From the North Island to the South Island, New Zealand is an incredibly beautiful part of the world. A land bursting with sparkling lakes and rivers, lush green forests, and easily accessible walking trails, there’s plenty to see in New Zealand. Its position across two tectonic plates makes it home to many active volcanoes and interesting geographical features and craters. If you’d like to visit some of the most stunning islands in the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand’s two main islands are full of places to discover. Read on to see which spots you should plan on visiting on your trip to the land of the long white cloud.
Landscapes of the North Island
You can’t go wrong when spending time on the North Island, which is home to interesting cities like Rotorua, Auckland, and Wellington, all surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Visit the Majestic Beach Destinations of The Coromandel
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Spend a day on the shores of Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove, located on the east coastline of the North Island, to take in the spectacular views.
Soak in the Breathtaking Atmosphere of Piha Beach
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Check out Piha Beach on the West Coast, where you’ll find two surf beaches and a sheltered lagoon. Go for a stroll along the rugged New Zealand coastline or take a swim in the refreshing water.
Marvel at the Geothermal Wonders of Wai-O-Tapu
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Rotorua attracts visitors from all over the world because of its hot springs, spouting geysers, and bubbling mud. Check out the geothermal highlights, Redwood Forest, and beautiful lakes in this region.
See Two Oceans Collide at Cape Reinga
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Travel to New Zealand’s Northland to Cape Reinga, where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet. Check out the iconic lighthouse at the top of Aotearoa and admire this dramatic view of the Tasman.
Relax at the Tranquil Kai Iwi Lakes
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The Kai Iwi Lakes are a group of three crystal-clear freshwater lakes located in Northland, New Zealand, known for their natural beauty and popularity for water-based activities in the summer such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, boating and water skiing.
Explore the Volcanic Landscapes of Tongariro National Park
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Visit this popular national park in the centre of the North Island to see the results of New Zealand’s volcanic activity on display. Hike the trails to get up close to this beautiful landscape.
Have an Unforgettable Glow Worm Experience at Waitomo Caves
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Take a boat ride through the glow worm caves of New Zealand in this unique underground location.
Landscapes of the South Island
Home to Christchurch, the spectacular Marlborough Sounds, the Southern Alps and its wild West Coast, the South Island is packed with breathtaking places to see. Dominated by rugged beaches, gigantic glaciers, and jagged mountains, there’s so much to see in this part of New Zealand.
Explore the Enchanting Milford Sound
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See some of the most majestic scenery in the world at Milford Sound. Take a boat ride through the fjords and spend the day surrounded by its soaring mountains and hundreds of waterfalls.
See the Unique Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
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Stop off at this West Coast spot and check out the Pancake Rocks. This New Zealand site is sure to inspire wonder and remind you of the power of the sea.
Take in Stunning Views of the Remarkables
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Take in breathtaking views of New Zealand’s Remarkables mountain range at Skyline Queenstown. Ride up the Gondola, then race down on the Luge to get the adrenaline pumping!
Get your Adventure Fix at Mt Aspiring National Park
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An outdoor lover’s paradise, this national park on the South Island of New Zealand is the perfect place to go hiking. Stroll one of the park’s easy trails, or challenge yourself by taking on a tougher climb to check out the fantastic views of the Southern Alps.
Discover the Photogenic Mackenzie Basin Lakes
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This region, also known as Mackenzie country, is right in the middle of New Zealand’s South Island. The gorgeous lakes are filled by the Godley, Tasman, and Hopkins Rivers. Go for a walk or take a scenic flight to admire the New Zealand scenery from above.
Experience the Incredible Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
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The majestic glaciers on the West Coast of New Zealand are one of most scenic places in the country. Get up close to the surface of the glaciers by going for a walk on one of the region’s trails or alternatively experience the glaciers on a heli hike tour.
Conquer the Rugged Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
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Check out the wide range of accessible walking tracks in this stunning national park, home to Aotearoa’s highest mountain. Here you’ll get incredible views of the night sky and you may even catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis).
Discover the North and South Islands of New Zealand the Right Way with Skyline
From the North Island to the South Island and Stewart Island, New Zealand is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches, volcanoes, and mountains in the world. Make sure you allow plenty of time to enjoy the diverse landscapes of each of these islands in the Pacific.
