This is my compilation of the top 10 the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Especially lovers of mountain hiking, deep forests, magically blue lakes, wild nature will appreciate it. I had spent a whole year there, which was enough time to travel the country thoroughly. It was not the easiest thing to pick the most beautiful places, but there were some I liked more than the others. Let’s have a look at them because it is simply beautiful New Zealand.
10. Moeraki boulders – mysterious stones
For 60 million years, the erosion of Koekohe Beach has shaped erosion stones to create beautiful scenery, especially during sunset. They are almost perfectly round; some measure three metres in diameter and the fact that they are all hollow inside is interesting. Scientists cannot agree on how they came to be on the beach. One version is that they are the remnants of claystone rocks that have been erased by the ocean over the centuries. The second explanation is that they are formed by sedimentation, so patient wrapping of salt, clay and mud.
Then there’s a New Zealand legend that says they were baskets for food. They were transported on a canoe called Āraiteuru, where the chiefs discovered new territories. The canoe was wrecked, and the ocean brought the baskets to Koekohe Beach, where they were turned into stone.
The stones on the beach create a breathtaking panorama
Moeraki boulders are hollow inside
9. Urewera national park – moss forests
One of the four largest national parks on the North Island, one of the last areas to be colonized by British settlers. Located away from the bustle of the island, it offers visitors the largest area of preserved New Zealand nature. Urewera park is hiding in the middle of Lake Waikaremoana, which is one of the most beautiful lakes on the island. There are also animals in the heart of the island that hasn’t survived the felling of trees and crowds of tourists elsewhere. Visitors can choose from the shorter trail that takes only a few hours or go for a few day hikes around the lake. Check out this great list of 50 best hikes in New Zealand.
A large mossy forest occupies a large part of Urewera National Park
The park offers beautiful views of the surroundings
8. Lake Wanaka – the most beautiful treks in the area
Lake Wanaka with the town of the same name offers a large number of mountain trails and beautiful views of the countryside. The town Wanaka is the starting point for most of the tourists, who can head out from here to the hike for the highest mountain in this area– Mount Aspiring (3027 metres). If you want to relax here, you can raft on the lake, explore the local parks, go skiing in the winter or go to several local museums for airplane and transport lovers. For a complete siesta, we suggest a visit to local wineries that have been awarded prizes for the most delicious wines in the area.
There are many treks near Lake Wanaka
The mountainous terrain offers breathtaking views
7. Milford Sound – Zealand fjords
The National Park, located in the south of the South Island, near the fjords, has a cooler climate and a much rougher landscape, but it belongs to the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, if not worldwide. It was discovered for tourists in the 19th century, and it has been a popular destination ever since. The most favourite activity is a cruise on the boat. You will see waterfalls, jungle and maybe seals on the way, and if you really want a breath-taking experience, we recommend a night cruise because of the unbeatable atmosphere.
Milford Sound offers plenty of excursions by sea to the surrounding area
In the mountains you can meet the local mountainous Kea parrots
6. Lake Tekapo – the bluest lake
Lake Tekapo is known for its beautiful blue colour. It is caused by so-called glacial flour, which are fine particles of rock created by the friction of materials carried by the glacier on the subsoil. It covers an area of about 83 square kilometres in the middle of the South Island. The lake isn’t known only for its colour but also for the beautiful nature that surrounds it. Beautiful pink-violet flowers that attract photographers from all over the world bloom most of the year on the shores. Due to its popularity and lack of accommodation, we recommend booking a hotel or campsite in advance.
Lake Tekapo has an incredibly blue color
The surroundings of the lake are full of beautiful purple flowers
5. Golden bay – the most beautiful beaches
Golden Bay natives have known the bay since the 15th century. Even before the tourists discovered the bay, it used to be a stop for dolphins and whales resting on their long journeys among the oceans. Today, it is a well-known tourist destination, not only for pleasant weather and beautiful nature but also for beach Farewell Spit (map). It is one of the most beautiful in New Zealand and measures twenty-six metres, making it the longest beach on the island. The surrounding beaches are a guarantee of satisfaction. They may not be so long, but they offer the same beautiful nature, sand dunes and lots of experiences such as horseback riding, climbing local trekking or rock climbing.
One of the beautiful beaches near Golden Bay
Sunsets by the sea are wonderful
4. Arthur´s pass national park – mountain pass
The mountain pass was first ranked among the national parks on the South Island in 1929. It covers an area of 114,500 hectares and formerly served as a connecting point for the gold diggers who were crossing the east to the west. You can go mountain biking or explore the mountains on foot in the national park. Due to weather conditions and wildlife, Arthur’s pass is among the most dangerous parks in New Zealand, and it isn’t advisable to embark on long trails into the mountains without preparation.
New Zealand is obviously famous for its beautiful nature, but what to do when weather isnt so nice? Here are some great tips for fun indoor activities in Auckland – biggest city of New Zealand located on the North Island.
Arthur’s pass offers magical views of the mountain peaks
The National Park offers breathtaking panoramas
3. Fox & Franz Josef Glacier – amazing glaciers
The magnificent ice sceneries on the glaciers towering at three thousand metres can be best appreciated from the view of the helicopter. The icy mountains rise on the west coast of the southern island and, in fact, there are four glaciers combined together which rise to about 2,500 metres above sea level. It is 13 kilometres wide. The glaciers melt very quickly, and due to climatic conditions and their unique shape, they move ten times faster than other world glaciers. Because the glaciers are in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, there are other interesting places to visit, including several large lakes.
The most beautiful views of the glacier are from the helicopter
The glacier recedes every year
2. Rotorua – geothermal area
North Island geothermal area with strong volcanic activity, active geysers, and sulphur fumes. In the 19th century, the government decided to use the area as a spa town. You won’t find the spa today, but the original spa building is still a beautiful landmark of the city. In addition to historical sites, you can experience a Maori show or a battalion. The native indigenous community is very large which is why Rotorua is still a popular tourist destination.
The geothermal area is a very popular place for tourists
The geothermal area is a very popular place for tourists
1. Tongariro national park – volcanic area
The volcanic area with the two most active volcanoes in the world, full of beautiful trails around volcanic craters, is said to be one of the most beautiful spots that can be seen in the world. If you are interested, in the article Tongariro National Park – welcome to Mordor, you will find information and photos of this amazing area.
Tongariro is a volcanic national park
Tongariro National Park is beautiful in all seasons
Do you know another most beautiful places in New Zealand? Let us know in the comments.
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