20 must-see places in New Zealand
Nicknamed the Land of the Long White Cloud by the Maoris, New Zealand is a dream destination for nature and adventure lovers. This island country in Oceania, lost in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, fascinates visitors with the breathtaking diversity of its landscapes. Between the North Island, land of volcanoes and Maori culture, and the South Island, kingdom of majestic mountains and spectacular fjords, New Zealand offers a palette of natural wonders that will leave you speechless. From fine sandy beaches to thousand-year-old glaciers, from subtropical forests to bubbling geysers, each region reveals its unique character. Discover the 20 must-see places to visit in New Zealand for an unforgettable experience on the other side of the world.
Also read the New Zealand guide :
- Top 7 things to do in Auckland
- Top 10 Auckland culinary specialities
- Top 5 best hotels to stay in Auckland
1. Milford Sound, the most spectacular fjord
Considered the eighth wonder of the world, Milford Sound (Piopiotahi, 9679 New Zealand) is undoubtedly one of the country’s most emblematic sites. Located in Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this majestic fjord stretches for 15 kilometres between breathtaking cliffs that rise up to 1,200 metres above the water. The permanent waterfalls tumbling down the rock faces, such as the spectacular Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls, create an enchanting spectacle. Writer Rudyard Kipling called it the eighth wonder of the world, and it’s easy to see why when faced with such raw beauty. Cruises on the fjord allow you to observe exceptional marine wildlife, with colonies of seals, dolphins and sometimes even Fiordland penguins. The road to get there, the Milford Road, passes through breathtaking alpine scenery and is an adventure in itself.
2. Hobbiton, the hobbit village
Fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit can’t miss a visit to the original Hobbiton Movie Set (501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata 3472, New Zealand, rated 4.7/5 on Google for over 26,000 reviews). Nestled in the heart of a green farm near Matamata, this 12-acre site is home to 44 perfectly preserved hobbit holes, the mill, the two-arched bridge and, of course, the famous Green Dragon Tavern. The guided tour immerses you in the magical world created by Peter Jackson, where every detail has been carefully recreated. The lush gardens, lovingly tended, give you a real sense of having entered the Shire. The tour ends with a cider or beer tasting at the Green Dragon, for a total immersion in Tolkien’s world.
3. Tongariro National Park
New Zealand’s first national park and one of the oldest in the world, Tongariro National Park (Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional cultural and natural values. A sacred land for the Maori, it is home to three majestic volcanoes: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. The famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike, often considered one of the most beautiful in the world, winds its way for 19.4 kilometres through fascinating lunar landscapes. The trail reveals smouldering active craters, unreal emerald lakes such as Red Crater, black lava fields and breathtaking alpine vistas. This demanding but accessible hike rewards walkers with a diversity of unique volcanic landscapes. The park was also used as the setting for Mordor in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
4. Queenstown, capital of adventure
Nestling on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and dominated by the Remarkables mountain range, Queenstown (Otago, New Zealand) richly deserves its nickname as the adventure capital of the world. This dynamic city is the ideal playground for thrill-seekers: it was here that commercial bungee jumping was invented, and adrenaline-fuelled activities abound. From jet boating on the Shotover River to paragliding over the lake, from downhill mountain biking to skiing on the Remarkables in winter, every day offers its share of adventures. But Queenstown is more than just an adrenaline destination: its renowned vineyards, particularly in the Gibbston Valley region, produce excellent pinot noirs. Gourmet restaurants and lively bars also make it a top culinary destination. Nearby, the former gold mining village of Arrowtown is well worth a visit for its authentic charm and vibrant autumn colours.
5. Rotorua, land of geothermal energy and Maori culture
Built on an area of intense geothermal activity, Rotorua (Bay of Plenty, New Zealand) first surprises with its characteristic smell of sulphur permeating the air. This unique city offers a permanent natural spectacle with its gushing geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming hot springs. The Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park features the famous Champagne Pool in psychedelic colours, while Te Puia is home to the Pohutu geyser, which erupts up to 20 times a day. Rotorua is also the Maori cultural heart of New Zealand. Cultural villages such as Whakarewarewa offer a chance to discover the ancestral traditions of the indigenous people: haka performances, traditional songs, Maori tattoos and hangi, the traditional meal cooked in hot earth. Rotorua’s redwood forest also offers some magnificent walks, including the suspended footbridge, which is illuminated at night.
6. Abel Tasman National Park
New Zealand’s smallest national park, but certainly one of its most enchanting, the Abel Tasman National Park (Tasman, New Zealand) captivates visitors with its golden sandy beaches bathed in turquoise waters. Located in the Nelson region in the north of the South Island, this coastal paradise is named after the Dutch explorer who discovered New Zealand in 1642. The famous Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, winds for 60 kilometres along an unspoilt coastline of secluded coves, lush native forest and sculpted rock formations. Sea kayaking is the ideal way to explore hidden bays and watch seals basking on the rocks. Anchorage Bay, Bark Bay and the spectacular Cleopatra’s Pool are among the must-see spots. The region’s sunny climate makes it a popular destination even outside the peak summer season.
7. Aoraki / Mount Cook, the roof of New Zealand
New Zealand’s highest peak at 3,724 metres, Aoraki / Mount Cook (Canterbury, New Zealand) majestically dominates the national park of the same name, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Maori name, Aoraki, means “He who pierces the clouds”, an apt description. The 70,000-hectare national park is home to 27 peaks over 3,000 metres and New Zealand’s longest glaciers, including the 27-kilometre Tasman Glacier. The hikes around Mount Cook Village offer spectacular panoramas accessible to all abilities: the short Hooker Valley Track leads to a glacial lake dotted with floating icebergs, while more technical routes are aimed at experienced mountaineers. Helicopter flights allow you to land on the glaciers for an unforgettable experience. At night, the starry skies of this international dark sky reserve offer a dazzling celestial spectacle.
8. Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
These two neighbouring glacial lakes are distinguished by their extraordinary milky turquoise colour, due to the rock particles crushed by the glaciers suspended in the water. Lake Tekapo (Canterbury, New Zealand) is famous for the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, which provides an iconic photographic backdrop to the Southern Alps. The area is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, renowned for having one of the purest night skies on the planet. The Mount John Observatory offers fascinating night-time guided tours. The slightly larger Lake Pukaki offers spectacular views of the Aoraki / Mount Cook reflected in its turquoise waters. The road along the lake from Twizel to the National Park is considered one of the most beautiful in New Zealand. In spring, the multicoloured lupines that line the shores add an explosion of colour to the already breathtaking landscape.
9. The Coromandel Peninsula and Cathedral Cove
Less than two hours from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula (Waikato, New Zealand) is New Zealanders’ favourite seaside getaway. This mountainous and wooded region is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Cathedral Cove, accessible only on foot or by kayak, reveals a monumental natural arch carved into the white cliffs, creating a cathedral-like passage between two pristine beaches. This iconic site was used as the backdrop for the film The World of Narnia. Hot Water Beach is also well worth a visit: at low tide, you can dig your own natural spa in the sand, heated by the underground hot springs that bubble up beneath the beach. The peninsula’s native forest is home to ancient kauris, giant endemic trees, while small coastal towns such as Whitianga and Hahei offer a relaxed atmosphere typical of the Kiwi way of life.
10. Bay of Islands, subtropical paradise
In the far north of the North Island, the Bay of Islands (Northland, New Zealand) scatters 144 islands in a turquoise lagoon. This historic region was the first place of contact between Maoris and Europeans and is home to Waitangi, the site of the founding treaty of New Zealand signed in 1840. Water-based activities dominate: dolphin and whale-watching cruises, sailing between the islands, kayaking in hidden coves or diving on shipwrecks. The subtropical climate means you can enjoy swimming almost all year round. The small towns of Paihia, Russell (the country’s first capital) and Kerikeri retain their colonial charm, while the region’s centuries-old kauri forests bear witness to a unique ecosystem. Not far away, Cape Reinga marks New Zealand’s most northerly accessible point, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean in an impressive display of crashing waves.
11. Wellington, cultural capital
Wellington (New Zealand) is a compact, dynamic capital nestling between green hills and a natural harbour, with a vibrant cultural and artistic scene. Often windswept, it is nonetheless a fascinating city that is easy to get around on foot. Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, offers a free interactive insight into the country’s history, Maori culture and nature. The trendy Cuba Street area is alive with alternative cafés, art galleries, vintage shops and eclectic restaurants. The historic cable car climbs up to the Botanic Gardens, offering splendid views of the city and harbour. Wellington is also home to Weta Workshop, the special effects studios that brought to life the creatures from The Lord of the Rings and many other films. Wellington’s food scene rivals that of any major city, with an exceptional concentration of coffee roasters and Michelin-starred restaurants. Bars tucked away in back alleys add a bohemian touch to this quirky capital.
12. The Waitomo caves and their glow worms
The Waitomo Caves (Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand, rated 4.5/5 on Google out of over 10,000 reviews) offer a magical underground experience unlike any other in the world. These thousand-year-old limestone caverns are home to an extraordinary colony of glow-worms, endemic to New Zealand. The classic guided tour culminates in a silent boat ride under a canopy studded with thousands of tiny bioluminescent lights, creating the illusion of a magical underground starry night. The caves also feature spectacular geological formations: stalactites, stalagmites and limestone columns sculpted by water over millions of years. For the adventurous, black water rafting expeditions allow you to explore the underground rivers in neoprene wetsuits, letting yourself be carried by the current in the darkness illuminated by glow worms. The less-visited Ruakuri and Aranui caves offer different perspectives on this fascinating underground world.
13. Auckland and its volcanoes
New Zealand’s most populous city, with 1.6 million inhabitants, Auckland (New Zealand) boasts a unique location on an isthmus between two natural harbours, surrounded by some fifty dormant volcanic cones. Nicknamed the “City of Sails” because of its busy port, Auckland offers a cosmopolitan blend of Pacific, European and Asian cultures. The crater of Mount Eden, in a park in the heart of the city, offers an exceptional circular panorama of the metropolis. Rangitoto Island, an iconic volcano visible from the waterfront, can be visited by ferry and hiked to its summit, where the view over the Gulf of Hauraki is breathtaking. The Sky Tower, 328 metres high, offers a vertiginous observation platform and even bungee jumping for the more adventurous. West coast beaches such as Piha and Karekare appeal to surfers with their powerful waves and volcanic black sand, while east coast beaches such as Mission Bay offer calmer waters ideal for families.
14. Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier
On the wild west coast of the South Island, the Franz Josef (Westland Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand) and Fox (Westland Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand) glaciers offer the rare spectacle of glaciers descending to just 300 metres above sea level, surrounded by tropical rainforest. This unique proximity between ice and lush vegetation creates a striking contrast. Guided ice walks allow you to explore the glacier’s blue crevasses, ice caves and ephemeral natural sculptures. Helicopter flights, although expensive, offer a spectacular view of these rivers of ice flowing down from the Southern Alps, with the chance to land on the pristine snow of the high glacier. The region receives a lot of precipitation, helping to feed the glaciers but making the weather fickle. The villages of Franz Josef and Fox Glacier serve as base camps for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. The accelerated melting of the glaciers in recent decades is sad testimony to climate change, making a visit all the more valuable.
15. The Kaikoura peninsula and its whales
Wedged between ocean and snow-capped mountains, the Kaikoura Peninsula (Canterbury, New Zealand) is an exceptional marine sanctuary where ocean currents converge, creating an incredibly rich ecosystem. It is one of the few places in the world where sperm whales can be seen year-round, these giants of the sea feeding in the deep sea trenches just a few kilometres off the coast. Boat trips also offer encounters with acrobatic dolphins, playful fur seals, majestic albatrosses and the occasional orca. For those who prefer to stay dry, the sea lion colony at Ohau Point Stream or Point Kean offers a free and accessible show. Kaikoura, whose Maori name means “crayfish dinner”, is also renowned for its exceptional seafood, especially the local lobsters. The coastal road from Christchurch to Kaikoura runs along the Pacific Ocean and is one of the most scenic roads in the country, especially after it was rebuilt following the 2016 earthquake.
16. Wanaka and its namesake lake
A more peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of Queenstown, Wanaka (Otago, New Zealand) charms with its relaxed atmosphere and exceptional natural setting. Lake Wanaka, the fourth largest lake in the country, lies majestically at the foot of the Southern Alps. The solitary Wanaka tree, a partially submerged weeping willow that has become an Instagram icon, symbolises the serene beauty of the place. The town serves as the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, a hiker’s paradise of alpine peaks, hanging glaciers and wild valleys. The hike to Roy’s Peak, although demanding with its 1,500 metre ascent, rewards the brave with an absolutely sublime 360-degree panorama of the lake and surrounding mountains. In winter, the ski resorts of Cardrona and Treble Cone attract winter sports enthusiasts. The curious Puzzling World, with its mazes and optical illusions, offers offbeat entertainment, while Cinema Paradiso offers original film screenings in vintage armchairs and converted cars.
17. The Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki
On the wild West Coast of the South Island, the Pancake Rocks (Punakaiki, West Coast, New Zealand) are a spectacular geological curiosity. These stratified limestone formations, stacked like giant pancakes, have been sculpted by marine and chemical erosion over millions of years. The path winds its way between these fascinating rock pillars to the blowholes, natural vents where the sea rushes in violently to spout geysers of salt water during high tides or storms. The spectacle is particularly impressive during heavy swells, when the waves crash against the rocks and the blowholes roar. The short, accessible walk also passes through a native forest of nikaus, New Zealand’s endemic palm trees. Located in Paparoa National Park, the site offers panoramic views of the rugged coastline battered by the Tasman Sea. The surrounding area is home to limestone caves and deep canyons for lovers of underground exploration. The region, less frequented than other top destinations, retains an authentic wilderness character.
18. Christchurch, the renaissance garden city
Christchurch (Canterbury, New Zealand), the country’s second-largest city, is rebuilding with creativity and resilience after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. The city now blends preserved Victorian architecture with bold contemporary creations. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a green lung in the heart of the city, justifies its nickname of “Garden City” with its 21 hectares of magnificent plant collections. A trip in a punting boat on the River Avon, which meanders through the city, offers a peaceful perspective. The Re:START Container Mall, a temporary shopping centre built from coloured shipping containers after the earthquake, symbolises the innovative spirit of reconstruction. Shigeru Ban’s cardboard cathedral, erected as a temporary replacement for the destroyed Anglican cathedral, impresses with its unique architecture. The new Riverside Market brings together local producers and restaurants in a lively food hall. Christchurch is also the gateway to the Banks Peninsula, a former volcano turned peaceful haven with picturesque bays and the charming French village of Akaroa.
19. Marlborough Sounds
A complex network of sunken fjords, secret coves and rolling islands, the Marlborough Sounds (Marlborough, New Zealand) occupy the northern tip of the South Island. This indented coastal area stretches along 4,000 kilometres of coastline, creating a watery labyrinth perfect for boating and kayaking. Picton, the main port in the Sounds, welcomes ferries from Wellington and is the starting point for exploring the region. The Queen Charlotte Track, one of the country’s Great Walks, winds for 71 kilometres through native forest and ridges with sweeping views over turquoise inlets. The route can be completed over several days with staggered accommodation, or in daily sections. The Sounds are also home to New Zealand’s largest wine region, specialising in the world-renowned Sauvignon Blanc. Wineries in the Wairau and Awatere valleys offer tastings in a relaxing pastoral setting. The calm, sheltered waters of the Sounds are a paradise for dolphins, sea lions and seabirds.
20. Mount Taranaki
A solitary volcano whose perfectly symmetrical cone rises 2,518 metres above the west coast of the North Island, Mount Taranaki (Taranaki, New Zealand) is often compared to Japan’s Mount Fuji. A sacred mountain for the Maoris, it dominates Egmont National Park, a unique ecosystem where tropical rainforest meets alpine landscapes. The perfect circular shape of the park, visible from space, is the result of the protective boundary established around the volcano. Walks in the park range from easy strolls through the Goblin forest to demanding climbs to the summit, reserved for experienced and well-equipped mountaineers as weather conditions change rapidly. The trails pass through a variety of landscapes: mossy forests, roaring waterfalls, lava fields and, higher up, eternal snow. The small town of New Plymouth, at the foot of the volcano, boasts a vibrant arts scene and remarkable gardens such as Pukekura Park. The region benefits from a generous microclimate, favouring prosperous agriculture. The sunset over the profile of Taranaki from the coast is one of New Zealand’s iconic images.
In conclusion, New Zealand is an exceptional destination that transcends all expectations. From the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound to the snow-capped peaks of Aoraki/Mount Cook, from the heavenly beaches of Abel Tasman to the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro, each place tells a fascinating geological and cultural story. The North and South Islands offer striking yet complementary contrasts, promising an incomparable diversity of landscapes and experiences in a relatively compact territory. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, a film fan or in search of authentic Maori culture, these 20 must-see places form the basis of a transformative trip to the antipodes. New Zealand is not just a destination, it’s an invitation to reconnect with nature in its purest and most majestic form, while discovering the legendary warmth of Kiwi hospitality.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit New Zealand?
The best period is from December to March (austral summer), with temperatures between 16°C and 24°C and long sunny days ideal for outdoor activities. However, each season has its own charm: autumn (March-May) offers flamboyant colours, winter (June-August) is perfect for skiing, and spring (September-November) sees the lupines bloom around the glacial lakes.
How long does it take to visit New Zealand?
A minimum of two to three weeks is recommended to discover the main sites on both islands without rushing. Three weeks means you can comfortably visit the must-sees on each island, while a month offers the chance to explore in greater depth and include less touristy destinations.
Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand?
French nationals can enter New Zealand without a visa for tourist stays of up to three months. Simply apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (NZeTA) before departure and pay the Tourist Conservation Levy (TCL). A passport valid for at least three months after the date of return is required.
How much should you budget for a trip to New Zealand?
New Zealand is a relatively expensive destination. Expect to pay between €70 and €100 per person per day in economy mode (youth hostels, home cooking), €100 to €150 in intermediate mode (medium-sized hotels, occasional restaurants), and more than €200 for a comfortable trip. Tourist activities and car hire are major items of expenditure.
What’s the difference between the North Island and the South Island?
The North Island is characterised by its geothermal activity (Rotorua), active volcanoes (Tongariro), preserved Maori culture and subtropical beaches. The South Island offers a more alpine and spectacular landscape, with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, dramatic fjords and turquoise lakes. The two islands complement each other and are well worth a visit for a complete New Zealand experience.
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