The most beautiful natural sites to discover New Zealand

The Whanganui River is the second longest in the North Island, and has the longest navigable course in New Zealand. It is often referred to as the "Rhine of New Zealand" or the "Mississippi of the North Island". Easily accessible, it was soon used by the Maori people and then exploited by European settlers. In 1891, in recognition of its scenic value, the Whanganui River Trust was set up to preserve the river. Its source is near Mount Tongariro, but it is also fed by the melted snow of the majestic Mount Ruapehu. Its waters travel 290 km and flow into 239 rapids before returning to the Tasman Sea. Māori legend has it that Taranaki and Tongariro, once living side by side, fought for the favors of the beautiful Pihanga (another volcanic peak between Tongariro and Taupo). At the end of the battle between the two mountains, Pihanga decided to stay close to Tongariro. Taranaki, enraged and saddened, headed west. On his way towards the setting sun, he left a deep wound in the earth. The next day, a spring of fresh water gushed out of Tongariro and flowed along the wound left by Taranaki in his frantic race to the coast. This formed the Whanganui river and nurtured a lush forest along this new valley.

Some Māori were afraid to live between the two mountains, for fear that Taranaki would one day decide to head back inland to resume his battle with Tongariro.

The lake, and its winter garden, is a wonderful place to relax. at dusk a trail is illuminated.

Set in the hills 30 minutes from Motueka, Ngarua Cave is an interesting stop-off point for discovering a cave with beautiful limestone formations. The three-quarter-hour visit reveals a wealth of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, and even a moa skeleton! The view over Tasman Bay and the surrounding karst landscape is sublime. You can stay in the small café for a pleasant break. There's also a souvenir store with items made by local artists.

The Spellbound company welcomes small groups of twelve people or less to explore two caves in Waitomo. The first is by boat and the other by foot, lasting over three hours. Throughout the exploration and initial shuttle ride, commentary is provided to enlighten visitors on the incredible natural beauty of the area. Hot drinks and cookies are also included in the ticket price.

Towards Cape Reinga a road on the left leads to the «Te Paki Recreation Reserve». This reserve offers one of the most intact and diverse ecosystems across the country. This is also where you find the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes, renowned for their dunes through which we walk. For those who want to try surf on sand, it is possible to rent them on site but Kaitaia's information center proposes to rent them for much cheaper.

From Kawhia, driving west to the coast, after passing through the Tainui Kawhia Forest along Te Puia Road, the road arrives at Te Puia Ocean Beach. From the parking lot, a two-minute walk leads to large black sand dunes. At low tide on the beach, visitors can dig their own hot water pool (38°C). For those who don't have a shovel, it is always possible to borrow one from the amateurs present or to offer to give a hand.

The road is not paved, and you will have to take your time to make the trip from Raglan, but the scenery is worth it. Otherwise you can always go back to Hamilton and go to Kawhia by the SH31. Here is a town even more peaceful than Raglan. Maori tradition mentions that the Tanui canoe (coming from Hawaiiki) would have landed in this area. The port of Kawhia is located about 40 km south-east of Hamilton and is full of surprises such as its hot springs, located another 4 km south.

This long-distance hiking trail skirts the lake from the west and is one of New Zealand's eleven Great Walks. The landscape is varied, but the difficulty is not extreme, making it accessible to as many people as possible and practicable all year round.

Camping or hut accommodation must be booked before starting the walk. This can be done online, or by visiting the Te Urewera visitor center in Aniwaniwa, where you are strongly advised to find out about weather and trail conditions beforehand.

There are many walks along the lake (2-3 hours). From Ocean Beach, climb a mountain bike to Wainuiomata west of the Rimutaka Range. Other activities are possible: horse riding, jet boat, 4 x 4 or quad. This beautiful region - like its sunsets - remained natural, untouched. With a little time in front of you, you should not hesitate to go there for a few days.

Wairarapa Lake, a vast 70 km ² lake, flows into the Lake Onoke which is empty in Palliser Bay. It houses many wildlife species. Duck or swan can be hunted and sail there. Beautiful walks are also possible.

These caves glittering from luisants. Explorers will have to equip themselves with torches and good shoes.

Here the waves are excellent for surfing and just behind the hill, old Maori fortifications can be visualized.

Whanarua Bay is considered by many to be the most beautiful bay of the coast with its microclimate. It offers many nautical activities and beautiful walks. Visitors can admire waterfalls and see many of them vers. Just behind the bay, Kairangi Hill, a former Maori site, offers a beautiful view of the region.

Do not miss the beautiful beach of Torere. It is recommended that you do not bathe because of the strong currents. The church built for Ngaitai Tribe can visit. About 5 km further, it is the beach of Hawaii where swimming is excluded for the same reasons as in Totere.

These water sources are at the beginning of the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike. Ideal for those who want to see what this hike looks like without doing it entirely. The departure takes place from the Mangatepopo Car Park.

Around Turangi, in the vicinity of Tokaanu, you can see many hot springs. This region has strong geothermal and volcanic activity (geyser, Mud Pools…). In 1974, a hydroelectric station was built there. It is possible to stop to dip in water from 37 ° C to 41 ° C.

A picnic park, walk between basins, sculptures and botannique garden.

The Sugar Meatloaf Islands Marine park houses a pile of large rocks of several tens of metres, which are at sea, between 700 and 1 500 m off the coast. This 749-hectare reserve is a refuge for wildlife: sea, dolphins, whales, birds, fish… Many tour operators offer the tour, offering, moreover, the possibility of diving, fishing, sailing… Volcanoes also feature local attractions which some companies offer discovery.

This is the longest beach in New Zealand where Surfing is king! It is possible to travel, but it is essential to check the tides. Its safest section is located between Baylys Beach and Glings Gully. Again, car rental agencies do not allow vehicles to travel on the beach. The best thing is to go with a local guide. Information at I Site.

The Oparara basin is the starting point for a few trails, including that of the Limestone Arch (74 m), the highest arch in Autralasia. From the parking lot, the circuit is easy in 15 minutes.

A limestone cave that preserves the bones of some extinct bird species, such as the Moa or the Haast Eagle (the largest eagle in the world).

In addition to enjoying a beautiful sunset over the bay where the colors change every minute, trust the Pukekura Blue Penguins team to observe the world's smallest penguins, also called pygmy penguins (Kororā in Maori)! Before leaving to meet these local stars on Pilots Beach (Takiharuru in Maori), you will be treated to a very interesting history and geography lesson about New Zealand.

The Three sisters are two rocks (there have been up to 4 rocks, then 3) 25 m tall planted in the middle of the waves. You will need to turn to Pilot Road from SH 3 and access the beach where the sisters are located. Just next, another training called Elephant rock has the Shape, guess… an elephant!

One of the most scenic mini walks in the park. You only have to walk ten minutes through the forest, but that's enough time to take in its unique atmosphere. Dense and lush, alternately illuminated by light filtering through the canopy, or shrouded in a mystical mist, it feels like an enchanted forest. You're instantly under its spell and begging for more. To make matters worse, the walk leads to an 18 m high waterfall. A very pleasant appetizer before setting off to tackle the park's other trails.

From the parking at the end of the street, cross the field then the bridge. Here, entering the Waikato River, a source of hot water blends into the cold stream of the river. Ideal for bathing, completely free.

Along the road, some trails lead to small, refreshing waterfalls such as Barrs Falls and Purakaunui Falls.

Cannibal Bay was named after Dr. James Hector discovered human bones in the dunes. Today it's mostly a perfect spot for a lunch break.

Place of accommodation for some B & B, camping and backpackers, Surat bay has a huge white sand beach which often houses some sea lions that come here to take the sun and take a nap. Don't close too close, because these animals remain very fast on the ground.

Starting from Duntroon and the center, Vanished World is of archaeological interest. With full signage to guide independent tourists, it is an exciting self-guided tour with maps and explanations (booklet available at Vanished World). The most interesting sites are undoubtedly Elephant Rocks, where erosion has sculpted eloquent shapes in the limestone, and Earthquake, witness to a huge upheaval.

Whale Island (Moutohora) is smaller (143 hectares) and less well-known than its offshore neighbor, White Island (Whakaari). Moutohora rises to 353 meters and was formed by volcanic activity in the region. Its last eruption dates back to the Pleistocene (11,000 years ago). Since 1965, it has been an important nature reserve, renowned for its whale and dolphin watching. Only the following companies are authorized by the Department Of Conservation (DOC) to operate in the area: Prosail Yacht Charters, Ngāti Awa Tourism Ltd and Diveworks Charters.