From the pristine blue ocean on one side to the pasture lands on the other, from the scenic views of the mighty mountains to the most picturesque lakes on the other, each city in New Zealand is a postcard in its own.
So here we are, listing down 10 of the most BEAUTIFUL & BREATHTAKING experiences in what they call - The Real Middle Earth.
1. Take a stroll at the Waitemata Harbour, also known as the Auckland Harbour.
One of the most popular attractions, the moment you step foot in the capital city of Auckland, is the Harbour area. Bustling with a line of cafes and pubs on one side and a stunning view of the sparkling blue water son the other, the harbour truly lives up to the name tag of Auckland - The city of Sails.
2. Go on a ferry ride to the dreamy village of Devonport.
A short boat ride to the little village called Devenport, situated on a peninsula surrounded by the waters of the Waitemata Harbour, is an experience we totally recommend you should take while you are staying in Auckland.
It's only about a 12-15 mins ride from the Auckland district center and can be easily reached. From colonial cottages, chic & upscale cafes and boutique stores to a Navy Museum and pristine blue sandy beaches, Devonport is surely to keep you happily occupied for a few hours.
3. Take a detour on your way from Auckland to Rotorua at the hidden island - Cathedral Cove!
On our way to the city of Rotorua, we changed our route and went all the way to go see the picturesque Cathedral Cove, a secluded serene island, that lies in the southern part of Mercury Bay, on the Coromandel Peninsula.
You won’t even imagine that there exists a small strip of gorgeous land nowhere in the middle of the sea, unless you walk or take a quick boat ride from the popular Hahei Beach, in Mercury Bay.
This one is must do if you are in North New Zealand!
4. Discover the mystical town of Rotorua.
Known for its mud pools, magnificent geysers, geothermal activities and a rich & beautiful Māori culture, Rotorua has made it our our favorite list of towns across the world, during our road trip in New Zealand.
Listing some of the most unique experiences from Rotorua, that are absolutely worth a try.
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a. Formed 900 years ago by a hydrothermal eruption, Champagne Pool is one of the most talked about geothermal attractions in New Zealand.
b. Go for an evening walk to the Whakarewarewa’s Redwoods Forest, a spectacular 5600 hectares of forest land that brings you the closest you can to mother nature, pure air and blissful silence. It's a favorite among hikers & cyclists too!
c. Have a surreal geothermal bathing experience at the Polynesian Spa.
Imagine yourself immersed in the healing geothermal waters from natural springs, overlooking the stunning Rotorua lake with absolute silence and plush greenery around?
The Polynesian Spa offers this and a lot more. From a range of packages offering a family pool to a exclusive private pool, this is truly a once in a lifetime experience you should indulge in. :)
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5. Fly off to South Island and land in the postcard perfect Queenstown!
A city we feel has the beautiful amalgamation of being the country’s adventure capital yet be so calm & serene for the traveller who loves solace, Queenstown is a pure delight to live in!
A few experiences that give you a perfect slice of Queenstown life are :
a) Witness the stunning landscape of Queenstown and an even mesmerizing sunset at the iconic Skyline Gandola.
b) Experience an adrenaline rush with a gripping 60 mins Jet Boat Ride with KJet as they take you across Lake Wakatipu to the Kawarau Rivers. The ride is known for its 360 degree spins, so be prepared to get all wet but its all worth it! :)
c) Simply unwind, relax and soak in the sun at the Queenstown beach. Pick a coffee, grab a dessert and live the moment! :)
6. Hop on a vintage Steam Boat and head to the Walter Peak Farm!
Take out half a day from your time in Queenstown and go partake in the luxury of sailing in a vintage Steamship TSS Earnslaw, as it takes you to the lovely Walter Peak High Country Farm.
The entire trip includes a guided tour of the farm, a delightful lunch and a glimpse of life in rural New Zealand.
7. Drive away for an evening in Glenorchy.
A beautiful settlement at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu in the South Island region of Otago, New Zealand, Glenorchy is a 45 minutes road trip from Queenstown.
Surrounded with crystal clear blue waters and abundance of lush greenery, this place is a photographer's paradise!
8. Spend an afternoon having lunch in the village of Arrowtown.
An enchanting little village in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand, Arrow Town truly has made it to our list of the most beautiful places on planet earth.
Walk in the neighborhood, witness beautiful colonial era bungalows, appreciate the rich history of this once gold mining village and do grab a cup of coffee at one of the many outdoor seating cafes at the legendary Buckingham Street.
9. Take it easy in Wanaka.
With so much to indulge in at every nook and corner of the island of New Zealand, the town of Wanaka is a calm breathe of fresh air you need.
Home to New Zealand's fourth-largest lake - the Lake Wanaka, this town truly is what dreamy blue skies, crystal clear waters and mountain views are made of!
From adventure activities like sky diving, hiking, canyoning and skiing to slow leisure wonders like wine-tasting, luxury lake cruises, golfing or a rejuvenating spa, Wanaka has got you covered.
If you happen to be at the beach, go visit the New Zealand’s most photographed tree - The Lone Wanaka Tree. Simply walk along the lake and you’ll find this tree in a lonely place, with only water around it.
It is at the at the foothills of Mount Aspiring National Park and makes for quite a wonderful Instagram picture spot!
10. Discover the magnificent Mount Cook!
Majestic, magical and absolutely beyond marvelous - That is the highest mountain in New Zealand - Mount Cook.
The unbelievable blue sky, the mighty snow clad peaks and the view of Tasman Glacier, Mount Cook also known as Aoraki, is every bit of a surreal dream.
Spend a day at the Mount Cook National Park, which is home to 8 of the 12 largest glaciers in New Zealand. You can choose to see the Mount Cook Village, opt for a breathtaking helicopter ride, book a star gazing tour or opt for one of the many walking and hiking trails in around the magical alps and glaciers.
11. Experience a surreal world around you, as you board the Milford Sound Cruise.
Board a cruise that takes you in the middle of the sea, where all you witness is pristine beauty, majestic mountain peaks, lush rain forests, magical waterfalls and a different kind of silence.
Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, is an experience where we always fall short of words to describe.
If you are lucky, this long narrow inlet in the ocean (Fiord) will give you views of some of the country's rarest flora and fauna too! :)
12. Have your own little picnic at Lake Tekapo.
Leaving the best for the last, you cannot come back home before visiting the stunning Lake Tekapo, which is all about Turquoise blue waters, a field of Lupins, far away snow clad mountains and the beautiful little Church of the Good Shepherd on its shore.
Oh and its also part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, so drop by at night to view the surreal starry skies. :)
We hope after reading this, it inspires you to go take a breathtaking road trip to New Zealand. While the destinations are far, the journey along the picturesque landscapes are all worth it.
Happy Dreaming till we explore again! :)
