17 Stunning Spots In New Zealand You'll Want To Visit

Do you even lake?

1. Lake Tekapo, Mckenzie Country

Flickr: chris_gin

The modern jet boat was first created near Lake Tekapo, but we reckon the sunset over the lake is even better.

2. Laka Wakatipu, Otago

David Hallett / Getty Images

The mountains on the edge of the lake are called The Remarkables for a reason.

3. Mangawhai Heads, Northland

Flickr: itravelnz

Not only is it beautiful, but Mangawhai also has a weekly market where local artists, food producers, and crafters sell their goods.

4. Castlepoint, Wairarapa

Flickr: chris_gin

Part of the lower North Island, Castlepoint is known for its incredible scenery, and the seals under the lighthouse.

5. Sterling Falls, Southland

Flickr: joceykinghorn

This waterfall is 151 metres high, and more beautiful the closer you get.

6. Waitakere Ranges, Auckland

Flickr: pie4dan

The Waitakere Ranges are probably the most beautiful part of the greater Auckland region.

7. Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson/Tasman

Flickr: loic80l

This park is known for its golden beaches and incredible walking trails.

8. Karangahake Gorge, Bay of Plenty

Flickr: rimuhosting

Walkways through the gorge give great access to remains of the mining era and old railways.

9. Wanaka, Otago

Flickr: evilbu

Nestled in the base of the Southern Alps, this small town has a gorgeous lake and views aplenty.

10. Lake Pukaki, Canterbury

Flickr: vendin

This lake was used for the setting of Lake-Town in The Hobbit Trilogy.

11. The Catlins, Otago

Flickr: sxbaird

The Catlins is known for amazing widlife and rugged coastlines.

12. Cathedral Cove, Coromandel

Flickr: tom_hall_nz

Cathedral Cove is known for its incredibly unique rock formations and caves, which are ever-changing.

13. Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rotorua

Flickr: vendin

The valley is a hydrothermal system created in the late 1800s. Frying Pan lake (pictured above) is the largest hot spring in the world.

14. Milford Sound, Southland

Flickr: mackenji

Milford Sound is found within Fiordland National Park and is full of endless adventures, and beautiful blue ocean.

15. Port Jackson, Coromandel

Flickr: alexschwab

Port Jackson is at the northernmost tip of the Coromandel Peninsula.

16. Maraetai, Auckland

Flickr: chris_gin

Maraetai means "meeting place by the sea".

17. Moeraki Boulders, Otago

Flickr: chris_gin

These boulders are estimated to have formed over 60 million years ago, and are famous around the world for their spherical shape.

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