15 Spectacular Spots Around New Zealand You Need To Visit Before You Die

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There’s something hugely appealing about New Zealand.

The small country boasts a culture that’s not unlike that of Ireland, their sense of humour isn’t a million miles from our own, and the landscape is just quite literally awesome.

It’s no wonder that the fantasy world of The Lord Of The Rings was recreated here because it really is hard to believe that this is a real place.

To show you what we mean, we’ve taken a look at some of the most spectacular locations across the country. Now get yourself a map of New Zealand, stick some pins in it, and start hitting these destinations at the earliest possible opportunity.

1. Fox Glacier

Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, this is the West Coast’s longest glacier. Here you can do tours of the glacier, heli-hikes and ice climbing.

2. Abel Tasman National Park

This wilderness reserve can be found on the South Island and it’s known for its beaches, fur seal colonies, little blue penguins and bottlenose dolphins.

3. Nugget Point Lighthouse

You’ll find this lighthouse along the Otago coast, where you’ll have an excellent view of the distinctive scattering of rocky islets known as ‘The Nuggets’.

4. Queen Charlotte Track

Known as one of the best walkways in New Zealand, this is a long, gently sloping track that boasts stunning seaside views.

5. Rotorua

Being within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, this area experiences gethermal activity like spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools and crater lakes.

6. Cathedral Cove

This enormous arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to form one of the most photogenic features on the North Island.

7. Te Mata Peak

A major part of the Maori history of Hawke Bay, this peak is 399 metres high overlooking the breathtaking Heretaunga Plains.

8. Tasman Glacier Lake

This proglacial lake was formed by the retreat of the Tasman Glacier and you can see the marvellous sight of icebergs on its surface in summer.

9. Milford Sound

With its rainforests, waterfalls and the staggering Mitre Peak, this fiord is chockablock with sensational sights and sounds.

10. Lake Te Anau

The largest lake on the South Island, this body of water covers an area of 344 km² .

11. Franz Josef Glacier

It’s a 20-minute walk to the terminal face of this wonder and it’s in close proximity to other natural features like rainforests, waterfalls, and lakes.