Best Places And Attractions in New Zealand 2022
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries, which is a complex of islands in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. These regions are known for their amazingly picturesque nature, which is why New Zealand's natural attractions are so diverse. Another characteristic feature of this land is a very diverse climate, including several climatic zones, as well as the cleanest beaches with crystal sea water. Numerous waterfalls, geysers, fjords, bays, lakes, glaciers and other natural treasures. Even the most avid traveler will find something to see in New Zealand: just get out of the airport terminal and you will be greeted by luxurious landscapes of a hospitable land.
What to see in New Zealand first
Traveling to New Zealand is a real adventure for those who are passionate about nature, who are interested in studying artifacts that testify to the unique history of this region. But the time frame makes its own adjustments, and you have to make a choice of what to see in New Zealand in 1 day, a week or another period planned for the trip.
1. Sky Tower
In the largest and most prosperous New Zealand city of Auckland, one of the tallest buildings in the world, the Sky Tower, was built. This is not just a huge 326-meter TV tower, it is also the main landmark for travelers - no matter where in the country you are, from everywhere you can see the top of the monumental structure, pointing to the center of Auckland. The building itself has 3 viewing platforms. At a height of 190 meters, there is a revolving restaurant with panoramic windows, and the highest of the sites is equipped at a height of 220 meters, from where you can see the surroundings within a radius of more than 80 kilometers.
2. Waimangu Geyser Valley
"The Land of Hot Water" - this is how the Maori tribes called the Waimangu Valley. In this valley, nature itself has created a hydrothermal system of geysers that shoot straight out of the ground to a height of up to 30 meters. Hot water from the springs, spraying, creates clouds that envelop the surroundings of the valley. Geysers either together or alternately emit hot steam and water. Reviews of those who visited this place for the first time indicate that the steam clubs from afar create a very impressive picture. Even on the streets of the town of Rotorua, located at the very epicenter of geothermal activity, streams of white steam make their way right through the cracks in the sidewalks.
3. Waitomo Caves
A truly fabulous landmark of New Zealand is located on the North Island of the country. These are the famous karst caves - a real masterpiece that nature itself has created over millions of years. Once upon a time there was an ocean on the site of the caves, at the bottom of which large limestone formations “grew up”, creating whole labyrinths of passages. Later, when the water receded, a system of caves formed, of which there are about 150 here. But the most important feature of the caves is that their arches are inhabited by amazing organisms - small fireflies that create a gentle blue glow, reminiscent of the arch of the night sky.
4. Franz Josef Glacier
In Westland National Park, on one of the two main islands of New Zealand - the South, there is a glacier with a beautiful bluish tint, which got its name from the name of the Austro-Hungarian emperor. Every year, about 250 thousand visitors flock here, who climb the glacier in full gear or fly directly to the center of the glacier by helicopter. There are small walking tours in New Zealand to the Franz Josef Glacier, and complex multi-day tours accompanied by experienced guides, including travel through the tunnels and grottoes of the glacier.
5. Milford Sound Fjord
As a result of the melting of huge glaciers, steep depressions, or fjords, gradually form in rocks over the course of millennia. The picturesque New Zealand fjord Milford Sound, located on the South Island in the Fiordland Park, was formed as a result of the melting of a glacier moving from the mountains towards the Tasman Sea. The maximum depth of the fjord, which stretches for 19 kilometers, reaches a dizzying mark of 512 meters. The area surrounding the fjord has a mountainous and wooded landscape, the air humidity is always high - this creates comfortable conditions for the habitat of many endemic bird species.
6. Hobbiton Village
The lands of New Zealand are also associated with the works of the writer J. Tolkien. Fans of the famous film trilogies "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" surely know what to visit in New Zealand. This is Hobbiton - this is an artificially created village that has become the habitat of a fictional people in the films. Its main feature is that it was created not as a temporary decoration made of plywood and cardboard, but rebuilt as a real settlement. Just think how much effort was invested in the creation of this fabulous corner: masterfully made houses, well-groomed vegetable gardens, fragrant gardens delight the eyes of visitors, allowing you to plunge into the recognizable atmosphere of your favorite fantasy.
7. Bay of Islands
The following recommendations apply to one of the most popular tourist destinations in the North Island, the Bay of Islands. This is an amazingly beautiful bay, over the entire territory of which a scattering of small islands, abundantly covered with vegetation, is “scattered”. The coastline of the island in the place of the bay is a lot of very cozy lagoons, where a mild subtropical climate reigns, it is always warm and sunny. The Bay of Islands is a favorite destination for many divers, fishermen and watersports enthusiasts.