In the world where finding virgin travel experiences and uncrowded places to visit is becoming rarer to find, New Zealand proves to be the ultimate escape. Marked by miles of greens and quiet, it is here that seekers of solitude still have a chance at a peaceful holiday. Packing a punch of culture, natural beauty and unique experiences; New Zealand, undoubtedly, is one of the top attractions on tourist wish list even as a New Year ushers in.
If you are planning a holiday to New Zealand soon, and wouldn’t want to miss the most stunning attractions, take our list and you will never regret a thing:
Milford Sound
Described by Rudyard Kipling as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound contains a major chunk of natural beauty that New Zealand is synonymous with. Characterised by spectacular fiord’s cliffs rising dramatically from the waters, giant mountain peaks as well as gushing waterfalls, Milford Sound impresses visitors with the absolute beauty and grandeur of its surroundings. One of the most visited tourist attractions in New Zealand, Milford Sound is known for its excellent boating, kayaking and diving opportunities.
Taieri Gorge Railway
Believed to be one of the most scenic train rides in the world, a journey aboard Taieri Gorge Railway is sure to treat you to some of the most visually-appealing landscapes. Starting at an equally beautiful railway station in Dunedin, the train makes its way through the incredible Taieri gorge and crosses many tunnels, bridges and viaducts on its journey thereafter. It stops at various scenic points and allows passengers to take photos of the stunning vistas. By the end of the journey, the passengers are left marvelling at the sheer natural beauty as well as engineering brilliance at display on the Taieri Gorge Railway.
Moeraki Boulders
It is very not often you get to see something that is believed to have been formed at least 60 million years ago. Yet, that is exactly what you see when you lay your eyes on Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach, on the South island of New Zealand. Believed to be the result of erosion, time and concretion by scientists, the native Maoris of New Zealand explain their presence as eel baskets washed up from an enormous, sunken canoe. No matter which explanation you chose to believe, you are sure to be left admiring these perfectly round, unique natural spheres found individually as well as in clusters.
Farewell Spit
A narrow spit of sand dunes and beaches located in Golden Bay, South Island of New Zealand; the Farewell Spit is a bird sanctuary, home to over 90 species of birds. Dividing the open sea and sheltered waters, the Farewell Spit is the summer refuge of bar tailed godwits, knots, curlews, whimbrels and turnstones among other migratory birds and home to black swans, wrybills, curlews and dotterels and many others. One of the best ways to discover the splendid beauty of Farewell Spit is to book a 4WD safari from one of the leading tour operators.
Ninety Mile Beach
The quest for the best of sun and surf in New Zealand will leave you at the Ninety Mile Beach, renowned for its stunning sunsets as well as the best left hand surf breaks in the world. A designated highway, it is one of the few beaches in the world where you can reach on 4WD vehicles. Among the activities that appeal to thrill-seekers are surfcasting, swimming as well as body boarding down the sand dunes. If you are looking for information on the best time to visit the 90 Mile Beach, late February or early March, when a fishing competition is organised here is your best bet.