Unmissable New Zealand: our top 10 destinations
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Discover the 10 must-see places to visit on your trip to New Zealand. Ready to head off to the other side of the world?
North Island must-sees
Northland and Cape Reinga
As its name suggests, Northland is the northernmost region of the North Island. The peninsula’s landscapes range from forests to heavenly beaches! Nature has a field day in this less populated region.
Cap Reinga is the northernmost point accessible to the public. The Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet here, giving rise to impressive wave spectacles. It’s a symbolic place for the Maoris.
Indeed, the word “Reinga” means “Hell”, and according to the beliefs of this people, the cape is the place where souls travel to the Beyond…
One end of the famous “90 Miles Beach” is at Cape Reinga. Its name is a little misleading, since it’s “only” 54 miles long (about 88 kilometers). This beach is officially a road! Please note that it is only suitable for 4 x 4 vehicles, and cannot be used during high tides (unpleasant surprises ahead…). If you want to give it a try, find out more first!
Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. Nicknamed the “City of Sails”, it enjoys a truly exceptional location. Situated on a narrow stretch of land, it offers superb beaches and hiking trails, less than half an hour from downtown!
The Hauraki Gulf is the source of Auckland’s nickname, as it is home to a large number of sailing boats.
It’s possible to take a ferry to nearby islands and be in the middle of nature in just a few dozen minutes.
At the same time, the city is modern and lively, with parks and wide streets… It’s a great place to live!
Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu
The city of Rotorua is located on a huge geothermal zone, making it a must-see in New Zealand. The Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park is magnificent: bubbling pools, sulphur basins in incredible colors, geysers, lakes of sulphuric acid… a whole program (with sometimes… interesting smells!) not to be missed! You’ve probably already heard of the “Champagne Pool”, a pool of hot water surrounded by an orange deposit that produces CO2, evoking champagne bubbles. (And yes, any excuse is a good one!)
Rotorua is also home to several Maori villages. Their culture is very present in this region. You can discover their traditions by spending an evening in one of these villages and joining in the traditional dances. You’ll also discover that the Maoris take full advantage of the natural hot springs in their daily lives.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s must-sees. Especially for hikers. Located in the Taupo region, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and is one of the oldest national parks in the world. The scenery is breathtaking. A 19-kilometer hike, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, will allow you to discover the full beauty of the area. It’s a sacred place in the eyes of the Maoris, especially the 3 volcanoes located there: Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe (which, for the record, served as the filming location for The Lord of the Rings!). This hike takes you past emerald-coloured lakes and ends in a dense forest. An array of landscapes that will make you feel like you’re in another world!
The Tongariro Northern Circuit is another incredible hike, but requires several days’ walking and is therefore for experienced hikers.
Wellington
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. It offers its inhabitants one of the best qualities of life in the world. Located at the very south of the North Island, it’s your starting point for a trip to the north of the South Island (still with us?).
Like Auckland, it’s close to the sea. The port, Oriental Bay, small beaches…
The Cable Car is a funicular that gives you a great view of the city.
South Island must-sees
Abel Tasman National Park
This park, located at the northern tip of the South Island, is New Zealand’s smallest national park, but one of its most beautiful. A place not to be missed!
It’s renowned for its splendid scenery: golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush green hills, dense forests… enough to feast your eyes and senses. A true immersion in all that nature has to offer.
You can explore the park’s coastline by kayak, where you’ll meet the local wildlife, including sea lions, dolphins and penguins.
The park is also famous for its Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. This renowned hike takes several days to complete.
Golden Bay, a little further northwest, is also magnificent.
Mount Cook
Mount Aoraki, from its Maori name, must be on your list of must-see sites during your stay in New Zealand! Aoraki National Park is home to 22 peaks that exceed 3,050 meters in altitude. It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site called “Te Wāhipounamu”, which includes several national parks.
Mount Cook rises to 3,724 metres, adorned in eternal snow, and is the country’s highest peak. The region is sublime. Hikers will be delighted by the mountain and ice scenery. One of the best-known sites is Lake Tasman and its glacier, the largest in New Zealand.
Two other lakes, Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, sublimate the region with their turquoise waters.
In addition to hiking, which offers incredible views, there are many other activities on offer, from flying overhead in a plane or helicopter to skiing downhill (with a guide, of course!). But don’t forget your travel insurance!
Franz Joseph and Fox glaciers
These famous glaciers are located not far from Mount Cook. This combination of two glaciers is a rare phenomenon, making it a popular destination, especially as they are located less than 20 kilometers from the Tasman Sea. The Fox Glacier is unique in that it descends to just 300 metres above sea level.
The glaciers can be reached on foot (it’s only a 30-minute walk to Fox Glacier!) or by helicopter. I’ll let you imagine the beauty of the landscapes you’ll discover there. On the heights, the ice is so dense it’s blue.
So, granted, their names are a little strange. For the record, Fox Glacier was named after Prime Minister William Fox when he visited in 1872. The Franz Josef glacier owes its name to a German explorer who named it after an Austrian emperor in 1865.
Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park
Milford Sound is renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful fjords. It’s within easy reach by car. Once there, you can discover the full splendor of the area aboard a cruise boat, or by kayak. Of course, there’s plenty of hiking on offer, including some of the most famous, such as the Kepler Track, the Milford Track and the Routeburn. Discover lakes, rivers, waterfalls, dense forests… and take in the sights!
The site’s highest point is Mitre Peak, a photographer’s star.
This majestic fjord lies at the northern tip of Fiordland National Park, made up of 14 fjords (no less!) and also part of Te Wāhipounamu. This must-see region of New Zealand was also chosen as the filming location for certain scenes in The Lord of the Rings.
Queenstown
Everything comes alive in this pretty South Island town! It’s renowned for its many thrilling activities, on land and at sea, all in a magical setting. Queenstown is surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range and bordered by the blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake. How can you resist?
What’s more, Queenstown is an ideal departure point for Milford Sound.
This concludes our top 10 must-see destinations in New Zealand. There are of course many others, this country is overflowing with riches, but we had to make a selection (yes, I know, life’s hard…)!
Don’t hesitate to share your dream destinations with us!
Here you’ll find our top 10 of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and don’t hesitate to take out our YUPWEGO travel insurance, so you can go on vacation with peace of mind.
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