Best of the New Zealand Outdoors
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful outdoors locations in New Zealand, but what are the very best spots for admiring this country's incredible nature and scenery?
Check out this list of the most stunning and iconic outdoors spots in New Zealand!
21 Places • 1 Save • ago
Free
if you love mountains...
Aoraki / Mount Cook
@slow.kiwi
Standing 3,724m above sea level, Aoraki / Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. It sits in the Southern Alps, a mountain range that stretches across most of the South Island. Get incredible viewpoints of the mountain from the multiple walking tracks in the area, or splash out and take a scenic helicopter or plane ride for views from above!
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Tititea / Mount Aspiring
@slow.kiwi
Nicknamed the 'Southern Matterhorn' for its pyramidical shape, Tititea or Mt. Aspiring stands in the Mount Aspiring National Park and is the largest mountain outside of the Aoraki region.
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Mount Tasman
@slow.kiwi
Four kilometres away from its slightly taller neighbour, Mount Tasman is the second-highest peak in New Zealand at 3,497m.
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if you love forests....
The Pinnacles
@slow.kiwi
Located in the Coromandel Forest Park, this day or over-night hike will result in incredible views of the entire Coromandel Peninsula. This walk is regularly rated as one of NZ's best overnight walks, so don't miss out!
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Waipoua Forest
@slow.kiwi
Visit New Zealand's oldest kauri tree (Tāne Mahuta, or 'Lord of the Forest') at over 2,000 years old! Let this native kauri forest transport you back to an ancient time.
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Details
Otari-Wilton's Bush
@slow.kiwi
Located in the heart of Wellington City, this gorgeous botanical garden dedicated entirely to NZ's native plants is home to some incredible bird life. There are multiple walks throughout the park, and you can even take along your dinner for a BBQ picnic!
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Details
if you love lakes...
Lake Taupo
@slow.kiwi
The largest lake in New Zealand (and the largest freshwater lake in all of Australasia!) is so large it'll feel like you're standing in front of the ocean. Enjoy a variety of water-based activities, such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, or scenic boat rides on this calm lake.
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Details
Lake Waikaremoana
@slow.kiwi
Recently re-opened to the public after being damaged in last years cyclones, a DOC track takes you around the lake in stunning forested area of Te Urewera. Spend three days walking around the lake, taking in the serenity of its waters.
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Details
Lake Tekapo
@slow.kiwi
Made famous for the lupins in spring, this lake is a stunning spot to visit all year round. Have your breath taken away by the blue of the water, and stick around till night time to see some of the clearest night skies in the country!
Add to
Details
if you love beaches...
Abel Tasman National Park
@slow.kiwi
The jewel of New Zealand, be transported to another world on these golden sandy beaches. Trek through the lush native forests, camp on the beach, and swim through perfectly clear blue waters. If there's one spot to visit on your New Zealand trip, it's here!
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Details
Wharariki Beach
@slow.kiwi
One of the most photographed beaches in the country, check out the incredible cliff formations. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the seal colony that calls this beach home!
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Details
Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve
@slow.kiwi
Perhaps you recognise this spot from your Windows home screen? Cathedral Cove is currently only accessible by boat, but it's so worth the journey to see these crystal waters and incredible rock formations in person!
Add to
Details
if you love volcanoes...
Rotorua
@slow.kiwi
Well-known for its geothermal activity, check out the incredible hot springs and mud pools! Make sure to visit the nearby Redwood forest, and immerse yourself in the Māori culture that makes Rotorua so special.
Add to
Details
Whakaari / White Island
@slow.kiwi
Not for the faint of heart, Whakaari is NZ's most active cone volcano and has been active for the last 300 years at least. Make sure to check the volcanic activity of the island before visiting!
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Details
Tongariro National Park
@slow.kiwi
Most famous for its day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this incredible landscape will transport you to a different planet. Check out the Emerald Lakes, and enjoy the incredible scenery of this mountainous region.
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Details
if you love glaciers....
Franz Josef Glacier
@slow.kiwi
This 12-kilometre glacier can be visited by plane, helicopter, or with a guided tour. Make sure to check out the incredible rainforests and lakes around the glacier too!
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Details
Fox Glacier
@slow.kiwi
One of the most accessible glaciers in the world, during the high season this glacier is visited by nearly 1,000 people a day! Take a heli-hike to see this incredible glacier from multiple different angles.
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Details
Tasman Glacier
@slow.kiwi
At 23.5-kilometres in length, Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand despite shrinking gradually from the 1990s. The glacier can be visited on foot, or by helicopter.
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Details
if you want a bit of everything...
Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
@slow.kiwi
A visit to New Zealand's South Island is incomplete without visiting the world-famous Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, widely recognised as the 8th Natural Wonder of the World. It must be seen to be believed!
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Kaikōura
@slow.kiwi
The views of this incredible seaside town will take your breath away - a stunning stretch of mountains descending directly into a deep blue ocean. A nearby deep underwater canyon brings incredible marine life right by the town, so keep a keen eye out for dolphins, seals, and whales!
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Details
Mount Taranaki
@slow.kiwi
This postcard-worthy mountain is one of the most stunning vistas in all of New Zealand. Check out the nearby awesome town of New Plymouth for incredible beaches, and Egmont National Park for beautiful forest walks.
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Details
* * *
CURATED BY
Learning and sharing the benefits of slow travel for both the planet and the soul ♡
I have been travelling New Zealand from childhood, and moved here last year with my partner to see the country from top to bottom. New Zealand is my heart and soul, and there is nothing I love more than sharing the beauty of this magical place with as many people as possible.
If you are planning a long trip to New Zealand, whether it be a gap year, working holiday, or simply time away from the rest of the world, then please reach out and I'd be more than happy to assist!
Wishing you all the best for your travels.
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Best of the New Zealand Outdoors
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful outdoors locations in New Zealand, but what are the very best spots for admiring this country's incredible nature and scenery?
Check out this list of the most stunning and iconic outdoors spots in New Zealand!
21 Places • 1 Save • ago
Free
if you love mountains...
Aoraki / Mount Cook
@slow.kiwi
Standing 3,724m above sea level, Aoraki / Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand. It sits in the Southern Alps, a mountain range that stretches across most of the South Island. Get incredible viewpoints of the mountain from the multiple walking tracks in the area, or splash out and take a scenic helicopter or plane ride for views from above!
Add to
Details
Tititea / Mount Aspiring
@slow.kiwi
Nicknamed the 'Southern Matterhorn' for its pyramidical shape, Tititea or Mt. Aspiring stands in the Mount Aspiring National Park and is the largest mountain outside of the Aoraki region.
Add to
Details
Mount Tasman
@slow.kiwi
Four kilometres away from its slightly taller neighbour, Mount Tasman is the second-highest peak in New Zealand at 3,497m.
Add to
Details
if you love forests....
The Pinnacles
@slow.kiwi
Located in the Coromandel Forest Park, this day or over-night hike will result in incredible views of the entire Coromandel Peninsula. This walk is regularly rated as one of NZ's best overnight walks, so don't miss out!
Add to
Details
Waipoua Forest
@slow.kiwi
Visit New Zealand's oldest kauri tree (Tāne Mahuta, or 'Lord of the Forest') at over 2,000 years old! Let this native kauri forest transport you back to an ancient time.
Add to
Details
Otari-Wilton's Bush
@slow.kiwi
Located in the heart of Wellington City, this gorgeous botanical garden dedicated entirely to NZ's native plants is home to some incredible bird life. There are multiple walks throughout the park, and you can even take along your dinner for a BBQ picnic!
Add to
Details
if you love lakes...
Lake Taupo
@slow.kiwi
The largest lake in New Zealand (and the largest freshwater lake in all of Australasia!) is so large it'll feel like you're standing in front of the ocean. Enjoy a variety of water-based activities, such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, or scenic boat rides on this calm lake.
Add to
Details
Lake Waikaremoana
@slow.kiwi
Recently re-opened to the public after being damaged in last years cyclones, a DOC track takes you around the lake in stunning forested area of Te Urewera. Spend three days walking around the lake, taking in the serenity of its waters.
Add to
Details
Lake Tekapo
@slow.kiwi
Made famous for the lupins in spring, this lake is a stunning spot to visit all year round. Have your breath taken away by the blue of the water, and stick around till night time to see some of the clearest night skies in the country!
Add to
Details
if you love beaches...
Abel Tasman National Park
@slow.kiwi
The jewel of New Zealand, be transported to another world on these golden sandy beaches. Trek through the lush native forests, camp on the beach, and swim through perfectly clear blue waters. If there's one spot to visit on your New Zealand trip, it's here!
Add to
Details
Wharariki Beach
@slow.kiwi
One of the most photographed beaches in the country, check out the incredible cliff formations. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the seal colony that calls this beach home!
Add to
Details
Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve
@slow.kiwi
Perhaps you recognise this spot from your Windows home screen? Cathedral Cove is currently only accessible by boat, but it's so worth the journey to see these crystal waters and incredible rock formations in person!
Add to
Details
if you love volcanoes...
Rotorua
@slow.kiwi
Well-known for its geothermal activity, check out the incredible hot springs and mud pools! Make sure to visit the nearby Redwood forest, and immerse yourself in the Māori culture that makes Rotorua so special.
Add to
Details
Whakaari / White Island
@slow.kiwi
Not for the faint of heart, Whakaari is NZ's most active cone volcano and has been active for the last 300 years at least. Make sure to check the volcanic activity of the island before visiting!
Add to
Details
Tongariro National Park
@slow.kiwi
Most famous for its day walk, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this incredible landscape will transport you to a different planet. Check out the Emerald Lakes, and enjoy the incredible scenery of this mountainous region.
Add to
Details
if you love glaciers....
Franz Josef Glacier
@slow.kiwi
This 12-kilometre glacier can be visited by plane, helicopter, or with a guided tour. Make sure to check out the incredible rainforests and lakes around the glacier too!
Add to
Details
Fox Glacier
@slow.kiwi
One of the most accessible glaciers in the world, during the high season this glacier is visited by nearly 1,000 people a day! Take a heli-hike to see this incredible glacier from multiple different angles.
Add to
Details
Tasman Glacier
@slow.kiwi
At 23.5-kilometres in length, Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand despite shrinking gradually from the 1990s. The glacier can be visited on foot, or by helicopter.
Add to
Details
if you want a bit of everything...
Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
@slow.kiwi
A visit to New Zealand's South Island is incomplete without visiting the world-famous Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, widely recognised as the 8th Natural Wonder of the World. It must be seen to be believed!
Add to
Details
Kaikōura
@slow.kiwi
The views of this incredible seaside town will take your breath away - a stunning stretch of mountains descending directly into a deep blue ocean. A nearby deep underwater canyon brings incredible marine life right by the town, so keep a keen eye out for dolphins, seals, and whales!
Add to
Details
Mount Taranaki
@slow.kiwi
This postcard-worthy mountain is one of the most stunning vistas in all of New Zealand. Check out the nearby awesome town of New Plymouth for incredible beaches, and Egmont National Park for beautiful forest walks.
Add to
Details
* * *
CURATED BY
Learning and sharing the benefits of slow travel for both the planet and the soul ♡
I have been travelling New Zealand from childhood, and moved here last year with my partner to see the country from top to bottom. New Zealand is my heart and soul, and there is nothing I love more than sharing the beauty of this magical place with as many people as possible.
If you are planning a long trip to New Zealand, whether it be a gap year, working holiday, or simply time away from the rest of the world, then please reach out and I'd be more than happy to assist!
Wishing you all the best for your travels.
PERSONALIZED TRAVEl SERVICES
Connect
with
a
local
expert
to
help
plan
your
ideal
trip
Send A Tip
Support Maddy’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Read more about places in this guide