New Zealand is home to idyllic beaches, magnificent mountains, and stunning lakes. We travel throughout this stunning nation to bring you a collection of 12 of its most picturesque places, from the stunning Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, to the well-known surfing resort of Raglan on the North Island.
1. Queenstown
On the South Island’s shores of the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, sometimes known as the “adventure capital of New Zealand,” is located. The town benefits from being at the edge of the ocean by being able to host a variety of activities, including relaxing boat tours, exhilarating jet boating, hiking, walking, bungee jumping, skydiving, white-water rafting, and just about anything!
Clearly one of the prettiest cities in New Zealand, Queenstown is quiet and laid-back during the day but lively and bustling at night. Fine-dining eateries and coffee shops line the town’s streets, and the town calendar is jam-packed with cultural events all year, including the enormous Queenstown Winter Festival.
2. Wanaka
Wanaka, a charming lakeside town on the unspoiled, rough South Island of New Zealand, gets its name from its eponymous river and has views of snow-capped mountain peaks as its backdrop. Awe-inspiring Mount Aspiring National Park, which is nearby and featured in The Lord of the Rings, is home to several waterfalls, glaciers, and breathtaking peaks.
The park is surrounded by a few ski resorts, and the Puzzling World, a well-known outdoor maze and sculpture gallery, is located close to the city. Kayaking, cruising, and fishing are popular activities in this area.
3. Gore
Gore was once known as the “Chicago of the South” and is considered a dark horse. The town, now a haven for fans of art, nature, vintage shopping, and country music, was once a hub for the production of illicit alcohol; for a quick introduction to the industry’s past and how it ended, stop by the Hokonui Moonshine Museum.
This unassuming hamlet, which hosts the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards, is devoted to the tradition of country music. Go brown trout fishing along the Mataura River, or take a short journey to Mandeville to ride in a restored Tiger Moth and marvel at the expansive vista of the landscape below you.
4. Raglan
The seaside community of Raglan, frequently referred to as New Zealand’s surfing paradise, lies a few kilometers from Hamilton, the country’s fourth-largest city. If you are not a sports fan, the small town also has a stunningly weathered environment where you can go trekking to the top of the impressive Bridal Veil Falls or travel a little further to the Te Toto Gorge, which is home to the ancient ruins of the Maori Gardens.
Enjoy the cool attitude and enjoy the welcoming ambiance filled with kind-hearted locals, unique pubs and cafés, and plenty of breathtaking beachside sunsets.
5. Whakatane
Whakatane takes pride in being the “Sunshine capital” and is a true jewel in the magnificent Bay of Plenty, one of the most scenic areas on New Zealand’s North Island. To establish its legitimacy, it has really claimed that title four times.
Discover more about the nearly 130-year-old Maori meeting house by exploring the Mataatua Wharenui. You may also want to visit the Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi, an excellent museum devoted to the Maori and European colonization.
Visit the renowned Muriwai’s Cave which has some damage as well as the Wairere Falls. Spend the day at Hope Beach, which is reputed to be among the greatest in the nation.
6. Bluff
The world-famous Bluff oysters are found in Bluff, formerly known as Campbelltown, which is almost at the extreme southernmost point of New Zealand. This tiny village, known as the entrance to the surrounding Stewart island, was among the first to have been settled by Europeans and is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the nation.
Don’t forget to stop by the Bluff Maritime Museum and, of course, take a stroll around Bluff Hill’s world-class trails to take in the interesting flora and fauna that is all around you.
7. Akaroa
Akaroa, a charming village perched on the same-named bay and tucked inside a primordial volcano, has a long history of French and English habitation. Visit this town for its history and architecture, and stay for the variety of activities it offers.
It includes a 4WD drive to the largest penguin colony on New Zealand’s mainland, sea kayaking, sailing, cycling, and the chance to see hector dolphins. Several walking trails may be found nearby if you want to explore the stunning hills.
8. Picton
Picton is undoubtedly a town for aspiring wine lovers because it is just on the doorstep of Marlborough, New Zealand’s wine-producing jewel. That’s not all, though. The variety of things to do in this small town nearly makes you want to call it Epicton!
Take a multi-day hike on the Queen Charlotte Track or visit Victoria Domain to take in the breathtaking vistas of Marlborough Sounds. Wreck dive in the Marlborough Sounds, go kayaking, take a mail boat tour, or just go for a swim with the dolphins for some lighthearted fun.
9. Russell
The town of Russell was the nation’s first European settlement and harbor, formerly known as Kororreka. Visit Pompallier Mission, the only surviving building of the French Catholic mission headquarters and the only one of its kind in Australasia, while you’re here.
You can also go on a kayak tour of the Bay of Islands, explore the historical buildings and beautiful galleries, and enjoy the local cuisine.
Visit the Christ Church, the nation’s oldest surviving church, to pay your respects. Go fishing, boating, dolphin watching, or cycling the absolutely stunning Twin Coast Cycle Trail for something more thrilling.
10. Kaikoura
Kaikoura, a picturesque coastal town located a few hours north of Christchurch, is well-known among tourists for its marine life, eco-friendly way of life, and landscape that juxtaposes the nation’s magnificent coastline with its craggy mountains. The town is bustling with things to do and is well-known for its fishing options.
Enjoy seeing dolphins, whales, and other exotic marine animals. Join them by donning a wetsuit and diving among some of New Zealand’s best reefs, or just stroll through this breathtaking town.
11. Hokitika
Hokitika, close to its eponymous river, rose to prominence as a gold mining town in the 1860s. Today, it is quite close to numerous South Island natural attractions, including the Franz Josef Glacier and Arthur’s Pass National Park. You should go to the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve while you’re here and go white-water kayaking.
To wander through the treetops of the West Coast Rainforest and let your troubles go while admiring an incredible sunset at Sunset Point, climb the 20-meter-high steel platform. At Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserve, you may also enjoy fishing and water skiing.
12. Mangawhai
Though Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is barely 100 kilometers distant, Mangawhai appears a world away from the commotion of such a sizable urban region. Enjoy surfing at the town’s Pacific beaches or take pleasure in swimming and kayaking in its serene harbor, surrounded by sand dunes.
Additionally, these sand dunes are the ideal place for you to take in the region’s wide variety of great tree and bird species. Additionally, you must visit the magnificent Mangawhai Walkways.
