New Zealand is a country worth exploring, with its smoking volcanoes, stunning beaches, unknown fiords with deep inlets, lush rainforests, glaciers that are only a few kilometers away from the sea, caves, subtropical climate and even a desert. If you want to see the impressive landscapes of the earth, you should have New Zealand on your travel itinerary.
The country, which is comparable in size to the British Isles or Japan, has only about 4 million people living in it. You can imagine how quiet and deserted the country is when compared to Japan’s population of 126 million, which is the same size. New Zealand is the country of peace and comfort. Life in New Zealand flows as if it were in slow motion, while on the other hand, it invites you to excitement with its adrenaline-filled activities that attract adventurers.
- Tongariro National Park
The first stop on our list of places to visit in New Zealand is Tongariro National Park, which was established in 1887. It is New Zealand’s first and the world’s fourth national park. Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro and Mt Ngauruhoe mountains in the park area have hosted many scenes from The Lord Of The Rings. Mount Tongariro, which is 2,797m high in the movie, erupted last November (2012).
The mountains in the heart of the park have cultural and religious significance for the Maori people. It has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1993. It is a place full of surprises with its active and extinct volcanoes, desert-like plateau, and ecosystem. With the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trekking route, it has one of the 9 great hiking routes of New Zealand. You can stay in Turangi or Ohakune towns near the park, which is located in the North Island of New Zealand.
- Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park is a place of breathtaking beauty, formed by the melting of deep glaciers. The most famous of the fiords in the south-west of the South Island is Milford Sound, which is easily accessible by transport.
The Milford Road, which is used to reach Milford Sound, is also worth seeing for its natural wonders. Doubtful and Dusky Sound fiords, which are located within Fiordland National Park, are among the other fiords that amaze the viewers. Milford Sound is one of the top places to see in the world.
- Queenstown
Queenstown is one of the most popular cities in New Zealand and is considered the adventure capital of New Zealand. Queenstown invites you to adventure with many outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, Shotover Jet speed boats on the canyon river, skydiving, rafting and more.
Queenstown, which is called the capital of adrenaline in the world, is located on the shore of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the Southern Alps, which host the most popular ski slopes in the country. Although the city center is small enough to walk from one end to the other in 10 minutes, it has become the number one holiday destination in the country with its activities that it offers throughout the four seasons.
- Rotorua
Rotorua is considered one of the spiritual centers for the Maori people, who are the natives of New Zealand. The region, which was formed by volcanic activities, is famous for its hot springs, mud pools, geysers and more. The air of the city, which smells like rotten eggs, is its characteristic feature that will surprise the first-time visitors. The sulfur that is released into the air by the volcanic activities causes this smell.
Lake Rotorua, which is right next to the town, is home to many birds. For those who want to get to know the Maori culture closely, tours, one of the best mountain bike trails in the world, geothermal spa, recreational fishing and trekking routes in the forest are among the things to do in Rotorua.
- Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park, despite being the smallest national park in New Zealand, is one of the must-see places in New Zealand. The place, which was declared a national park in 1942, is world-famous for its golden sandy beaches and granite cliffs with sculptural figures.
The place, which has a mild climate, is suitable for visiting in every season of the year. Abel Tasman National Park, which covers 22,530 hectares, is located in the north-east of the South Island of New Zealand.
- Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands, located in the North Island of the country, is one of the top places to see in New Zealand. It is especially a popular weekend getaway destination for those who live in and around Auckland.
The bay, which has 144 large and small islands, is a preferred place for sea lovers with its impressive beaches. Almost 90 years ago, one of the world’s most popular writers and adventurers, Zane Grey, sailed to the amazing tropical islands of The Bay of Islands and called it “the edge of the world”.
- Mount Cook
Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. It is one of the popular tourist destinations in the country because of its mesmerizing nature. Mt Cook National Park, which is part of the Canterbury region, is one of the must-see places with Mount Cook inside it.
Spending time in nature with trekking routes for all ages, watching the extraordinary sunset view at Lake Tekapo and seeing the stars in the sky as if they were closer than ever are some of the main activities that can be done here.