible glacial experience.
Engage in guided hikes, exhilarating heli-hikes, or scenic flights to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the glaciers. Other noteworthy attractions along the West Coast include Punakaiki’s distinctive Pancake Rocks, the vividly turquoise Hokitika Gorge, and the tranquil, mirror-like reflections found on the waters of Lake Matheson.
Planning tip: The West Coast experiences significant annual rainfall. Helicopter tours are particularly susceptible to weather conditions. If landing on a glacier is a priority, ensure your itinerary is flexible enough to accommodate potential weather delays and reschedule your tour if needed.
6. Mackenzie Region
Best for stargazing
Approximately a two-hour drive from Christchurch lies the Mackenzie Region, a serene area known for some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. Designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve due to its exceptionally low light pollution, the Mackenzie Region is an ideal location for stargazing. On a clear night, consider visiting the observatory to observe the stars through a telescope, or simply look upwards to witness the brilliance of the night sky.
The Mackenzie Region is also home to the iconic Lake Tekapo and the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, a stone-built church that stands as one of the most frequently photographed landmarks in New Zealand. The nearby town of Twizel provides a convenient base for exploring the region, offering easy access to the lakes and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park features a range of walking tracks, from short, leisurely trails to challenging full-day hikes.
Planning tip: Enhance your celestial experience by booking a Tātai Aroraki (Māori astronomy) tour at the Dark Sky Project. This insightful tour delves into the significance of the night sky in Māori culture and is an excellent activity even on days with less favorable weather conditions.
Three individuals of varying ages are positioned on a boardwalk, posing for a selfie with a backdrop of steaming, bubbling geothermal earth.
7. Rotorua
Best for geothermal activity and Māori cultural experiences
Rotorua, situated at the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal zone, is the prime destination for experiencing bubbling mud pools, erupting geysers, and steaming rivers. Enhance your visit with a relaxing soak in a therapeutic thermal mud bath, immersing yourself in the region’s natural spa.
Rotorua is equally celebrated for its geological wonders and its rich, immersive cultural experiences. Delve into Māori culture and language by visiting a traditional Māori marae (meeting grounds). At Te Puia geothermal park, for example, you can observe skilled local Māori carvers at work at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. This attraction also proudly hosts the southern hemisphere’s largest geyser, Pohutu Geyser. The nearby Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as the Redwoods, offers fantastic cycling and hiking trails, and features an impressive treetop walk that is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a unique perspective of the forest canopy.
8. Napier
Best for architecture
Following a devastating earthquake in 1931, Napier underwent an almost complete reconstruction, embracing the Art Deco architectural style that was highly fashionable at the time. Today, Napier boasts one of the most extensive and well-preserved collections of Art Deco buildings in the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors eager to step back into the era of The Great Gatsby can immerse themselves in Napier’s history through guided walking tours, vintage car tours, and the annual Art Deco Festival, a vibrant celebration held each February.
Detour: Extend your exploration with a day or two visiting the charming village of Havelock North and the Hawke’s Bay wine region. Hawke’s Bay is renowned for producing award-winning Syrahs, Chardonnays, and other exceptional red and white wines, making it a must-visit for wine connoisseurs.
Māori warriors adorned with traditional tattoos participate in a celebration of Waitangi Day, commemorating the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi between the British Crown and Māori chiefs.
9. Bay of Islands
Best for Māori history
The Bay of Islands, with its shimmering waters dotted with numerous picturesque islets, is not only visually stunning but also holds significant cultural and historical importance for New Zealand. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds mark the very location where the Treaty of Waitangi, a document of immense foundational importance, was signed between Māori chiefs and British representatives, shaping the nation of modern New Zealand.
If your visit falls between November and March, you can witness captivating traditional Māori performances at the treaty grounds and partake in a hāngī feast, where food is cooked using traditional earth oven methods. Beyond Waitangi, venture out onto the water with a waka (traditional canoe) tour, where local Māori guides share captivating stories about their seafaring ancestors and the sacred sites within the bay. In nearby Paihia, enhance your exploration by downloading the Ātea Nuku app, offering an augmented reality walking tour that vividly illustrates the town’s rich history.
Planning tip: On Waitangi Day, observed on February 6th, all buildings at the Treaty Grounds are closed in observance of the public holiday. Instead, a large-scale festival takes place, featuring a dawn ceremony, numerous food stalls, and vibrant cultural performances, offering a unique way to experience this important national day.
These nine destinations represent just a glimpse of the many best places to travel in New Zealand. Each location offers unique experiences and landscapes, promising an unforgettable adventure in this beautiful country. Start planning your trip to New Zealand today and discover the magic of Aotearoa for yourself.
