Does New Zealand have the world's best scenery? Well... no part of New Zealand is less than 128 km from the ocean, the entire country is rumbling with volcanic activity, littered with gigantic waterfalls, brightly coloured lakes that are absolutely unlike anywhere else in the world and tall, tall mountains! There is so much diversity to this country and everyone should aim to visit the great KIWI Land at least ONCE in their lifetime! To get your travel juices flowing, here are some of my favourite scenic NZ locations. Note: this is JUST a taste of what New Zealand has to offer - if I had to list every breathtaking location I'd be here until Christmas!
Abel Tasman National Park
Located in the north of New Zealand's south island, Abel Tasman National Park is known for its golden bays, towering granite cliff faces and one of New Zealand's 9 Great Walks, the Abel Tasman Coastal Trail.
By Oren Rozen [CC BY-SA 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons
Milford Sound
One of New Zealand's "must dos" - Milford Sound is located a day's drive south of Queenstown. The towering Fjord is a World Heritage Listed site and is best viewed by a 2 - 3 hour boat cruise. Look out for Seals and mountainous waterfalls.
.
Champagne Pool
New Zealand is famous for it's volcanic activity and Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland is no exception. Tours and half day trips can be taken from Rotorua - in New Zealand's north island. Within the park expect to stumble across luminous Green, bright blue and steaming red crater lakes. One of my favourites? The rumbling Champagne Pools.
.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Famous for it's tiny, remarkable inhabitants - The Glowworms - Waitomo is a gigantic, underground cave system located in New Zealand's north island (south west of Rotorua) and can best be explored by Abseiling, Black Water Rafting, Boat Cruises, or my personal fave - Tumu Tumu Toobing.
Lake Pukaki
Found on the south island of New Zealand, Lake Pukaki's bold blue water is due to the glacial activity in the area. The lake is well known for its brightly coloured Lupin flowers that spring for just 4 to 5 weeks at the end of each year.
Lake Pukaki in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park - location of Lake-town in The Hobbit Trilogy - in autumn is a spectacular vision of golden trees contrasted against opaque turquoise waters and the snow-covered Southern Alps. Credit: Tourism New Zealand / Rob Suisted
Tongariro National Park
Home to Mt Doom (those of you who are Lord of the Ring's fans will know exactly what I'm talking about), Tongariro Crossing is like nowhere else on the planet! Home to blue and green emerald lakes and towering peaks, the most popular walk through the crossing is 20 - 23km long - give yourself an entire day from Taupo to walk through and prepare for amazing sights!
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Ruapehu - the briliant colours of the Emerald Lakes. CREDIT: Visit Ruapehu
Cathedral Cove
East of Auckland in a little town called Hahei you will stumble upon Cathedral Cove, one of the most BEAUTIFUL beaches on offer in New Zealand (one of MANY)! My tip? Take a Kayaking Tour to "the secret beach."
Micknz at English Wikipedia [GFDL or CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Lake Wanaka
The town of Wanaka sits upon Lake Wanaka - the fourth largest lake in New Zealand. In the middle of the lake sits a lonesome tree that, thanks to Instagram, has been coined 'That Wanaka Tree.' For more scenic treats, take a walk to the top of Mt Iron which is just a short walk from the town centre, or for the hiking enthusiasts, to Roys Peak - the views will blow you away!
.
Want to see more photos? Head over to our Instagram page @basehostels. Share your stories with us #basehostels
