Tucked away in the far reaches of the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand is made up of two islands and is undoubtably one the most beautiful countries in the world. Despite it’s compact size, New Zealand is jam-packed with diverse landscapes and unmatched natural beauty.
Let’s dive in and take a look at my 12 favorite destinations in New Zealand:
- Cathedral Cove
- Hot Water Beach:
- Hobbiton
- Three Sisters & Elephant Rock
- Egmont National Park
- Marlborough Sounds
- Wharariki Beach
- Lake Tekapo
- Mount Cook & Lake Pukaki
- Wanaka & Roy’s Peak
- Nugget Point Lighthouse
- Milford Sound
Cathedral Cove
Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove is a quintessential New Zealand destination. The 2.5-hour drive from Auckland is well worth the effort. To get to Cathedral Cove, you can either hike the scenic trail or take a water taxi from Hahei Beach. We opted for the water taxi, a unique carbon-hybrid vessel that drives right onto the beach. Round-trip tickets cost around $50 USD.
As we approached the cove, we were struck by the stunning white rock cliffs and the iconic Te Hoho Rock, a towering limestone formation that’s one of New Zealand’s most recognizable landmarks. The water taxi drops you off on the beach, giving you about an hour to explore the area.
The scenery is breathtaking, with a picturesque archway framing the Te Hoho Rock. We spent our time soaking up the sun, enjoying the beach, and marvelling at the natural beauty of Cathedral Cove. It’s easy to see why this spot is one of New Zealand’s most beloved destinations.
Hot Water Beach:
Located just 9 minutes from Cathedral Cove, this stunning beach boasts a unique feature: a small spot where thermal hot water rises from the sand. During low tide, you can dig your own pool and relax in the warm waters. This is truly a one-of-a-kind beach experience, and I highly recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset for an unforgettable atmosphere.
Hobbiton
Located just 15 minutes from the town of Hamilton, Hobbiton is a must-visit destination for any Lord of the Rings fan. This picturesque town was the primary filming location for the Shire in both The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.
To experience the magic of Hobbiton, visitors can take a guided tour, which costs around $75 per person. The tour begins with a scenic bus ride, followed by a leisurely walk through the meticulously crafted movie set.
As we strolled through the Shire, our knowledgeable tour guide regaled us with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes about the making of the films. The attention to detail in the set design was truly impressive, making it easy to imagine oneself in a fantasy realm.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the tour was learning about how Hobbiton was chosen as the location for the Shire. Peter Jackson, the director of the films, was searching for a farm with rolling green hills, a majestic tree, and a lake – and Hobbiton ticked all those boxes.
Three Sisters & Elephant Rock
Next, we headed to the coast to visit Three Sisters, a stunning beach area about 2.5 hours from Hamilton. To reach it, we parked and walked along the muddy and slippery riverbanks. As you arrive at the beach, you’ll be taken aback by the vibrant black sand and the beautiful sea stacks in the distance. One unique rock formation that caught my eye was Elephant Rock, which resembles an elephant’s trunk buried in the sand. We spent a great time exploring the area, and it would be an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
Egmont National Park
Located near the town of New Plymouth, Egmont National Park is home to the stunning Mount Taranaki. This national park is unique in that its boundaries form an almost perfect circle of trees that’s visible from space.
The national park features a bunch of great hikes, including the 25km Pouākai Circuit. We completed the 4 hour long Mangorei Track which involved a steady incline through a lush forest. After reaching the Pouākai Mountain Hut, we continued along raised boardwalks, winding through beautiful vegetation with constant views of Mount Taranaki.
Two hours into our hike, we arrived at the Pouakai Tarn, a small, serene pond. Although it was smaller than I had imagined, the tarn offered breathtaking views of Mount Taranaki. On a clear, windless day, the reflection of the volcano in the pond’s waters is perfect.
Marlborough Sounds
Now it’s time to head down to the south island. If you’re making your way from north to south, you can take a scenic 3-hour ferry from Wellington that travels across the Cook Strait to the charming town of Picton.
Located in the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds, Picton is a stunning destination on the northern tip of the South Island. The area is renowned for its picturesque bays, spectacular scenery and exceptional kayaking opportunities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring New Zealand’s South Island.
Wharariki Beach
Wharariki Beach was undoubtedly my favorite beach in New Zealand. The 15-minute walk to the beach from the parking area was breathtaking, and the beach possesses a surreal beauty that’s hard to match. The windswept sand and picturesque surroundings felt otherworldly.
The crowning feature of the area is the Archway Islands, a set of two islands featuring a series of unique arches. We waited for sunset and watched in awe as the islands were bathed in a warm, orange glow. Although it’s off the beaten path, Wharariki Beach was well worth the journey.
Lake Tekapo
Also on the south island, about halfway between Christchurch and Queenstown you’ll find Lake Tekapo, a stunning blue lake nestled between mountains. One of the highlights of visiting Lake Tekapo is the scenic lupine flowers that bloom around the lake between November and January. The surrounding area is also renowned for offering one of the best views of the night sky in the world, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled on a clear night.
Mount Cook & Lake Pukaki
Mount Cook is a must-visit destination in New Zealand, located about an hour’s drive from Lake Tekapo, it’s the tallest mountain in New Zealand and a truly breathtaking sight.
The drive to Mount Cook is one of the most scenic in the country thanks to the stunning Southern Alps and the glacier-blue waters of Lake Pukaki. The lake’s vibrant color is due to the glacier runoff, making it a unique and unforgettable sight.
Upon arriving at Mount Cook National Park, there are numerous hiking trails to explore. One of the most famous is the Hooker Valley Track, a 10km round-trip trail that takes about three hours to complete. The trail is relatively easy, with a steady incline, and features stunning swing bridges that cross the glacial rivers.
The hike offers breathtaking views, particularly from the first swing bridge which overlooks Mueller Lake. As you continue on the trail you’ll walk on overland tracks and eventually reach Hooker Lake. The view of the glacier ice chunks in front of the massive backdrop of Mount Cook is truly awe-inspiring.
Another incredible spot in the park is Tasman Lake, accessible via a short 10-minute hike from the parking lot. The lake offers breathtaking views of the Tasman Glacier, making it a must-visit destination while in Mount Cook National Park.
Wanaka & Roy’s Peak
Next up on our adventure was Wanaka to tackle the renowned Roy’s Peak hike. Located just a few minutes outside the town of Wanaka, this 16km hike is a constant incline with an elevation gain of 1,300 meters, making it the most challenging hike we did in New Zealand.
The trail begins at a parking lot, and the ascent offers stunning views of Wanaka and the lake. However, the trail is relatively exposed, with limited shade. Many hikers opt to start around 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. to catch the sunrise, but we didn’t wake up early enough for that.
After a gruelling 2.5-hour uphill climb, we reached the lookout point. While there was still more to hike to reach the official Roy’s Peak summit, we were too exhausted and decided to stop there. The lookout offered breathtaking views of the area, making the challenging hike well worth it.
If you’re in Wanaka, Roy’s Peak is a great option for a challenging day hike. Additionally, be sure to visit the world-famous “That Wanaka Tree” found on the shores of Lake Wanaka.
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Roughly 3.5 hours from Wanaka, Nugget Point Lighthouse is a scenic gem that’s steeped in history. Opened in 1870, this picturesque lighthouse is accessible via a short walk from the parking lot. The area is renowned for its dramatic sea cliffs, and the lighthouse overlooks a cluster of jagged rocks that jut out of the sea. These rocks would have posed a significant threat to unsuspecting sailors in the past.
Nearby, Pūrākaunui Bay is another must-visit destination. This stunning beach is framed by impressive sea cliffs, making it an ideal spot for camping.
Milford Sound
Located in the heart of Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is arguably New Zealand’s most famous attraction. After experiencing its breathtaking beauty firsthand, I understand why.
Milford Sound is relatively isolated, with the closest town being Te Anau, about a 2-hour drive away. However, the scenic route is well worth the trip. The winding road reminds me of the fjords of Norway, but with a subtropical twist. Keep an eye out for the rare and majestic Kea birds, the only alpine parrots in the world.
Once you arrive, take a 2-hour boat tour of the sound ($90 per person). The views from the front of the boat are nothing short of spectacular as you glide into the fjord. The sheer scale of the surrounding mountains, which rise thousands of feet into the air, is awe-inspiring. Be sure to keep an eye out for the stunning waterfalls, including the famous Stirling Falls.
After the boat tour, take some time to explore the sound on foot. There are several scenic trails to choose from, including a coastal path with smooth rocks and unique vegetation. Watching the waves roll in is incredibly calming, especially on a sunny day. However, be aware that Milford Sound is known for being one of the rainiest inhabited places on Earth – experiencing it in the rain is a whole different level of beauty!
New Zealand is really a magical country, and I can’t think of a better destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. If you love hiking, skiing, kayaking and anything else adventurous then New Zealand is definitely the place for you, and I hope my 12 favorite destinations help you find what you’re looking for.
For a closer look at everywhere I explored in New Zealand, be sure to check out this video below:
