New Zealand is a land of incredible natural beauty, filled with stunning landscapes, towering mountains, serene lakes, and beautiful beaches. Ryan Shirley share his top 10 favourite places to visit in New Zealand.
From the iconic filming locations of The Lord of the Rings to hidden gems along the coast, here’s a guide to some of the best spots New Zealand has to offer.
1. Cathedral Cove
Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, about a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland, this spot is famous for its stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters. To get to Cathedral Cove, you can either hike or take a water taxi from Hahei Beach.
When Ryan visited, the hiking path was closed, so he took the water taxi, which cost about $50 USD for a round trip. The boat ride itself was beautiful, offering views of white rock cliffs and the iconic Te Hoho Rock. Once at the beach, you can explore for about an hour, enjoying the picturesque archways and soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
2. Hot Water Beach
Just a 9-minute drive from Cathedral Cove, you’ll find Hot Water Beach, a unique spot where thermal hot water rises through the sand at low tide. Visitors can dig their own little hot pools to relax in. It can get crowded, especially on public holidays, but it’s an incredible experience to feel the hot water under the sand. This beach is definitely a cool place to visit for sunrise or sunset.
3. Hobbiton
For fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, a visit to Hobbiton is a must. Located about 15 minutes from Hamilton, this iconic filming location allows visitors to step into the Shire. You can explore the movie set by taking a guided tour, which costs about $75 per person.
The tour includes a bus ride to the set, followed by a walk through the detailed Hobbit holes and gardens. It’s fascinating to learn about the behind-the-scenes stories and to see why this place was chosen for the Shire. One of his favorite parts was exploring one of the Hobbit homes—it felt like walking in a fantasy realm!
4. Three Sisters and Elephant Rock
Located about 2.5 hours from Hamilton, the Three Sisters is a remarkable beach area known for its black sand and unique rock formations, including the famous Elephant Rock.
To get there, you’ll need to walk along the muddy and slippery riverbanks, but the journey is worth it. The beach is a great place to explore and watch the sunset with its striking sea stacks and rugged coastline.
5. Egmont National Park and Mount Taranaki
Near the town of New Plymouth, Egmont National Park is home to the majestic Mount Taranaki, a dormant volcano that is almost perfectly symmetrical. He hiked the Pouakai Circuit to reach the Pouakai Tarn, a small pond offering a perfect reflection of the mountain on a calm day.
The hike takes about four hours and involves a steady incline through forests and raised boardwalks, but the views are absolutely worth it. This place is a dream for hikers and nature lovers!
6. Marlborough Sounds
After taking a ferry from Wellington across the Cook Strait, we arrived in Picton, a gateway to the Marlborough Sounds on the northern tip of the South Island.
This region is filled with picturesque bays, lush scenery, and crystal-clear waters, making it an incredible area to explore. It’s perfect for boating, hiking, or simply relaxing by the water.
7. Wharariki Beach
Located about a 4.5-hour drive from Picton, Wharariki Beach was his favorite beach in New Zealand. The 15-minute walk to the beach is beautiful, and once you arrive, you’re greeted by wind-swept sand dunes and the iconic Archway Islands.
The scenery here is truly otherworldly. Watching the sunset over the islands as they light up with an orange glow is an unforgettable experience.
8. Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook
About a three-hour drive from Christchurch, Lake Tekapo is known for its vibrant blue waters and surrounding Lupine flowers that bloom from November to January. This area is also one of the best places in the world to stargaze. Nearby is Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand, standing at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet).
The drive to Mount Cook along Lake Pukaki is one of the most scenic routes, with glacier-fed blue waters and stunning views of the Southern Alps. A popular hike in Mount Cook National Park is the Hooker Valley Track, a relatively easy 10 km (6 miles) round-trip hike that offers spectacular views, especially from the swing bridges crossing glacial rivers.
9. Roy’s Peak, Wanaka
Roy’s Peak, located just outside the town of Wanaka, is one of the most popular hikes in New Zealand. The hike is a challenging 16 km (10 miles) round trip with a 1,300-meter (4,265 feet) elevation gain, but the panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains make it worth the effort.
Many hikers start early in the morning to catch the sunrise, but even during the day, the views are stunning. While in Wanaka, don’t miss the famous lone tree, a world-renowned photography spot.
10. Nugget Point Lighthouse and Milford Sound
A 3.5-hour drive from Wanaka brings you to Nugget Point Lighthouse, an incredibly scenic spot overlooking jagged rocks jutting out of the sea. The short walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, making it a great place for a sunset visit.
Finally, Milford Sound, located in Fiordland National Park, is possibly the most famous destination in New Zealand—and for a good reason.
The two-hour drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful routes, with dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and even the occasional Kea bird, the world’s only alpine parrot. A boat tour of the fjord costs around $90 per person and is the best way to experience the sheer scale and beauty of the sound.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the incredible places you can visit in New Zealand. This country is full of natural wonders, from pristine beaches and serene lakes to towering mountains and lush forests. Whether you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, a movie buff, or someone who simply loves stunning landscapes, New Zealand has something for everyone.
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