We’re very lucky to have so many incredible places to explore in New Zealand – it’s one big natural playground! From epic coastlines to beautiful forests – make the most of the warmer months by getting outside and experiencing some of the country’s best sights and adventures.
Check our list of the best places to explore around New Zealand:
Explore our native forest and coastlines
1. Abel Tasman Coast Track
2. Orokawa Bay to Homunga Bay
Hit the water
3. Lake Taupo
4. Bay of Islands
Go camping or stay in a hut
5. Luxmore Hut
6. Te Puia Hut (Lodge)
Do some bird watching
7. Ganet Colony at Muriwai
8. Native birds in the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve
Explore our native forest and coast lines
New Zealand is full of amazing walks venturing through our many forests and all around the coastline – it’s no wonder tramping (hiking) is a popular experience for locals and tourists alike.
1. Abel Tasman Coast Track
At the top of the South Island, a New Zealand must see is the Abel Tasman Coast Track. It’s well known for its golden beaches and granite cliffs. This walking track is in one of our smallest national parks and is the perfect mix of beach and forest scenery. Choose from tramping along the 51km track to kayaking in and out of many bays and coves – you’ll be sure to hear some of our native birds like the Tui and Bellbird.
Photo: Kayaking at the Abel Tasman National Park
2. Orokawa Bay to Homunga Bay
If you’re after a stunning coastal walk in the North Island, the hike from Orokawa Bay to Homunga Bay is a gem! The walk begins with a short trek from Waihi beach to Orokawa Bay (only 45 minutes), then continues on to William Wright Falls (40 minutes) and finishes off winding your way into Homunga Bay.
If you’re after another epic walk to explore our forest and coast line check out more of the New Zealand ‘Great Walks’ here – https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/things-to-do/walking-and-tramping/great-walks/
Photo: William Wright Falls
Hit the water
Summer wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach or lake. We have lots of rivers and lakes throughout our country and nowhere in New Zealand is more than about 100km from the sea. So take your pick of water activities – from swimming, diving, boating, fishing, kayaking and more. There are so many breathtaking sights to enjoy across New Zealand.
3. Lake Taupo
One of the must-see spots in New Zealand is the stunning Lake Taupo. Located in the middle of the North Island, Lake Taupo is the biggest lake in the country (bigger than Singapore!). There’s definitely plenty of space for things like water skiing and swimming.
Photo: The stunning vista at Lake Taupo
4. Bay of Islands
If beaches are more your thing there are some stunning spots around the Bay of Islands. From visiting the hole in the rock to seeing dolphins, sailing and more, you’ll be amazed by the coastal sights and natural beauty.
Photo: Hole in the rock
Go camping or stay in a hut
Camping or staying in a hut is a classic New Zealand experience. It’s a favourite kiwi past time and we’re not short of awesome spots to stay. Our Department of Conservation (DOC) manages more than 200 campsites throughout New Zealand all in pretty amazing spots – by the beach, on the lakes and in our forest. There are plenty of DOC huts on offer to stay in too.
5. Luxmore Hut
Our top pick is staying in the Luxmore Hut, simply for the stunning views overlooking Lake Te Anau. This hut is on the Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park and has a beautiful veranda to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Make sure you book your stay well in advance – it’s a popular one!
Photo: Incredible views at Luxmore Hut
6. Te Puia Hut (Lodge)
Near Napier on the banks of the stunning Mohaka River is Te Puia Hut (Lodge). You can stay in the hut or camp in this idyllic spot right next to the river. The walk into the hut takes 2–3 hours and if you’re up for another 45-minute walk you’ll arrive at the Mangatainoka Hot Springs. It’s a spot not to be missed.
Do some bird watching
We have some unique and beautiful birds here in Aotearoa and you can spot them all around the country, which is why we’ve included this on our list.
7. Muiwai’s Gannet Colony
Be sure to visit Muriwai’s Gannet Colony. It’s just one hour from Auckland and every year from August to March over 1,000 gannets nest there.
Photo: Muriwai’s Ganet Colony
8. Rotorua Canopy Tours
If you would like to see a range of native New Zealand birds, you’ll be able to spot many birds flitting around our forest here at Rotorua Canopy Tours in the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve. Thanks to all the conservation work we’ve done over the years you can find birds like kereru, tuis and tomtits and more. Learn about some of the birds you can see in our forest here and find out about the return of the unique Long-tailed Cuckoo.