New Zealand has unique breathtaking scenery with diversity around every corner. Consistently billed as the number one reason to visit New Zealand, scenery is a delicious treat for visitors. It’s largely free to wander along forest trails and beaches.
- Snow capped alpine mountain ranges
- Folded stark tussock high country with wide high skies
- Tumultuous, tumbling white water rivers
- Waterfalls galore to gladden the heart of any waterfall fan
- Extraordinary geothermal volcanic landscapes where the Pacific rim fire rises to the surface
- Tranquil gold sandy beaches fringed with enormous native pohutukawa trees
- Lush temperate emerald green forests to walk through
- South Island native beech forests tinged with autumn colours
- Geological oddities where nature has carved sculptural fantasies
- Rivers to kayak, swim and walk or cycle along
- Glaciers to explore, ski fields to burn energy snowboarding
- Fjords known as Sounds and drowned river valleys known as Sounds
WHERE TO FIND YOUR SLICE OF HOLIDAY SCENIC GLORY IN NEW ZEALAND?
Snow capped alpine mountains (South Island) Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka and Lake Tekapo and the solitary beauty of Mount Taranaki with its perfect symmetrical shape in the North Island.
Starkly beautiful high country alpine tussock country.
Central Otago, 19th century gold mining territory.
White water rivers are found throughout New Zealand.
In the North Island – classic rivers, Tongariro River and Kaituna Cascades near Rotorua.
In the South Island – Pelorus River (Marlborough), Rangitata Gorge (Canterbury), Queenstown’s Shotover and Kawarau Rivers.
Waterfalls, one of the favourite activities for our senior editor. Check out Sarah-Jane’s Epic Waterfalls location guide including Huka Falls (Taupo).
Rotorua is a top New Zealand destination. Boiling mud pools, super heated geysers fountaining steamy mist and otherworldly landscapes combined with naturally heated mineral hot springs.
Gold sandy beaches from the tip of the country, Cape Reinga to Nelson’s famed Abel Tasman National Park beautiful gems.
Lush temperate forests to walk through are found throughout New Zealand are often managed by the Department of Conservation with 9 Great Walks (multiple day hikes) a popular summer activity. For less active visitors there are countless short walks where you stroll through primeal forest settings.
South Island native beech forests are a joy as you wend your way on Great West Coast Highway from Murchison to Westport and beyond.
Geological oddities make for an interesting day trip from Christchurch to Elephant Rocks Scenic Reserve or as part of a Wine trail in the Wairarapa (Martinborough). Moeraki boulders are a firm instagram favourite.
Winter brings skiers and snowboarders to New Zealand’s South Island.
Milford and Doubtful Sound (South Island fjords) are magnificent with torrents of rainfall creating numerous waterfalls, inky deep water a favourite playground for dolphins and marine mammals. The top of the South Island has Queen Charlotte Sound with cycle and walking trails.
