Background for the incredible “Lord of the Rings” movies, New Zealand is a place with glorious center Earth beauty. Cascading waterfalls, deep fjords, hot water spring, steaming geysers, untamed wilds, clear beaches and dazzling glaciers; it’s simply the start of its beautiful story. There are such countless magnificent places to visit in New Zealand that it’s difficult for individuals to choose which one to keep on the list of must-dos and which one to miss. Here is an endeavor to sort this out with our rundown of most beautiful and famous New Zealand tourist attractions.
Top Places To Visit In New Zealand
New Zealand is a country that is loaded up with various beautiful places. The rundown is very lengthy and assuming you need to cover everything, it will basically take you more than one visit. However, out of the relative multitude of places, there are sure objections that clearly have more importance than the others. These are the places that you can’t count out of your rundown. These places mirror the genuine beauty of the country. Ensure that you incorporate this large number of places to visit in New Zealand while arranging your next trip. Here is the rundown of the top New Zealand tourist attractions:
Bay Of Islands
One of the most popular New Zealand tourist attractions, Bay of Islands is a sanctuary for yachts and sailing boats. Pearls of 144 islands adorn the accessory of Bay of Islands. Kayak along the coast, hike the island trails, appreciate in confined coves, and explore undisturbed forests. Bountiful marine life including dolphins, whales, big marlin, and penguins make for a popular fishing spot. These together makes the spot an optimal tourist objective in New Zealand.
- Ritz Factor: Yachting and sailing spot.
- Don’t Miss: Opening in the Rock, the famous rock formation.
How to reach:
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By air: Auckland Airport is well associated with major international urban areas. Air New Zealand flight work in tandem from Auckland to Bay of Island Airport, which is otherwise called Kerikeri Airport.
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By road: Bay of Islands is well associated with Auckland by road. Intercity transports and taxicabs work from Auckland to Bay of Islands. The 193 km distance requires 3 hours to cover by public highways.
Tongariro National Park
Towering volcanoes, untamed forests, arid plateaus, hot springs, herb fields, turquoise lakes and rich knolls pitch for a melodramatic landscape. One of the most established national parks in the world and best places to visit in New Zealand, Tongariro is a land of stunning beauty and natural miracles. Include a visit to the Lake Taupo, and you are set for a shockingly magnificent day.
- Ritz Factor: Mineral rich turquoise water lakes and melodramatic views
- Don’t Miss: Taranaki Falls and magma line of volcanic ejections
How to reach:
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By air: Auckland (345 km) and Wellington (288 km) Airports are the nearest you can get to Tongariro National Park by air from major urban communities across the world. Book a taxi or take a transport from the airport to reach Whakapapa Town the gateway to Tongariro National Park.
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By road: Normal transports work from Auckland to Tongariro National Park day to day. By road it requires almost 7 hours to reach the national park.
Rotorua
Rotorua is one such geothermal locale in the world which has a touch of dramatic topography. It is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Dramatic, right? Steaming geysers, boiling mud pools, hissing thermal springs and volcanic craters add to its now startling topography. Walk around these geothermal ponders and absorb the minerals-rich water. Options like sky diving, luging, trekking, and mountain biking make it one of the top tourist attractions in the North Island of New Zealand for courageous spirits.
- Ritz Factor: Geothermal miracles and red magma lines are prevailing aspects of this tourist attraction in New Zealand.
- Don’t Miss: Lady Knox Geyser, Champagne Pool, and Trout Fishing.
How to reach:
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By air: Wellington Airport (450 km) is well associated with major urban areas across the world. Intercity transport administrations and taxis are available from airport to Rotorua.
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By road: Mentors, transports and taxicabs run in tandem from Auckland to Rotorua. The ride through road requires a decent 2.5 hours to reach Rotorua.
Napier In Hawke’s Bay
Exquisite cuisine and Art Deco – These two things characterize the Napier locale, one of the best places to visit in New Zealand to take a look in the Maori World. Spanish Mission style engineering and Art Deco plan structures line this city. Some of them are even adorned with Maori themes. Likewise, connoisseur cafés in this place are amazing. Novel methodology and similarly special recipes, make even the normal dishes worthwhile.
- Ritz Factor: Connoisseur eating scenes and Art Deco engineering.
- Don’t Miss: Yearly Art Deco weekend in February. Likewise, the Gannet state at Cape Criminals is a must visit among the famous New Zealand tourist attractions.
How to reach:
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By air: Napier’s Hawkes Bay Airport is almost 450 km from Auckland Airport, the international airport well associated with major airports across the world. Napier’s Hawkes Bay can be reached by local flights from Air New Zealand. By road it’s 5-hour drive.
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By road: Short-term entomb city transports work from Auckland to Napier and require 6 to 8 hours ordinarily.
Auckland
Two shimmering harbors, the Manukau Harbor and the Waitemata Harbor, are the primary gems of the Auckland crown. Rainforests, wild hike trails, hidden coves, picturesque islands, and secretive volcanoes make this city an ideal base for adventure sweethearts. Uncommon black and gold beaches set the background for amazing pictures and memories. It is very popular among top New Zealand tourist places.
- Ritz Factor: Black sand beaches, gold sand beaches, and two sparkling harbors.
- Don’t Miss: Sky Pinnacle – the 328 meters high pinnacle to focus in on the stunning region. Likewise, don’t contemplate missing the Orbit rotating eatery.
How to reach:
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By air: One of the major urban areas in the North Island, Auckland is well associated with major international urban areas. Auckland is well-associated with most of the urban communities of New Zealand by road
Coromandel Peninsula
Coromandel Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Northern New Zealand. A superb world, away from the city’s hustle-clamor, Coromandel Peninsula is a paradise for complacent individuals who search for harmony around them. The beaches here are famous for their golden sand. Enjoy hiking, kayaking, and skydiving at this New Zealand tourist attraction.
- Ritz Factor: A strange world away from the hustle.
- Don’t Miss: Thames – a little city famous for its gold mining history; and the Hot Water Beach – dig your own hot water pool here.
How to reach:
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By air: Auckland Airport is the nearest you can get to Coromandel Peninsula by air. Local flights require 30 minutes to reach Whitianga (Coromandel Peninsula) from Auckland. The peninsula is 90 minute drive from Auckland by road.
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By road: The scenic drive from Auckland, Hamilton or Rotorua Airport is very well associated by intercity transports and vehicles. The drive from Auckland requires almost 90 minute.By ship: Standard ships work from Auckland to Coromandel town. The 2-hour ride is one of the most astonishing things to do in the North Island area.
Queenstown
Considering what to see in New Zealand in 5 days? Country’s adventure capital, Queenstown is one of the top tourist objections of New Zealand. Bungee jumping, white-water rafting, jet boating, rock climbing, paragliding, hiking, downhill skiing, mountain biking; the rundown of adrenaline-filled sports is perpetual at this top tourist attraction in New Zealand.
- Ritz Factor: Endlessly heaps of adventure sports.
- Don’t Miss: Explore gold mining towns and landscapes of snow-clad peaks of Remarkables Reach.
How to reach:
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By air: Queenstown International Airport on the South Island is well associated with other major urban areas across the globe.
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By road: Intercity transports from Christchurch (354 km) and Auckland (1028 km) drive to Queenstown at ordinary spans. Drive down to the city to appreciate one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand.
Fiordland National Park
Home to the absolute best walking trails, Fiordland National Park brags of awesome beauty. Whispering waterfalls, offshore islands, stretched lakes, undisturbed forests, high mountain peaks and gushing cascades ensure that you don’t have a dull second in here. The popular ways of investigating the fjords are sea kayaking or flights for bird’s eye perspectives to partake in this must see place in New Zealand.
- Ritz Factor: Headquarters to famous fjords and striking beauty.
- Don’t Miss: Famous fjords of Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, and Doubtful Sound.
How to reach:
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By air: Queenstown airport is the nearest you can get to Fiordland National Park by air. Situated a good ways off of 235 km from Queenstown the national park can be reached by taking a transport or driving in to Te Anau – otherwise called the gateway to the park
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By road: Public highway transports utilize from Invercargill or Queenstown. The 156 km distance from Invercargill to Fiordland National Park requires about 3 hours by road.
Fox And Franz Josef Glaciers
The Franz Josef and Fox glaciers are one the most open glacial rivers in the world, and in this way come to rundown of best tourist attractions in New Zealand. The frozen landscapes of ice caves and mountain peaks at the foot of the glacier are a standard here. Stroll over or ride a helicopter, would whatever you like to do yet don’t miss these amazing natural wonders.
- Ritz Factor: World’s most available glaciers and best frozen landscapes
- Don’t Miss: Directed hikes to these glaciers are an encounter which you shouldn’t miss.
How to reach:
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By air: Christchurch (5.5 hour drive) and Queenstown (5 hour drive) are the nearest and most open international airport from Franz Josef Glacier.
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By road: Transports and taxis are available from Christchurch, Wanaka, and Queenstown to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Drive down to the place to encounter a strange driving encounter
Abel Tasman National Park
Among the places to visit in South Island of New Zealand, the immense field of Abel Tasman National Park is a hiker’s blessing from heaven. Wilderness with weathered rock formations set the foundation of this national park. The Tasman Coast Trek is the good to beat all. Clear beaches and sparkling water bait tourists to themselves. Snorkel, hike, trek, camp or relax; the options are various here. And the sightings of rare birds like blue penguins, wekas, wood pigeons, and oystercatchers can make a photographer’s day.
- Ritz Factor: Fascinating bird sightings and weathered rock formations.
- Don’t Miss: Split Apple Rock – a huge stone rock grafted in two.
How to reach:
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By air: Nelson Airport is the nearest airstrip to Abel Tasman, which is really open from significant urban areas across the world. The 60 km distance from Nelson to the national park can be shrouded in 1-hour through Public Highway 60.
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By road: Ordinary transports and taxis employ from Marahau (5-minute), Motueka (30-minute), Nelson (1-hour drive) to Abel Tasman National Park.
Mount Cook National Park
Well, Mount Cook National Park, otherwise called Aoraki National Park, is the foundation of tallest mountain peak – Mount Cook and longest glacier – Tasman Glacier. This is the place where the amazing Edmund Hillary prepared to rise the levels of ginormos Mount Everest. A top destination for mountaineers, its immaculate glaciers and tranquil beauty will get your relax. Certainly supported for being among the top evaluated best places to visit in New Zealand!
- Ritz Factor: A top mountaineering destination.
- Don’t Miss: Mount Cook Town to fulfill you’re your internal adventurer with the offerings, for example, ski-touring, heli-skiing, hiking, stargazing and hunting.
How to reach:
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By air: Christchurch and Queenstown airports are 2.5 hour drive from Mackenzie region (Mount Cook National Park). The international airports in Christchurch and Queenstown are well connected with other significant urban communities all over the planet. Chartered flights are additionally available from these international airports to Mount Cook Airport.
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By road: Intercity transports are available from Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wellington. Take a transport or book a taxi to reach Mount Cook Town. The national park is a 15-minute drive from the town.
Kaikoura
Seafood connoisseur, wildlife fanatics, bird watchers and natural beauty devotees find this place hard to stand up to. The flavor of fresh crawfish, blue cod and mussels will tantalize your taste buds. Spotting of humpbacks, sperm whales, fur seals, dolphins and albatross, among the extensive wildlife here, against the stunning landscapes of Kaikoura, one of the top places to visit in New Zealand, will give you a much needed boost to an unheard of level.
- Ritz Factor: Tropical wildlife and best seafood.
- Don’t Miss: At this New Zealand tourist attraction, whale watching tours and coastal hikes should not be missed.
How to reach:
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By air: Christchurch International Airport is the nearest airstrip to Kaikoura, which is well connected with other significant urban communities all over the planet. A good ways off of 180 km from Christchurch, it requires 2.5 hours to reach Kaikoura by road.
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By road: Intercity transports and taxis run in tandem from Christchurch to Kaikoura. Travel time is 2.5 hours.
Milford Sound
Named as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is one of those unmissable places to visit in New Zealand. Encircled by glaciers, the landscapes of Milford Sound is amazingly beautiful. The best method for investigating the place is by boat. Explore the waterfalls and wildlife around the area on a journey. You might go for kayaking tour in the event that you need. On the off chance that you are now satisfied by investigating the surface of the water, you can go on a deeper level with a visit to the Milford Revelation Center and Underwater Observatory. This is the only underwater observatory in New Zealand. You can go 30 feet deep into the water and experience a 360 degrees underwater view.
- Ritz Factor: Beautiful waterfalls and amazing wildlife.
- Don’t Miss: The underwater involvement with the Milford Revelation Center and Underwater Observatory.
How To Reach:
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By air: It is only 40 minutes from Queenstown on the off chance that you are to take a flight.
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By road: It is a 2 hour 30-minute drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. You can undoubtedly take a vehicle ride to your destination while partaking in the scenic perspectives on the road.
Waiheke Island
Found simply half n’ hour from Downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island can be reached by boat and is one of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand. This is the best place for all the wine darlings out there. The place is home to various grape plantations. While visiting this place you can’t miss out on going to the wine tours. You can savor the examples of 14 unique wines on the wine tours. Master guides will direct you to the three grape plantations where you can taste probably the best quality wines. Well, there is other stuff also that you can do at the Waiheke Island other than appreciating wine. The island is additionally extremely popular for its beaches, the art community, olive groves, and forests. It is exhorted that you pick a hiking trip or a culture tour while you are here.
- Ritz Factor: The land for all wine darlings.
- Don’t Miss: The scrumptious wine tours.
How To Reach:
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By air: You can reach the island by a Sea Plane.
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By road: It is a 35-minute ship ride from Downtown Auckland. You can take your vehicle along with you on the vehicle ship. Once you reach the island, you can benefit a lot of taxicabs and transports. You can likewise employ a motorcycle or bicycle or vehicle to explore the place.
Christchurch
Christchurch is one of the main tourist attractions in New Zealand. In spite of the fact that four massive earthquakes between the period 2010 and 2011 had totally left the city in ruins, it has still managed to spring back to life. You can observer the resurrection of the city everywhere. Starting from new buildings to shopping malls everything has been reconstructed again. The main attractions of the city include the beautiful Botanic Gardens where you can partake in the wonderful walking tracks, conservatories, and horticulture displays. The garden is also home to the absolute most seasoned, tallest, and largest trees in New Zealand. Explore both the new and old Christchurch on the gondola. You can partake in a scenic ride of the Mt. Cavendish on the cable car.
- Ritz Factor: The beautiful city that came back to life.
- Don’t Miss: The ride on the Christchurch Gondola over the Mt. Cavendish.
How To Reach:
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By air: The nearest airport is the Christchurch International Airport which is located 12 km away from the city center.
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By road: You can pick the daily passenger administration that connects Christchurch and Dunedin via the state highway 1.
White Island
To take a stab at something more thrilling on your trip, then White Island is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. It is the most active volcano in the country. This place is ideal for all the adventurous travelers who might want to make their trip a memorable one. You can take a helicopter ride over the White Island while enjoying the stunning perspective on the volcanic landscape. Since this is an area of active volcanoes, you are expected to wear gas masks and hard hats. On the off chance that you are lucky enough, you can try and watch volcanologists monitoring the volcanoes. You can try and take on the island by a boat. For the travelers who are fearless, they can try and go for scuba diving around the White Island and explore the underwater vents of the volcanoes.
- Ritz Factor: Scenic beauty of the active volcanoes.
- Don’t Miss: Scuba diving around the White Island.
How To Reach:
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By air: You can take a departure from Tauranga Airport and reach White Island within 30 minutes. The nearest airport is Whakatane Airport from where you can get daily flights to White Islands as well.
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By road: You can take a car ride from any of the urban communities from the North Island like Auckland, Tauranga, and Hamilton. You can also avail transport administrations like the Intercity and Naked transport which hurries to and from Rotorua.
Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley
The list of best places to visit in New Zealand is only incomplete without the mention of the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Here you can observer the Maori arts at the Maori arts and crafts institute which is located in Rotorua’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. At the Maori heritage center, you can partake in the most popular ‘steam box’ meal which is prepared using ancient geothermal cooking methods. Travelers can also encounter a special Maori invite ceremony that includes traditional songs and dance performances. One of the main attractions of the place is the largest active geyser, Pohutu which is located in the southern hemisphere. Other than that you can also partake in the mud pools which is one more highlight of the area.
- Ritz Factor: The land of the Maori culture and heritage.
- Don’t Miss: Exploring the largest active geyser Pohutu.
How To Reach:
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By air: The nearest airport is the Rotorua’s Regional airport. You can get flights to and from Wellington, Queenstown, and Auckland.
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By road: You can avail transport administrations in order to reach the geothermal valley. You can catch a transport from Auckland which will take you around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
On the off chance that you wish to encounter something really beautiful and one of a kind, this could be the inactive place for you. The cave is naturally illuminated by thousands of glowworms. This is a site which you have never seen in your life. This is actually one of the most extraordinary places to visit in New Zealand. To explore the caves, you can take a boat ride through it and learn about the science and history behind the whole phenomenon. By visiting this place you can have something else entirely which is hard to duplicate anywhere else. Thousands of tourists are attracted to the caves because they want to observe this beautiful phenomenon with their own eyes.
- Ritz Factor: The special site of thousands of glowworms.
- Don’t Miss: The boat ride through the cave.
How To Reach:
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By air: You can take a departure from Auckland in order to reach the Waitomo Caves.
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By road: By road, it will take you around 2 hours in order to reach Waitomo Caves from Auckland. There are various transport benefits that you can avail to reach your destination.
Franz Josef Glacier
On the off chance that you are into hiking, this could be the ideal destination for you. This place is suitable for an actual glacier hiking in New Zealand. Other than hiking tours, you can also select an aerial view from a chopper. Tours around here give you everything. From hiking to mountain climbing, you can appreciate everything around here. This place is ideal for all the adventure and sports darling as you can get a lot of activities to reach out. You can also appreciate soaking in the glacier hot pools and relax. These pools are taken care of from the Franz Josef Glacier. On the off chance that you want a more luxurious enjoyment, you can try and settle on a private pool as well.
- Ritz Factor: A best spot for hiking and mountain climbing.
- Don’t Miss: Soaking yourself in the glacier hot pools after a long day of exploration.
How To Reach:
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By air: You can take a departure from the Christchurch International Airport in order to reach your destination.
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By road: You can take a car ride from Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier. It is a five-hour long course. You can partake in the scenic perspective on the road while traveling.
Muriwai Beach
Another great destination that is among the top tourist attractions in the North Island New Zealand, is the Muriwai beach. Located only 40 minutes away from the Auckland city, the beach offers you with great scenic perspectives. The killer sunsets, the massive sand dunes, and amazing surf, all of these together contributes to the beauty of the place. One might say that this is one of the best holiday spots in the entire of New Zealand. During your visit to this stunning beach, you essentially cannot afford to miss visiting the Gannet Colony that disregards two beautiful bays. This is where you will find thousands of birds flying simply over your head. It is a beautiful site that you would have no desire to miss.
- Ritz Factor: Stunning scenic beauty
- Don’t Miss: Visiting the Gannet Colony
How To Reach:
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By air: You can take a departure from Auckland airport in order to reach your destination.
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By road: You can get a lot of transport administrations from Auckland to reach Muriwai Beach.
Milford Sound
New Zealand is a place brimming with adventures and another interesting place to visit here is Milford Sound. Situated towards the southwest of South Island, this is a fiord in New Zealand. It is famous with locals and foreigners for its beauty as it encompasses the magnificent Miter Peak, lavish rainforests and cascading waterfalls. The fiord also houses the gorgeous fur seals, dolphins and penguins. Take a boat tour on your visit to Milford Sound in New Zealand.
- Ritz Factor: cascading Stirling and Bowen waterfalls
- Don’t Miss: Watching rare black coral at Underwater Observatory
How to reach:
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By air: Queenstown Airport offers flights to Milford Sound. There are air tours too that one can decide to appreciate from Queenstown.
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By road: One can get to Milford Sound via road. It is a 5 hours drive to this place from Queenstown and 2-and-a-half-hour drive from Te Anau. One can either enlist a cab or take a transport.
Matapouri
Located only 35 km north-east of Whangarei, Matapouri is one of the offbeat tourist destinations in New Zealand. It is a beautiful coastal destination with shimmering white sand. With many holiday homes, it is a beautiful area in Northland to go through a day or two. Whale Bay is only 40 minutes away and the two are connected via a walkway.
- Ritz Factor: Mermaid Pools
- Don’t Miss: Diving into the emerald Mermaid Pools
How to reach:
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By air: Whangarei Airport is the nearest airport to Matapouri, at a distance of 42 km. One can further recruit a car or self-drive.
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By road: Matapouri is connected to the nearby towns via roads, and one can self-drive. It is a simple half hour drive from Tutukaka.
Piha
A peaceful seaside village to the west of Auckland, Piha is one of the best places to visit in the North Island of New Zealand. With a rugged rough coast, it is a breathtaking black sand surf beach. New Zealand is a beautiful country with such countless interesting encounters to offer through such places like Piha. in the event that you are looking for adventure, the slopes surrounding Piha are amazing locations for nature walks.
- Ritz Factor: Black sand Piha beach
- Don’t Miss: Surfing and abseiling to the gorgeous Piha Canyon
How to reach:
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By air: Auckland airport is the nearest airport to Piha at a distance of around 48 km.
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By road: Auckland is the nearest major city and transport transports are available to piha. One can try and drive down from the city which is 40 km away.
Wanaka
Offering breathtaking perspectives on the snowcapped mountains, Wanaka is a resort town in New Zealand. It is famous for all the adventure activities that one can indulge in around Wanaka. The Snow Farm near Wanaka is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand to appreciate crosscountry skiing. On the off chance that one is game for hiking and trekking, Roy’s Peak is a difficult hike that would take one around 3 hours. Head to this resort town and spend a decent 2-3 days here.
Ritz Factor: Roy’s Peak and snowcapped mountains
Don’t Miss: Adventure activities like skydiving, canyoning, and mountaineering
How to reach:
By air: Queenstown airport is an hour away from Wanaka, and one can take a bus transport or rental cars here.
By road: One can self-drive to Wanaka too, from any nearby city. Cars are easily available on lease.
Thus, these are the absolute best places to visit in New Zealand. Your trip to this amazing country remains incomplete without visiting these mentioned attractions. You can have a wonderful encounter and make your trip a memorable one by paying a visit to all these mentioned places. Presently, we’ve given you enough grub to start planning. Finish the tickets and set your itinerary now for your trip to New Zealand!
Questions About New Zealand Tourist Attractions
Q: What is famous in New Zealand?
A: New Zealand is known for the Manuka honey, Sheep, wine, Lord of the Rings, kiwifruit and rugby.
Q: What is the most beautiful place in New Zealand?
A: Tongariro National Park, Waitakere beaches, Golden Bay, Abel Tasman Coast track, The Waikato Stream are probably the best New Zealand attractions which one must visit.
Q: What are the must do things in New Zealand?
A: At the point when you’re in New Zealand, make sure to encounter the Boogie Board Down Sand Dunes at the 90-Mile beach or proceed to sail in the Bay of Islands. Apart from that one can also proceed to Kayak around the Cathedral bay or walk inside the Glowworm caves in Waitomo.
Q: What to see in New Zealand for 2 weeks?
A: While you’re traveling to New Zealand for 2 weeks make sure to visit Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo caves, Rotorua, Taupo and Wellington.
Q: Is New Zealand expensive?
A: While in New Zealand the major urban areas which one covers is Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. And among this the most expensive city is Auckland.
Q: Which New Zealand Island is the most scenic?
A: The North Island of New Zealand has traditional white-sand beaches which are ideal for swimming. While in the island’s south, there are volcanoes around Tongariro National Park.
Q: Is New Zealand worth visiting?
A: New Zealand is a country which is known for natural stores and marine stores which must be visited at least once in a lifetime. And apart from that New Zealand is also the place which has adventure activities.
Q: Which is the best island to visit in New Zealand?
A: The South Island is one of the best island to visit in New Zealand which is known for the Routeburn track, the Milford track and the Abel Tasman coast track which are extraordinary in their own specific manner.
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