New Zealand has four islands in the south Pacific Ocean, east of Australia. It is a part of the Commonwealth Realm. As a traveler, You can find the best travel places in New Zealand.
The Government of New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II is indeed the head of state, and she is represented in special ceremonies by a governor-general. It has been described as “the last living remnant” of the British Empire and “the last small idyllic society in the world.”
The nearest major landmass to New Zealand is Australia. If you wish to travel to New Zealand, you must first figure out how to get there.
The best way is by air as it is the fastest and cheapest way, especially if you book your flights in advance. You can also reach New Zealand by sea, but this takes longer. Suppose you decide that air travel is too expensive. In that case, we recommend that you take a train as it will be cheaper and more comfortable than traveling by bus.
This country is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts with its stunning natural environment, beautiful scenery, and unique wildlife. From December to March, visitors may enjoy long, sunny days with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 24°C, making this the ideal time of year to visit New Zealand.
The North Island is home to the largest city in New Zealand – Auckland – as well as stunning coastal towns like Napier and Rotorua. The South Island has some of the best ski fields globally, including Queenstown and Mount Cook National Park. Also, remember to don’t miss relaxing things to do in Hobbiton village and see the most beautiful places in New Zealand during this journey.
Why is New Zealand best for travelers?
New Zealand was named the world’s second safest country In 2019. New Zealand seems to have a lower average crime rate. In addition, you won’t be worried about any snakes. You can also enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, surfing, and diving around this country. As well beautiful sceneries, farms, gardens, and snow will be gain more entertainment and relaxation to your mind and body in New Zealand.
Best Relaxing Things to do in New Zealand
01 Bay of Islands, North Island
This article will discuss how to reach the Bay of Islands, North Island, and all the other aspects this destination offers.
The Bay of Islands is a place that is steeped in history and culture. It’sIt’s a perfect place for those who want to explore and experience what New Zealand has to offer. It’sIt’s also an excellent destination for those who want to learn more about the country’s history and culture.
It is one of the regions with the most mountains, peaks, and valleys. It has about 30,000 residents. The settlement includes the town of Russell and the surrounding areas of Okiwi Bay, Waiharara Bay, Kaitoke Valley, and Korokoro Valley. Attractions include sites where the first British governor set up his camp in 1837 (Okiwi Bay) and a walk through native bush to a historic rope bridge (Korokoro Valley).
Many attractions can be found in the Bay of Islands and North Island.
02 Nelson, South Island
Travel Nelson is a place in South Island, New Zealand. It is located in the western part of the south island and is only 3 hours away by vehicle or aircraft. It offers some amazing views of the Tasman Sea in the north and the mountains to the south.
Best time to visit Nelson:
Winter (July-Sept) – Winters are mild, perfect for sightseeing and exploring outdoors, but can get a little chilly at night. Summers (Dec-Feb) – Summers are warm with plenty of sunshine, ideal for hiking and mountain biking activities.
How to reach Nelson:
There are flights from Auckland Airport to Nelson Airport, which take 2 hours 45 minutes on average, with Air New Zealand flights going directly from Wellington Airport as well as flights from Christchurch (2h
03 Rotorua, North Island
Rotorua is a town in New Zealand, located on the North Island. The population of the town is approximately 40,000.
It is also a well-known tourist site, with visitors coming from worldwide. The best time to visit Rotorua is from September to April as this time of year has pleasant weather and less rainfall.
Tourists can easily reach Rotorua by air, rail, or road from most parts of New Zealand.
Best time to visit Rotorua:
A beautiful and natural destination on the North Island of New Zealand, Rotorua is an excellent place for travelers to relax or enjoy an active holiday.
The city is known for its geothermal activity which can be seen in action at the many hot springs and geysers scattered around the area. The best time to visit Rotorua is during winter when visitors can experience various snow activities while enjoying their stay in this gorgeous city.
How to reach Rotorua:
This section of the article will focus on how to get to Rotorua, North Island. It will cover the main ways of getting there and a bit of what you can expect from this area.
The first way of getting to Rotorua is by plane. Air New Zealand has flights from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch that take about an hour and 15 minutes. The flight from Auckland takes off at 9:30 am, with a flight time of 55 minutes, while the flight from Christchurch takes off at 11 am with a flight time of 65 minutes. The flight from Wellington takes off at 10:45 am with a flight time of 75 minutes.
A second option is taking the train or bus, taking around 8 hours and 30 mins each way.
04 The Abel Tasman Track, South Island
The Abel Tasman Track is New Zealand’s most significant and popular tourist route. It takes you through Abel Tasman National Park’s woodland, meadows, beaches, and marine reserves. When the weather is warmer, October through April is the most excellent time to visit.
Suggested Trailoka: Best Relaxing Places to Visit in Australia
05 Franz Josef Glacier, South Island
Franz Josef Glacier is the most accessible glacier in New Zealand. It is located on the South Island of New Zealand, southwest of Lake Wanaka and Central Otago. The glacier covers a surface area of 1300 hectares and has a total length of nine kilometers.
Best time to visit Franz Josef Glacier:
From the end of October until late June, Franz Josef Glacier offers spectacular ice viewing from its vantage point on the edge of Lake Alta.
How to reach Franz Josef Glacier:
The most scenic way to view this natural wonder is by helicopter or boat from Wanaka or Queenstown, both within an hour’s drive away.
06 Queenstown, South Island
Queenstown is the tourist hotspot on the South Island of New Zealand. Both adults and children will find much to do in the city.
Best time to visit Queenstown:
It is one of the best places to visit during the winter because it gets less rain than other cities in New Zealand. You may take advantage of this by hiking or biking on one of the numerous paths or enjoying a range of water sports on Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s second-largest lake.
This city is also surrounded by stunningly beautiful mountains that can be seen from practically anyplace in the city, making getting a decent view quite easy.
How to reach Queenstown:
Queenstown is the largest town on the South Island. It is also a popular tourist destination. Queenstown has a population of around 27,000 inhabitants and is situated approximately 190 kilometers southeast of Christchurch. Queenstown features a mountainous location, making it a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding.
07 Wanaka, South Island
Wanaka is on South Island, in the deep south of New Zealand. Wanaka is a popular destination for international tourists because of its incredible natural beauty and friendly people.
Most of Wanaka’sWanaka’s attractions are open-air pursuits like paragliding, mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, and skiing.
The Wanaka area has four ski fields with snow-making facilities for winter skiing. It also offers world-class golfing opportunities at courses like Cardrona Valley Golf Course, renowned for its magnificent views of Mount Aspiring National Park.
Best time to visit Wanaka:
In summer, it’s warm, with highs around 20C during the day and 8C at night. In winter, the temperature hovers around 5C during the day and 1C at night.
08 Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, North Island
Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park are two of the most popular attractions in New Zealand. Volcanic mountains, lakes, hot springs, geothermal fields, and bush hikes are just some activities available to park visitors. It also supports a diverse range of natural flora and animals found nowhere else on the planet.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging hike. Visitors can be confident that the crossing will take you at least 12 hours to finish. There are three peaks, with the first being the most challenging one. If you are unsure about walking through snow-covered trails, this isn’t for you.
There are several methods to trek Mount Ngauruhoe, but it’s ideal to have a guide to know when and where to stop for lunch and when to put on your crampons and ice ax.
Best time to visit Lake Taupo and Tongariro:
It is located at 1,078 m above sea level and covers an area of 360 km², making it the world’s second-largest caldera lake. The lake was created by a super volcano eruption 66,000 years ago, which destroyed much of southeast Australia.
How to reach Lake Taupo and Tongariro:
The two most prevalent modes of transportation to Lake Taupo are airlines and vehicles. Air New Zealand flies daily from Auckland to Taupo, one-hour travel duration.
Automobile travel is possible by taking the Desert Road north from Auckland or south from Wanganui on State Highway 1. This is a scenic drive where you will see the Tongariro National Park, North Island’s largest national park, on your way.
Boating is a superb method to see Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park. All you need to do is rent a boat for an hour or more and explore the beautiful scenery of both places – with all their fish, flora, fauna, and waterfalls – at your own pace!
09 Roys Peak, South Island
Roy’s peak is an iconic peak on the South Island of New Zealand. In addition, Roys Peak is the only summit on the North Island that remains snow-covered in the summer.
How to reach Roys Peak:
Roy’s peak can be accessed by car or public transport as it is located about 20km from Dunedin city center.
Best time to visit Roys Peak:
The best time to visit Roy’s Peak is from late September to early November when the weather conditions are best for hiking. And lastly, if you want to go on a guided tour up Roy’s Peak, you can do so.
10 The Milford Sound, South Island
The Milford Sound is a fiord on the south island of New Zealand. It is about 2 hours from Te Anau and Te Wanaka, two popular tourist destinations. The Milford Sound offers tourists scenic views, beautiful hikes, and activities such as kayaking, jet boating, and rafting.
Best time to visit Milford Sound:
There are several ways to visit The Milford Sound. One can either take a scenic flight or drive to the Fiordland National Park then continue on foot or by boat.
How to reach Milford Sound:
The Milford Sound is a bay on the south of the South Island of New Zealand. The town is not far from here. It’s only about two hours away from Queenstown, but it feels like you are in another world. It is one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations, so get there early to get a good parking spot!
11 The Routeburn Track, South Island
The Routeburn Track, a 67 km long hiking trail, is one of the most popular tracks in New Zealand. It is located in Fiordland National Park on the southern side of Mount Aspiring.
Best time to visit Routeburn Track:
The best time to visit the track is from October to April as this time it’s not too wet and there is no snow.
How to reach Routeburn Track:
The Routeburn Track is a 3-day hike located on the South Island of New Zealand. It’s an easy walk for beginners, and the views are worth the trip.
The Routeburn Track begins at Deer Park, where scenic views, waterfalls, and even snow in winter. From here, it’s an 8-hour hike downhill to the town of Milford Sound, where you’ll find boat tours and accommodation.
12 Lake Tekapo, South Island
Lake Tekapo is a natural wonder on the South Island. It offers a tranquil environment for those looking to escape from the hectic hustle and bustle of city life.
Best time to visit Lake Tekapo:
It’s essential to reach Lake Tekapo as early as possible as the surrounding areas start to get crowded as the day progresses. The roads around Lake Tekapo can be narrow, so it is best not to reach there later than 9 am.
How to reach Lake Tekapo:
Lake Tekapo is a beautiful natural wonder that sits on the South Island of New Zealand. And here is all you need to know about going to this natural wonder.
Lake Tekapo is a natural wonder of the South Island of New Zealand. It’s located about 195km northeast of Christchurch and can be accessed by following State Highway 8 through Mt Cook Village or taking the James Mackenzie Heritage Trail from Twizel.
13 Auckland, North Island
Auckland, the “Metropolis of Sails,” is New Zealand’s largest city and the world’s most populous Polynesian city, thanks to its two magnificent ports (1.6 million). The city is surrounded by beautiful beaches, rain forest hiking trails, scenic coves, islands, and volcanoes, and outdoor activities.
The Sky Tower, Auckland’s 328-meter landmark, offers impressive views of the city and surrounding area. Other exciting things to do in Auckland, such as dining at some of the city’s best restaurants or checking out the city’s bustling arts scene.
14 Whangarei, North Island
Whangarei, New Zealand’s second-largest city, was called in 900AD by the great explorer Kupe. Wanga, his grandson, and Rere, a native word meaning “wild dog,” inspired the name. With lush volcanic soils around it, this city is at the mouth of the Oruawharo River. There are numerous beaches within a short distance of the location. Read more
15 kaikoura, South Island
Kaikoura, a lovely coastal town, is a must-see for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and foodies alike. Kaikoura is situated between Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean, making it a popular spot for whale-watching and coastal hiking. Many other animals and birds can be seen, including dolphins, fur seals, and the beautiful albatross. The greatest time of year to visit Kaikoura is between October and March when the weather is mild and comfortable.
Useful Links:
Bonus Spots
Hobbiton Movie Village
The Hobbiton film set served as the location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was shot there and has since experienced extraordinary levels of popularity on a global scale. Despite only being 12 acres in size, the movie set location is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes you are likely to see anywhere. This is one of the world’s most relaxing places and natural wonders. The summer is also the ideal season to visit the Hobbiton filming location (December to February).
Read more: Best Things to do in Hobbiton Tours & Matamata
Useful Links:
- Great Walks of New Zealand To Do In a Day
- 5 Most Relaxing Things to do in Whangarei
- Top 10 Beautiful Places in New Zealand
- Best Things to do in Hobbiton Tours & Matamata
Take only memories, Enjoy your trip, & Leave only footprints
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