New Zealand is a dream holiday destination packing a huge punch into a small space with its amazing beaches, spectacular waterfalls, magnificent mountains, cosmopolitan cities, adrenaline pumping adventures, and a jaw-dropping coastline. Here are 22 exquisite destinations you don’t want to miss.

1. Aoraki — Mount Cook National Park

Aoraki/Mount Cook — The views from every angle are simply beautiful.

2. Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo — The color of the water here is simply beautiful.

3. Piha Beach

Piha Beach — Popular among surfers, landscape photographers

4. Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga — Beautiful seascapes and beaches and lovely mixed colored vegetation

5. Milford Sound

Milford Sound — Blessed with a blue sky and windless conditions

6. Coromandel Peninsula

Beautiful gems such as Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach are additional bonuses

7. Mount Taranaki

Mount Taranaki Also known as Mount Egmont served as the iconic mountain in the Tom Cruise film The Last Samurai.

8. Wanaka

Lake Wanaka — Incredible lake and alpine features make Wanaka a much-loved getaway

9. Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park is highly desirable spots for camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming

10. The Hobbiton Movie Set

The Hobbiton Movie Set offering an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating the famous film set as seen in The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies

11. Moeraki

Unusual spherical rocks on a beach that are worth a view for visiting Moeraki Boulders

12. Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park holds dual UNESCO World Heritage Status. It is the home of three active volcanoes.

13. Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs, and its world-famous coast track

14. Christchurch

Christchurch abounds with arts, adventure, and optimism

15. Queenstown

Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is one of the most beautiful scenic areas. Enjoy the activities — boating, kayaking, parasailing.

16. Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island — A haven of beautiful beaches, gastronomical treasures and small wineries.

17. Hokitika Gorge

Hokitika Gorge — A magnificent green/blue waters of the Hokitika River.

18. Waitomo Caves

Waitomo Caves occupy a high place in the New Zealand vacation wish-list.

19. Franz Josef Glacier

Experience the ultimate glacier adventure at Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

20. Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua

Wai-O-Tapu has attracted visitors with its geysers and hot pools located just outside of Rotorua

21. Kaikoura

Kaikōura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds — it’s also a great place to eat crayfish

22. Auckland

Auckland — A vibrant and diverse place where nature and urban lifestyle go ashore, together with more than 50 islands, volcanic cones, long coastline, and beaches only minutes away.

What is The Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

December, January, and February (New Zealand’s summertime) are the best time to travel. Average temperatures are between 20 and 30 degrees (°C). The autumn months of March through May are great times to book trips to New Zealand.

The temperatures are slightly cooler than summer, but the weather can still be excellent and this is the time of year for beautiful autumn foliage.

What is the Cheapest Month to Fly to New Zealand?

During July and August and visitors can likely find cheap flights to New Zealand during this time. Average winter temperatures are 10–15 degrees (°C).

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New Zealand has always been a dream destination for many and rated as one of the must-visit tourist destinations. Here we have explored the 10 best places you must visit in New Zealand.