Top 7 Places to See in New Zealand for First-Time Visitors
Queenstown, South Island
Visiting New Zealand for the first time is an incredible, educational and mind-blowing experience. When I travelled from the North Island to the South Island every gaze out of the coach window became better and better to the point where I didn’t think such beauty ever existed! Each turn is filled with unique, vibrant and diverse landscaping contrasts. I was honestly in awe the longer I travelled.
With only a population of 5 million, the North and South Islands contain so many natural, organic and raw treasures - it’s difficult to select sightseeing attractions, especially if you are on a short time frame. I will try and make planning a New Zealand highlights tour as simple as possible for you.
It's easy for first-time visitors to become overwhelmed when trying to decide where to travel in such a beautiful country. A few of these decisions include whether to travel to the North Island, South Island or both, what Fiordland is accessible, and which National Parks are the best to explore. There is so much to encapture - where should you visit?
After 15 years of planning New Zealand tours for international guests, I believe I have a good amount of knowledge to help travellers around the world plan their dream NZ trip, ensuring all of the best and unique locations are visited.
I created a list and description of what I think are the most incredible 7 places you have to experience when visiting my home country - New Zealand.
Have a read of my below blog and contact our NZ touring experts today for more travel advice. Let’s get started!
1. Bay of Islands, North Island
As the "winterless North," the Bay of Islands is famous for its golden beaches and turquoise water. It consists of 144 Islands and is easily accessible from the mainland. I found this stunning area so relaxing and tranquil, especially after departing from the cosmopolitan bustling City of Auckland.
Cruises out on the bay, including the world-famous Hole in the Rock cruise, allow visitors to explore some of the islands and wildlife - I highly recommend it. There are amazing rock formations, dolphins, seals, whales, native birds, and picturesque sandy beaches that contrast with lush green islands. Be sure to take your camera!
This location is surrounded by tropical beauty and is perfect for those who prefer a subtropical climate when visiting New Zealand. It averages around 24 degrees between November and March, and 16 degrees between May and September. Several historic sites, including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (close to the main township of Piahia), can also be found in the Bay of Islands, a region rich in culture and heritage.
You will find something to suit your needs in the Bay, whether you are looking for food, accommodations, activities, or travel options. On the mainland, Paihia is a popular seaside town and a departure point for many excursions. When you first visit New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is a great place to see the difference between tropical island life in the north and Alpine snow and glaciers in the south.
2. Rotorua, North Island
Rotorua is one of my favourite North Island destinations and is home to one of the country's most active geothermal areas. The air is filled with sulphur (which I've learned to love). This diverse destination is one of a kind and a must-see, especially for first-time visitors to NZ.
Wai-O-Tapu is a special place to experience, with Wai meaning water and Tapu meaning sacred. Nature's finest is captured in this geothermal wonderland, with explosive (but safe) geysers, sparkling champagne lakes, bright green pools, and bubbling mud holes. I highly recommend taking a walk around this park to see how vibrant, colourful and active it is.
Staying in Rotorua for 2-3 nights and experiencing a Maori cultural performance is a must, this includes the Hangi-cooked feast (delicious food cooked underground with an incredible smoky taste). Cultural performances are not only entertaining but also educational and interactive. Learning about the Maori Culture when in New Zealand is essential and an activity definitely worth participating in - I personally enjoy spinning the Poi!
There are also multiple-day trips that depart from Rotorua such as the famous Hobbiton Village, where you can experience Lord of the Rings settings. Enter Middle Earth and glimpse behind the scenes to see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and the incredible art that Peter Jackson has created here. Even for non-Hobbit or Lord of The Rings fans - this is absolutely worth a visit and very impressive.
Another popular day trip from Rotorua is that of the Waitomo Caves. You can explore an underground cave network along with millions of twinkling glow worms while taking a cruise or tube. In darkness and underground, this is a very unique experience. The glow worms light up the cave and are dazzling.
3. Abel Tasman, South Island
On the Northern tip of the South Island, Abel Tasman National Park features one of New Zealand's 10 Great Walks, which meanders along the coast. First-time NZ holiday visitors are often drawn to Abel Tasman because it offers stunning golden beaches, granite cliffs, lush forests, and unique wildlife such as little blue penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and seals.
When I first arrived at the National Park, I remember thinking that I could live here forever! There was a glistening black sandy beach with mini starfish along the shoreline - I was amazed. The turquoise crystal clear water and warm temperature relaxed my entire body.
With its mild climate and easy access, Abel Tasman National Park is a great place to visit at any time of the year, and it has something for everyone. The park can be explored on a small group tour, with a private guide or independently. With so many ways to sightsee this incredible location, there really is something for everyone, whether you want to walk the entire track, choose a section, or take to the water and kayak along its coast.
Another enjoyable way to discover this area is by Catamaran or scenic cruise. Explore the secluded hideaways, watch wildlife at its very best, and relax. You'll discover the iconic "Split Apple rock” which looks like an apple split in half! The traditional Maori myth for the formation describes two gods breaking apart the rock - you have to see it to believe it!
There are plenty of accommodation options situated around the coastline, hidden in subtropical native forests and secluded bays. Whether you have all the time in the world or just a few hours you can still make the most of being immersed in this remarkable paradise.
4. Franz Josef Glacier, South Island
As a first-time visitor to New Zealand, now is the perfect time to experience the stunning Franz Josef Glacier (located on the rugged West Coast). This unique landscape is truly magnificent and is something you really must-see when you venture to New Zealand. I remember standing on the glacier and feeling so insignificant due to the sheer size of the surrounding ice sculptures. I was absolutely blown away and will always remember that memory.
Environmental factors have caused the glacier to retreat very quickly in recent years, but it is still one of New Zealand's most beautiful natural wonders. With its 12 km length and less than 300 m above sea level, the glacier is part of the world heritage area. The enormous river of ice is always present, and Mother Nature is always in motion, regardless of whether it's retreating or advancing - it moves around 50 cm a day.
Visitors and travellers can explore and discover Franz Josef Glacier easily, as it is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. There is something to suit every budget - the Glacier is only 5 km from the main township. In addition to walking to the base of Franz Josef Glacier, you can also take a helicopter ride for a once-in-a-lifetime scenic birds-eye view.
A gentle walk leads to the viewing area through the lush green rainforest, with glimpses of the mountain tops, waterfalls, and the upper glacier. All natural wonders are simply breathtaking due to their contrasting colours - just don’t forget to charge up your camera device!
5. Milford Sound, South Island
I can just about count on both hands the number of times I have encountered Milford Sound, and I would go there every week if I could. Milford Sound attracts visitors from around the world because of its breathtaking beauty. Termed as “the 8th wonder of the world” - By Rudyard Kipling, Milford Sound/ Fiordland is arguably the most scenic destination on New Zealand's South Island.
Since 1986, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive into Milford Sound is an attraction in itself, with 12+ incredible lookout points. Besides providing a perfect habitat for birds, the pristine environment is also a safe haven for endangered penguins, fur seals, and dolphins.
A trip to Milford Sound is an experience that will take your breath away, no matter if it's sunny or rainy. The area is incredibly rugged and has one of the wettest climates in the country. It receives up to 7 meters of rain per year and mountain ranges can be found underwater up to a depth of 265 meters.
The iconic Mitre Peak located in the Fiordland (and hard to miss) rises 1,692 meters directly from the water, making it one of the world's most famous (and photographed) peaks. Take a stroll along the Milford Sound Foreshore Walk for some of the best views of Mitre Peak. Fiordland National Park is best appreciated from above, where it is possible to take in the immense size of the park. Take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and its glaciers, alpine lakes, and beech forests on a scenic flight to Milford Sound departing from Queenstown or inside Fiordland National Park - an outstanding experience that I was lucky to do!
Whether by foot, cruise, flight, kayak or diving - any option that allows you to immerse yourself in and around the Fiords, waterfalls, wildlife and mountains is highly recommended. I can't get enough of this place!
6. Queenstown, South Island
Iconic Queenstown - a place where I called home for 11 years definitely still has a piece of my heart. Set against the dramatic Southern Alps and spectacular landscapes, Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the South Island. As the "adventure capital of the world", Queenstown is the place where you can do it all when it comes to outdoor adventures and unique experiences. The activities range from Bungy Jumping, Horse Trekking, Canyoning, Skydiving, E-Biking, Zip-lining and Jet boating. The location is ideal for first-time visitors to New Zealand and is popular all year round with travellers.
The Queenstown area has some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery and natural features. The town is built around an inlet on the beautiful turquoise Lake Wakatipu. This lake was formed millions of years ago by glacial processes and has views of nearby mountains such as The Remarkables, Walter Peak and Cecil Peak.
Glacial scarring can still be seen on nearby mountains, and there are many cruise options for learning about the region's geography and culture. Settlement and gold mining have both played a significant role in the history of the region. The goldfield trails provide a variety of opportunities for exploring and enjoying the spectacular scenery. The Shotover river is one of the richest (gold) rivers in the world and can be explored by jetboat. You will also see local families gold panning on the sides of the river - be sure to give it a go and leave with a golden nugget!
Queenstown is popular throughout the year, from the cherry blossoms of spring to the falling leaves of autumn to the snow of winter to the long, hot summer days of summer. During Winter, Queenstown is a bustling location as it is surrounded by some of the best ski resorts in the world. Queenstown's town centre is a short drive from the Remarkables ski fields, Coronet Peak, Cardrona, and Treble Cone.
When travelling or touring around New Zealand for the first time, visiting the iconic Queenstown is a must for 1, 3 or 8 days. Make sure you take in all of the views whilst sipping a wine, beer or coffee at a world-class bar or restaurant. There is a reason why I called this place home for so many years!
7. Mount Cook, South Island
Located in Christchurch - Canterbury, Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park has a height of 3,754 metres, making it New Zealand's highest mountain. With glaciers, lakes, mountains, rivers, and wildlife, the National Park is a breathtaking environment and one which I like to frequently visit for relaxing nature-filled walks.
Mount Cook National Park stretches about 60 km. Nearly 40% of the park is covered by glaciers, including Tasman Glacier, Hooker Glacier, and Mueller Glacier, which all terminate in lakes. You can also see parts of the glaciers that have broken off and sit on top of the lake - it is both surreal and extraordinary! Fun fact; the National Park contains 8 of NZ’s largest glaciers.
The Alpine Centre is a must-see too. The centre was named in honour of Sir Edmund Hillary, who spent a great deal of time on Mount Cook's slopes. The region is known for its mountaineering heritage. Hiking in Mount Cook National Park is truly one of the most magical experiences in both the Summer and Winter months, the ever-changing environment and landscapes are picture-perfect every time you visit.
Mount Cook offers many unique experiences, including glacier cruises, which are 700 metres above sea level. This beautiful National Park is worth visiting if you are discovering New Zealand for the first, second or third time!