New Zealand Destinations Not To Be Missed

No matter where you are in New Zealand, the landscapes are everywhere, varied, magnificent and different. However, there are some unmissable sites that deserve to stay at least 2 nights to fully enjoy them. This list of the top New Zealand destinations not to be missed invites you to discover the country’s most beautiful sites!

New Zealand destinations not to be missed

If you only need to visit one New Zealand city, Auckland is the ideal place to start your trip. On the sea side, don’t miss the white sand beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and the magnificent golden beaches of Abel Tasman. Take to the skies and treat yourself to a helicopter flight over the active volcano of White Island or over the spectacular frozen landscapes of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.

Hiking enthusiasts will find what they are looking for on the trails of Tongariro National Park and in the Wanaka region. One of the most spectacular sites of Aoraki Mount Cook is obviously the 30 km long Tasman Glacier. At the foot of Mt Cook, a stop at Lake Tekapo is essential, as is a stay in Fjordland to discover Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound.

Let’s discover together New Zealand destinations not to be missed!

–Auckland

Located on the North Island, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. A trip to Auckland is the ideal way to start your vacation. A paradise for wine lovers and boaters, the mild climate and proximity to the sea make Auckland one of the most envied cities in the world. The tranquil Hauraki Gulf is teeming with sailboats and islands, hence Auckland’s nickname “City of Sails”. Half an hour from the city center, there are beautiful wild beaches and hiking trails through green vegetation.

With the beauty of their beaches, their vegetation and their lush forests, the islands of Waiheke and Great Barrier are nature islands par excellence. Waiheke Island is also “the wine island”.

The discovery of Auckland and its surroundings is worth a stay of a few days. An excursion or two is the perfect way to start your New Zealand vacation.

–Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula, located 1.5 hours from Auckland, offers some of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the North Island. The west is a carpet of the native forests of Pohutukawa. And to the east stretch the magnificent white sand beaches. Coromandel is also famous for its thermal activity. Just dig a hole in the sand on Hot Water beach to have your own thermal pool.

The main towns are Whitianga, Tairua, Pauanui and Whangamata.

The Coromandel region is easily accessible from Auckland or Rotorua. You can explore it in three or four days, on an organized tour or at the wheel of your vehicle. A guided sea kayak or boat trip to Cathedral Cove is a must.

Please note that access after Colville to the North is not possible by rental car, so consider an organized tour.

–Bay of plenty, White Island

The Bay of Plenty is discovered along the North-East coast of the North Island. With magnificent unspoilt beaches from Tauranga to Whakatane, the two main towns. Off its coast White Island and its active volcano are worth a helicopter flight.

Since the volcano erupted on 9/12/19, White Island is no longer accessible.

Te Puke, Opotiki, and on the Tauranga side, Mt Maunganui and Papamoa are also popular places for holidaymakers. Named by James Cook, Bay of Plenty “The Bay of Plenty”, this coast still lives up to its name today. We cultivate hectares of orchards there, from kiwi to avocado and citrus fruits. Add to this bounty local wines and a variety of seafood.

A favorite destination for cruise enthusiasts, thousands of dolphins roam the Bay of Plenty. You can see sea lions, penguins, orcas and even whales in season.

The Bay of Plenty welcomes you to its many bed & breakfasts, lodges and motels along its coast.

–Tongariro National Park

Located south of Lake Taupo, the Ruapehu region includes three magnificent volcanoes which are part of the Tongariro National Park, a world heritage site. The different geological phenomena gave rise to these large volcanoes: Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe.

Tongariro National Park is best known for the famous Tongariro Crossing, an exceptional hike through breathtaking landscapes. Mt Ruapehu is the highest peak in the North Island and an active volcano.

The Ruapehu region is also home to the Whanganui National Park which includes the Whanganui River. On the road between Rotorua and Wellington, a detour to the Tongariro National Park, for a day trip and a hike lasting several days, remains essential.

–Abel Tasman National Park

Located in the north of the South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand. It offers landscapes of golden beaches, idyllic fjords, lush vegetation and sculpted granite cliffs. It is the dream destination for holidays with family, couples or friends.

Abel Tasman also owes its fame to its hiking trail, the Coast Track, which runs along the coast.
The towns of Kaiteriteri and Marahau are located at the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park, from where hikers, cruise passengers and day trippers depart.

A holiday in Abel Tasman National Park deserves a minimum stay of two nights with discovery packages on foot, by bike or by kayak. A stay in a lodge in the heart of Abel Tasman is not to be missed!

–Lake Wanaka

South of the Alps, Lake Wanaka is located at the gateway to the Mt Aspiring National Park in the Otago region. Lake Wanaka nestles in a quiet U-shaped valley. It is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand, measuring 45 km from north to south by 10 km at its maximum width.

The Lake Wanaka region welcomes lakeside holidaymakers all year round. Each season has its charm, the fall colors are shimmering! With its high mountains and surrounding rivers, the region develops Adventure tourism.

Please note, due to the depth of the lake of glacial origin, the water temperature does not exceed 18°C in summer.
The main town of Wanaka is located on the southern shore of the lake, just an hour from Queenstown and the Haast Pass. It can be difficult to find a hotel without reservation in the summer and winter seasons.

–Aoraki Mount Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park has 22 of the country’s 27 peaks above 3,050m, and Mt Cook is the highest point at 3,754m. One of the most spectacular sites in this region is the Tasman Glacier, 30 km long, and at its widest point 3 km where ski planes land.

In the heart of this mountainous region, the main activities are hiking and mountaineering between mountains and glaciers. At the foot of Mt Cook, a stop at Lake Pukaki is essential.

–Fiorland national park

Fiordland National Park is located in the southwest of the South Island. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fiordland is one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in New Zealand. The Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound fjords attract many visitors each year on boat or canoe excursions, hikes or, from the air, panoramic flights.

The exceptional landscapes of waterfalls, lakes, rivers and mountains covered in primeval rainforest attract hikers from around the world to the Milford Track, Routeburn Track and Kepler walking trails.

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