A land of kiwis, rugby and the Middle Ages, New Zealand appeals to travelers in search of raw nature and wide-open spaces. Each of its two islands has its own personality. The North Island's tropical climate and volcanic activity give it lush vegetation. The cradle of Maori culture, it is rich in art, culture and architecture. The wilder South Island, with its towering mountains, blue lakes and endless fjords, is an immense playground for hikers. What to do in New Zealand? The choice is yours. Discover the 25 most beautiful places to visit in the country.
1- Wellington
The country's capital is located in the very south of the North Island. Although not the most populous city, Windy Wellington owes its nickname to its location on the shores of Cook Strait, subject to strong winds. But this doesn't stop it from being a very pleasant city to live in, with numerous cultural venues and a lively nightlife. You can visit the Old Government Building or theNew Zealand Opera House, before taking the famous streetcar to the Botanical Gardens high above the city.
Just like its capital, New Zealand and its gentle way of life are among the happiest countries in the world.
2- Tongariro National Park
A place of great spiritual significance to the Maoris, Tongariro National Park is one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located in the center of the North Island, it is New Zealand's most impressive park. Every year, hiking enthusiasts flock to the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the most beautiful treks you can do in a day. These trails to the summit of the Tongariro volcano take you through unparalleled mountain scenery.
We recommend booking your shuttle to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in advance.
3- Visit Auckland
When you travel to New Zealand, you're bound to pass through Auckland. Be sure to spend a few days here, as the country's largest city is welcoming, open and cosmopolitan. Climb to the top of the iconic Sky Tower for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Visit the Auckland Estate, the city's oldest park at the foot of an extinct volcano. For a walk, jog or surf session, don't forget to take a trip to the beach. The city stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea: wherever you are in Auckland, you'll be close to its turquoise waters.
4- Fiordland National Park
One of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Fiordland National Park is one of the most spectacular places to see in New Zealand. As proof, it is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its countless waterfalls and the mist that stagnates in its forests add to the magic of this setting of natural beauty. Sculpted by glaciers, Milford Sound fjord is one of the park's main points of interest. To get there, take the Milford Track, a 4-day trek that ranks among the world's most beautiful hikes.
You can also book your day trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown now .
5- What to do in New Zealand Discover Marlborough Sounds
Located in the great Marlborough wine region, the Marlborough Sounds are a group of isolated islands and coves in the north of the South Island. The lush, rolling landscapes of these deserted islands are breathtaking. This picture-postcard setting between land and sea attracts travelers who come to explore the region by boat. To enjoy the scenery to the full, we recommend you take the overland route and follow the many hiking trails, including the famous Queen Charlotte Track, which can be done over 3 to 5 days.
6- Visit the Coromandel Peninsula
You'll reach Coromandel Town by driving along the coast past Auckland. Make the most of this road, which is one of the most beautiful in the country, because when you arrive on the peninsula you can say goodbye to tar. It's an inconvenience that's well worth it, as the Coromandel Peninsula hides some breathtakingly beautiful sites. Take in the scenery of the Pinnacles and the famous Cathedral's Cove, before heading off to the natural hot springs of Hot Water Beach, one of the world's most unusual beaches.
7- Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is undoubtedlyone of New Zealand's most beautiful lakes. Its hypnotic blue waters shimmer against the surrounding majestic mountains. From the coast, the road to get there criss-crosses the plains as far as the eye can see and already sets the tone for the region's incredible scenery. Don't miss the Mount John University Observatory for breathtaking panoramic views. At night, you can admire one of the most beautiful starry skies in the world.
Don't hesitate to book your telescopic sky-watching evening now.
8- What to do in New Zealand Go to Northland
At the northern tip of the country lies Northland, New Zealand's sunniest region. There are countless natural treasures to be found here. Don't miss Paihia, the meeting point of the Bay of Islands. On this heavenly bay, 144 islands stretch their beaches and coves over the region's turquoise waters. Northland also boasts the Mermaids Pools, the Waipoua giant kauri forest and Cape Reinga at the tip of the island.
9- Visit Waitomo Caves
At first glance, the small hamlet of Waitomo is nothing special. In Maori, Waitomo means "where the water disappears into the ground". Hidden between its waterfalls are caves inhabited by colonies of glow worms. In these caves, there's no need for a flashlight, as the insects light the way like an underground starry sky. This is one of those unrealistic landscapes that seems to have come straight from another world.
Book your guided tour of the glow worm caves now.
10- Queenstown
A picturesque little town nestled between lakes and mountains, Queenstown is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. At the southern tip of the South Island, on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the town attracts sports and nature enthusiasts. Rafting, climbing or bungee jumping in the Kawarau Gorge, it's the perfect destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. In winter, the town becomes a departure point for the Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski slopes.
Thrill-seekers can book an hour's zipline through the peaks around Queenstown.
11- What to do in New Zealand Go to Abel Tasman
Abel Tasman National Park may be New Zealand's smallest nature park, but it's no less impressive. This territory runs along the coast and is entirely covered by bush. You can take the Abel Tasman Coast Track for an affordable 3 to 5-day hike, offering sublime panoramas of coastal forests and the Tasman Sea.
12- Visit Hobbiton
In recent years, the village of Matamata has become a place of pilgrimage for Lord of the Rings fans. This is where Hobbiton is located, a well-known filming location for Tolkien fans. After the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the village of Hobbiton was dismantled, as it was not intended to be preserved. It was only later, for the filming of The Hobbit movies, that the sets were designed to remain. Allow around 2h30 for the walk.
13- What to do in New Zealand Lake Pukaki
In the Mount Cook National Park region, Lake Pukaki echoes Lake Tekapo. This brilliant turquoise-blue lake is fed by glacial waters from Mount Cook, which overlooks the landscape. Start with a stroll along the shores of the lake, from where you can admire the mountain scenery. Numerous hiking trails take you to the surrounding heights, where you can enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the region.
14- Mount Cook National Park
At 3724m, Mount Cook is the country's highest peak. It lives up to its Maori name, Aoraki, which means "cloud piercer". In Polynesian mythology, Aoraki is the most powerful son of the sky. Only mountaineers tackle the ascent of Mount Cook, but there's nothing to stop travellers from using the hiking trails that surround it. From the surrounding mountains, you can enjoy unobstructed views of New Zealand's stone giant.
15- Lake Wanaka
The village of Wanaka, located on the shores of the lake of the same name, is perched in the mountains in the heart of a grandiose natural setting. Perfect in summer and winter alike, this place attracts travellers mainly for its lake, on which a solitary willow tree sits enthroned. for many years,the "Wanaka tree" was used as a common pole. Made famous by a photographer whose shot won the title of best photograph in the country in 2014, the tree has since attracted a large number of curious onlookers.
16- What to do in New Zealand? Climb Mount Taranaki
Taranaki National Park (formerly Egmont National Park) encompasses the whole of Mount Taranaki and the surrounding area. This dormant volcano peaks at 2518 and is often compared in shape to Mount Fuji. Its ash floor is home to rich vegetation, and it has two craters. Many hiking trails are accessible in the area. Note that the difficulty of the climb is matched only by its beauty. So make sure you get all the information you need before you set off.
17- Discover the Kaikoura Peninsula
A magnificent peninsula on the South Island, Kaikoura is best known for its exceptional marine wildlife. Between the sea and the mountains, the peninsula boasts a number of splendid hiking trails winding around the relief. Formarine exploration, head for the town of Kaikoura, from where you can embark on a wildlife-watching trip. If you want to avoid the crowds, don't visit Kaikoura in summer, which is the preferred season for most local tourists.
18- Rotorua hot springs
On the shores of Lake Rotorua, this town is one of the country's major attractions. Almost everything here is exploited for tourism. On the natural side, Rotorua attracts visitors with its impressive hot springs, the result of strong seismic activity. Rotorua is also one of the main places to discover Maori culture, as the Maori have exploited the city's potential to the full.
We recommend you book this cultural excursion with dinner in a Maori village.
19- Go to Mount Sunday
The umpteenth place of pilgrimage for fans of The Lord of the Rings, Mount Sunday and its surroundings were used as the setting for the capital of Rohan in the third installment of the sage. Whether or not this is the reason for your visit, the breathtaking scenery around this rocky hill, lost in the middle of the glacial Rangitata valley, is sure to captivate you.
To preserve its breathtaking scenery, New Zealand is one of the top 10 destinations for ecotourism.
20- Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
From the town of Franz Josef, numerous hiking trails surround the glacier of the same name, reputed to be the most accessible in the world. The 12km-long Franz Josef Glacier is surrounded by tracks that allow you to explore the surrounding area while offering a beautiful view of the phenomenon. There are also numerous information panels tracing the evolution of the glaciers. The most impressive of these is the Alex Knob Track, an eight-hour round trip that takes you to the summit of Mount Alex Knob, from where you can enjoy a fine view of the glaciers. The neighboring Fox Glacier attracts slightly fewer visitors, but is still well worth a visit.
We recommend this walking tour of the Fox Glacier area with a local guide.
21- What to do in New Zealand Discover the Catlins
In the far south of the country, the Catlins region is a little gem that doesn't attract the crowds. Its best-known point of interest is the Nugget Point lighthouse, from where it's best to watch the sunrise or sunset. Make your way to the petrified forest of Curio Bay before heading to its beaches for a glimpse of sea lions and penguins. Don't hesitate to take the region's magnificent scenic drive and stop off at the waterfalls, caves and tunnels of the Catlins.
22- Arthur's Pass National Park
Between the Canterbury area and the West Coast, Arthur's Pass National Park is one of the South Island's most beautiful regions. Located in the heart of the Southern Alps, a visit to Arthur's Pass Park is an experience in itself. The road from Christchurch to Greymouth winds its way between rivers and valleys through wild mountain landscapes. Numerous hiking trails criss-cross the area, but they are known to be the most hazardous in the country, as the area remains very unspoilt.
23- See the Pancake Rocks
Head to the tiny hamlet of Punakaiki to visit Paparoa National Park, home to the Pancake Rocks rock formations. Numerous hiking trails criss-cross the park at various levels of difficulty. Among them, the Truman Track takes you to superb sea arches and a waterfall in just 15 minutes. After the walk, treat yourself to a gourmet break at the famous Pancakes Rocks Café, where you can sample the famous homemade pancakes.
24- Climbing at Wharepapa South
In the heart of the North Island, near the town ofHamilton, the geological site of Wharepapa South welcomes climbers in the midst of nature's abundance. It's one of the country's most popular climbing spots. There are almost 800 routes scattered around the site's rock faces. Beginner climbers can take courses on site. Wharepapa South is one of the top 10 climbing sites in the world.
25- Stroll the Marlborough vineyards
More than half of the country's wines are produced in the north of the South Island. The Marlborough region is as famous for its breathtaking scenery as it is for its endless vineyards. Stop off in the small town of Blenheim to explore the region and taste its grape varieties, the most famous of which is Sauvignon Blanc. Marlborough wines are generally fruity and delight connoisseurs. Some vintages of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have even been compared to the finest French wines.
See also our list of the world's top 10 wine destinations.
When to visit New Zealand
Compared to France, the seasons are reversed in New Zealand. Here are the best times of year to visit the country:
- June to August : it's winter! It's colder and rains more often, but at higher altitudes the snow-covered landscapes are well worth the detour.
- December to February: summer. If you want to get away from the cold and dreariness of Europe, this is the time to seek out the warmth of New Zealand and enjoy the water sports. The days are also longer.
- March to May and September to November: the spring and autumn seasons are ideal for avoiding the crowds. Temperatures are mild, and from March onwards, the landscape takes on a lovely autumnal hue. From September onwards, admire the trees and gardens in bloom.
What's the ideal length of stay in New Zealand?
A flight from Western Europe to New Zealand takes at least 22 hours, and the country is richer and larger than you might think. Visiting New Zealand in one or two weeks is not recommended. To make the most of your plane ticket, your travel time and to travel more responsibly, take your time.
- Three weeks: that's the bare minimum if you want to visit New Zealand. Be careful, though, if you want to discover the country's must-sees.
- One month : you can visit both the North Island and the South Island, while enjoying some of the less touristy areas.
- More than a month: take the opportunity to really discover the local culture. New Zealand is a country as rich in its landscapes as it is in its way of life.
What are the best walks in New Zealand?
- Milford Track: New Zealand's most popular hike. This 4-day trail takes you along the path of the Milford Sound fjord. Book well in advance.
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing : this 19.4-kilometer hike through Tongariro's magnificent volcanic landscape is not for beginners. Allow 6 to 8 hours on average.
- Abel Tasman Coast Track: more accessible in terms of difficulty, this 3 to 5-day hike offers magnificent panoramas of the Tasman Sea's beaches and coastal forests.
