
Get exclusive travel offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
Updated
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
There are few places on Earth as jaw-droppingly beautiful as New Zealand. The natural landscapes here have everything from snow-capped mountains and glaciers to subtropical islands and unforgettable cities. Don’t forget about the unique Maori culture found here and the unique natural places such as the Glowworm caves.
Scrumptious food in Wellington, Lord of the Rings Hobbiton in Rotorua, adventure in Queenstown and national parks across the country will make you want to keep coming back to New Zealand and are just a few of the places you need to visit in this remarkably stunning country.
Queenstown is the star spot on New Zealand’s South Island and is one of the most popular places to visit in the country. This city draws in visitors for its adrenaline-pumping activities, but it’s also known for the nearby wineries, historic mining towns and beautiful views along Wakatipu Lake and the Southern Alps. In the summer visitors go bungee jumping and in the winter they hit the slopes, making Queenstown a year-round destination.
Auckland is a major city on the North Island that is surrounded by two large harbours. It’s here that you’ll be able to experience city life by the water with amazing seafood, stunning sites and more. But there’s even more to Auckland than the city with beautiful areas surrounding the city such as Waiheke Island, rainforests and parks.
Milford Sound is possibly the most famous spot in the country for pictures. This scenic fiord sits not far from Queenstown in the Fiordland National Park. It’s home to wildlife such as fur seals, dolphins and penguins.
Mitre Peak looms over the water and rainforests and waterfalls cascade down from the steep cliffs. Many visit this stunning place by boat tour.
Book your flight to Milford Sound Find a hotel in Milford Sound
Christchurch is still a city in recovery after the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, but that shouldn’t stop visitors from visiting the most English city in New Zealand. In Christchurch is where you’ll find the most heritage and innovation in a chaotic yet inspiring city that has an ocean backdrop.
Book your flight to Christchurch Find a hotel in Christchurch
Waitomo is a village on the North Island most renowned for the underground caves that are home to thousands of glow worms that light up the caves. Inside other caves you’ll find more spectacular natural phenomenon from waterfalls to limestone formations. Just north of the town you’ll find a spot where a number of species of the rare native kiwi bird live.
Visit this national park to be truly amazed by nature as mountains tower above you. Westland Tai Poutini National Park is made up of mountains, forests and glaciers that will make you feel tiny next to their magnificent size.
Running down the west coast of the South Island to the Southern Alps, these glaciers grow close to the ocean. Franz Josef and Fox are the two most famous and easily-accessed glaciers out of 60 in the park.
Rotorua is best known for its geothermal activity, so much so that it’s nicknamed "Sulphur City". Here you can watch geysers erupt multiple times a day and see mud pools.
But the natural attractions aren’t the only thing that draw visitors here. This town also has a Maori village which makes up 34% of the town’s population with cultural activities and traditional crafts.
Visiting New Zealand’s first national park is a must on any trip to this stunning country. Three volcanoes rise above the horizon making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Maori culture is deeply rooted here and you can explore the landscapes by walking or riding down these mountains, or while skiing or snowboarding.
Described as Queenstown’s younger sibling, Wanaka is another mountain and adventure town with snow-capped mountains and plenty of adrenaline pumping activities. Here the lakefront is less developed, giving off a more relaxed feel than Queenstown. It’s also the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and the Southern Alps.
The Bay of Islands is the summertime place to be for locals and tourists alike. Made up of 150 undeveloped islands, visitors are spoiled with turquoise waters and ocean-based activities. It also has great historical significance from when the Maori first settled here followed by the first permanent British settlement.
Book your flight to Bay of Islands Find a hotel in Bay of Islands
New Zealand’s capital city is compact, windy and sits along the water. It’s a must-visit where the city scene is all about art, craft beer and coffee. Take in the sites of the colourful Victorian architecture and roam the city streets, along the waterfront and to the sandy beaches.
Last checked | Code description | Code |
---|---|---|
13 Jan 2021 | Extra 10% off Australia activities with code | RBF**** |
13 Jan 2021 | Extra $10 off site-wide with code | FDR**** |
14 Dec 2020 | Get $20 credit | FIN**** |
2 Dec 2020 | Up to 10% off international flights with code | MAS**** |
23 Oct 2020 | $1 wine tastings in the Hunter Valley | WIN**** |
Get amongst it all on 26 December with these adrenaline-fuelled or family-friendly activities available on the Gold Coast.
Here’s what you can get up to this Boxing Day in Brisbane.
Take your exploration to the next level with this guide to campervan hire in New Zealand.
Hit the open outback road and explore some of the NT's most scenic national parks, waterfalls and hot springs.
Unique cultural experiences and picturesque natural wonders await in these six destinations. Plus, our top picks on the territory's best camp sites.
Find where to go on the Gold Coast for unlimited entertainment from water activities to nature, skyscrapers and beaches.
Your next trip to the western state is sorted with our complete what-to-do guide.
Discover tourist hotspots like Adelaide and Kangaroo Valley and best kept secrets such as the Yorke Peninsula and Mount Gambier on your next trip around South Australia.
Venture through Adelaide’s city streets and beyond with this guide to help you find exactly what you’re looking for in and around this must-visit city.
From tropical, offshore islands to scintillating wine regions, we've rounded up the best places to visit around the state .