New Zealand has reached the very top of our travel bucket list. And it’s not just the jaw-dropping villas we’re drooling after – we’re dying to get out into the great outdoors and explore all the natural beauty and wonders this island nation has to offer.
Unique landscape
New Zealand’s natural landscape is known the world over, not least for its varied terrain. As you travel through the islands (separated by the 22-kilometre wide Cook Strait), you see majestic mountain ranges give way to lush rainforest and wide stretches of beach neighboured by imposing volcanoes. Besides this incredible diversity, the country is also known for its pristinely clean environment and in fact, protected parks and reserves cover an impressing third of New Zealand’s land area.
New Zealand has one of a kind wildlife…
Besides its Lord of the Rings like landscape, New Zealand is famed for its unique fauna. The nation’s distinctive landscape and remote locale have allowed a variety of curious creatures to thrive.
The most iconic of New Zealand’s inhabitants is, of course, the elusive kiwi, the country’s national bird and colloquial nickname to New Zealand nationals. This petite and flightless bird is endemic to New Zealand. The kiwi has become increasingly rare and the birds are fiercely protected throughout the country.
New Zealand’s impressive wildlife is not constrained to land alone. The country also offers a fabulous opportunity for spotting whales and dolphins in the wild. Whale watching is possible throughout the country, but the most iconic region for whale sightings (and the mighty sperm whales in particular) is Kaikoura on the South Island.
…but few creepy crawlies!
What you won’t find here are snakes. That’s right – there are no native snakes in New Zealand! Unlike in neighbouring Australia, there are no deadly spiders in New Zealand, either. What New Zealand lacks in creepy crawlies, it makes up in sheep – there are around 9 sheep for every human in the country!
Stunning landmarks to visit in New Zealand
So we’ve established that New Zealand’s nature is stunning and that the landscape is unlike anywhere else in the world – so what are the best places to get a taste of all that natural beauty?
Tongariro Crossing
Tongariro Crossing is located at the Tongariro National Park – the oldest national park in the country. This stunning 20-kilometre trek is routinely ranked as one of the best single-day treks in the world – and with good reason. It also boasts status as a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted for both its natural and cultural importance. The trek takes travellers through stunning volcanic landscape, with the most iconic sights including the bright turquoise Emerals Lakes.
Mount Cook
Soaring at 3,754 metres high, Mount Cook towers as the highest mountain in New Zealand. The imposing mountain is surrounded by 22 peaks known as the Southern Alps. This is a stunning setting to get a feel of New Zealand’s wintry wonders: Mount Cook itself is permanently snowclad, as well as being flanked by the Hooker Glacier to the west and Tasman Glacier to the east. Named after Captain James Cook, the mountain was originally known as Aoraki – the Maori word for “cloud piercer.” Today, Mount Cook towers as the piece de resistance of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Waitomo Caves
Are easily one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks in New Zealand. Located on the North Island, volcanic activity has created some 300 limestone caves in the area. But what really makes the Waitomo Caves stand out is its population of glow worms – a breed endemic to New Zealand. The worms create a stunning display of glowing light which attracts visitors from far and wide.
Nelson’s Blue Lake
Located at Nelson Lakes National Park, the Blue Lake or Rotomairewhenua is the clearest lake in the world – officially. In 2011, a group of local scientists carried out tests in the area which shower this lake to be the clearest natural body of fresh water on record. The lake boasts a beautiful shade of blueish violet (only seen in crystal clear lakes) and the protected area surrounding it has understandably become a popular destination for hiking and other outdoor activities.
We hope we’ve convinced you once and for all to book that trip to New Zealand! Need some help planning your trip? Get in touch with our team.
