Top Destinations
Home / Top Destinations
Tucked beneath the Southern Alps in the Otago region of the South Island, Lake Wanaka is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts and peace-seekers alike. The lake’s glassy waters reflect snow-capped peaks, creating an almost surreal landscape. Whether you’re kayaking at sunrise, hiking the famous Roy’s Peak Track for enchanting views, or simply enjoying a lakeside picnic, Wanaka offers something for every traveler.
The town itself is charming and relaxed, filled with art galleries, local cafés, and a welcoming community spirit. In winter, Wanaka transforms into a snow sports hub with access to Treble Cone and Cardrona Alpine Resort. And don’t forget to snap a photo of the iconic lone willow tree, famously known as ThatWanakaTree.
Towering in the heart of the North Island, Mount Ruapehu is not just a volcano - it's a full-scale adventure zone. Part of the UNESCO-listed Tongariro National Park, Ruapehu is one of New Zealand’s most active volcanoes and home to the country’s largest ski fields.
In winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to Whakapapa and Turoa, while summer months bring hikers who tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often rated as one of the world’s best day hikes. The landscape is dramatic and cinematic, fitting, considering the park’s role as Mordor in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Mount Ruapehu also holds spiritual significance to Māori communities, so exploring with respect and awareness adds a deeper dimension to your visit.
Craving a blend of rugged coastlines, ancient forests, and hidden caves? Tucked away on the wild West Coast of the South Island, Paparoa National Park is the perfect destination for those seeking raw natural beauty. This lesser-known gem packs a serious punch when it comes to diverse natural attractions.
Most famous are the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, limestone formations that resemble stacked pancakes and are best viewed when the tide sends geyser-like bursts through the blowholes. But that’s just the beginning. Venture inland and you’ll find lush rainforest, dramatic cliffs, and even the Paparoa Track - New Zealand’s 10th Great Walk - which offers sweeping views of the Tasman Sea and alpine landscapes. It’s a place where nature feels unspoiled, and every turn reveals something raw and real.
Just north of Lake Taupō in the North Island, Huka Falls is a jaw-dropping display of nature’s raw energy. Here, the mighty Waikato River, normally 100 meters wide, is squeezed into a narrow 15-meter gorge, forcing over 220,000 liters of water per second through - and down - a dramatic 11-meter drop.
The result is a thunderous, turquoise-blue torrent that roars with intensity and captivates every visitor. Walkways and viewing platforms offer fantastic photo opportunities, and for the thrill-seekers, jet boat tours get you up close and personal with the spray. Easily accessible and a quick stop from Taupō, Huka Falls makes for a short yet powerful experience you’ll never forget.
If there’s one place in New Zealand that leaves visitors utterly speechless, it’s Milford Sound. Located in the remote southwest of the South Island, this UNESCO World Heritage site is often called the "eighth wonder of the world" - and for good reason. Towering cliffs draped in waterfalls rise straight from the sea. Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed mountains in the country, pierces the sky dramatically.
You can explore Milford Sound by boat, kayak, or scenic flight - each offers its own perspective of this natural wonder. Rainy days here are surprisingly magical; the sheer cliffs become cascades of temporary waterfalls. Watch out for fur seals, dolphins, and the rare Fiordland crested penguins as you cruise through this majestic fjord.
Milford Sound may be the crown jewel, but Fiordland National Park as a whole is New Zealand’s wilderness at its most raw and awe-inspiring. Spanning over 12,000 square kilometers, it's the largest national park in the country and a hiker’s paradise. Fiordland is home to some of the country’s most significant Great Walks, including the Milford Track, Kepler Track, and Routeburn Track - all offering multi-day trekking experiences through untouched alpine terrain, ancient forests, and river valleys.
You’ll encounter moss-draped beech trees, mirror-like lakes, and valleys that echo with birdsong. It's a place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature on its terms. For those less inclined to hike, scenic flights and lake cruises offer more accessible yet equally stunning experiences.
From the alpine serenity of Lake Wanaka to the dramatic wilderness of Fiordland National Park, New Zealand offers an extraordinary range of landscapes and experiences. Whether you're chasing waterfalls at Huka Falls, hiking volcanic trails around Mount Ruapehu, or exploring coastal cliffs in Paparoa National Park, each destination brings its magic. And with the awe-inspiring beauty of Milford Sound as a highlight, these top spots promise a journey that’s as diverse as it is unforgettable.