Best Scenic Destinations in New Zealand

New Zealand should be at the top of the list for anyone who loves to travel for great views. It consists of two large islands, imaginatively called North Island and South Island, which are packed full of stunning vistas, beautiful mountains and lakes. In fact, you could call it the Norway of the Southern Hemisphere, but with cheaper beer. It’s ideal for hiring a car or camper van and hitting the open road – make sure to research direct car excess cover before you go.

tour boats returning from Milford Sound past iconic Mitre Peak

Milford Sound 

Perhaps the most obvious scenic destination in New Zealand is Milford Sound. This beautiful fjord (we told you it was like Norway) is located on the South Island and was carved by glaciers.

The best way to appreciate the mountainous sides and waterfalls is by water on one of the many boat or kayaking trips available. Rudyard Kipling called it the eighth wonder of the world and the area is the starting point for several long distance scenic walks, including the famous Milford Track.

If one fjord isn’t enough, there are others nearby – try Doubtful Sound.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

Mount Cook, known to the Maori as Aoraki, is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. It was here that New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary honed the climbing skills he later used to complete the first ascent of Mt Everest with Tenzing Norgay. At a height of 3,724m it’s not to be sniffed at, but would-be climbers should beware – you’ll need mountaineering experience and equipment if you want to conquer the mountain.

For those not wishing to tackle Mt Cook itself, there are plenty of shorter and lower level walks to tackle in the Southern Alps. The Mt Cook National Park also features glaciers!

Coromandel Penninsula

The Coromandel

This area of the North Island is a great mix of coves, beaches and unspoilt bush and is perfect if you’re looking to chill out a bit and enjoy the scenery at the same time. It was here that Captain Cook landed and claimed New Zealand for the British crown and it’s easy to see the attraction.

There are pristine beaches and one, Hot Water Beach (once again demonstrating a lack of imagination in nomenclature) has hot water which will bubble up if you dig a hole in the sand to sit in. You’d pay good money for that in a spa but here you can do it for free with a sea view to boot!

Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia Geothermal Valley – Rotorua

Rotorua

This city on the North Island is completely surrounded by nature. It has freshwater lakes, hot springs, mountains and forests. Mountain biking is huge here and with 95km of trails in the area, there’s something for everyone. Whakarewarewa Forest is just a five minute cycle from the centre of the city.

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