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10 best places to visit in New Zealand

Written by Fiona

July 08 2019

New Zealand is on the bucket list of many travellers. The southern hemisphere country is located on the southwestern Pacific Ocean and comprises two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, as well as some 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated 2,000km east of Australia across the Tasman Sea.

Here are 10 of the must-see places to visit on a trip to New Zealand.

Bay of Islands. Credit: Andrea Lai

1 Bay of Islands

If you are a watersports fan, Bay of Islands is a great place to visit. Be it fishing, sailing, or other watersports, this place has it all. Located at the far north of the North Island, this island is made up of 144 islands between Purerua Peninsula and Cape Brett. 

You could choose to go sailing on a private charter, watch playful dolphins, soak in the breath-taking scenery and so much more.

2 Auckland

Besides being the largest city and hub of international air travel, Auckland is one of the best places to visit in New Zealand. Many international flights in New Zealand arrive via Auckland, making it a perfect place to start your trip. 

Since Auckland is the hub of international air travel, you may consider booking your tickets to New Zealand via Auckland with Faremart, a platform that offers hassle-free air travel services, 24/7 customer support, travel advisors, and many more with access to 450+ airlines at best prices. If planning to fly with Air Canada, go for Air Canada Booking as the airline operates globally and provides many discounts on travel to different destinations.

You may also take a look at useful flying tips by frequent flyers to make your flight journey to New Zealand comfortable and enjoyable. 

While in Auckland visit:

  • Auckland Art Gallery – Featuring more than 15,000 artefacts on modern, historic, and contemporary arts, it is the largest art institution to visit in New Zealand. 
    Downtown Auckland – A home to multicultural restaurants and bars, Auckland serves all types of cuisines. Don’t forget to enjoy cocktails and see the nightlife here. 
    Auckland Bridge Climb – For those who like to experience a new adventure each day, Auckland Bridge Climb is a must-to-go place to visit. Also, Auckland Bridge Bungee Jumping is another excellent choice for adding an extra thrill.
  • Auckland Domain Park – Filled with formal gardens, this is a perfect place to relax and is very near to the city centre. 
Little Palm Beach, Waiheke Island.

3 Waiheke Island 

At a distance of little more than 30 minutes away from Downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is a great visit for wine lovers. Located in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf, it is home to lots of vineyards. Besides tasting wine, you will get to enjoy its vibrant beaches, art community, olive groves and forests here. 

Milford Sound.

4 Milford Sound

Milford Sound is acclaimed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Formed by glaciers during the ice age, Milford Sound is best seen by a sightseeing cruise.

5 Christchurch

Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is on the east coast of South Island and boasts many attractions. One of the best places to visit is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which includes a network of conservatories, horticultural displays and beautiful walking tracks alongside some of the oldest, largest and tallest trees in New Zealand. 

Queenstown.

6 Queenstown 

With a reputation as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown is located on the southwest side of South Island. From June to September (winter and spring season), Queenstown is known for world-class skiing. Of course, there is a lot to do in Queenstown all year round, including jet boating, river rafting, sky diving, bungee jumping and many more fun activities. 

Also, Queenstown is home to the world’s highest cliff jump, Shotover Canyon Swing, offering different cliff jumping experiences, including being tied to a chair jump or a backward jump. 

White Island.

7 White Island

The home of the most active volcano in New Zealand, White Island offers the chance to fly in a scenic helicopter ride overhead to get a bird’s eye view, or visit by boat. 

Franz Josef Glacier

8 Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier is a glacier where you might choose to hike, climb or take a helicopter ride.

9 Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley

Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Craft Institute located in Rotorua’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, is a fascinating place to visit. You can taste an authentic meal prepared by using ancient geothermal cooking techniques as well as being treated to a Maori welcoming ceremony, traditional song and dance performance.

Glowworm Caves. Credit- 2il org

10 Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Illuminated naturally by thousands of glowworms, Waitomo glowworm caves fall among the most wonderful caves around the globe. You can learn about the history and science behind the caves by taking a boat ride. 

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