Things to do in New Zealand, New Zealand: The Best Lookouts

September 2, 2021 Kelli Reichel

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. Puketapa Lookout

Hillcrest Road intersection of Seaview and Hillcrest Roads, Whakatane 3120 New Zealand https://www.whakatane.com/walks/puketapu-lookout-and-papaka-redoubt
Excellent
80%
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20%
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Puketapa Lookout

Reviewed By MartinB286 - Auckland, New Zealand

Stunning views overlooking Whakatane and out to see with White Island clearly visible. A place where you can feel at one with yourself and find peace. Go up early in the morning and enjoy a cooked breakfast at nearby Robert Harris. They do a mean breakfast!

2. Mount Victoria

Alexandra Lookout Rd, Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4-802 4860 http://www.wellingtonnz.com/
Excellent
63%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 3,018 reviews

Mount Victoria

High lookout point along Wellington's Southern Walkway gives visitors a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings.

Reviewed By fafa_potato - Palmerston North, New Zealand

On a hot Wellington day, when you take the number 20 from Courtenay place to this lookout point (I was never going to walk) the views from this place are absolutely stunning! You can see all of Wellington and it is absolutely beautiful!

3. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)

670 Manukau Road Epsom, Auckland Central, Auckland 1023 New Zealand +64 9-301 0101 [email protected] http://maunga.nz/maunga/maungakiekie/
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,215 reviews

One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie)

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!

4. Te Mata Peak

Te Mata Peak Road, Hastings 4130 New Zealand
Excellent
76%
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22%
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4.5 based on 1,684 reviews

Te Mata Peak

Reviewed By JMT_NZ - Auckland Central, New Zealand

Te Mata Peak is simply stunning. I've driven to the peak several times and it's a great experience to take in the wider Hawkes Bay. If you drive right to the top then it's suitable for people with impaired mobility although they need to be able to walk up a short steep gradient for the best views from the trig.

5. Coronet Peak

Queenstown New Zealand +64 3-450 1970 [email protected] http://www.coronetpeak.co.nz
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 1,530 reviews

Coronet Peak

Opening for winter 19 June 2021! Coronet Peak is New Zealand's most accessible ski resort, an easy 20 minute drive from Queenstown via a scenic, sealed access road. Whether you're an expert seeking long rolling trails, or complete beginners looking for a learn to ski/board package, or just want to experience the snow with a gondola or toboggan ride, then the friendly team at Coronet Peak are ready to make your mountain experience a fun and easy one. Coronet Peak is also the home of Night Ski, a winter bucket list activity in Queenstown, New Zealand. You can hire all your rental equipment on the mountain and our retail shop stocks all your other essentials for a fun day on the snow. Need ski or snowboard lessons? Our coaches cater to all ages and abilities; book 7 days in advance and save 10%. We also offer a ski bus transport service from central Queenstown that is available to book through our website. We look forward to seeing you!

Reviewed By sillymuso - Howick, New Zealand

We went during the school holidays in July so it was fairly busy as is expected. Having said that, lots of fun on the snow. Great for everyone including those that are new to skiing or snowboarding. There is a dedicated area for those that are learning and if you only plan on staying there then you don't have to pay as much. Access by car was easy (just drive carefully and have snow chains just in case).

6. Signal Hill

Signal Hill Road, Dunedin New Zealand +64 3-474 3300 http://www.mountainbikingotago.co.nz/page/signal-hill
Excellent
57%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
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4.5 based on 388 reviews

Signal Hill

Reviewed By JnVSydney - Greater Sydney, Australia

A nice drive up the hill, full of winding turns. Once there, there was plenty of parking, it was a beautiful sunny day which made the views even more stunning, so peaceful and tranquil, It really puts Dunedin, into perspective. The is also a section for mountain bikers, something for all levels apparently. Definitely worth a visit if you have the time.

7. Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Cape Reinga 0484 New Zealand [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/northland/places/te-paki-recreation-reserve/cape-reinga-te-rerenga-wairua
Excellent
77%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 988 reviews

Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Reviewed By BryanCll - Tewantin, Australia

We were stopping at Ahipara Bay and drove about an hour and a half to the cape. From the car park, we walked along a good track to the top of a hill with breathtaking views of the lighthouse and the convergence of the Tasman and the Pacific. Interesting turbulence where the two meet. Then walked down to the lighthouse for more scenic views. Spent about an hour enjoying the scenery and photographing. Good toilets at the carpark.

8. Wellington Cable Car

280 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011 New Zealand +64 4-472 2199 [email protected] http://www.wellingtoncablecar.co.nz
Excellent
43%
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42%
Satisfactory
13%
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4.5 based on 6,509 reviews

Wellington Cable Car

The highlight to any visit to Wellington is a trip on Wellington Cable Car. In just 5 minutes you will reach the top of the Botanic Garden where panoramic views of the city and harbour are the reward. You can also visit the Space Place Observatory here. Before you head back down make sure to visit the Cable Car Museum (free entry), which provides a history of the city's symbolic mode of transport and see the original cars and winding machinery on display. There are walking tracks that start at the top of the Cable Car if you're keen on a stroll back to the city. The Cable Cars leave every 10 minutes and evry 15 minutes before 8pm.

Reviewed By Probal - Sydney, Australia

It was a fun ride up with some great views and the walk back down through the botanical gardens to the city was great and lots of fun.

9. Achilles Point

Cliff Road St Heliers Bay, Auckland Central, Auckland 2004 New Zealand +64 9-979 2333
Excellent
54%
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4.5 based on 35 reviews

Achilles Point

Reviewed By NiketaB18 - Auckland, New Zealand

Driving past Mission Bay and St. Heliers Beach you reach Achilles Point. You get scenic Bay and Island views. You also get beautiful city views from there. I have been there number of times.

10. Godley Head

575 Summit Road Banks Peninsula, Christchurch 8081 New Zealand +64 3-379 4082 http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/canterbury/places/godley-head/
Excellent
66%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 76 reviews

Godley Head

Reviewed By Emma542 - Auckland, New Zealand

We did a loop walk from Taylor’s Mistake car park around the coast up to the gun emplacements and continued around to circle back down to the beach. Amazing views up and down the coast and along to Lyttelton harbour around the other side of the heads. Looks more daunting than it is - gradual climb on well formed track, not too strenuous. Took us about 2.5hrs at average pace with a few photo and drink stops along the way. Definitely worth checking out.

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