New Zealand’s rugged islands feature lush native forests, towering mountains, picturesque beaches, icy glaciers, geothermal areas, and stunning fjords, all meticulously preserved by a government and culture that prioritize environmental conservation. The country is a unique blend of traditional Maori culture and contemporary life, showcased in its cosmopolitan cities, quaint villages, and expansive pristine wilderness. Renowned for its untouched beauty, New Zealand offers a diverse range of attractions for every traveler to enjoy.
Here’s some of its hidden beauty to explore…
Ulva Island
Ulva Island, a 266-hectare sanctuary, is located in Paterson Inlet, just off the northeastern coast of Stewart Island. Accessible by a brief boat ride from either Halfmoon Bay or Golden Bay, Ulva Island – also known as Te Wharawhara in Māori – is an open sanctuary managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and is renowned for its abundant native birdlife.
Since becoming predator-free in 1997, Ulva Island has become a haven for a variety of native species, including weka, kiwi, kererū, kākā, kākāriki, tomtit, fantail, rifleman, tūī, and korimako. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along one of the island’s tracks, which range from rainforest walks that span several hours to short coastal strolls. Along the way, you may even spot fur seals, sea lions, and yellow-eyed penguins.
Lake Quill
Lake Quill occupies a sizable, steep-sided basin and cascades into the Sutherland Falls, plunging 580 meters in three magnificent stages. Accessible solely by helicopter, a visit to this location in Fiordland National Park promises an enchanting experience.
What makes it even more magical is the scarcity of visitors throughout the year. If you manage to make the journey, you’ll likely have the entire lake to yourself, adding to the allure of this remote and pristine location.
Flowing from Lake Quill, Sutherland Falls is one of New Zealand’s tallest waterfalls, standing at an impressive 580 meters. It ranks as the seventh-highest waterfall globally. The falls cascade dramatically in three distinct tiers along the Arthur River, cutting through the picturesque Arthur Valley, which is also home to the renowned Milford Track.
Matapouri Bay – Mermaid Pools
A scenic natural pool, once a thriving tourist destination in Northland, is gradually recovering after being closed to thousands of daily visitors.
The Mermaid Pools, located near Matapouri, have been off-limits under a rāhui (Maori cultural prohibition) since April 2019. The closure was necessary to protect the delicate ecosystem, which was being damaged by the large number of visitors.
For those seeking more than the pristine white sands of Matapouri Bay, there are several scenic tracks to explore, including routes to Whale Bay, Tane Moana, or the Mermaid Pool.
Nikau Cave
Located deep in the countryside at the northern edge of the Waikato region, Nikau Cave is renowned as one of New Zealand’s most beautiful glowworm caves.
Nestled in the remote and rural Waikaretu Valley, Nikau Cave offers visitors a guided tour through a subterranean wonderland of limestone formations. Marvel at stalactites, stalagmites, giant pillars, delicate straws, flowing shawls, and rocks as big as houses.
Exploring Nikau Cave is an adventure, with narrow rock passages to crawl through and an underground stream where you’ll likely get wet and muddy. However, the experience is well worth it when you reach the main cavern, which resembles a cathedral and is illuminated by a galaxy of twinkling glowworms.
Wai-O-Tapu
Just outside Rotorua, on New Zealand’s North Island, lies the extraordinary destination of Wai-O-Tapu. This park is renowned for its impressive geothermal activity, offering visitors the chance to hike through volcanic landscapes that resemble something out of this world.
One of the park’s highlights is the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily, shooting water high into the air in a mesmerizing display. After a day of exploring Wai-O-Tapu’s volcanic trails, visitors can relax in nearby geothermal spas, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind amidst the stunning natural surroundings.
Whirinaki Forest Park
Just outside Rotorua, on New Zealand’s North Island, lies the extraordinary destination of Wai-O-Tapu. This park is renowned for its impressive geothermal activity, offering visitors the chance to hike through volcanic landscapes that resemble something out of this world.
One of the park’s highlights is the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts daily, shooting water high into the air in a mesmerizing display. After a day of exploring Wai-O-Tapu’s volcanic trails, visitors can relax in nearby geothermal spas, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind amidst the stunning natural surroundings.
