Beautiful Places to Visit in New Zealand

Among them, New Zealand ranks as one of the favorites simply because of their stunning scenery and breathtaking views.

Moreover, there is no hectic itinerary in the majority of the tours to New Zealand which gives the visitor freedom in visiting the many places and attractions here.

Beautiful Places to Visit in New Zealand 

With stunning scenery and amazing landscapes, there is just so much to explore around both islands here. Among the beautiful places to visit in New Zealand are;

Rotorua

Among the popular places to visit here is the Mitai Maori Village where you will have an authentic introduction to Maori culture. See warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe down the Wai-o-whiro stream.

During the Maori cultural performance, you will learn about their past, carvings and ta moko which is the traditional Maori tattoo art. Guests also get to experience a traditional Maori Hangi dinner where your meal is cooked in the ground. 

One of the largest hot water springs in the World, Inferno Crater Lake which rises and falls as it heats and cools and also the rare and unusual plants have adapted to grow on the hot earth.

Here, you can visit all the popular sets seen in the movies, dine at the Green Dragon Inn and visit the Shire store to get all kinds of souvenirs from the movies.

For those spending the day here, you can experience a traditional Shire dinner and see how Hobbiton looks like at night. Last but not least, take photos in front of Bilbo Baggins home which is one of the hobbit holes here.

Tours to Hobbiton includes free transport to and from the set (20 minutes each way), a fully guided tour of the Movie Set, a visit to the Green Dragon Inn and shopping time at The Shire’s Rest unless stated otherwise.

If you have watched any of the Lord of the Ring movies and loved it, this would be highly recommended for you. 

This is also acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination with amazing picturesque scenery.

Boat cruises here that last two hours are the highlights for anyone visiting this place. Two prominent waterfalls that everyone visits are Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls.

Milford Sound has also been judged as one of the world’s top travel destination in an international survey. 

Visitors are taken by boat from the lakefront for a scenic view before going on foot traveling through the limestone passages to find a grotto of thousands of glittering glow worms.

Definitely an experience not to miss for those who love a little bit of outdoors and adventure. 

Other attractions in the town include Puzzling World and the Paradiso Cinema. Puzzling World contains a maze, optical illusions, and a leaning clock tower apart from a number of wineries in the area. Just out of town next to the Wanaka Airport is the National Transport and Toy Museum

The nearby mountains and fast-flowing rivers allow for adventure tourism year-round, with jet boating and skiing facilities located nearby.

A recommended time to visit Wanaka is also during the autumn period when you get to see the multiple colors of Wanaka. 

For museum and art lovers, you can check out the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum and the Otago Museum, where you will find some of the best collections in New Zealand.

Yellow Eyed Penguin

For nature lovers, check out the Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve which is is a private conservation reserve dedicated to helping the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin survive.

A short bus trip over the farm takes small groups to the reserve where you next go on foot through a unique system of covered trenches and into viewing hides.

These hides allow access to the living areas and breeding grounds of this shy penguin, providing the opportunity to witness and photograph undisturbed activity at close range.

A must visit spot around Queenstown is the Skyline Queenstown Complex, a five-minute walk from central town which offers awe-inspiring views of the region and an abundance of entertainment and adventure for everyone.

Guests can take the Skyline Gondola up Bob’s Peak to enjoy award-winning cuisine at the scenic Skyline restaurant, Kiwi Haka Maori culture performances and even try out the Skyline Luge which is a thrilling downhill ride.

View of Queenstown from the Skyline Complex

The tower also offers possibly the best 360 degrees views of Auckland and also up to 80 kilometers in every direction. Inside, there is a club, lounge and also New Zealand’s only revolving restaurant. For the extreme traveler, try the Sky Walk or Sky Jump which is not for the fainthearted! 

This town is also a wonderful place to browse, enjoying the dining, the shopping, and soaking up Arrowtown’s lively heritage.

This river offers beautiful scenic views and for those who are not doing any of the outdoor adventures offered here. 

Being a city, Auckland offers popular shopping spots like Queen Street, Britomart, Ponsonby Road, Karangahape Road, Newmarket, and Parnell whilst the Otara and Avondale flea markets offer an alternative shopping experience on weekend mornings. 

Mission Bay is another popular place where you can find Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium which is a well-known aquarium showcasing penguins, turtles, sharks, tropical fish, stingrays, and other marine creatures.

Viaduct Events Centre at night

If you are walking around here, try the local tram in the Wynyard Quarter, as it would be a sweet and memorable journey for anyone visiting here.

Conclusion

For those wanting to visit New Zealand, there are numerous New Zealand Tour Packages offered by travel agents where you can choose from 8, 9 and also 12-day tours.

I hope that you liked this article on beautiful places to visit in New Zealand and that you have a great time there.