New Zealand's breathtaking scenery includes cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, hot springs, steaming geysers, untamed wilderness, sparkling beaches, and magnificent glaciers. It's also a mecca for adrenaline-fueled sports owing to its impressive geography. The country's different accommodations range from modest bed-and-breakfast inns and eco-lodges to some of the world's most luxury hotels, making trips appealing to all. Let's look at some of the best places to visit on your trip:

1. Milford Sound and Fiordland Island 

Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects some of the country's most beautiful scenery. Milford Sound is surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, including Pembroke Glacier and Mitre Peak, flowing waterfalls, and deep rainforests, making it a natural wonderland. Many exotic wild and marine life species, such as fur seals, dolphins, and penguins, can be seen at Milford Sound. At the fiord, a variety of trips are available, including guided boat tours as per one's choice.

Photo by: laurie_winter

2. Bay of Islands

The stunning Bay of Islands is one of the country's most popular holiday spots. The bay is dotted with more than 144 islands, making it a sanctuary for sailing and yachting enthusiasts. Rustic settlements like Russell, Opua, Paihia, and Kerikeri are wonderful locations for exploring this picturesque bay, with a variety of eateries and cuisines to satisfy everyone's preferences. These fertile seas are home to penguins, dolphins, whales, and marlin, and the area is a popular sport-fishing getaway and a great place to observe these magnificent creatures go about their daily lives.

Photo by: eaglesnestnz

3. Queenstown

With loads to offer, this metropolis, which is also encircled by the beautiful Southern Alps, is located on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and offers a variety of tourist attractions and entertaining activities. You can participate in bungee jumping, skiing and snowboarding, fishing, cycling, cruising, mountain biking, air adventures, and many other sports. Queenstown provides all of the luxuries, including first-class hotels, spas, restaurants, galleries, and shops, in addition to adventure sports. It's also a wonderful starting point for tours to Central Otago, where visitors can view gold-mining towns and Middle Earth scenery from the popular Lord of the Rings films. All you need for a getaway is fun, tranquility, and relaxation, which Queenstown unquestionably provides.

Photo by: c.k. travels

4. Auckland

Auckland, often known as the "City of Sails," sprawls haphazardly between the Waitemata Harbour on the east and the Manukau Harbour on the west, with a compact central city center nestled against the canal. Beyond the lovely waves, Auckland's natural wonders abound. The list of attractions includes thermal springs, volcanic cones, jungles, and expansive parks. Unusual black and gold beaches provide the perfect setting for great shots of unforgettable memories.

Photo by: wonderlust.auckland

5. Rotorua

Rotorua is one of the world's most active geothermal zones, located on the turbulent Pacific Ring of Fire. Some of the most magnificent live Maori villages may be found in the city. The Rotorua Museum is noted for its age-old attractive treasures, while Waimangu Volcanic Valley is known for its boiling mud and scorching silica terraces. The relaxing Government Gardens in Te Wairoa provide a glimpse of the detailed geological exhibit of pink and white terraces, which is a visual treat. Rotorua offers the opportunity to swim at Wai-O-Tapu and ride a mountain bike through the Moerangi Track, both of which provide stunning views of the surrounding forest scenery.

Photo by: long.explorer & rosie.eva

6. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Filled with mystery and magic, Waitomo glowworm caves are a beautiful site with both historical and geographical significance. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, which include Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo Glowworm Cave, and Aranui Cave, are part of a stream system rich in Maori history, mythology, and legends. Each cave is magical in its own right, with its own history and culture. A large colony of a glow worm species found alone in New Zealand lives in the caves. The majestic site is definitely a sight for sore eyes.

Photo by: waitomoglowwormcaves

7. Franz Josef Glacier

This location is ideal for glacier hiking in New Zealand. Aside from hiking tours, you may also take a chopper ride for an aerial look. The Westland Tai Poutini National Park contains these huge glaciers, which are 12 kilometers apart and serve as a majestic sight. The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers slip down from the Southern Alps and into a river basin around sea level. These glaciers are among the fastest flowing in the world, creating panoramic ice cliffs and fine crevasses. You may also unwind by soaking in the glacier hot springs. There isn't a better spot to have your stress melted away!

Photo by: barnyyoung & jodydireen

8. Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park has been attracting adventurers of all ages since 1887. The park is home to three active volcanic mountains: Ngauruhoe, Ruapehu, and Tongariro, as well as iconic and majestic scenery. Immaculate forests, dry plateaus, natural hot springs, turquoise blue lakes, and much more can be found in the area. Each of these places is distinct and offers different sights to see. At the center of this volcanic beauty are the communities of National Park, Whakapapa, Raurimu, and Erua. From family-friendly units to backpacker hostels to luxury suites and boutique lodges, they provide something for everyone's style and budget. There's also a fantastic selection of places to eat and drink, as well as engaging activities and necessary services.

Photo by: harrypope

9. Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve that is beautiful by day and incredibly gorgeous at night, making it the ideal spot for stargazing and thus the ideal romantic getaway. The township exudes natural elegance and boasts breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and a brilliant blue lake. Tekapo Springs provides the ideal venue for a variety of water sports as well as breathtaking vistas to help you feel refreshed. It has hot pools, spas, steam rooms, saunas, water slides, and much more for all!

Photo by: globaladmirer

10. Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel is a fantastic spot to relax your mind, body, and soul, with its natural charm, rustic environment, verdant valleys, misty rainforests, and long golden coastline. Discover gold mining history, trek the Pinnacles, cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail, dig your own spa at Hot Water Beach, or visit Cathedral Cove; there are many gems to discover and embrace in this area. The Coromandel Peninsula is a breath-taking destination for peace seekers, tranquillity seekers, and adventure seekers.

Photo by: luxurybackpacking

"With all this and much more, the possibilities and sights are endless in this country of dramatic landscapes, magnificent beaches, gourmet food, and wine! New Zealand is simply Paradise on Earth."