Best Places to Visit in New Zealand
New Zealand is a sovereign island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. ew Zealand, Maori Aotearoa, island country in the South Pacific Ocean, the southwesternmost part of Polynesia. New Zealand is located approximately 1,500km east of Australia and about 1,000km from the Pacific Islands. Due to its relative remoteness and being water locked, New Zealand was one of the last countries to be found and settled. There are many national parks, native forests, walking tracks and maritime reserves to be enjoyed. In addition to these, there are a number of glaciers, lakes, mountains, beaches and thermal reserves, also on offer for tourists and travellers alike. New Zealand has also achieved highly in track and field, rowing, yachting and cycling. Mountaineering also features with Sir Edmund Hillary conquering Mt Everest in 1953. In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote. The country became a dominion of Britain in 1907 and gained its independence from Britain in 1947.
1) Auckland
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Source: Ingolfson
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Source: Bgabel
With a population of more than 1.37 million in the Greater Auckland area, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. To the west of the city, the Waitakere Ranges rainforest forms a gateway to magnificent west coast surf beaches and an abundance of bush walks. Population. The city has a huge range of activities and attractions to offer visitors. This stunning natural environment is blended with world-class universities, major arts, cultural and sporting events, museums, theatres, galleries, and history-rich urban villages. You can dine at more than 800 restaurants, catch awesome views from atop the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere or from one of the city’s volcanic vantage points, or take in the theatre at the world-class Aotea Centre. There’s the Auckland Museum, National Maritime Museum, the historic Auckland Art Gallery, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, the Zoo – the list goes on. Auckland, on New Zealand’s North Island, is a multi-cultural hub of food and wine
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2) Nelson Market
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Author: peter burge
3) Milford Sound, New Zealand
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Author: Bernard Spragg. NZ
Milford Sound is the most popular tourist destination in New Zealand and worthy of a visit. Milford Sound, inlet of the Tasman Sea, southwestern South Island, New Zealand. It is often called one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The sound is a fjord, created when the sea flooded a glacial valley. About 2 miles (3 km) wide, it extends inland for 12 miles (19 km). The southern summer is our winter. Most people arrive in the peak months of January and February. December and March-April are good options for decent weather and fewer people. It’s actually a fiord. It was named so in recognition of its geographic features. This a large ocean inlet is a bit bigger than a bay and is flanked by sheer rock faces and majestic peaks. However, sounds are formed when a river valley is flooded with the sea, whereas Milford Sound carved out by an erosion of ancient glacial ice. The beautiful scenery, unique wildlife, and fun activities are just some of the reasons Milford Sound is so popular.
4) Bayswater Marina
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Bayswater. One of Auckland’s newest marinas, with stunning views of the bridge, city and Waitemata Harbour. A peaceful destination away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but within easy access via ferry or bus. Bayswater Marina now offers premium waterfront motorhome sites situated on the Waitemata Harbour in Auckland. Most of the Marina slips are privately owned and are available for rent through the Marina office. All berths are equipped with water and 240 volt power, with earth leakage protection.Bayswater is a suburb of Auckland in New Zealand. It lies on a peninsula which juts into the Waitemata Harbour. Hobsonville Marina is an extensive privately operated recreational boat harbour in Auckland’s upper Waitemata Harbour, a short distance beyond the harbour bridge or via Highway 16 from Auckland’s CBD. Bayswater Marina is Auckland’s newest marina located just across the harbour from Auckland City.
The Marina lies at the end of a peninsula in clear view of Auckland City with travelling times to the city ranging from 15 minutes by road to 5 minutes by regular harbour ferry.
5) Christchurch’s largest Saturday Farmers’ Market
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Author: Christchurch Farmers’ Market
A superb market with great stalls – catch it on a Saturday Morning. Parking is not available on the grounds of Riccarton House but parking is available on the surrounding streets. The Christchurch Farmers market is the largest Saturday Farmers’ Market in town created from a desire to easily serve local, seasonal ingredients and produce to the people of Christchurch. The market is located in the beautiful and historic grounds of Riccarton House and Bush. We do encourage walking, biking, scooting, running, skipping and jumping along to the market as well. The best little farmers market in Christchurch every Saturday morning, with a beautiful and historical backdrop, with local vendors, amazing breakfast and frequent live music. Grab a coffee and go for a stroll through Riccarton Bush . The market is widely acclaimed for both the quality and diversity of its fresh farm products, and artisan and prepared foods. It is renowned throughout the country as one of the top farmers markets to visit.
6) Bay of Islands
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Author: Alan Vernon
But the beauty and countless activities in the Bay of Islands draws tons of backpackers who want to enjoy the beaches, dolphin sightseeing, fishing trips, or sea kayaking. The Bay of Islands region, north of Auckland, has the finest maritime park in New Zealand with the 144 Islands and secluded bays. The Bay of Islands is a New Zealand enclave encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands next to the country’s North Island. The Bay of Islands is one of the most popular destinations in all New Zealand with backpackers and locals alike. Mile after mile of beach and rocky coastline surround the bay, which is dotted with 144 islands. It’s hugely popular as a summer retreat and getaway for those around Auckland. The Bay of Islands is an area on the east coast of the Far North District of the North Island of New Zealand. The Bay of Islands is a natural harbour about 16 kilometres wide on the north-
7) Waiheke Island, New Zealand
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Author: Travel & Shit
Waiheke Island is the most populated and the second-largest island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand. Waiheke is a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and beaches, all just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. The white sandy beaches at Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi slope gently down into the Hauraki Gulf and are perfect for swimming, kayaking, or having a picnic.Waiheke island is surrounded by predator free islands in the Hauraki Gulf. It has the opportunity to become a haven for native birds and wildlife. There are 3 ferry routes operating between New Zealand and Waiheke Island offering you combined total of 43 sailings per day. The island’s adventure activities include bike riding, zip lines, horse trekking and heli-rides, and then there’s the outstanding food and wine. There are more than 20 vineyards on Waiheke. This represents a remarkable transformation from the 1950s when the Gradiska family produced the island’s first wine, which was “a fairly ferocious fortified brew” according to locals.
8) Piha Beach, Auckland
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Piha is New Zealand’s most famous surf beach. Situated on the west coast of the North Island, 40 kms from the city of Auckland, this black iron-sand beach has a reputation for awesome surf which rolls in over the Tasman Sea. Piha is a scenic black-sand surf beach on the rugged coast west of Auckland. There are several walks through native forest in the surrounding hills.Piha is a coastal settlement on the western coast of the Auckland Region in New Zealand with a population of 600. A visit to Piha wouldn’t be complete without a walk on the beach. Featuring the West Coast’s famous black sand and the iconic Lion Rock, Piha Beach is small and wild. Like nearby West Coast beaches Muriwai and Bethells, the surf is usually strong and weak swimmers are advised to take extra care. Piha Beach Piha is one of Auckland’s most popular surfing beaches – but its size means it never feels crowded.
9) Nelson
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Author: Phillip Capper
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Nelson (Māori: Whakatū) is a city on the eastern shores of Tasman Bay.Nelson Tasman, on the north-west of New Zealand’s South Island, is the sunniest region in New Zealand. It is located on an inlet at the head of Tasman Bay, at the mouth of the Matai River.There’s a good reason the Nelson-Tasman region calls itself a ‘cycling mecca’. Two of New Zealand’s Great Rides, the Dun Mountain Trail and the Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, are right on its doorstep. Bars and Clubs provide ample and varied evening entertainment. Live music is often a feature, from informal jazz evenings to classical music concerts at The Nelson School of Music. Think sunshine, beaches, seafood, chilled white wine and the Jazz festival. Collingwood street trolley derby is a favourite with young and old.Nelson, port city and unitary authority, northern South Island, New Zealand.
10) Glacier Country
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Glacier Country is located amongst the untamed natural wilderness of the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand. From the highest mountains, largest glaciers, rainforests dramatic beaches and everything in between – Glacier Country ticks all the boxes. The heart of Glacier Country, the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. The most accessible rivers of ice in the world, plunging down through rainforest almost to sea level. The glacier area is one of the main tourist attractions of the West Coast, with around 250,000 visitors a year, and up to 2,700 per day (2007). Guided and unguided walks up to and onto the glacier are possible. New Zealand’s Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are among the most accessible glaciers in the world. Only 25 minutes apart, the two villages are charming tourist destinations and home to some of the most accessible glaciers in the world. But if you’ve got limited time to spend, even a 25 minute drive can mean the difference between seeing one or both. Fox is known for is it’s Glowworms. At nightfall, take a gentle 30-40 minute loop walk through thick rain forest to see multiple glow worm grottos. You’ll also see variety of different types of trees, tree ferns and mosses as well.
11) Paihia
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Author: Prof.Chen Hualin
Paihia is the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands in the far north of the North Island of New Zealand. Picturesque Paihia is a popular holiday spot, thanks to its three sheltered, sandy beaches and stunning views across the Bay. Paihia is the main tourist town in the Bay of Islands making this an excellent base for exploring the Bay of Islands and Northland. Decks of Paihia is a purpose built bed and breakfast in our comfortable home. Set on the hill in a secluded sunny north facing position, overlooking central Paihia and the immediate Bay. It offers an extensive choice of accommodation with a good sized town centre of restaurants, bars, a wide range of shopping and some beautiful sandy beaches.Known as the jewel of the Bay of Islands, the seaside resort town of Paihia is the perfect base of exploring the rest of the Far North’s treasures. Beautiful sun-drenched decks offer several vantage points to enjoy the vista. In ground swimming pool located outside the guest rooms offers a sunny, private and secluded area to relax and enjoy the solitude and beautiful bird life in the adjacent native bush.
12) Queenstown
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Author: Lawrence Murray
Queenstown (Māori: Tāhuna) is a resort town in Otago in the south-west of New Zealand‘s South Island. The Kawarau Bridge, near Queenstown, on New Zealand’s South Island, is the site of the world’s first commercial bungee jump. Any walk around Queenstown will introduce the range of adventure options on offer by outfitters here, including bungee jumping, bungee swinging, skydiving, paragliding, rafting and heli-touring. Among the most thrilling is jet boating in vessels propelled by water ejected behind boats that are designed to skim over New Zealand’s shallow rivers. Queenstown has something to offer everyone – For the adventurous find the world’s most extensive range of heart pumping adrenalin activities, world class skiing and an vibrant party scene. For the more mellow traveller try a round of golf at one of the world class resorts, explore one of the many walking trails, indulge in a spa & pamper package, boutique shopping, outstanding food & wine or simply sit back relax and absorb the stunning vistas.