Top 10 New Zealand Travel Destinations

No.1

No surprises here - it's Milford Sound.


















Milford Sound is at once magnificent, serene, moody and wild. It draws visitors from all over the world to gaze upon the majestic Mitre Peak, the dominating feature of the landscape.































A cruise on its placid waters is an absolute must to take in the splendour of this unique scenery.

No.2

Just over the mountains from Milford Sound is Doubtful Sound




This tranquil haven is usually accessed via Lake Manapouri. The journey involves a boat trip from Manapouri up the lake and then transferring to a bus to travel over the Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound.

On the way, the bus will detour to the engineering marvel that is the Manapouri Power Station. It will descend many metres to the heart of the hydro electric power station.




Then the bus winds its way over the ridge to the beauty of Doubtful Sound.

No.3

Abel Tasman National Park

 

Awaroa





The golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park comes in at Number 3. With more than 50 km of golden sand coastline, it offers stunning scenery - bush-clad slopes falling into crystal clear waters. The Nation's favourite holiday playground.

No.4

The world famous Bay of Islands is the Number 4 favourite travel destination.


The most recognised tourist spot is the
Hole in the Rock






The best way of exploring the 144 islands is to take the 'Cream Trip'. This enduring boat ride follows the path of the ferry that used to deliver essential supplies to the outlying islands. The region is known for it's Big Game fishing, made famous by American author Zane Grey.
There is also a huge amount of history to delve into as Russell was once the capital of New Zealand.

No.5

Snow and ice come in at Number 5 - namely the majestic glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef on the West Coast of the South Island.












You can just bowl up to the base of the glaciers and be amazed at their immensity or you can take a guided tour walking on the glacier itself. Contrary to many glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere, these glaciers are still advancing. Compare that to Glacier National Park in Montana, USA where the last glacier will be gone in 20 years time.

No.6

The gem of the Deep South slides in at Number 6 - Stewart Island.



The 'third' island of NZ is definitely the most unspoiled island.

















A small population and few tourists keeps it pristine. And the island offers perhaps the best chance of seeing a Kiwi in the wild - the bird I mean! And you will see plenty of other native bird species in the wilds of this fabulous island. When we stayed at Kowhai Lane, we were astonished to have ten Wood Pigeons arrive in a tree on the property just on dusk.

No.7

The towering peak of New Zealand's highest mountain and its attendant Tasman Glacier is the Number 7 attraction.













Mt Cook dominates the surrounding scenery, being the crown in the jewel that is the Alps. The Tasman Glacier can be reached by a rough road but is probably better viewed from the air. The fixed wing planes will even land on the ice and you can ski the glacier! Try it - I did!

No.8

The stunning Marlborough Sounds comes in at Number 8.












The Queen Charlotte Walkway is a great way of viewing the wonders of the fabulous Marlborough Sounds. There are a huge number of bays and beaches - too many to explore in just a few days. Plus there are all the attractions of the Marlborough vineyards just over the hill.

 

No.9

The whales get Kaikoura into the top 10.












Kaikoura is not the prettiest town in NZ but the influx of tourists that the whales have brought has seen an explosion in the numbers of trendy cafes and restaurants. The franchise for the whale-watching is operated by the local iwi and they do a fantastic job. The introductory audio-visual presentation has won many awards.

No.10

Last but not least is the marine reserve that is the Poor Knights Islands.













My Doctor, a fanatic scuba diver, has dived all around the world. He states emphatically that the diving in the Poor Knights Islands is the best in the world. I haven't done it so I can't argue!

And just outside the Top Ten would be the giant kauri trees to be found in Waipoua Forest.