New Zealand is one of the most favorite destinations for tourists. It has it all; snow covered mountains, glaciers, lakes, caves, beaches and more. Everyone wishes to visit this incredible country at least once in a lifetime. There are a lot of places to visit in New Zealand and that can make your decision really difficult regarding which destination you want to see during your trip.

Places to visit in New Zealand

Your trip to New Zealand is not completed without visiting two of the top rated tourist destinations Queenstown and Milford Sound. But there is a lot more to explore in both North Island and South Island. Whether you are after skydiving, rafting, bungee jumping or horse riding; you can enjoy all in New Zealand. Are you stuck on deciding which destination to visit on your very first trip to New Zealand? In order to help you in making a better decision, we are outlining below the top 11 most popular travel destinations that you must visit in New Zealand.

1The Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is one of the most beautiful and popular places to visit in New Zealand. This picturesque region is made up of around 140 subtropical stunning islands between Purerua Peninsula and Cape Brett. If you are after sailing, fishing, diving or other water sports, then Bay of Islands is a perfect travel destination for you.

2Milford Sound

Milford Sound was once named as ‘eighth wonder of the world’ and is a part of ‘World Heritage Site’. It is located in Fiordland National Park and is the most famous fjord to see stunning waterfalls, cliffs, rainforests and wildlife. The best way to enjoy Milford Sound is to take a sightseeing tour on cruise. You can book Milford Sound tour from Queenstown in advance. They will provide you complete one day tour and also guide you throughout your incredible journey.

3Queenstown

Your trip to New Zealand is incomplete without visiting this incredibly beautiful town. Queenstown has a lot to offer to its visitors. From skyline to jet boating to mountain biking to bungee jumping to sightseeing helicopter flight; Queenstown has it all.  It is also a gateway to the famous Arrowtown where you can enjoy gold mining tours and also view the locations where ‘Lord of the Rings’ was filmed. It is one of the must places to visit in New Zealand.

4Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers

Are you big fan of hiking that too on snowy mountains? Then visit these two most popular glaciers in New Zealand for an unforgettable hiking adventure. You can either hike up there or book a helicopter flight and land on the snowfields. There will be guided tours leading you to the frozen landscape of majestic ice caves and pinnacles of the glaciers. These glaciers are listed among the best places to visit in New Zealand. Book today and enjoy a lifetime experience!

5Tongariro National Park

Located in the North Island, Tongariro National Park is the oldest park in New Zealand and is also a part of World Heritage Sites due to its volcanic landscape and Maori culture. It also features the majestic Lake Taupo that is the largest lake in New Zealand. There are a lot of things to enjoy in Tongariro National Park including hiking, skiing, skydive and sightseeing tours. Another prominent thing to do is Tongariro Alpine Crossing through the volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park.

6Rotorua

Rotorua is located in North Island and is one of the most active and popular geothermal regions in the world. It is home to a number of geysers, thermal springs, mud pools and volcanic craters. Tourists can enjoy walking tours amidst this town and also take a dip in mineral springs. There are plenty of other adventures to do in this region including mountain biking, sky-diving and luging.

7Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki National Park is home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain ‘Aoraki/Mount Cook’ and the longest ‘Tasman Glacier’. Around 40% of this park is covered in glaciers which make it most popular place to visit in New Zealand. You can enjoy a number of activities here including mountain walks, mountaineering, glacier viewing, skiing and more. You can also reside in the huts/lodges/hotels located in the park and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

8Hobbiton and Lord of Rings Movie Set Tours

Are you a big Hobbiton and Lord of the Rings movie fan? Then brace yourself as New Zealand offers tourists to visit the landscapes where these movie scenes were filmed. Enjoy walking tours amidst the tiny houses as shown in the movie and enjoy the food at The Green Dragon Inn at this place to have the ultimate Lord of the Rings experience.

9Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The most popular Waitomo Glowworm Caves is naturally illuminated by thousands of glowworms. You can enjoy a boat ride through the cave to learn more about its science and history. There will be complete darkness except these natural lights which look like stars glowing in the night. Book a tour suited to your needs and enjoy a lifetime experience at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

10Cathedral Cove

Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove is one of the most famous beaches of New Zealand. You can reach here through track from a car park which is going to take around 30 minutes. You’ll be bit tired when you arrive here but it’s worth the effort as you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and rock cliffs. Swim in its cool water or relax on the white sand to have a most memorable experience.

11White Island

Are you excited to see volcanoes of New Zealand? Then get ready to visit White Island as it is the most active volcano in New Zealand. You can book a helicopter ride with a tour company which will bring you here. You have to follow some precautionary measures as instructed in order to avoid any mishap. If you are not after helicopter flight, then take a boat to White Island and enjoy your adventurous tour.

New Zealand is indeed one of the most beautiful countries to visit. There are unlimited adventures this incredible country offers to the tourists. So what are you waiting for? Plan an exciting tour with your friends and family and have a memorable experience of your life in New Zealand. You can book your tours in advance and enjoy their combo packages for the top rated places to visit in New Zealand.
Have a nice trip! 🙂