The most beautiful natural sites to discover New Zealand

Like many other places in New Zealand, Te Anau has its glowworm caves, which can be visited with Real NZ, one of New Zealand's largest tour operators. The 12,000 year old caves in Te Anau are filled with glowworms which are quite spectacular and worth a visit if you are visiting the area. The tour lasts just over two hours (2:15) and includes a boat ride to Cavern House Cave and a boat ride across Lake Te Anau.

Between Wairakei and Taupo, these falls attract visitors. They are crossed by a footbridge from where the view is fantastic, with the Waikato River below which plunges into a narrow hole of 24 m deep! A little further, a lookout allows you to see Huka Falls from another angle. There is a hiking path from the centre of Taupo, taking 45 minutes. 

This forest has many endemic plants in New Zealand and many walks are possible to discover it. From 5 minutes to more than 6 hours round-trip, there are for all tastes. The site is also very popular with cyclists.

Beautiful walks await walkers along the river or on the beach. At sunset, brightness guarantees extraordinary photos. An impressive amount of float wood lies on the beach.

Located about 30 km south of the town of Hokitika, the gorge of the same name was carved half a million years ago by glacial movements. The place is famous for its turquoise blue waters due to the "glacial flour". From the parking lot, a short walk awaits you reaching a suspension bridge from where the view of the gorge is superb. This forms a two kilometer loop that you can easily complete in one hour. When the weather is good, the color of the water is a sublime blue-green.

Despite its name, this beach is not more than 56 miles away, about 90 km from Ahipara to Cape Reinga on the west coast. It is therefore an error of measurement that was made, since it would have been more accurate to call it «90 km Beach». This correction, however, remains one of the most incredible and beautiful parts of the country, especially since no construction has been detrimental to its immense beauty. It is technically accessible to traffic and vehicles, which can drive on its sand as on a normal road, but it is very strongly discouraged to do so, especially if it is a rental. Only tours of the towers for Cape Reinga are able to venture there, as well as those with their 4 x 4. There are several small routes that can be transported there, before you can explore it on foot by having discovered the tides. At its north end, the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes are famous for offering beautiful slips to people with a beach board. It is sometimes possible to rent them on site but the information centre in Kaitaia offers the same service for much cheaper. Only concern, they are difficult to access by car and, once again, the bus buses are the most likely to go there.

If you want to go for a walk, the Rainbow Falls are very pleasant for swimming (it takes about three quarters of an hour to walk from the center of Kerikeri). From the parking lot (access by car from Waipapa Road), Rainbow Falls is a few minutes away and Whakapore Falls a good ten minutes. On the way, you can stop at three observation platforms. For swimming, the Fairy Pools are natural pools filled with fresh water.

Whanganui-A-Hei Marine reserve has recently been established and encompasses the area from Cathedral Cove to Cook Bluff. From Hahei beach, 5 minutes from the parking lot, the Gemstone Bay submarine trail makes it possible to familiarize itself with the environment through a four-buoys route with information panels. Beware, in winter there is only one buoy, others are in maintenance and shelter from storms. In the underwater reserve, life is abundant and many snappers come in curious, lobsters are planquent under the rocks and it is even possible to cross impressive eagles!

These are natural canyons of limestone through which we walk. Take at least one hour's walk. If you are really pressed, a map indicates the way to go…

In addition to being a pleasant green promenade, Marine Parade Garden houses the statue of Pania of the Reef, Floral Clock (floral clock) and Tom Parker Fountain.

The offer «Waitomo Glowworm Cellars and Ruakuri Cave» makes it possible to observe thousands of verses in the dark. The cave of Waitomo with the appearance of an underground cathedral formed by erosion is a highlight of the excursion. Take 2 hours for the visit. For the most adventurous, don't hesitate to try the various formulas of Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, an underground rafting experience with a guide!

Located at the foot of the Skyline Gondola, what was once an unofficial dump site is now a two-hectare sanctuary that you can visit in an hour or more and discover its various feathered residents, including the famous kiwis. For forty years, the Kiwi And Birdlife Park has also been helping to release specimens back into the wild. In addition to the bird species, the famous tuatara lizard and bees can also be seen. A souvenir store and a café are available in the park.

We have been coming here since 1992 to observe the Oamaru Blue Penguins by day, by night, or both, in their natural environment. If we are lucky, we can also come during the nesting period of the smallest penguins in the world. You can observe these marvels from a specially designed platform. Every evening, the center offers you to contemplate them returning home after their day of fishing at sea. All this is accompanied by comments from the guides.

Te Puia is one of the region's Māori cultural centers, and undoubtedly the best option for the traveler in a hurry who wants to get a taste of all Rotorua has to offer: a walk through a geothermal valley, observation of the famous Pōhutu geyser, traditional cuisine, discovery of the Māori way of life, dance and haka performances, and presentation of traditional crafts at the Māori Arts and Crafts Centre.

The icing on the cake: Te Puia is also a conservation center for kiwis, so you can observe some of these birds in a specially adapted enclosure.

A popular destination for nature lovers, Rakiura National Park was established on Stewart Island in March 2002. It is the fourteenth of New Zealand's national parks. Covering 165,000 hectares, it covers no less than 90% of the island and is home to the rare Brown Kiwi. Despite the introduced predators, one can enjoy lush forests composed of rimu, kamahi and giant ferns. Birds are plentiful and nearly 50 different species are present, including cormorants, white herons, wekas, wood pigeons, kakas, fantails, tuis, robins, etc. Not to mention the blue penguin and marine mammals, such as fur seals and dolphins (especially Hector's dolphin). With its fine sandy beaches and wide sand dunes, Rakiura is a paradise that begs to be explored thanks to its 280 kilometers of trails designed for the joy of hikers. Indeed, the park's hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding nature, including dense forests, wild coastlines and secluded beaches like Mason Bay where you are more likely to see kiwis. Without going for the big ten-day hike, the great walk Rakiura track is accessible to all travelers over three days (even one day if you have the courage). The surrounding waters also offer fishing, kayaking, and whale and dolphin watching opportunities. This national park offers an unforgettable travel experience.

The Haast Pass is a beautiful pass that you will have to cross on this privileged route. At 563 meters above sea level, it is located in the Mount Aspiring National Park and was used by the Maoris who went to the west coast to find jade. Surrounded by high peaks but rarely covered by snow, it is usually accessible in winter. You should take the time to admire the magnificent landscapes that this route offers and many stops are planned for this purpose. The waterfalls and green forests are particularly impressive.

In a reserve of 364 ha crossed by several hiking trails, there are hot water, cold water and spa pools. Ideal for relaxing in nature.

A beautiful forest to explore on foot, mountain bike or horseback, for a picnic or simply for pleasure. Not to be missed is the Redwoods Treewalk, a 12 m-high walk on bridges suspended between majestic redwoods. It's a great way to see the forest from a different angle. There's also a "Nightlights" option, where the forest and ferns are illuminated by 30 suspended lanterns. An experience that adds to the magic of the place!

With its thermal and thermal pools, it is the major activity of the city.

Hot thermal water pools, perfect for relaxing. These sources are part of the Sapphire Springs Holiday Park and water is at 40 ° C, without adding chemicals.

Hot waters in hot pools are salted.

Visitors cannot go to Tauranga without taking the time to relax in hot water pools and private spas, with massages. On 2 hectares in bush.

It is possible to rent one of the two sources-fed private swimming pools from the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel.

90 minutes visit between limestone, stalactites, stalagmites and vers secretions over 1 km long. You can stop at coffee after the visit for a snack in a particularly pleasant decor in the beautiful season.

The location allows you to enjoy a relaxing bath in naturally warm thermal waters from 35 to 40 ° C depending on the bath.

The stadium of the Hawke's Bay region owes its name to the eponymous family who left part of its land to build the ground at the beginning of the th century. If this is the Den den, the enclosure also hosts cricket matches. She will also receive games from the Cricket World Cup in 2015.

The Maori name of Doubtless Bay is Opoe. The bay was probably named Doubtless by Captain James Cook in 1769. The latter, who could not enter, would have remained in uncertainty about his character. At the same time, a Frenchman, Jean-François Marie de Surville, anchored the bay. Much less tourist than Bay of Islands, it is just as beautiful, if not more. It is intact, wild and certainly much calmer.

Fifty kilometers north of Whangarei, divers from all over the world travel to the Poor Knights Islands(Tawhiti Rahi) to explore an extraordinary marine reserve. Ranked as one of the ten most beautiful dive sites in the world by Jean-Jacques Cousteau, this is an exceptional spot. Embark on a day of diving or snorkeling from the port of Tutukākā. You're guaranteed a great day out, combining the diving itself with the spectacle of Mother Nature (sea caves, natural arches, vegetation wall).

The surroundings of Whangarei offer superb scenery, including along the coast at Sandy Bay, stroll to Matapouri and Whale Bay) beautiful white sandy beaches await only a towel and a ball to offer the best of themselves.

A beautiful and preserved place. Beaches, cliffs, bush and greenery offer a place for hiking.

Hidden behind volcanic sand dunes, this almost deserted beach is a spot with many attractions. Its rollers are very popular with surfers and the stream coming from the lake ends up here, which makes it an ideal swimming spot for families. The beach is easily recognizable thanks to the first-aid post planted in the sand in the middle of the beach. Don't miss the cave on the right side of the beach (facing the sea). Te Henga hike (6h round trip).

It is here, about 30 kilometers from Auckland, that we find the famous beach of the 1993 movie The Piano Lesson, as well as a beautiful waterfall. Some scenes from Xena the Warrior were also filmed thereand there are several small romantic spots. If you look hard enough, you will find the commemorative plaque in memory of the lifeguards who left to fight in Europe during the Second World War. Beware of the currents, which are quite strong, and the waves, which are only for experienced surfers.

An ancient volcano turned into a 3,400-hectare protected reserve where New Zealand's endemic flora and fauna can flourish without predators. 48 km of fences make the area a veritable sanctuary. At 28 km from Te Awamutu, the entrance to the southern slopes is marked by a visitor center and the start of hiking trails. Species that live here and can be encountered include kaka, hihi, takahe, giant weta, popokatea, kiwi and tuatara.

Twenty-five minutes south of Waitomo Village and a bit more off the beaten path, Down to Earth offers intimate tours (maximum eight people per group), from two to eight people and lasting a total of three hours, with two hours underground. A good physical condition is required due to the nature of the terrain, but the experience is unique. Children are not accepted, only teenagers from 13 years old.

Te Toto Gorge, south of Raglan, offers exceptional views of the west coast. From the parking lot, where you can leave your vehicle, a small path leads to an observation platform. This is also the starting point for those wishing to reach Mount Karioi. Before reaching this magnificent viewpoint, stop off at Manu Bay and Whale Bay to watch the surfers for a few minutes. If you've got a stove, why not make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and settle down comfortably on a bench or your camping chair.

Bridal Veil Falls is a 55 meter waterfall just past Te Mata. It is about a twenty minute walk round trip to the top of the waterfall where there are two viewing platforms. This part is wheelchair accessible. If you want to continue to the base of the waterfall, allow another fifteen minutes and tackle the 261 steps. It is well worth the effort. Both views (top and bottom) are magnificent.

This is one of the most popular islands in the Bay of Islands. It has everything you need to have a great time: beautiful beaches, amazing wildlife, beautiful views, picnic areas, cafes, restaurants and three DOC-run campsites to camp in. A DOC reception is available at Otehei Bay during the high season. This island is pest free. You will need to check and clean your gear (especially shoes) to make sure you don't bring any pests with you from the mainland.

Deepwater Cove is a beautiful small cove, accessible by the Cape Brett Walk (1 hour round trip).

A nice walk down to the beach, accessing beautiful dunes occupied by sea lions.

Accessible by private boat, this island is not very touristy. It is a reserve managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). The white sand beaches are superb. There are also several hiking trails that allow you to visit the island and the remains of Maori dwellings. When accessing this island, it is more than important to check and clean your belongings in order not to bring back any parasites, essences or undesirable species (soil, seeds, insects).

It is here that the only continental colony of albatrosses in the southern hemisphere nests. The right of access is not free. However, if you are lucky, the albatrosses are visible on windy days. You will have to push the doors of the center to observe nesting and courtship. It is a magnificent viewpoint for little blue penguins, cormorants, royal spoonbills, red-billed gulls, petrels, shearwaters! No less than 10,000 seabirds have taken up residence here. Most of them are only tenants half of the year. Binoculars recommended!

A beautiful 40-minute walk on a hill giving a panoramic view of the entire peninsula and the surrounding islets. This mini trek is not very well known but is worth a visit.

Chasm/Lover's Leap loop is a pretty one-hour loop on a hill with a beautiful view of the surroundings, through sheep fields. Two beautiful views of the cliffs: The Chasm and Lover's Leap. For adventurers, a gentle path leads to Sandfly Bay through the dunes.

Less popular than Taupo, many hiking trails are accessible from Kinloch, around Lake Taupo. An ideal leisure base for water sports.

The park offers seven hiking trails of varying difficulty, from 1.3 to 5.5 km. Each route is a different loop that can be done in either direction. Two of them climb to the summit, from where you'll have a superb view of the bay, from Mahia to Cape Kidnappers. For the less courageous, you can drive up. If the sky's in the mood, plan your ascent for sunset - the spot lends itself particularly well to this! The park also offers a number of mountain bike trails and geocaching challenges.

It's a 45-minute walk to the summit. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with plenty of stairs to test your calves! From up here, the view of the city and its bay is spectacular. On the other side of the slope, there's a magnificent view of the wind farm populating the nearby hills. On a clear day, you can even see the South Island across the Cook Strait. Mount Kaukau is VERY exposed to the wind, so if it's blowing down below, expect to be seriously tousled at the top.

Situated 48 km off the coast, the 325-hectare island is Whakatane's main attraction. Its famous andesite stratovolcano, Whakaari, is one of the most active in New Zealand. The island is just the tip of a much larger underwater volcano. Legend has it that it first appeared when the priest Ngatoroirangi summoned fire from the land of his ancestors to warm his frozen limbs when he was lost on Mount Tongariro. In its path, the fire pierced the earth's surface and created White Island. In 1883, a factory was built at Tauranga to transform sulfur into sulfuric acid. Mining ceased in 1934, but its remains are still visible. Today, the island is a reserve that can only be visited by air, and since December 9, 2019, without landing for safety reasons.

December 9, 2019: it's easy to think that the country isn't as dangerous as it seems, and to take advantage of volcanic hazards without worrying about them. On this day, however, no one would have imagined the unthinkable. It was 2.11pm when Whakaari erupted. Just under 50 people were on the island at the time (the official announcement was 47 people, 2 missing). The phreatic eruption released steam and gas at extreme temperatures. The toll is very heavy: 22 people lose their lives, 2 are not found, 25 seriously injured.

See The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari, a documentary directed by Rory Kennedy in 2022.

A small road leads you to the outskirts of this park, unfortunately no walking path to prolong the show but the detour are worth the same. The mountains and colours of the lake make it one of the most beautiful in the country. In summer, several activities are organized by the Lake Mahinapua Yacht Club.

Not far from Owaka, 200 m from the sea, is the Jack's Blowhole, a 55 m deep cave which, when the sea is strong, pulls water like a geyser.

Penguin Place is a private reserve connected to Penguin Place Lodge that is dedicated to the preservation and protection of yellow-eyed penguins (habitat restoration, research, care, rehabilitation, predator control). Also known as the antipodean penguin, it is the rarest penguin in the world. This sanctuary has become a must for those who enjoy the company of these penguins. You will discover their life thanks to competent guides and especially passionate about these animals. The 90 minute visit includes only small groups of fifteen people.