City: New Zealand
Top Things to do in New Zealand
Top Hotels in New Zealand
- 1. Kamana Lakehouse
- 2. Fable Auckland, MGallery
- 3. Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
- 4. Sudima Christchurch City
- 5. Rydges Wellington Airport
- 6. Aoraki Court Aoraki/Mt Cook Village
- 7. Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
- 8. Auto Lodge Motor Inn
- 9. Rainforest Retreat
- 10. Sojourn Apartment Hotel
The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in New Zealand, New Zealand
New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand
1. Gentle Annie Highway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By CliffJ24 - London, United Kingdom
Originally a Maori track but now a fully paved road. It travelling west to east the first half is rolling farm land with numerous sheep and cattle stations. The second half sees hillsides covered in native forest and a road with lots of twists and turns - superb scenery. There are no petrol stations or cafes/restaurants along the road, so take a picnic and just soak in the stunning views. A great alternative route to travel between Taupo and Napier.
2. SkyTower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,422 reviews
Auckland's SkyTower is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, this tower is more than 300 metres high. Offering stunning views, along with award winning restaurants, a gift shop and an opportunity to push your limits by walking the outside of the viewing platforms, or by jumping off from 192 metres above Auckland's CBD. Off Peak Season - (1st May - 31st Oct) 9:00am - 10:00pm daily - Last tickets sold at 9:30pm Peak Season - (1st Nov - 30th Apr) Sun - Thurs: 8:30am - 10:30pm - Last tickets sold at 10:00pm Fri & Sat: 8:30am - 11:30pm - Last tickets sold at 11:00pm
Reviewed By LachmiPunjabi - New Delhi, India
Visit the Sky Tower in Auckland for an awesome view of the city and harbour.The ride in the lift to the top floor is amazing with the glass floor mesmerising anyone who looks down. The 360 degrees view of the tower is magnificent and the money is totally worth it.
3. Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,669 reviews
With natural geothermal heat radiating from the ground, Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village is a unique cultural experience, set in a fascinating geothermal landscape, offering an authentic peek into Māori village life. Hourly guided tours give visitors a chance to learn how the geothermal resources are used in daily life, twice-daily cultural performances are filled with fun interactivity, and a network of nature trails traverse geothermal lakes, bubbling mud and explosive geysers. This will be a memorable experience for all ages. Open 8.30am – 5.00pm daily.
Reviewed By linfarrington24 - Launceston, Australia
Loved seeing how Maori people have lived and evolved over hundreds of years. Wonderful to be welcomed and encouraged to share their pride in their cultural heritage. We started with a tour by a young guide who had a uniquely modern perspective on her heritage, we followed that with the cultural show which brought us to tears in the beauty of the love songs and the passion of the cultural expressions. Finally we shared a traditionally prepared meal, which we thought we would 'experience' rather than enjoy. How wrong we were! It all goes to show how much we have to learn from our indigenous brothers and sisters!
4. The Royal Albatross Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,053 reviews
The only chance to see... the world's only mainland Royal Albatross Breeding Colony. A unique experience to access the nature reserve to see giant albatross court, mate, raise their chicks and show off their three metre wingspans. Taiaroa Head/Pukekura is alive with wildlife species, many of them scarce nesting seabirds. Our jewel in the crown is the Northern Royal Albatross. Experience it for yourself by taking a guided tour through the Nature Reserve into the viewing Observatory. The 2012 latest Lonely Planet publication "1000 Ultimate Sights" features the Royal Albatross Centre alongside the Taj Mahal and Grand Canyon. They say of us: Here at one of New Zealand's hottest attractions the draw card is the bird life. Taiaroa Head is the site of the world's only mainland royal albatross breeding ground, where you can observe the spectacle of the albatrosses with wingspans of up to 3m coming in to land like a succession of 747s. The Royal Albatross Centre is located on the tip of the Otago Peninsula, about a 45 minute drive from Dunedin. We are operated by the Otago Peninsula Trust, a charitable trust formed in 1967 for the protection of the local natural environment. The Nature Reserve on Taiaroa Head is managed by the Department of Conservation. Taiaroa Head is also famous in New Zealand history. From a small Maori camp in the 1300s to a fortified pa where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840; from a wooden flagstaff to 1864 lighthouse to radar entrance for Otago Harbour; from an 1880s underground fortress to a large defence base in WWII. Taiaroa Head is today a Nature Reserve and an iconic wildlife attraction.
Reviewed By FourTravel2013 - Auckland, New Zealand
We did the Unique Taiaroa tour which allowed plenty of time to view the albatross chicks and also a couple of the adult birds flying close by in the strong wind. James was our knowledgeable guide who was informative and happy to answer any questions. The history of the 1889 Armstrong Disappearing Gun and underground tunnels was interesting. A great way to spend a couple of hours even if it’s raining.
5. Viaduct Harbour
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,419 reviews
Visit the center of Auckland sailing and the place for the finest restaurants, bars, and luxury apartments.
Reviewed By 48andreww - Broad Oak, United Kingdom
Lots of super yachts to admire and Admiral's Cup yachts. Plenty of places to eat and drink. Not to be missed when in Auckland.
6. Franz Josef Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,579 reviews
Westland Tai Poutini National Park, renowned for its Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the beautiful walks from 5 minutes to 8 hours that you can do in this area to view these amazing ice features, native forest, wildlife and waterfalls. The track up the Glacier river bed is 5.4 km return via same track Suggested duration 1 hr 30 min •This track is sometimes closed due to ice collapse, flooding or landslides – check the latest track conditions and weather forecasts at the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre before starting your trip. •Always take warm and waterproof clothing as the weather can change rapidly. •Carry drinking water, insect repellent and sun protection. •No drones allowed.
Reviewed By greg_wanders - Auckland Central, New Zealand
An enjoyable and picturesque walk through the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. From the car park its a 1.5 to 2 hour walk depending on how long you stop for photographs. Several waterfalls all around as you make your way to the glacier wall. The Glacier wall itself is quite a way away from the view point as it is receding, though it is still awesome to be so close. Maybe a good idea to keep this in mind so as to not be disappointed. Combine the glacier valley walk with two short walks from the car park (Sentinel Rock for Panoramic views and Peters Pool for reflections) and you have great day out on the west coast. A great FREE way to enjoy you time by the glacier, although you have the options of helicopter tours or heli hikes to get further up close. Would highly recommend this walk in good weather. If it is raining and you have spare time, I would save it for when you get a break in the weather.
7. Marine Parade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,451 reviews
Reviewed By 775gilvray - Cambridge, New Zealand
We loved the water front and enjoyed all the things passed, the children's bike park was well used. The art deco was sound shell is a beautiful piece of art We loved viewing platform and it was particularly exciting watching the huge waves that were crashing into it I would strongly recommend that you take this walk. Well done Napier.
8. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,215 reviews
The second highest volcanic peak in Auckland, next to Mount Eden, One Tree Hill offers views of the city and has a huge obelisk at the top.
Reviewed By jeanettem190 - Cairns, Australia
After your walking visit to Mt Eden; a caldera volcano, it makes sense to stroll through tony, leafy Mt Eden Village & Epsom Village to Cornwall Park (vast! Check out the sheep & cows grazing!) up to One Tree Hill; a cone volcano (Check out the difference!). There are two horseshoe shaped calderas on two different sides of the 'cone'. As you wander up the very gentle slope, you'll see the Vicotrian Folly. Then there's the heritage-style Bistro where you can snag an ice-cream or similar & have a seat on the verandah. Right next door is Huia Lodge; a heritage listed little cottage & info centre promoting early Auckland & current cultural exhibitions. Across the road is Acacia Cottage; the oldest surviving structure in Auckland. 1841. No wonder it survived; it's made from super-strong kauri wood. The cottage is beautifully restored, having been shifted from it's original location in inner Auckland. There're all kinds of historic everyday items on display, which was quite interesting & nostalgic. Buses are no longer permitted beyond this point, so there're no more obnoxious loud hordes of shouting 'tourist' type people elbowing the walkers & shoving their selfie sticks all over. It's very scenic at the top. You're bound to find several nice photographic subjects. After all this walking you're liable to feel tired. No worries, just walk down another path, not through the vast public park, into a suburban street. You'll soon find a bus stop. If the bus is headed further out from Auckland, just cross the street! All the northbound city buses will meander their way back to the Auckland CBD!
9. Te Puia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,628 reviews
Te Puia spans 70 hectares within the historic Te Whakarewarewa Valley, on the edge of town. We are home to the world famous Pohutu geyser, to mud pools, hot springs, to silica formations to the Kiwi bird and the national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. We have shared these treasures with manuhiri (visitors) for 170 years and proudly continue that legacy today.
Reviewed By ruki-de - Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Enjoyed the combo with the guided tour of the craft school, Pohutu geyser, general entertainment, Maori show, the multi-course dinner and hot chocolate back at the geyser after dark. Included pick-up from and return to accommodation.
10. Te Waikoropupu Springs (Pupu Springs)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Reviewed By AucklandWiz - Auckland, New Zealand
A beautiful and peaceful place to stroll along on an easy walk to the viewing area. The water was amazing- clear with all the colours of life underneath shining through. It was raining this day and so the visibility was reduced so can only imagine what the vision with no rain disturbing the clarity. Still worth the walk and look. The importance to the indigenous people is explained clearly on signage at the start of the walk and is worth reading for some history.
