NewZealand’s landscape is world-famous for its diversity; at every twist and turn, you’ll come across a site that is impossible to find anywhere else in the world.
Glacial wonderland
Milford Sound is one of the most spectacular destinations in the South Island. Carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, the fjord’s waters are surrounded by cascading waterfalls, rugged cliff faces and sharp mountain peaks. The area itself is perfect for a gentle boat cruise, for jetskiing or hiking, and is accessible from both Queenstown and Te Anau by car. One of the most isolated locations in New Zealand, Milford Sound truly affords you the chance to relax among spectacular natural wonders.
Animals galore
Also located on the South Island, two hours north of Christchurch, Kaikoura is a place with dramatic natural extremes. On one side, you’ll see huge mountains stretching overhead; on the other, the Pacific Ocean. This is one of the top spots in New Zealand to see the local fauna, with a dolphin colony calling the area its permanent home. While you’re here, you could also take a whale watching tour or spot some seals in the water.
Geothermal pools
Rotorua is a hub of geothermal activity, where you can quite literally immerse yourself in nature. Here, you can refresh your body by taking a dip in a hot mud pool. Then, pump up the temperature at the spurting geysers, which can reach heights of up to 30 metres. The biggest geyser in the area – and, in fact in the Southern Hemisphere – is Pōhutu.
In Rotorua, you can stroll around some simmering sulphuric pools – while they might let off a slightly questionable odour, their pearly blue tint is a must-see attraction in New Zealand’s North Island.
A rainbow of lakes
Located just south of Rotorua is a pair of lakes that differ starkly in the colour of their water - one is green, while the other is a bright blue. Although it’s not quite known why the pair is so different, both Lake Tikitapu and Lake Rotokakahi can be seen at once from a single vantage point.
