Boating in New Zealand
Bungy jumping in New Zealand
Fishing in New Zealand
Mountain biking in New Zealand
Walking along the Queenstown wharf
Zorbing in New Zealand
Scenic Train in New Zealand

New Zealand Scenic Views Highlights

In one way or another, New Zealand is always suggesting you 'go up and see the view'. We might be talking about a gentle hill above a rural town or the cloud-piercing enormity of Mount Cook (Aoraki). The land is rarely flat, and where it is there's always a mountain range or volcano close by to provide full-strength panorama.

Auckland City - Auckland

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Lion Rock at Piha Beach, Auckland, New Zealand
Lion Rock at Piha Beach
Auckland
Photographer: Scott Venning
(scottv@ihug.co.nz)

Special places to find in and around Auckland City.

Katikati Murals - Bay of Plenty

In Katikati, visitors and residents see local history every day, just by walking the main street.

Banks Peninusla - Canterbury

Banks Peninsula and Akaroa, early attempted French settlement site. Charming seaside tourist town with French influences.

Canterbury Plains - Canterbury

Hobbits Frodo and Sam had to walk through the vastness that was Erewhon in the Lord of the Rings - an easier way to view this magnificent film scene is via a hot air balloon.

Lindis Pass and Misty Mountains - Canterbury

You don't have to be a Lord of the Rings fan to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

Wentworth Valley Waterfall - The Coromandel

Wentworth Valley in the Coromandel offers several walks and scenic views.

Larnach Castle - Dunedin

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Larnarch Castle, Dunedin, New Zealand
Larnarch Castle, Dunedin
Photographer: Kieran Scott
(www.kieranscott.co.nz)

Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, is ornately decorated and furnished, and open for viewing every day.

Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula - Dunedin

Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula is home to the only mainland breeding colony of Royal albatross in the world.

Moeraki Boulders - Dunedin

The famous Moeraki boulders lie scattered along a beach 40 kilometres south of Oamaru.

Mount Hikurangi - Eastland

Mount Hikurangi is the first point on mainland New Zealand to see the sunrise each day.

Lake Manapouri becomes River Anduin - Fiordland

A perfect place to stop for a breather and take in the scenery—you could also pose for the odd publicity still with the backdrop of Eregion in the distance.

Te Mata Peak - Hawkes Bay

Te Mata Peak offers panoramic views of the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru ranges and Cape Kidnappers.

Pohangina Anticline - Manawatu & Rangitikei

Running along the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges, the 50km Pohangina Anticline is growing rapidly in geological terms.

Molesworth Station - Marlborough

The high country farm known as Molesworth Station is New Zealand's largest cattle station.

Lindis Pass and Misty Mountains - Mt Cook

You don't have to be a Lord of the Rings fan to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

Golden Bay - Nelson

Image Soure: Tourism New Zealand. Golden Bay sand flats, Nelson, New Zealand
Golden Bay Sand Flats, Nelson
Photographer: Graham Charles
(imagematters@clear.net.nz)

Take a trip to Golden Bay over Takaka Hill. Check out the lookouts, points of interest and sacred places.

Takaka Hill - Chetwood Forest - Nelson

You won't find any of Saruman's black crows when you visit Nelson, but you could find a few solid gold rings.

Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach - Northland

Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand has great views of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean merging.

Whangarei - Northland

Various scenic options around Whangarei - a leisurely centre for exploring Northland and the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.

Paradise in Queenstown - Queenstown

A region that can boast being Paradise - amongst other things.

Mount Tarawera - Rotorua

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand (newzealand.com). Mount Tarawera, Rotorua, New Zealand
Mount Tarawera, Rotorua
Photographer: Hiroshi Nameda
(hnamechan@hotmail.com)

Mount Tarawera, sacred volcano, famous landmark, and playground, plays an important role in the history of the region.

Nugget Point Lighthouse - Southland

Spend a day admiring the sky, sea and seals of Nugget Point.

Stirling Point - Southland

Points, Hills and Local Oddities - explore Stirling Point, Bluff Hill, Fred and Myrtle's Paua House!

Three Sisters Beach - Rock Formations - Taranaki

Spectacular rock formations and views - the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock.

Huka Falls - Taupo

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Huka Jet at Huka Falls, Waikato River, Taupo, New Zealand
Huka Jet at Huka Falls
Waikato River, Taupo
Photographer: Huka Jet
(www.hukajet.co.nz)

The Huka Falls is New Zealand's most visited natural attraction.

Waikato River - Taupo

Be there when the spillway opens at the Aratiatia Rapids.

Volcanic Plateau - Taupo

If you're a fan of the movie The Lord of the Rings, you can relive the feeling of complete isolation as you immerse yourself in the land of Mordor.

Matamata - Home of Hobbiton - Waikato

The Waikato town of Matamata played the set for Hobbiton, the home of Bilbo and Frodo in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings.

Mt Iron - Wanaka

Climb the flanks of Mount Iron or Mount Roy for spectacular views of surrounding valleys, peaks, rivers and lakes.

Cardrona Valley - South of Rivendell - Wanaka

You don't have to be a Lord of the Rings fan to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.

Wanganui City Heritage Walks - Wanganui

Heritage walks in Wanganui City; brochures provide a brief on each location plus drawings of historical sights.

Queens Wharf - Wellington

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Wellington Harbour, New Zealand
Wellington Harbour
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)

Exploring Wellington's waterfront on foot, visit Queens Wharf, Te Papa, Chaffers Marina, and Oriental Bay.

Mount Victoria and Kaitoke Regional Park - Wellington

The home of The Lord of the Rings movie director Peter Jackson and the location for some of the films scenes.

Paparoa National Park - Pancake Rock - West Coast

Paparoa National Park, famous for its Pancake Rocks and packed with variety and stunning landscapes.

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Stay locally with Top 10 and the kids stay free.

Elm Wildlife Tours

Elm Wildlife Tours

Tour options for a wildlife experience of a lifetime.

Active New Zealand

Active New Zealand

NZ's most experienced adventure tour operator.

Red Carpet Tours

Red Carpet Tours

NZ's premier Lord of the Rings tour company.

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross between the Islands on a Bluebridge ferry.

Thrifty Car Rental

Thrifty Car Rental

Thrifty has you covered with 31 locations.

Featured
 
Top 10 Holiday Parks

Top 10 Holiday Parks

Stay locally with Top 10 and the kids stay free.

Elm Wildlife Tours

Elm Wildlife Tours

Tour options for a wildlife experience of a lifetime.

Active New Zealand

Active New Zealand

NZ's most experienced adventure tour operator.

Red Carpet Tours

Red Carpet Tours

NZ's premier Lord of the Rings tour company.

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross between the Islands on a Bluebridge ferry.

Thrifty Car Rental

Thrifty Car Rental

Thrifty has you covered with 31 locations.