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
What to do and see in New Zealand, New Zealand: The Best Geologic Formations
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. Mahia Peninsula
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By KBNZ666 - Perth, Australia
This was one of my favourite places to visit while growing up. My family would go swimming and fishing here, for walks around the rock pools, shell collecting at Mahunga beach, and fish n chips at Mahia Beach. I love seeing the bach's with their characteristics.
2. Castle Hill Rocks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By MagicRoundabout365 - Queenstown, New Zealand
Amazing place - easy to find - good spacious carpark - toilets - this is a great place for children of all ages, teen, young adults to oldies that are sturdy on their feet.... we loved this place, great to walk around, lots of tracks, take a picnic as plenty of space... views are amazing, lots of photo opportunities... highly recommend.. and bonus it's free.........
3. Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,697 reviews
Explore spectacular activity in the world’s youngest geothermal system on a self-guided walking tour at Waimangu Volcanic Valley. We offer a range of options for all abilities and ambitions varying in length from our short 1.5km highlights walk to a 4.5km hike including an invigorating climb over Mount Haszard for astonishing panoramic views. Discover Frying Pan Lake, one of the largest hot water springs in the World and mysterious, beautiful Inferno Crater Lake which rises and falls as it heats and cools. See rare and unusual plants that have adapted to grow in the warm geothermal landscape and enjoy the abundance of native birdlife around Lake Rotomahana. Opt for an additional 45 minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana to see nature, birdlife and geothermal activity not accessible by foot. Relax and listen to the full historical commentary throughout cruise. Enjoy a much needed rest and take advantage of the shuttle bus at the end of your tour.
Reviewed By R0gerV - Leuven, Belgium
This site offers a nice hiking experience for all levels of fitness. Starting at the visitors center you can hike all the way down the valley passing places like Frying Pan Lake, Cathedral Rocks, Inferno Crater, Birds Nest Terrace, Rift Valley, Waimangu Stream and many more, leading you to the jetty at Lake Rotomahana. Here you can even make a boat trip of about 45 minutes on the lake. You are walking all the way in a stunning landscape with geothermal and volcanic elements. Depending on your hiking abilities you can start walking and if necessary take the internal bus further down to the lake or return, after a breathtaking walk all the way down, back to the visitors center. This is an experience you should not miss when you are in the neighborhood of Rotorua.
4. Tasman Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National park, the glacier extends eighteen miles in length and descends to an altitude of only 2,300 feet.
Reviewed By klvmar
We viewed the Tasman Glacier from a viewing area, accessed by a trail called the "Tasman Glacier View", a 20-minute steep incline to the top of a range overlooking the glacier lake and the tip of the glacier. On the way, we passed the Blue Lakes, which were named for their beautiful blue color back in the 1800's when they were fed by turquoise glacial melt from the Tasman Glacier. Today, the Blue Lakes are green because the Tasman Glacier has shrunk and its melt water no longer reaches the Blue Lakes. The warmer rainwater that now feeds the lakes supports algae, which has turned the lakes green. The green Blue Lakes and the shrinking Tasman Glacier were beautiful sites, but also a sad testament to the effects of global warming.
5. Red Rocks Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By CarolDM1900 - Montpelier, United States
There's a World War II forward observation post with huts and bunkers atop Sinclair Head, the high promontory that looms over Devil's Gate and the seal colony just beyond. It's an impressive site to visit, redolent of history and offering some of the best views over Cook Strait. On a fine summer day, the sky above is magnificent. If you're hardy and adventurous, with good footwear and sturdy long pants, you can get there via a loop of trails that will take you through some of the more remote interior sections of the reserve, where you are less likely to encounter other hikers and can enjoy the sound of silence over the hills and through the deep valleys. I found this to be one of the most challenging, but enjoyable, hikes I've done in Wellington, and I've done many of them, at least 8 in this particular reserve. Here's how to put together the loop. Start from the main trail head, a bit inland from the Coastal Track (road) as it nears Devil's Gate. Between a couple of "baches" (beach shacks), you'll see a big sign at the bottom of rising hills showing the different tracks on a map. You will start by rock-hopping across a shallow stream that flows by to the right of the sign, then follow the steep, winding trail straight ahead. A sign will eventually identify it as the Pari-Whero (Red Rocks) Re-Route. NOTE: When you begin, DO NOT turn right BEFORE the stream to follow the steep uphill gravel road with a barrier across it. That is the part of the Red Rocks track route that is now closed. The re-route rises steeply, has a couple of stream crossings, and eventually, about halfway up the hills, brings you to a hard-to-miss sign that points you to the connector for the Radome Track and the Bunker Track. You'll also traverse some of the Waipapa Loop Track. From the connector sign, it is still a long way to the WW II headland bunkers, with some very steep slopes to navigate both up and down, as you will essentially be crossing over several big hills and the valleys between them to get to the historic site. This being the dry season, small rocks and pebbles are loose and tend to slide in the dust when foot pressure is applied on the slope, so take great care on the downhills in particular. I slid a couple of times, despite wearing trail runners with aggressive treads. Some sections of the track wind through very prickly bushes that nearly obscure the pathway. You can't always detour around them, so don't even think about coming this way in shorts and short-sleeved shirts. These bushes are nettlesome and can raise welts. All this may have you wondering if you really want to take this loop. But I assure you, once you are up high enough to see the observation post in the distance, you will be strongly motivated to get there, even if you are tired and a bit scratched up. And besides, it a long, difficult way back retracing your steps. Better to press on. Once you get to the site, you'll discover that there is some graffiti on the buildings, but it does not much detract from the experience of seeing the old installations, especially the bunkers with the grass growing on the roofs in an effort to hide them from sight. If you are historically-minded, as I am, you will have a deep feeling about what went on here, being able to picture it "live" in the empty structures that remain today. It is a moment in time in the dramatic shadow of history. Get out as close to the edge as you cautiously think appropriate and walk around: the views up and down Cook Strait from this spot are glorious. Alas, there is no historical interpretation, but I think what you see is enough to make you feel the history and the impact of the place. So take your time, take it all in, and enjoy it. To complete the loop and return to the place you began, you should begin to descend the trail you used to get up to the buildings. Focus intently on the right side as you start to go down, and you will see a small, somewhat overgrown track that has no sign but is distinguishable because of its narrow tramped pathway of dried grass that clearly begins to move toward a descent in the distance. Once you start to follow the tramped down grassy pathway, you will see occasional metal posts, some with yellow plastic caps on top. There are sections that may require some trial and error to keep on the track. Sometimes you may have to dive under big bushes to find and follow the trail. Parts of it are so overgrown that the trail just seems to disappear. It does help to know that you're definitely going down, in a fairly narrow valley, and that this last part of the loop is relatively short. You will get there. The last section of the track is the most difficult because its runs right on top of a steep, stony creek. You will be stepping over rocks with moss and water trickling down them. It is slow going, but not far from the beach. You will exit the trail right by a local "bach" that has a jolly roger flag on the roof of a rough shed. From there, it is just steps back to where you began, and in any case you will see the Coastal Track (road) right ahead of you. If you'd rather not do this whole loop track, you can do a there-and-back on the shorter, more direct route used to descend on the last part of the loop. To find the beginning, start at the main trailhead sign and map, then walk to the left. You'll cross a little bridge and then find the track between two baches, nearest the one with the jolly roger flag above it. Stroll up what seems to be a private driveway toward the bach's outdoor shed, and you will see on your right a rough, hand-painted sign with the word "track" on a bright red arrow pointing the way. I would personally not like to take that shorter, more direct track uphill, given the difficult climb over the descending stream with the water and the moss. Plus, it misses the peaceful charm of the trails in the quiet interior hills and valleys. But if your time is limited, and you 're willing to scramble a bit to see the WWII observation post site, then by all means give it a try. The loop trail took me about 3 hours to do, but I did not hurry. I also spent time on top taking photographs and just enjoying the scenery. Having made a significant effort to get there, I wanted to savor the experience of being there. If you elect the shorter, more direct there-and-back route, you can probably cut the time in half, depending on your strength and agility. This is a great place, the more so, I think, because of the invigorating hike and the dramatic scene changes you experience while getting there via the longer loop. You miss that on the shorter, there-and-back trail. But whichever way you go, I think you will enjoy your visit. Highly Recommended.
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. Otago Peninsula
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,056 reviews
The Otago Peninsula is a long, hilly indented finger of land that forms the easternmost part of Dunedin, New Zealand. Volcanic in origin, it forms one wall of the eroded valley that now forms Otago Harbour. The peninsula lies south-east of Otago Harbour and runs parallel to the mainland for 20 km, with a maximum width of 9 km. It is joined to the mainland at the south-west end by a narrow isthmus about 1.5 km wide.
Reviewed By kiwikeen2020 - Gold Coast, Australia
We did a bus tour visiting sights around Otago Peninsula - Larnach Castle, Sandfly bay, Royal Albatross colony and Penguin Place and Penguin cafe for lunch - we all had a lovely time and beautiful sunny day which made it even better.
8. Hawkes Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Popular wine making region of New Zealand.
Reviewed By ergiros
Wonderful area with great wineries and beaches. Tour the wineries - small boutique or renowned as Te Mata Estate, Black Barn and Craggy Range - all with offering food and tastings before heading to Ocean beach.
9. Sumner Beach (Cave Rock)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Reviewed By Juliea1928 - Tauranga, New Zealand
Easy to get to by bus or car the beach is just lovely and takes you back in time. There is a lovely big rock you can walk through on low tide which is amazing. Quant shops nearby and a fun place to visit
10. Godley Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
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.
