New Zealand Travel Routes For Every Kind of Trip
Source:
@trip
80 places in New Zealand featured in a instagram post by Trip.com, verified on Google Maps: Skyline Queenstown, Sky Tower, Auckland, and 77 more.
Skyline Queenstown
Landmark
4.6
Ascend Bob's Peak via the iconic gondola for unparalleled panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding Remarkables mountains. Enjoy a meal with a view or try the luge rides down.
Sky Tower
Landmark
4.5
Ascend New Zealand's tallest man-made structure for breathtaking 360-degree views of Auckland. For thrill-seekers, consider the SkyJump or SkyWalk for an unforgettable experience.
Auckland
Place
Ascend the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic city views and adventurous jumps. Explore Waiheke Island's renowned vineyards for a day of wine tasting and scenic beauty.
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Museum
4.7
Dive into New Zealand's vibrant culture, history, and natural environment at this interactive national museum. Its engaging exhibits cater to all ages, offering a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Cuba Street
Place
Immerse yourself in the bohemian heart of Wellington, bustling with quirky cafes, vintage shops, and lively street art. It's the perfect spot for people-watching and soaking up the city's unique vibe.
Wellington
Place
Delve into New Zealand's history and culture at Te Papa Museum, a national treasure. Experience the charm of Cuba Street's vibrant cafes and boutiques, or take the iconic Cable Car for city views.
Wellington Cable Car
Place
4.5
Take a charming ride on this historic red cable car from Lambton Quay up to the Botanic Garden. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbor from the Kelburn Lookout.
Queenstown
Place
Ride the Skyline Gondola for stunning views and thrilling luge rides. Experience the Shotover Jet boat for an adrenaline-pumping ride through narrow canyons.
Arrowtown
Place
Wander through this charming historic gold mining town, with its beautifully preserved buildings and rich heritage. Visit the Lakes District Museum and try your hand at gold panning in the Arrow River.
Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne
Wildlife refuge
4.7
Step into an eco-sanctuary dedicated to restoring Wellington's valley forest and freshwater ecosystems to their pre-human state. Witness rare native wildlife thriving in a predator-free environment.
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Museum
4.7
Explore New Zealand's rich cultural and natural history, with significant Māori treasures. The museum building itself is an architectural marvel, offering grand views of the city.
Devonport
Place
Take a scenic ferry ride to this charming seaside village, offering boutique shops, cafes, and stunning views back to Auckland city. Climb Mount Victoria or North Head for panoramic vistas.
Waiheke Island
Natural feature
4.7
Escape to this beautiful island paradise, renowned for its world-class vineyards and olive groves. Enjoy a day of wine tasting, stunning beaches, and delicious gourmet food.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Botanical garden
4.7
Stroll through these magnificent gardens, a tranquil oasis showcasing diverse plant collections and scenic riverside walks. Enjoy a punt ride on the Avon River for a classic Christchurch experience.
Bill Richardson Transport World
Museum
4.8
Explore an incredible collection of vintage vehicles, including trucks, cars, and even wearable arts, presented in a world-class facility. It's a fascinating and surprisingly diverse museum that appeals to all ages.
Invercargill
Place
Immerse yourself in the world of unique vehicles at Bill Richardson Transport World. Indulge in Bluff Oysters, a local delicacy famous for its distinctive flavor.
Polynesian Spa
Spa
4.4
Relax in mineral-rich hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua, known for their therapeutic properties. Choose from various pools, including family, adult, and private options, for ultimate rejuvenation.
Skyline Rotorua
Landmark
4.5
Ride the gondola up Mount Ngongotaha for stunning panoramic views of Rotorua. Enjoy the thrilling luge track, with multiple routes offering different levels of excitement for all ages.
Wānaka
Place
Hike up Roys Peak for an iconic panoramic view of Lake Wanaka and surrounding mountains. Capture a photo of 'That Wanaka Tree', a solitary willow growing from the lake.
Wānaka
Place
Enjoy the serene beauty of this stunning alpine lake, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding. The lake is famous for 'That Wanaka Tree', a lone willow growing from its waters.
Mount Ruapehu
Natural feature
4.7
Experience New Zealand's largest active volcano, offering stunning landscapes and, in winter, ski fields. The dramatic, ever-changing environment is a powerful testament to natural forces.
The Church of the Good Shepherd
Church
4.6
Visit this iconic stone church, perfectly framed by the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. It's a photographer's dream, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Christchurch
Place
Wander through the serene Botanic Gardens, a vibrant oasis in the city center. Explore contemporary art at the Christchurch Art Gallery, showcasing local and international works.
Rotorua
Place
Immerse yourself in the geothermal wonders at Te Puia, featuring geysers and bubbling mud pools. Relax and rejuvenate with a Polynesian Spa experience, renowned for its therapeutic waters.
Lake Wakatipu
Natural feature
4.8
Enjoy the dramatic, deep blue waters of New Zealand's third-largest lake, surrounded by towering mountains. It's perfect for scenic cruises, jet boating, or simply relaxing by the shore.
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Museum
4.5
Immerse yourself in a diverse collection of New Zealand and international art within a stunning architectural space. The gallery offers a peaceful retreat for art lovers and curious visitors alike.
Dunedin Railway Station
Train station
4.7
Admire the stunning Edwardian Baroque architecture of this historic railway station, often called New Zealand's most beautiful building. Even if not taking a train, it's worth visiting for its grand design.
Geothermal Valley Te Puia
Landmark
4.5
Witness the powerful Pōhutu Geyser erupting, alongside bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. Experience authentic Māori culture through performances and traditional hāngī cooked using geothermal heat.
Kerikeri
Place
Explore New Zealand's oldest buildings at the Kerikeri Mission Station. Indulge in local artisan crafts and fresh produce from the vibrant farmers' market.
Dunedin
Place
Visit the Otago Peninsula Royal Albatross Centre to see majestic albatrosses in their natural habitat. Challenge yourself on Baldwin Street, the steepest residential street in the world.
Taupō
Place
Witness the thundering power of Huka Falls as millions of litres of water surge over cliffs. Explore the unique geothermal landscapes and craters of the Moon for an otherworldly experience.
Taupō
Place
Explore New Zealand's largest lake, a vast expanse perfect for fishing, boating, and scenic cruises. Visit the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay, accessible by boat or kayak, for a cultural experience.
Whangārei
Place
Admire the impressive Whangarei Falls and stroll through the serene Town Basin Marina. Discover ancient kauri trees at the AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park for a natural retreat.
Franz Josef / Waiau
Place
Experience a guided glacier walk on the stunning Franz Josef Glacier, offering unique ice formations. Relax in glacier hot pools after your adventure, a perfect way to unwind.
Bay Of Islands
Natural feature
4.7
Discover a stunning marine playground perfect for sailing and dolphin spotting. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds to delve into New Zealand's rich cultural heritage.
Roys Peak
Natural feature
4.8
Embark on an iconic hike that rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. The famous viewpoint is a must-capture photo spot.
Lake Tekapo
Place
Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, set against the stunning turquoise lake. Enjoy unparalleled stargazing opportunities from this International Dark Sky Reserve.
Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Natural feature
4.8
Embark on a fiord cruise to witness dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and Mitre Peak. Keep an eye out for seals, penguins, and dolphins, often seen in its tranquil waters.
Nugget Point Lighthouse
Landmark
4.8
Visit this iconic lighthouse perched on a dramatic headland, offering breathtaking coastal views and unique rock formations resembling gold nuggets. It's an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, including seals and sea lions.
That Wānaka tree
Place
4.5
Capture an iconic photograph of this solitary willow tree standing in the waters of Lake Wanaka. Its unique charm makes it a popular subject for photographers and a tranquil spot to observe the lake.
Tasman Glacier
Natural feature
4.7
Witness New Zealand's longest glacier, often featuring impressive icebergs floating in its terminal lake. Take a boat tour on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake for a unique perspective on the ice formations.
Picton
Place
Embark on a Marlborough Sounds cruise, exploring secluded coves and abundant wildlife. Hike a section of the Queen Charlotte Track for stunning coastal panoramas.
Cape Reinga Lighthouse
Landmark
4.8
Visit this iconic lighthouse, perched at the northernmost tip of the North Island, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. It's a place of immense spiritual significance for Māori.
Ninety Mile Beach
Beach
4.5
Drive along this vast stretch of sand, officially a public highway, offering stunning coastal scenery and dramatic sunsets. Experience the thrill of sandboarding down massive dunes at Te Paki Stream.
Truman Track
Hiking area
4.9
Enjoy an easy, picturesque walk through native forest to a secluded beach with fascinating rock formations and caves. It's a less crowded alternative for experiencing the stunning West Coast scenery.
Stewart Island / Rakiura
Natural feature
4.6
Embark on a kiwi spotting night walk for a chance to see New Zealand's national bird in the wild. Explore Ulva Island, a predator-free bird sanctuary offering incredible native birdlife.
Baldwin Street
Place
Conquer the world's steepest residential street, a fun challenge for visitors to walk or even run up. It's a quirky and memorable photo opportunity, showcasing Dunedin's unique character.
McLean Falls
Landmark
4.8
Hike through lush native forest to reach these multi-tiered waterfalls, one of the most impressive in The Catlins. The short, scenic walk itself is enchanting, leading to a powerful and picturesque cascade.
Huka Falls
Place
4.8
Witness the sheer power of nature as 220,000 litres of water per second thunder over an 11-meter high waterfall. Various viewing platforms offer fantastic photo opportunities, or take a jet boat for a closer look.
Queen Charlotte Track
Place
Hike or bike sections of this spectacular coastal track, offering incredible views over Queen Charlotte Sound. Water taxis provide easy access to different points along the track for various day trip options.
Punakaiki
Place
Marvel at the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, a unique geological formation. Hike the Truman Track through lush native forest to a secluded beach with caves and rock pools.
Ulva Island
Natural feature
4.8
Step into a pristine, predator-free bird sanctuary accessible by water taxi, teeming with rare native New Zealand birds. Enjoy easy walking tracks and incredible bird song in this untouched natural paradise.
Royal Albatross Centre
Park
4.4
Witness the world's only mainland colony of Royal Albatrosses in their natural habitat, observing these magnificent birds up close. The center provides insightful commentary and viewing platforms.
Whangārei Falls
Natural feature
4.8
Witness these beautiful, cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush native bush, an easily accessible and picturesque natural wonder. Enjoy a short loop walk around the falls for various viewpoints.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Historical landmark
4.7
Delve into the foundational history of New Zealand at this significant cultural site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Explore historic buildings, a traditional Māori meeting house, and a ceremonial waka.
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Place
Hike the Hooker Valley Track for breathtaking views of glaciers, rivers, and Mount Cook itself. Witness the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's largest, from various viewpoints or on a boat trip.
Kaiteriteri Beach
Place
4.8
Relax on the golden sands of this beautiful beach, a popular gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Its calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Hooker Valley Track
Place
Hike this relatively easy yet incredibly rewarding track, leading to an iceberg-filled glacial lake at the foot of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Cross suspension bridges and enjoy stunning alpine scenery.
The Catlins
Place
Discover Nugget Point Lighthouse, offering stunning coastal views and wildlife spotting. Explore the ancient petrified forest at Curio Bay and spot rare Yellow-Eyed Penguins at dusk.
Mitre Peak
Natural feature
4.9
Gaze upon the iconic Mitre Peak, a towering mountain rising dramatically from Milford Sound's depths. It's one of the most photographed mountains in New Zealand, offering incredible photo opportunities.
Whakapapa Village
Place
Discover this charming alpine village, serving as a gateway to adventures in Tongariro National Park. It's a great base for hiking, skiing, and exploring the diverse volcanic terrain.
Cape Reinga
Place
Witness the dramatic confluence of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. Explore the historic lighthouse and take part in sandboarding down Te Paki Sand Dunes for an exhilarating experience.
Nelson
Place
Explore the pristine golden sands and crystal-clear waters of Kaiteriteri Beach. Discover local artistry and unique crafts within Nelson's vibrant art galleries.
Mirror Lakes
Lake
4.5
Take a short, easy boardwalk stroll to these small lakes that, on a calm day, perfectly reflect the surrounding Earl Mountains. It's a serene and picturesque stop on the Milford Road.
Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
Swimming pool
4.3
Relax and unwind in naturally heated thermal pools nestled amongst native rainforest, a perfect way to soothe tired muscles after glacier adventures. Enjoy the serene ambiance under the canopy of trees.
Cathedral Square
Place
Visit the vibrant heart of Christchurch, where the iconic Cathedral stands as a symbol of resilience. Explore the surrounding public spaces and observe the city's regeneration.
Craters of the Moon
Landmark
4.3
Wander through a fascinating geothermal wonderland with boardwalks over steaming vents and craters. The landscape feels truly otherworldly, offering a unique glimpse into volcanic activity.
Tongariro
Place
Tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the world's best day hikes, offering volcanic landscapes. Discover the cultural significance of Whakapapa Village and Mount Ruapehu.
Cardrona
Place
Visit the historic Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand's oldest and most photographed hotels. In winter, hit the slopes at Cardrona Alpine Resort for excellent skiing and snowboarding.
Puzzling World
Amusement center
4.5
Challenge your mind with a quirky collection of illusions and puzzles, featuring the Great Maze and the Tilted House. It's a fun and interactive experience for all ages, guaranteed to make you question reality.
Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk
Place
Marvel at these incredible stratified limestone formations, resembling giant stacks of pancakes, especially at high tide when blowholes blast seawater skyward. The scenic walk offers dramatic coastal views.
Arty Nelson Gallery
Art gallery
5.0
Explore Nelson's vibrant arts scene, visiting numerous galleries showcasing local and national artists. The city is known for its creative community and unique artisan crafts.
Curio Bay Cliffs
Landmark
4.7
Walk among a 180-million-year-old petrified forest, visible at low tide, showcasing ancient tree stumps. In the late afternoon, observe rare Yellow-Eyed Penguins returning to shore, a truly special wildlife encounter.
Barnes Wild Bluff Oysters
Farm
4.4
Indulge in these world-renowned, subtly sweet, and intensely flavorful oysters, a true delicacy unique to New Zealand. Visit during the oyster season (March to August) for the freshest experience.
Whangarei Marinas - Town Basin and Okara
Marina
4.6
Stroll along the lively waterfront, bustling with cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and craft shops. It's a vibrant hub to enjoy a meal, watch the boats, and soak in the local atmosphere.
A. H. Reed Memorial Kauri Park
Hiking area
4.7
Walk among magnificent ancient kauri trees on an elevated boardwalk, offering an immersive experience without disturbing the delicate ecosystem. Witness these majestic giants, some over 500 years old.
Mission House
Historical landmark
4.9
Visit New Zealand's oldest standing building, offering a fascinating glimpse into early colonial life and missionary history. The gardens are beautifully maintained, providing a serene backdrop.
Russell Museum
Museum
4.4
Step back in time in New Zealand's first capital, a charming historic village filled with colonial buildings and maritime heritage. Enjoy waterfront dining and explore the oldest church in New Zealand.
Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa)
Landmark
4.7
Admire these picturesque waterfalls, famous for the rainbows often visible in their mist on sunny days. Multiple viewing platforms offer different perspectives, and it's easily accessible via a short walk.
The Stone Store
Historical landmark
4.5
Explore New Zealand's oldest stone building, originally a storehouse for the mission station. Today, it functions as a museum and gift shop, offering a tangible link to early European settlement.