5 Epic Places To Visit In New Zealand (2024)

The vibrant and dream destination for globetrotters, New Zealand, was the backdrop for the legendary “Lord of the Rings” movie and for all the right reasons. From cascading waterfalls and hot water springs to untamed wilderness, this magnificent country is the perfect destination to feed your wanderlust.

There is no dearth of tourist attractions in New Zealand, so narrowing in on a few could seem like a daunting task. That is why we have curated this list of the top 5 things to do during your stay in the land of great contrasts and diversity.

Top 5 Places To Visit In New Zealand – Unleash The Traveler Within

Want to make the most of your visit to New Zealand without burning a hole in your pocket? Check out our list of the top 5 tourist attractions for an unforgettable travel experience.

1. Bay Of Islands

This subtropical micro-region is a haven for beach lovers. If you are someone who fancies yachts and sailing boats, then this place is undeniably your best bet. It comprises 144 islands and boasts an abundant marine life including dolphins, whales, penguins, etc. Fishing and kayaking along the coast are popular among tourists.

How To Reach: You can take a flight from Auckland airport to Bay of Island airport, which is also dubbed as Kerikeri airport. You can also cover the 193 km stretch from Auckland to Bay of Island via road. It is well connected with intercity buses and taxis.

Best Time To Visit: Feb – March

2. Rotorua

This dramatic topography is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire. It is a haven for geothermal tourist attractions that also hosts the vibrant maori culture. When visiting Rotorua, you can take a tour of the well-loved filming locations for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The duration of the tour is 2 hours and it covers the film sets of the Hobbit House, Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill. The place has a scenic backdrop with steaming geysers, boiling mud pools, volcanic craters and relaxing thermal springs.

How To Reach: Hop onto an intercity bus or cab from Wellington airport which is 450km from Rotorua. You can also opt for coaches, shuttles and taxis from Auckland which is 2.5 hours from Rotorua.

Best Time To Visit: November – April

3. White Island

This place has the most active volcano in the whole of New Zealand. The island is the result of continuous volcanic activity over the past 150,000 years. The mainland towns of Whakatane and Tauranga are situated near the island. You can take a helicopter ride and enjoy the scenic view of the White Island. You will be required to put on gas masks and hard hats since the area is comprised of active volcanoes.

How To Reach: You can opt for a 30-minute flight from Tauranga airport or Whakhatane airport. Also, you can reach White Island by car rides from Auckland, Tauranga, and Hamilton.

Best Time To Visit: September – April

4. Milford Sound

The ultimate destination for nature lovers, this remote fiord is situated within the Fiordland National Park in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. The place bustles with natural wonders like cascading waterfalls, towering Mitre Peak and jaw-dropping lush native rainforests. To get a bird’s eye view of Milford Sound, one can take the scenic flight from Queenstown and savour the the breathtaking views of Lady Bowen Falls. This 4-hour long ride above Lake Wakatipu and the Dart River valley encompassing glacier-fed rivers is a treat to watch.

How To Reach: Take a flight from Queenstown airport ora cab/bus from Queenstown. The route via road takes 5 hours.

Best Time To Visit: June- Aug

5. Waitomo Glowworm Cavesa

This spellbound tourist attraction can literally leave your spellbound. It is illuminated by thousands of glowworms which belong to the Arachnocampa luminosa species. There are three caves that constitute the entire network. You can meander in silence and gaze at the myriad of glowworms by taking a boat ride and delve deep into the science and history behind the entire phenomenon. The place also hosts an extensive underground river ecosystem. The caves are must visit for your next trip to New Zealand as they are sight to behold.

How To Reach: You can take a flight from Auckland or take a bus for a 2-hour journey from Auckland to Waitomo caves.

Best Time To Visit: Nov- April