Located just southeast of Australia, the beautiful country of New Zealand thrives with life. It is widely known for its unique wildlife, adventurous activities, flourishing landscapes, and the traditional Maori Culture. These activities bring in a little less than 4 million tourists annually! This list focuses on the natural tourist attractions, including two national parks, that the land offers.
#5 Kaikoura
The small town of Kaikoura offers many wildlife watching opportunities. Although they are most commonly known for whale-watching, they provide other chances to connect with the animals, such as swimming with Seals and Dolphins. Seasonally, Orcas and Humpback Whales become increasingly common. And for those who love smaller mammals, Kaikoura homes many uncommon birds like Albatrosses and Blue Penguins.
#4 Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
7000 years ago, on the West Coast of the South Island, two glaciers were formed by a slow river of ice, compacted by snow. Franz Josef glacier extends 12 kilometers wide and is constantly changing shape. Its neighbor, Fox Glacier, is 11.7 kilometers long and surrounds the mirror-like water of Lake Matheson. Both attractions offer heli-hike adventures that range from 2 to 7 hours, with a variety of difficulty options.
#3 Queenstown
Queenstown, also known as “shallow bay” in Maori culture, is home to many adventurous experiences offered in New Zealand. Activities like bungee-jumping, jetboating, skiing, skydiving, and canyon-swinging are found to be most popular. The city also offers a great view of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. More relaxing options like spas, calm hiking trails, and an abundance of wineries are scattered throughout the town.
#2 Fiordland National Park
Located in the South Island is the largest National Park in New Zealand, Fiordland National Park. The most popular attraction is Milford Sound, a fjord carved by glaciers during the Ice Ages. Its popularity stems from its unique characteristics, including inky-colored water, cliffs, and an abundance of wildlife. Exploring options involves boat tours, kayaking, and hiking trails available early in the morning, as well as overnight options. The park is most known for “the finest walk on Earth” at Milford Track, a 4-day hiking trail that covers the rainforest, glaciers, and mountains.
#1 Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook National Park is home to the tallest mountain in New Zealand. Mount Aoraki stands at 3,724 meters (~12,218 feet) and comprises 3 summits. It is also home to New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve, which is a main tourist attraction at this site, as the park is known for its stargazing opportunities. During the day, there are numerous hiking and biking trails made for all levels of participants. On these trails, you will experience gorgeous views of the Southern Alps and glaciers, which cover 40% of the park.