The Top 10 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most stunning places on the planet, with some of the most beautiful landscapes and natural wonders in existence. It’s no surprise, then, that it’s become increasingly popular with tourists over the years; each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit New Zealand to enjoy its stunning beaches and breathtaking vistas. If you’re planning on visiting New Zealand soon, here are ten great places to make sure you see on your travels!
10. Rotorua
Rotorua is a place of cultural significance and historical intrigue. Located on the North Island of New Zealand, it’s home to Ngāti Whakaue and their ancestral mountain, Mount Tarawera. It’s often referred to as the ‘place of 7 thermal wonderlands’ due to its proximity (and rich variety) of hot springs, geysers, and mud pools all emitting sulphuric vapors and famous for healing everything from arthritis pain to psoriasis outbreaks.
9. Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands is a city situated on the coast of Northland, on the east coast of New Zealand. It’s a popular holiday destination for people from all over the world, attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually. This location is famous for its unique and diverse attractions like fishing, kayaking and scenic walks. As an added bonus, you can enjoy watching whales while they migrate in June and July or catch one of the five volcanoes that rise up out of the ocean.
8. Nelson
Nelson is home to the Nelson Heritage Museum, which opened in 1984 and explores the town’s history. Located on Trafalgar Street, this museum has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the geology of Nelson and one for its wildlife. The Humble House has been converted into an exhibition space for local artists and is open from Thursday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., so if you have time, stop by!
7. Wanaka
Wanaka is a small and adorable city on the coast of Lake Wanaka. You’ll often find that many people have been driving for hours, just to spend a day there. There are also great hiking trails around, as well as several mountain peaks, some over 12,000ft tall.
6. Christchurch
You should definitely visit Christchurch if you’re in New Zealand. Christchurch is often called the Garden City because it’s home to a number of different gardens, orchards, and botanical gardens. In fact, Christchurch is one of the top cities for green living. There are a number of beautiful parks around the city that you can enjoy at any time of the year.
5. Waitomo Caves
-Located near Taupo, the Waitomo Caves are a must-see for anyone with an interest in geology and cave exploring. They are known as the home of the world’s only glow worm cave tour, making them an excellent destination for families.
-Visitors should be sure to spend at least 2 hours exploring all 8 amazing underground chambers and seeing one of nature’s most stunning light shows.
4. South Island National Parks
This is a list of some South Island National Parks that are frequented by locals and travelers from all around the world. The Mount Cook National Park is the most visited site in New Zealand and offers views of three mountain ranges including the iconic Aoraki Mt Cook Mountain. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves have been an attraction for many years with its subterranean landscapes containing millions of glowworms.
3. Auckland City
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and a prominent tourist destination. Auckland’s population is just over 1 million people, which makes it the largest city on the country by far. The climate is usually mild and temperatures are pretty stable year round, with an average high of 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and lows around 58-62 degrees. Visitors can check out a number of fantastic museums such as Te Papa Tongarewa or Auckland War Memorial Museum, as well as a lot of outstanding galleries and public art displays.
2. Wellington
Located on the North Island of New Zealand, this capital city provides an atmosphere that is exciting and sophisticated with opportunities for year-round outdoor adventures. We recommend checking out Te Papa Museum; after viewing the exhibits, visitors can take a break and enjoy an ice cream at one of many cafés nearby.
1. Hobbiton
Hobbiton has a variety of activities from guided tours, delicious dining at The Shire Restuarant and experience the Hobbit Holes Tours. You can even have your picture taken with a Gandalf look-alike. Those with special needs should also inquire about their accessibility needs as they provide an equally magical experience for those who may have limitations.