The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in new zealand"
Named by 5 of 81. QueenstownKnown as the adventure capital, with bungy jumping, jet boating, rafting and skydiving.In winter people ski and snowboard; in summer they hike and mountain bike.
Named by 4 of 82. Milford SoundAbout a 4 hour drive from Queenstown inside Fiordland National Park.Cruises are the best way to see it; kayaking and scenic flights are also options.
Named by 4 of 83. Franz Josef and Fox GlaciersBoth glaciers are within 15 minutes of Franz Josef town, with short walks to viewpoints.The glaciers have retreated a lot in recent years, so viewpoints no longer reach the ice face.Named by 3 of 84. RotoruaSteaming craters, mud pools and geysers sit on the volcanic central plateau.Chosen for thermal parks and Maori cultural tours; allow at least three nights with Taupo.
Named by 3 of 85. Bay of IslandsA group of 144 islands with secluded beaches, reached by cruise or speedboat.Suggested three to four relaxed days, with Kerikeri as a quieter base than Paihia.Named by 3 of 86. WellingtonHome to Te Papa, the national museum, which is free to enter.A compact harbour capital reached easily on foot, with a historic cable car to the Botanic Gardens.
Named by 3 of 87. Mount Cook (Aoraki)Home to New Zealand's highest peak, with glaciers, turquoise lakes and alpine meadows.The Tasman Glacier can be viewed by a short walk from Mount Cook village.
Named by 3 of 88. Doubtful SoundHarder to reach than Milford, so fewer visitors; an overnight cruise gives waterfalls and kayaking.Fiordland National Park is home to both Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
Named by 2 of 89. HobbitonA film set tour that works even for people who are not fans of the movies.The Green Dragon Inn is part of the visit.
Named by 2 of 810. Waitomo CavesLimestone caves lit by thousands of glowworms, with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto.Visitors can raft, abseil or crawl through the caves, or take a gentler boat ride.
Named by 2 of 811. Abel Tasman National ParkThe smallest national park, with a coastal track that takes about three to five days.Part of one of the sunniest corners of New Zealand; Kaiteriteri and Mapua make good bases.
Named by 2 of 812. KaikouraA whale watching base, with sperm whales, fur seals, dolphins and penguins.Called one of the best places to see sperm whales year-round.Named by 2 of 813. AucklandNicknamed the City of Sails, the largest city looks best from the water.Auckland War Museum is free or pay-what-you-wish.Best time to visit Auckland
Named by 2 of 814. Hawke's BayA leading region for red wine, with art deco architecture in Napier.Called a food and wine area, with winery tours and relaxed cycling.Named by 2 of 815. ChristchurchThe TranzAlpine train from Greymouth ends here, with a tram ride and punting on the Avon.The Arts Centre sits in restored heritage buildings with local crafts.
Named by 2 of 816. Punakaiki Pancake RocksBlowholes spout most impressively at high tide on a windy day.Named as a base on the West Coast for the Pancake Rocks.
Named by 2 of 817. Lake TaupoOffers lakeside calm and water activities, with Acacia Bay as a quieter base.
18. TaranakiSuited to hikers; Mount Taranaki is a near-perfect volcanic cone.Most international visitors skip it.
19. Coromandel PeninsulaOnly 2 to 3 hours from Auckland, with beaches and coastal hikes in a small area.
20. WanakaCalmer than Queenstown, with equally strong lake scenery.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name February to April as the best time to visit New Zealand.
Questions people ask
- What are some famous places to visit in New Zealand?
- Pages repeatedly name Queenstown, Milford Sound, the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, Mount Cook, Rotorua and the Bay of Islands.
