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New Zealand

New Zealand

Continent

Oceania

Best States to Visit

  • Queenstown
  • Central Otago
  • Napier
  • Northland
  • New Zealand

Best Cities to Visit

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch Canterbury
  • Dunedin
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Marlborough

Size

268,021 KM2

Population

49

GDP

$33,228

Spending Budget

$184 - $250

Famous For

  • From its active volcanoes, deep glacier lakes, unique wildlife, and extraordinary fjords, one thing’s for sure, on this country of Kiwis there will never be a dull moment.

Best Time to Visit

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • December

History

The first people to arrive in New Zealand were the ancestors of the Māori. The first settlers probably arrived from Polynesia between 1200 and 1300 AD. They discovered New Zealand as they explored the Pacific, navigating by the ocean currents, winds and stars.

Present Day

From its active volcanoes, deep glacier lakes, unique wildlife, and extraordinary fjords, one thing’s for sure, in this country of Kiwis there will never be a dull moment. This beautiful island nation is home to just over 4 and a half million people, many of whom pass utilizing the self-appointed nickname “Kiwi.” This slang is derived from the country’s countrywide symbol: a flightless bird known as, you guessed it, the kiwi. New Zealand as an entire is pretty modest in size, comparable in landmass to Japan.

Future

New Zealand is a beautiful place to visit and to experience nature by sitting in the lap of nature! You must plan a trip to experience the exotic places of New Zealand. From its active volcanoes, deep glacier lakes, unique wildlife, and extraordinary fjords, one thing’s for sure, on this country of Kiwis there will never be a dull moment.
Must Visit Places ------------

Queenstown

Queenstown, on the South Island, is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand for tourists. There are so many outdoor activities to be done in Queenstown that it's pretty much a requirement on any traveler's bucket list. Visitors can skydive or bungee jump, with amazing views of lakes, canyons, and mountains on the way down, or go whitewater rafting on the Shotover River.

Abel Tasman National Park

Located on the South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its gorgeous sandy beaches and the granite cliffs that rise up above them. The perfect spot for a day trip to the beach, where visitors can kayak, canoe, and sunbathe on a secluded stretch of sand, Abel Tasman National Park is also well known for its hiking trails.

Aoraki - Mount Cook

The village of Mount Cook sits at the bottom of this massive mountain, which at 12,218 feet at its summit is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. The mountain lies within the bounds of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, which is an exceptionally beautiful place, full of rocky snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and some lovely hiking trails.

Auckland

Auckland is one of the biggest cities on New Zealand's North Island and is one of the most major cities in the whole country. It's a world-class city with some unbelievable nature right at its doorstep, and it makes a great homebase for a stay in New Zealand.

Central Otago

Central Otago refers to the central region of the South Island, in the Otago Region. In sunny Central Otago, visitors will find dry, hilly landscapes and some beautiful heritage towns. Otago was the center of the gold rush in New Zealand, and some of the small towns there, like Bannockburn, Naseby, and Ophir, still reflect this history with their old-school charm.

Chatham Islands

The Chatham Islands are an archipelago of about ten islands located about 500 miles east of New Zealand's South Island. The Chatham Islands, with their sheer rocky coastlines and rugged green wilderness, were the ancestral home of the Moriori people, a Polynesian tribe very similar to the Maori of New Zealand's main islands.

Christchurch Canterbury

Christchurch is a city on the South Island of New Zealand on the East Coast of the island and in the region of Canterbury. It's the second-largest city in New Zealand and is known as the Garden City for its gorgeous gardens and parks. The traditional English feel of Christchurch is offset by the common New Zealand feeling of never being too far from nature, and it's true: There are oceans, beaches, and mountains at the city's doorstep.

Dunedin

Dunedin, a city on the South Island, was founded by Scottish immigrants. It's a university town that isn't as often visited by tourists as other cities in New Zealand, so it has a best-kept secret feel to it. The beautiful Edwardian and Victorian architecture, trails for hikers and bicyclists, and diverse city life full of food, nightlife, art, and shopping all combine to make Dunedin a lovely paradise of a city.

Fiordland

Fiordland is named for the fiords of Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound, which were carved by glaciers millions of years ago and lie within Fiordlands National Park. The crystal-clear blue waters, from which mountains rise up on all sides, are part of some of the most dramatic landscapes in all of New Zealand. The mountain to sea vistas, with their forests and splashes of color, are picture perfect, as are many aspects of this beautiful place.

Kaikoura

Most restaurants in Kaikoura serve this local specialty, caught right off the coast. Kaikoura is actually very well known for other marine life as well; there is an abundant population of seals, dolphins, and whales that live permanently in the ocean near the town. A whale watching tour taken from Kaikoura is almost always fruitful, with plenty of wildlife to observe, including a local population of fur seals that are pretty entertaining.

Lake Tekapo

This town in the geographical center of the South Island is named for the lake of the same name, which lies just north of the town. Lake Tekapo is beautiful and colored a unique cloudy blue due to the glacier-ground rock flour in its waters, and the town, with mountain vistas rising from the lake's turquoise edges, is both historical and friendly.

Lake Wanaka

Lake Wanaka, the fourth-largest lake in New Zealand, is located inland on the South Island in the Otago Region. The crystal-clear waters of this gorgeous lake make for some beautiful photos, and the sunny inland weather makes for even more beautiful days spent out on the water. During the summer, Lake Wanaka is perfect for sailing, fishing, and kayaking, and the nearby mountains provide a great setting for hiking, climbing, and even skydiving.

Marlborough

Marlborough, a region located at the northernmost tip of the South Island, is a name that should sound familiar to anyone who appreciates a good wine. The region is famous worldwide for its sauvignon blanc, which is grown and produced at vineyards throughout the area. Other reasons to visit Marlborough include its delicious fresh seafood from the coastal waters and, like most of New Zealand, its gorgeous landscapes.

Matamata

Matamata is a must-see destination for any Lord of the Rings fans visiting New Zealand. This small town on the North Island has a number of delicious cafes, and its location, set into the shadow of the Kaimai Mountain Range, is downright stunning. But what draws people to Matamata is what lies just southeast of the town, namely the filming set and location for Hobbiton, the home of Frodo Baggins and his hobbit companions in The Lord of the Rings series.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a beautiful sight: Forged thousands of years ago by glaciers, its waterfalls and flowing waters are framed by sky scraping mountains, which reach up with their rocky fingers into the air. Boat cruises of the sound, which are offered both during the day and overnight, are an excellent way to interact with this piece of nature.

Napier

Napier serves today as an excellent example of art deco architecture, with distinctly New Zealand touches such as Maori patterns and aesthetic details. Delicious vineyards that produce pinot gris and Syrah, farmers' markets, and annual festivals to celebrate the town's heritage are just a few of the other details that make Napier feel like a step back to a simpler time.

Nelson Tasman

Nelson Tasman is the sunniest region in all of New Zealand, and its landscapes - full of golden beaches, dense green forests, tall mountains, and freshwater springs - reflect that sunny demeanor. On a sea kayak tour, visitors can spot penguins, seals, and maybe even some dolphins, while on land they can visit Abel Tasman National Park.

Northland

Northland is, as the name suggest, the northernmost region of New Zealand. Its climate is subtropical, with lots of sunshine, warm temperatures, and pleasant days, and the region encompasses not just the main island but also the Bay of Islands as well as thick forests of kauri trees and an abundance of marine life.

Rotorua

25 Best Places to Visit in New ZealandBy VI Staff on March 8, 2021 - Updated25 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand VacationIdea LLC New Zealand is made up of two islands, both of which have a diverse and beautiful natural setting. Known for its glaciers as much as its beaches, New Zealand is the perfect destination for adventurers and lovers of the great outdoors. Sensational national parks, diverse and exciting cities, and pleasant weather make New Zealand a location that should be on everyone's bucket list. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed. 1.Queenstown Queenstown © Courtesy of filipefrazao - Fotolia.com Queenstown, on the South Island, is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand for tourists. There are so many outdoor activities to be done in Queenstown that it's pretty much a requirement on any traveler's bucket list. Visitors can skydive or bungee jump, with amazing views of lakes, canyons, and mountains on the way down, or go whitewater rafting on the Shotover River. There are also opportunities to see some of the prominent and recognizable filming locations from the Lord of the Rings series on a guided tour of nearby Glenorchy. Fun day trip ideas close to me, things to do this weekend, small towns, best weekend getaways: South Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Day trips 2.Abel Tasman National Park Abel Tasman National Park © Courtesy of Robert CHG - Fotolia.com Located on the South Island, Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its gorgeous sandy beaches and the granite cliffs that rise up above them. The perfect spot for a day trip to the beach, where visitors can kayak, canoe, and sunbathe on a secluded stretch of sand, Abel Tasman National Park is also well known for its hiking trails. The most famous of these, the Abel Tasman Coast Track, is nearly 40 miles long and takes an average of 3 to 5 days to complete, but there are plenty of other shorter trails for amateur hikers or those looking for a simple day trip. You are reading "25 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand" Back to Top Things to do near me today, beaches with kids, romantic parks, unique places to visit in USA right now, hotels, tourist attractions: From Phoenix, WV, IN, AK, Boulder 3.Aoraki - Mount Cook Aoraki - Mount Cook © Courtesy of Victor - Fotolia.com The village of Mount Cook sits at the bottom of this massive mountain, which at 12,218 feet at its summit is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. The mountain lies within the bounds of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, which is an exceptionally beautiful place, full of rocky snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and some lovely hiking trails. All the trails in the area provide some wonderful mountain views, and most take about 3 hours to complete, but climbing Aoraki / Mount Cook itself is not a feat that is recommended for amateurs. You are reading "25 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand" Back to Top Long weekend getaways with friends near you, weather, best small towns, what should I do in for couples, cheap, with friends, nearby beach, fun things to do near me today: WA, Charleston, New England, Cleveland, San Diego 4.Auckland Auckland © Courtesy of mickael - Fotolia.com Auckland is one of the biggest cities on New Zealand's North Island and is one of the most major cities in the whole country. It's a world-class city with some unbelievable nature right at its doorstep, and it makes a great homebase for a stay in New Zealand. From here, it's easy to reach some of the wonderful surrounding nature and the adventure that it brings - kayaking to a volcano or strolling along the black sand beaches, for example - all while being able to return to a place with countless restaurants, shops, nightlife, and accommodation when you're done. You are reading "25 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand this Weekend with Friends" Back to Top or More places to see near me today, what to do, weekend trips Nearest romantic getaways today at night, places near me, local wedding venues, best small beach town, restaurants, outside, things to do with kids near me, staycation, beaches, resorts near me, how do I plan: NJ beaches, Retreats, San Francisco, Asheville 5.Central Otago Central Otago © Courtesy of NigelSpiers - Fotolia.com Central Otago refers to the central region of the South Island, in the Otago Region. In sunny Central Otago, visitors will find dry, hilly landscapes and some beautiful heritage towns. Otago was the center of the gold rush in New Zealand, and some of the small towns there, like Bannockburn, Naseby, and Ophir, still reflect this history with their old-school charm. The region is also perfect for wine growing and is home to a number of excellent vineyards, which are especially famous for pinot noir. A tour of the local fare in Central Otago is sure to include some fantastic wines alongside local cheeses, meats, and produce grown in the region. You are reading "25 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand this Weekend" Back to Top or Restaurants near me, stuff to do near me Where should I go this weekend for fun, adventurous places to visit near me today, famous for, kid friendly, hotels open near me, what can you do in for free, beaches, resorts near me, time zone, best restaurants near me, natural wonders: WI, Day trips from NYC, From San Francisco, Tampa, FL, LA, From Minneapolis, ID, From Dallas 6.Chatham Islands Chatham Islands © Courtesy of naruedom - Fotolia.com The Chatham Islands are an archipelago of about ten islands located about 500 miles east of New Zealand's South Island. The Chatham Islands, with their sheer rocky coastlines and rugged green wilderness, were the ancestral home of the Moriori people, a Polynesian tribe very similar to the Maori of New Zealand's main islands. There are daily flights to the Chatham Islands via Air Chathams, which leaves from Auckland and Whanganui. The islands are famous for delicious, fresh seafood, which can be sampled at any of the restaurants on the Chatham Islands. There are also lots of opportunities to view wildlife, from the abundant birds and animals to the flowering plants in the archipelago. You are reading "25 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand" Back to Top or More must do for couples, what to do near me, places to visit this weekend Where can I go for top-rated things to see near me, fun things to do today, hotels near me, with toddler, social distancing, places near me, list of, stuff to do near me, rentals, beach and last minute resort ideas for couples, places to hike near me: CT, IL, CA, MD, VT, VA, Atlanta, From Chicago, MD beaches 7.Christchurch Canterbury Christchurch Canterbury © Courtesy of Deyan - Fotolia.com Christchurch is a city on the South Island of New Zealand on the East Coast of the island and in the region of Canterbury. It's the second-largest city in New Zealand and is known as the Garden City for its gorgeous gardens and parks. The traditional English feel of Christchurch is offset by the common New Zealand feeling of never being too far from nature, and it's true: There are oceans, beaches, and mountains at the city's doorstep. The region of Canterbury is well known for its diverse landscape, with snow-capped mountains, beautiful blue lakes, and grassy plains. You are reading "25 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand" Back to Top or More tourism, attractions for couples, food, things to see near me today Top things to see near me, beaches, cruises, parks near me, underrated tourist attractions downtown, travel blog, attractions, places near me right now, things to do near me, vacations, resorts near me, family weekend breaks, mountains, open now, tonight, breakfast near me, affordable rental, kids activities near me, campgrounds near me: CO, Seattle Flagstaff, Napa, Portland, MN, Winston-Salem, Scottsdale, Dallas, SC 8.Dunedin Dunedin © Courtesy of ThoreHertrampf - Fotolia.com Dunedin, a city on the South Island, was founded by Scottish immigrants. It's a university town that isn't as often visited by tourists as other cities in New Zealand, so it has a best-kept secret feel to it. The beautiful Edwardian and Victorian architecture, trails for hikers and bicyclists, and diverse city life full of food, nightlife, art, and shopping all combine to make Dunedin a lovely paradise of a city. There are beautiful beaches, unique food, and even access to the Otago Peninsula, where keen-eyed visitors might spot an albatross or a yellow eyed penguin. Where can you get away, beaches near me, luxury tourism, resorts

Stewart Island

Most of the Stewart island is forested and undeveloped with over 80 per cent of the island is set aside as the Rakiura National Park, giving you the chance to explore the wild side of New Zealand. Most of the pastimes on Stewart Island have to do with the outdoors, including hiking, camping, and birdwatching. One of the most popular treks on Stewart Islands the Northwest Circuit, which can take several days to complete for even the fastest hikers. However, the trek offers spectacular views and access to amazing wildlife.

Paihia

230 km drive from Auckland. and then directly go to Paihia at beautiful Whangarei falls. Next is Kawa Kawa and this is the only town in New Zealand which got a railway track through the middle of the town.

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is one of the best places to go in New Zealand for fishing, sailing, and other watersports. The Bay of Islands is about three hours by car from Auckland. This gorgeous region is made up of 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula.

Taupo

Lake Taupo, on the North Island, is a large and beautiful lake that formed in the caldera of a volcano of the same name. It is the largest lake in New Zealand based on surface area, and the lake, in its volcanic bowl, is a beautiful place to visit. Visitors to the area can soak in the warm, geothermal pools at Wairakei Terraces, fish for trout in the lake's waters, or cycle along the trail that follows the edges of the lake.

Waitaki

The Waitaki Region stretches through the center of the South Island, meaning that it contains beautiful coastlines as well the imposing mountains and green plains of the island's inland regions. In the coastal town of Moeraki there are boulders strewn upon the beach that are over 65 million years old, and in the waters off the land's edge there are dolphins that leap into the air as they play. Further inland, the town of Oamaru and its white stone buildings are a lovely and charming stop on the way to the famous Aoraki / Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand.

Waitomo Caves

Waitomo Township is green and hilly, but underneath the sunny, glassy area lies something much darker and more intriguing: A system of caves and underground streams. Visitors to the Waitomo Caves can see the massive stalactites and stalagmites all lit up by the population of phosphorescent glow worms that live in the caves and illuminate the space with an eerie light. T