If you had the opportunity
to visit 10 places in New Zealand then the list below is our recommendation.
The places that made this list had to meet certain criteria. The conditions
included outstanding scenery, pristine environment, unusual landscapes and
pleasant climate. Conditions we didn't consider were accessibility, services
such as banking, shopping, or accommodation and the price of getting there.
You may also notice that we didn't include any major cities. We figure that
most people will visit 1 or more of our cities anyway as they are essential
arrival and departure points.
The list below is in decending order of importance (number 1 is at the bottom of the page) and this list is of course only a humble
opinion. I expect that some may disagree, but I think that most who have seen
all of New Zealand would compile a list similar to this one.
- Kaikoura
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Situated on the East Coast of New Zealand's South Island is the seaside town of Kaikoura which overlooks majestic mountains which are snow capped for many months of the year. In the waters off the coast an abundantly rich habitat for marine mammals and seabirds exists. Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where whales can be seen all year round. In addition, dolphin swimming, seal swimming, fishing, diving, shark diving, and a large number of both land and water based activities are available.
Kaikoura is situated in the Canterbury region. Next
- Coromandel Peninsula
This area is blessed with a superb climate and contains some of New Zealand's most scenic beaches and coastline. There is even a thermal beach here called Hot Water Beach, which has volcanic heat rising through the ground. All you have to do is dig a hole in the sand and wait for it to fill up with water, and presto, you have your own spa pool. Inland this area is covered with extinct volcanos which provide many good views. These volcanic cones and the surrounding area are covered in temperate rain forest, so the terrain is ideal for tramping (trekking). The forests contain the tallest fern trees in the world, some reaching heights of 20 metres or more. The abundance of fern species in the Coromandel gives the area a subtropical look and feel.
The Coromandel Peninsula is situated in the Coromandel region. Next
- Tongariro National Park
The Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage Park and one of the oldest National Parks in the world. The park contains 3 active volcanos that are situated in a desert like landscape. The area gets regular snowfalls in the winter as it is situated at high altitude. Mt Ruapehu is the largest volcano and home to most of the ski fields in the North Island. However this volcano erupts regularly and last erupted as recently as 1995 and 1996. Another volcano, Mt Ngauruhoe is right next to Ruapehu.
The Tongariro Crossing is a tough one day walk that comes recommended, and shows off the best that this park has on offer. National Geographic has classed it as one of the top 10 one day walks in the world.
The Tongariro National Park is situated in the Taupo region. Next
- Westland National Park
This National Park is part of the South Westland World Heritage area and is famous for its 2 glaciers, Franz Joseph Glacier and Fox Glacier. These glaciers are unique as they are the closest to the coastline of any glacier in the world outside of the polar regions, which means that they are not only accessible but the climate is much warmer compared to other glacial sites in the world. The park is also covered in a lush ancient rain forest and is backed by steep cliffs and mountains. It seems like a contradiction when viewing the glaciers from a rain forest, and it is this phenomenon that makes this area unique. The rugged coastline is only a drive away and there are some great views of the glaciers and mountains reflecting in some of the lakes in the area. Westland National Park also has many activities on offer such as a trek up one of the glaciers or a helicopter ride up to the top of the Southern Alps and back. If you want nature and spectacular scenery, and you don't mind rain then Westland National Park is a must see.
Westland National Park is situated in the Westcoast region. Next
- Mt Cook National Park
Mt Cook and surrounding area is an alpine park that is part of the South Westland World Heritage area. Mt Cook is Australasia's highest mountain and Mt Tasman and Mt Sefton the 2 neigbouring mountains come in at 2nd and 3rd respectively. Mt Cook National Park also has the worlds longest ski run, down the Tasman Glacier. The park doesn't contain many trees or plants, it is best described as a snow covered rocky environment. However Lupins grow well in the mountain soil and these plants come in every colour imaginable which this gives this harsh environment a more gentle and picturesque look. The main accommodation here is the Hermitage Hotel and is also the main departure point to the many scenic walks and Guided Treks in this park.
The Ball Pass is a challenging 3-day alpine crossing of the Mount Cook Range and allows close views of New Zealand's highest mountains. Anyone attempting the crossing without a guide needs to be an experienced mountaineer. There are other walks for those without mountaineering experience or the chance to take a helicopter or plane ride to the top of the Tasman Glacier and back.
Mt Cook National Park is situated in the Canterbury region. Next
- Bay of Islands
The subtropical Bay of Islands is the finest maritime park in New Zealand. There are about 150 islands to explore with many superb beaches and secluded bays. The park has an abundance of marine life, including Marlin, Whales, Penguins and Dolphins. The Bay attracts many people the world over including fishermen, golfers and marine enthusiasts and of course tourist who just want to enjoy the subtropical climate and swim in some of the best beaches in New Zealand.
The Bay of Islands is situated in the Northland region. Next
- Rotorua
Rotorua is famous for its volcanic activity. The area contains many Geothermal Reserves such as Waimangu, Waiotapu and Whakarewarewa, which are all situated in beautiful natural surroundings. All these reserves have great examples of geysers, boiling pools, hot springs, boiling mud and volcanic terraces and craters. Rotorua also has many beautiful lakes to swim in and plenty of native bush for trekking. Mt Tarawera is also close by and there are tours by 4WD that take you up to the top of this volcano. The view is spectacular and you also have the opportunity to walk down into the crater. Rotorua is also a great area to learn about Maori Culture.
Rotorua is situated in the Bay of Plenty region. Next
- Queenstown
For action adventure and scenery Queenstown has it all. This beautiful mountain village is one of New Zealands premier tourist destinations. This town is the home of Bungee jumping and jet boating which are both New Zealand inventions. Other action activities include parapenting and white water rafting. Queenstown is also one of the Southern Hemispheres premier skiing destinations and enables skiers from around the world access to some great ski fields during the Northern Hemisphere's summer. If you are not an adrenaline junkie then Queenstown is still a must see, even if it is to just admire the spectacular mountain scenery while enjoying the many cafes, restaurants and shops.
Queenstown is situated in the Otago region. Next
- Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman is New Zealand's smallest National Park, but contains the sunniest climate together with the best coastal scenery in the country. The Park is famous for the many superb white sandy beaches and coves that look out onto the clear waters of the Tasman Sea. Beyond the beaches, the park is covered in lush rain forest and Manuka, which is a type of Tea Tree. The Abel Tasman walk is a great way to see this park, it takes 3-5 days to complete. Sea Taxis are also available and can drop you off at any number of beaches within the park. This gives you the complete freedom to do a full or partial trek, or alternatively you can spend your time just relaxing on the beaches of your choice. Kayaking is a popular alternative way to see this superb park as you have access to all the beaches, including those that the walk misses out on.
The Abel Tasman National Park is situated in the Nelson region. Next
- Fiordland
National Park
The top of this list is Fiordland
National Park. The park is part of the South Westland World Heritage area and is New Zealand's
largest National Park and one of the largest in the world.
The scenery here is absolutely stunning, with fine examples of fiords, steep
mountains, waterfalls and lush rain forests. Fiordland is home to Milford
Sound and Doubtful Sound which are 2 majestic fiords that offer cruises. Other attractions include the Routeburn
and Milford tracks,
the latter has been billed as the finest walk in the world, the Sutherland
Falls which is one of thousands of waterfalls in the park and one
of the highest in the world. If that wan't enough there is also amazing diving, rare wildlife, and Mitre
Peak a mountain that rises to the staggering height of 1 mile straight out of the ocean. Fiordland
is however one of the wettest places on earth and when it rains thousands of waterfalls
put on quite a show side by side, but on a fine day the landscape is other worldy.
Fiordland is situated in the Southland region.
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