Famous New Zealand tourist destinations from big cities, natural heritage sites, to paradise-like tourist hotspots are waiting for you to discover!
New Zealand's most famous tourist destinations
City Queenstown
Nestled between the shimmering shores of Lake Wakatipu and the snowy peaks of Remarkables, Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital and one of New Zealand's top destinations for international visitors. Bungee jumping, boating, whitewater rafting, paragliding, rock climbing, mountain biking and downhill skiing are just some of the activities to do here and visitors can explore the beautiful alpine scenery on a great network of hiking trails.
In addition to extreme sports, Queenstown offers all the comforts with first-class hotels, spas, restaurants, galleries and shops. It's also a great base for sightseeing trips to Central Otago, where you can explore gold-mining towns and Middle-earth vistas from the Lord of the Rings movies.
Queenstown city with many attractive attractions
Life in Queenstown
City Auckland
Both the largest city in New Zealand and a hub for international air travel, Auckland is one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. Many international flights arrive in New Zealand via Auckland airport, making it an ideal city to start your exploration of New Zealand.
Spend at least a day or two in Auckland exploring the vibrant city before venturing further afield in New Zealand. Golden and black sand beaches, rainforest hiking trails, picturesque coves, islands and volcanoes surround the city, making it the perfect base for trips of the day and wild adventures.
The Beauty of the City Auckland
To get a taste of Auckland's beautiful location, guests can up the 328 meter Sky Tower for breathtaking views of the city and hinterland. Fun things to do in Auckland include top-notch dining, a vibrant art scene and a refurbished waterfront area filled with shops and restaurants.
A short hike will reach the top of Auckland's tallest volcanic cone, Mount Eden. Enjoy sweeping views of Auckland and its bustling harbour. The crater is 50m deep and is a sacred place, so be sure to admire it from above rather than walking around.
Bay of Islands
A three-hour drive north of Auckland, the beautiful Bay of Islands is one of the most popular vacation spots in the country. More than 144 islands dot the sparkling bay, making it a paradise for yachts and boaters.
Penguins, dolphins, whales live in these fertile waters and the area is a popular sport fishing spot. Visitors can kayak along the coast, hike the many island trails, bask in secluded coves, visit Cape Brett, Hole in the Rock, and explore subtropical forests. where the Kauri tree grows. The quaint towns in the area such as Russell, Opua, Paihia and Kerikeri make excellent bases from which to explore this beautiful bay.
Beautiful scenery in the Bay of Islands
Rent a boat or a kayak to fully immerse yourself in this paradise. Paddle out to 'Hole in the Rock' on Piercy Island, or search for New Zealand's marine life. Dolphins, whales, fur seals and penguins all love this part of New Zealand!
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
See New Zealand's tallest mountains and longest glaciers in Mount Cook Aoraki National Park. There are plenty of hiking opportunities here, no matter your skill level. For experienced climbers, there are 23 peaks higher than 9,800 feet. For those looking for something a little more idyllic, there are plenty of walks along paved trails or boardwalks that still offer breathtaking views.
Mount Cook Aoraki National Park
Get here before sunset to visit the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where light pollution is strictly controlled for great stargazing opportunities at this popular New Zealand tourist destination.
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Tongariro National Park
In the heart of the North Island lies one of New Zealand's crown jewels. Tongariro National Park is a Dual World Heritage Site due to its spectacular volcanic features as well as its importance to the Maori culture. The park is home to New Zealand's best day hike - Tongariro Crossing.
Thousands of people each year make this 19.4km hike through this breathtaking National Park with its towering volcanic peaks and shimmering emerald lakes. For movie buffs, Tongariro National Park is also home to Mount Doom - made famous in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park
Registered as a World Heritage Site, Fiordland National Park protects some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. Glaciers make up this dramatic landscape, carving the famous fjords of Milford, Dusky and Milford Sound. Visitors here can explore fast-flowing waterfalls, offshore islands, primeval rainforests, vast lakes and craggy peaks.
It's no wonder the park is a hiker's paradise with some of the country's best hiking, including the famous Milford Trail. The Milford Trail is famous for the incredible views you'll pass along the way. It's so breathtaking, it was once coined as "the best walking trail in the world" by the poet Blanche Baughan about 100 years ago. Sea kayaking is a popular way to explore the fjords, and visitors can also enjoy a scenic flight through the park for a bird's-eye view of the stunning New Zealand tourist attraction. this great.
Waitomo Caves
The famous Waitomo Caves are one of the best places to see the glow animals in the world. Arachnocampa Luminosa (the luminous worm native to New Zealand) can be found in many parts of the country, but the Waitomo Caves are home to the most impressive and accessible collection.
Delve into ancient caves beneath the green hills of King Country to see the spectacle created by these luminescent creatures. If you're brave, you can zip through the caves, with only the glowing worms guiding you, before climbing the dark underground waterfalls. Or, for a more enjoyable experience, simply sit back and admire the glow-in-the-dark show on a guided boat ride.
Waitomo Caves is a popular tourist attraction in New Zealand
Lake Tekapo
The Tekapo region and the sky south of Tekapo town is a UNESCO International Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo is picturesque by day and vibrant at night making it one of the best in the world. world to stargaze and see the Northern Lights in New Zealand.
The town faces north across the turquoise lake to the south of the Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its dense milky turquoise color from fine rock powder ground by glaciers suspended in the water.
Located between Queenstown and Christchurch, Tekapo is a great place to visit in the summer. On a hot day, the water certainly looks appealing but the water here is glacial so it doesn't tend to warm up no matter what time of year you visit! You can drive or hike to the top of Mt John, where you'll find the lookout as well as some amazing views over the lake and town.
Rotorua
Rotorua is a hotspot - quite literally - of geothermal attractions. Powerful geysers, colorful volcanic lakes, and bubbling mud pools can be found from the parks around the central North Island town.
Among the most popular places to see these otherworldly natural attractions are Hell's Gate Geothermal Park and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
Wai-O-Tapu offers a beautiful hike through the unique volcanic landscape, as well as the famous Hell's Gate. Wai-O-Tapu offers the chance to soak in a therapeutic mud bath after your exploration.
In addition the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley is also home to several active geysers, including Pohutu, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Mud pools are another natural attraction in the geothermal valley: These boiling pools reach temperatures of more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coromandel Peninsula
Located just across Hauraki Bay from Auckland, the rugged Coromandel peninsula seems like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Cramped mountains in native forest form the spine along the peninsula, providing excellent opportunities for hiking and biking.
Other fun things to do for tourists include relaxing on golden beaches, sea kayaking around the offshore islands, skydiving and visiting the many galleries and art studios. At Hot Water Beach, a dip in the bubbling hot pools is a great way to end a busy day of sightseeing.
Cathedral Cove is also a wonderful place in the Coromandel peninsula that is recommended as one of the most attractive tourist attractions in New Zealand. Located on the North Island, its isolated location on the Coromandel peninsula adds to its irresistible appeal.
Hobbiton
You can visit numerous locations where the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed in New Zealand, but none will take you to Middle-earth like Hobbiton in the heart of the Waikato region. One of the most popular attractions in New Zealand, Hobbiton is also one of the most unique things to do in New Zealand!
Hobbiton Studios
On the Hobbiton Studios, you'll find the lush rolling hills of The Shire, where you can wander through the Hobbit Holes and enjoy a drink in the Green Dragon Inn.
This is a famous tourist destination in New Zealand
