The Kiwis winning the WNYC (World Netball Youth Cup) recently got us thinking about what a unique and interesting country New Zealand really is. Its sporting success in rugby, netball, and cricket is one thing, but this is just scratching the surface of everything the country offers. The breathtaking natural beauty is arguably its most impressive selling point, somehow blending almost every single kind of landscape across its North and South Islands.
They say you can go skiing in the morning in places like Boulders Bay, demonstrating the multifaceted natural landscape Kiwis can enjoy. There are more than enough destinations to enjoy with several national parks and awe-inspiring mountain ranges. New Zealand is also famous for having several Lord of the Rings filming destinations, yet another reason why travellers flock to the islands. You can find a round-up of the best New Zealand destinations for natural beauty below.
Enjoy the Pacific ocean in all its glory at the Bay of Islands, about three-and-a-half hours from Auckland. Visitors can zip around on small boats and explore the 130 subtropical islands, offering pristine turquoise lagoons and dense green vegetation. There are countless untouched beaches for a quick swimming break and several top-tier restaurants like Ake Ake Vineyard Restaurant.
The Bay of Islands is also of enormous importance in Maori culture. Make sure you take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of this beautiful natural destination to the Maori people.
Rotorua is a volcanic paradise with geothermal springs and mineral-rich natural mud baths. Situated in Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, visitors can also see the impressive Pohutu Geyser. Erupting several times daily and standing at 30 metres tall, it’s the largest geyser in New Zealand.
Rotorua is also a city showcasing fascinating natural tourist sites like the Kuirau Park mud pool reserve. Once you’re finished there, you can take a gondola over the Whakarewarewa Forest and gaze at the monumental California Redwoods and pinewood.
Although it’s partly man-made, Hobbiton is an unmissable natural beauty destination in New Zealand. Made famous by the Lord of the Rings films, it’s an unbelievably picturesque network of rolling green fields and tiny hobbit houses. Situated in the Waikato district of the North Island, Hobbiton sits in the middle of a family-run farm with thousands of livestock.
Hobbiton guided tours run year-round, showing visitors the beautiful film set in all its glory. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to walk around the cosy villages of the Shire, you cannot miss seeing Hobbiton!
Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand, sitting at 3,724 metres. It’s a breathtaking example of how colossal landscapes can be on the South Island, nestled in the Southern Alps mountain range.
Mountaineers and casual hikers will love exploring Mount Cook. You can either tackle one of the three main peaks or explore the alpine scenery at its foot. Just be ready for some unpredictable weather, as the region is known for sudden storms coming in from the Tasman Sea.
New Zealand’s natural landscapes are overwhelmingly beautiful, but you shouldn’t miss out on its cities either. Auckland is one of the most exciting places to visit, with a bustling creative scene and a magnificent natural harbour.
Christchurch is another place not to miss. It is the largest settlement on the South Island and has a deep history, becoming the first official city in New Zealand in 1956. There are numerous attractions, but the famous Christchurch Casino is arguably the most exciting. With almost 44,000 sq ft of gaming space, it’s one of the biggest Kiwi casinos to visit. However, you don’t need to visit Christchurch to gamble in New Zealand, as there are plenty of top-quality online casinos to consider. These platforms offer generous welcome bonuses and other promotions, with no deposit and free spins on games like Spinata Grande and Starburst. Many players prefer NZ online casinos to land-based establishments due to the abundance of online offers. Claiming things like 20 no deposit free spins is easy; you just need to find the best casino no deposit bonus. But it’s not all about gambling in Christchurch. Visitors should also visit its Priory Church for a taste of history, or go up the famous Gondola for spectacular views. Whether you’re after entertainment or nature, New Zealand is sure to have the right activity for you!