As you make your way around the country, you’ll see dramatic black-sand beaches, thermal springs, sandy coves, towering mountains and aquamarine lakes. City breaks include cosmopolitan Auckland, the cool capital of Wellington and ever evolving Christchurch. However, many of the best places to visit in New Zealand involve leaving city limits behind and immersing yourself in the great outdoors.
As you build your itinerary for Aotearoa (as New Zealand is known in the Māori language), here are nine spots that should top your list.
Best for adventure activities
New Zealand’s adventure capital is a favorite with visitors and for good reason. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Queenstown’s location is one of the country’s most sought-after places to work and play. There are three good ski hills (called “ski fields”) and an equally enviable après-ski scene.
Queenstown's reputation for adventure is justified: from bungy jumping and zip lines, to paragliding and jet boating, there are plenty of ways to satisfy a taste for adrenaline. Rounding out its experiences, the summer months offer excellent hiking, cycling and water sports on the lake.
Detour: Make time to explore the valleys and settlements around Queenstown. Visit nearby Lake Hayes, the lakeside village of Glenorchy and historic Arrowtown. Then spend a day (or more) in Wānaka, known for its low-key vibes and Instagram-famous tree. The nearby Gibbston Valley has some of the best wineries in the country.
Best for beautiful beaches
If you’re after a beach holiday, head to the Coromandel Peninsula, on the east coast of the North Island. While the iconic Cathedral Cove area is currently more difficult to access due to damage from 2023’s storms (you’ll need to take a boat or kayak tour to get there), there are countless other stunning beaches in the region.
For example, you could swim in the calm waters of Cooks Beach or take a 30-minute walk through native bush to find the more remote (but still popular) New Chums Beach. Other fun activities in the region include cycling through Karangahake Gorge, hiking the Pinnacles Trail and kayaking to Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary (Donut Island); a pristine, natural environment you can only explore from the water.
Planning tip: Rent a bach (holiday house) in one of the seaside towns of Hahei, Pauanui or Whangamatā, and make that your base for exploring the region.
Best for hiking and kayaking
The South Island’s Abel Tasman National Park is an unspoiled natural environment replete with native bush, crystal clear bays and white sandy beaches. You can access it on a day trip from Nelson, but this is a destination that demands more time if you can
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