New Zealand is renowned for it scenic landscapes, beautiful beaches and alluring landmarks.
Below are a list of the top 10 most popular destinations in New Zealand.
Queenstown Lakes encompasses the resort town of Queesntown as well as Wanaka, Glenorchy and Kingstonto. Queenstown is the most popular of the four with Wanaka coming in at a close second so we've chosen to label #1 as Queenstown Lakes rather than Queenstown.
Queenstown is built around Queenstown Bay on Lake Wakatipu, has spectacular views of the surrounding mountains; The Remarkables, Cecil Peak and Walter Peak and boasts over 220 adventure tourism activities.
Queenstown & Wanaka are major centres for snow sports in New Zealand, attracting people throughout New Zealand and many parts of the world to ski at the four main skifields (Treble Cone, Coronet Peak, Cardrona Alpine Resort and The Remarkables). The area offers a multitude of festivals some of which include; Bike Festival (March/April), Winter Festival (June), and Jazz Festival (October).
Home_Popular Destinations
Among the most famous tourist attractions in New Zealand, Milford Sound lies at the most northern and accessible end of Fiordland National Park.
Milford Sound offers dramatic peaks and dark blue waters mixed with some of the world’s most staggering coastal scenery. The area is renowned for its frequent downpours which enhance its beauty creating numerous waterfalls cascading down cliffs.
A boat trip is a must to get the full effect of the area, or kayak the Sound on one of its beautiful days taking in the early morning mist and breathtaking scenery.
New Zealand's biggest city, Auckland is renowned for its blend of big city living and breathtaking scenery showcasing a blend of eclectic cultures, great shopping and spectacular arts and events, while offering world-class food and wine, picturesque harbours and island retreats.
Whether its enjoying the many bays which skirt the coastal region, one of the many islands available in the Hauraki Gulf or the hustle and bustle of the inner city, Auckland has alot to offer the visting tourist.
As always, the best time to visit is in the summer to fully enjoy the scenery and surroundings.
The Bay of Islands offers plenty of recreational activities for the visiting tourist: charter a yacht or launch, snorkel or dive, paddle a sea kayak around the islands or swim with the dolphins.
Visit one of the many towns in the region and enjoy what they have to offer. KeriKeri offers history, niche food products, art galleries, nature, boutique vineyards and cafes and crafts. Waitangi is the scene of the 1840 signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, beautiful on a sunny summers day, you’ll see the Treaty House, and one of the largest Maori waka's (war canoe) in NZ. Paihia offers friendly locals, cafés and beautiful beaches. Russell offers over 200 years of history, galleries, cafés, restaurants, beaches and colonial architecture, while just to the north of the Bay of Islands lies the spectacular Whangaroa Harbour, a jewel in the crown of beautiful bays that encircle the surrounding coastline.
Enjoy the islands in the Bay of Islands which are generally classified as recreation reserves. There are campgrounds available for the duration stay, or enjoy a daytrip to their picturesque settings.
Rotorua offers a diverse range of experiences for the visiting tourist. You'll have the opportunity to experience Maori culture, geothermal activity, rejuvenation and relaxation in one of the many spas, outdoor thrills and adventure, 16 pristine beautiful lakes, some of the world's best mountain bike trails, awesome trout fishing and forest walking tracks a plenty.
1. Queenstown Lakes
2. Milford Sound
3. Auckland
4. Bay of Islands
5. Rotorua
courtesy of Queenstown District Council
courtesy of Tantamount NZ