14 Recommended Tourist Spots in New Zealand!

New Zealand is a southern hemisphere country that has been drawing attention due to the Rugby World Cup. Not only can you experience the beautiful natural scenery of the sea, mountains, and valleys, but there are also many plants and animals that grow in that natural environment. Although the seasons are the complete opposite of those in Japan, many tourists from all over the world, including Japan, flock to New Zealand every year to see the natural scenery.

We have picked out some recommended tourist spots that you will definitely want to visit so that you can fully experience the natural beauty and many charms of New Zealand.

1. Auckland [Auckland]

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. You can enjoy window shopping, as well as stylish cafes and delicious food. The center of Auckland is surrounded by beautiful beaches, and it is said to be one of the most livable cities in the world. If you are visiting New Zealand, you should check out Auckland first.

◆Sky Tower

There is a Sky Tower where you can see the beautiful cityscape of Auckland from the observation deck. It is a symbol of Auckland and is 328 meters tall. This makes it the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. You can also enjoy thrilling activities such as the Skywalk, where you walk outside the observation deck, and the Skyjump, where you jump off a rope.

◆Mt. Eden

Mount Eden, 196m above sea level, is the highest mountain in Auckland. The remains of a crater remain at the top, so it is recommended to go hiking and enjoy the mountain's natural beauty. From the top, you can see the Auckland cityscape, including the Sky Tower and the harbor. Halfway up, there is a facility called Eden Gardens where you can enjoy beautiful flowers, so be sure to check it out as well!

2. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa [Wellington]

The National Museum of New Zealand is one of the most popular museums in New Zealand, attracting many tourists from all over the world. Also known as Te Papa National Museum, it exhibits the indigenous Maori culture, history, and art. Te Papa means treasure house. You can learn about the history of New Zealand by viewing Maori treasures, nature, and art.

You can also experience an earthquake at Earthquake House and watch 3D animations. This unique museum is truly an adventure world! If you're sightseeing, be sure to visit the National Museum of New Zealand.

3. 90 Mile Beach [Northland]

90 Mile Beach is a famous beach in the northwest of New Zealand's North Island. It is said to be 90 miles long, but it is actually 64 miles long. To put it simply, it is 100 km long, and it is a long and vast beach facing the Tasman Sea. The sand seems to go on forever, and in front of you is a large, sparkling ocean. And when you look up, you can see the blue sky spreading out as far as the eye can see.

At 90 Mile Beach, you can enjoy not only swimming in the sea, but also clam digging and bodyboarding. A fishing event is held every year in late February, and it is also a mecca for fishing enthusiasts from all over the world. There are various ways to enjoy it, such as swimming, fishing, and relaxing. It is also nice to drive a 4WD across the sandy beach.

4. Hot Water Beach [Coromandel Peninsula]

Hot Water Beach is located on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and can be easily accessed from Auckland. Its most distinctive feature is the natural hot springs gushing out from the sand! This is a popular tourist spot among local New Zealanders, and many people set up second homes nearby.

Natural hot springs do not gush out whenever you dig. You can only enjoy these natural hot springs for a total of four hours, two hours before and two hours after low tide. The wide, beautiful beach in front of you as you bathe in the hot springs is the ultimate luxury. This is a must-see tourist spot when visiting New Zealand.

5. Lake Tekapo [Tekapo]

Lake Tekapo is a lake in the center of the South Island. Many tourists visit because of the spectacular views both during the day and at night. The color of the water is a vivid milky blue. It is so beautiful that you can't help but wonder if it's a swimming pool. Mount John Summit can be seen in the distance, creating a picturesque view. From October to November, the purple lupine flowers are in full bloom, and just looking at them may be soothing.

At night, the starry sky is very beautiful, and if you're lucky, you can see the aurora and the Milky Way. The beauty of the starry sky is said to be the best in the world, and it has been selected as a candidate for World Heritage Site. Why not burn the best starry sky into your eyes? Lake Tekapo is recommended both during the day and at night. If you want to enjoy both, join a tour!

6. Waitomo Caves [Waitomo]

Waitomo, located in the northwest of the North Island, is a representative tourist destination in New Zealand. The underground caves are famous for the mysterious light emitted by glow worms. Many tourists visit to see the light. Glow worms are the larvae of the fungus gnat, and they emit a pale blue light. The Waitomo Caves are also the origin of the city's name. "Wai" means water and "Tomo" means hole.

Because they emit a mysterious light, they are also called "Glow worm caves". The cave is filled with a pale blue mysterious light, making you feel as if you are in space! It is truly a spectacular view. Glow worm viewing tours are also held, so why not join one? Why not visit the Waitomo Caves and experience the feeling of space travel?

7. Arrowtown [Queenstown]

Arrowtown, where many historical buildings remain, is a tourist destination where you can experience the history of New Zealand. Located along the Arrow River, over 60 19th-century buildings have been restored. The town once became famous during the gold rush, so there are many gold-related tourist spots scattered around. During the autumn foliage season, the town is vibrant with yellow and orange colors. It truly is a gold town.

There are also many fashionable and famous cafes and restaurants in Arrowtown. It is also recommended to take your time and enjoy the view of Arrowtown's streets. Get away from the bustling city and enjoy sightseeing at your leisure.

8. Christchurch Cathedral/Cardboard Cathedral [Christchurch]

Christ Church Cathedral collapsed due to the earthquake. There is a temporary cathedral, Cardboard Cathedral, at present. This cathedral was built by a Japanese architect using paper. The colorful stained glass is very attractive. It is amazing how durable it is, even though it is made of paper, and can last for 50 years.

It was originally a popular tourist spot, and many tourists still visit it today. The current temporary cathedral will be used for the next 10 years or so. Christ Church Cathedral is also being rebuilt, and is scheduled to be completed in 2024. I can't wait for the cathedral to be completely restored, but I would also like to see the paper cathedral at least once.

9. Milford Sound [Fiordland National Park]

Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see tourist attraction and natural spot in New Zealand. It is famous for its beautiful fjord topography, and its rugged yet mysterious topography is a true work of nature. It rains more than 200 days a year, with precipitation reaching 7,000 to 8,000 mm. During the rainy season, thousands of waterfalls can be seen. The waterfalls are powerful and spectacular! You can experience the great nature of New Zealand.

To fully enjoy Milford Sound, we recommend a cruise. You can see the beautiful fjords and impressive waterfalls up close while enjoying the pleasant breeze. There are also other ways to enjoy it, such as sightseeing flights and sea kayaking, so why not try joining a tour?

10. Mount Cook [Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park]

Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand, located between Christchurch and Queenstown. Its height of 3,724m is equivalent to Mount Fuji in Japan. Mount Cook offers a visually pleasing contrast between the greenery and glaciers. The landscape at an altitude of 3,000m and the silvery white glacier were registered as a World Heritage Site in 1990.

The silvery white glaciers can also be seen at an altitude of about 1,000m. This is said to be one of the few places in the world, so many tourists from all over the world visit. In addition to hiking and skiing, there are also sightseeing flights and glacier boat cruises. It is also recommended for those who want to enjoy activities in New Zealand.

11. Wellington Parliament Building [Wellington]

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. Wellington Parliament Building is also a recommended tourist spot. The exterior, called the Beehive, is so beautiful that you will wonder if it is really the parliament building. You can see portraits of past prime ministers and can also tour the inside of the parliament.

The main chamber seats 124 people and there are several television cameras installed around it. However, photography is prohibited, so if you visit as a tourist, be sure to burn the image into your memory. Wellington Parliament Building also offers free sightseeing tours every day. Be sure to visit Wellington Parliament Building, which is also recommended for sightseeing!

12. Cape Reinga [Northland]

Cape Reinga is the northernmost cape in New Zealand. Reinga means "a place to take off" in Mario. The view of the Tasman Sea from the tip of Cape Reinga is beautiful, and you can see the tides colliding with the Pacific Ocean. Cape Reinga, where you can enjoy the spectacular ocean view, is a popular tourist spot in New Zealand.

Cape Reinga is about 5 hours or more by car from Auckland, so if you visit, we recommend joining a tour. Many courses also stop by 90 Mile Beach on the way back. Why not enjoy a relaxing time at Cape Reinga while watching the tides flow?

13. Rotorua [Rotorua]

Rotorua is a city located around Lake Rotorua, the second largest lake in New Zealand. Located on a volcanic belt, it is a tourist destination with many hot springs. As a result, the hot spring town is also famous, and when you walk around the town, you can smell sulfur and see white smoke coming out from everywhere.

A recommended tourist spot in Rotorua is Te Puia. It is a natural park where you can see hot springs and geysers bubbling up. Among them, Pohutu Kaiser is a must-see! It is the largest geyser in New Zealand and has the largest amount of hot water in the world at one time.

And since Rotorua has a large Maori population, one of its attractions is that you can experience traditional Maori history and culture. If you want to enjoy hot springs in New Zealand, visit Rotorua.

14. Tongariro National Park [Manawatu-Wanganui Region]

Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's first national park, located in the central North Island. It is also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but its cultural elements as a sacred place for Maori culture have also been recognized, making it the world's first mixed heritage site. It was also used as a location for the movie "Lord of the Rings".

Within the vast Tongariro National Park, you can enjoy hiking on Mount Tongariro, which continues to be volcanically active. You can see traces of lava flows, hot springs, and winter snow fields in the area, so you can enjoy a variety of nature. The beautiful emerald-green volcanic lake is the symbol of the national park.

Not only hiking but also skiing is possible, so Tongariro National Park is a tourist destination that can be enjoyed all year round. It is recommended if you want to enjoy nature in the North Island.

◎Summary of tourist spots in New Zealand

New Zealand is in the headlines due to the Rugby World Cup. All of the recommended tourist spots are bustling with tourists from all over the world. However, New Zealand still has a lot more to offer. You might even be able to discover new tourist spots on your own. Let's go on a trip to New Zealand to discover the tourist spots introduced here and new tourist spots!