Kia ora! New Zealand may be tiny, but it doesn’t fall short of fantastic places to visit! Teeming with stunning landmarks, New Zealand is filled with diverse breathtaking landscapes and stunning man-made wonders. There are Rotorua’s geothermal parks and Wellington’s The Beehive on the North Island. Meanwhile, the South Island is home to Lake Wanaka, Milford Sound, and more natural attractions.
Planning an itinerary to visit the world-famous landmarks of New Zealand? We’ve listed 12 of New Zealand’s most iconic landmarks for you to see:
- North Island
- The Sky Tower
- Huka Falls
- One Tree Hill
- Tongariro Crossing
- Mount Cook/Aoraki
- The Beehive
- Rotorua’s Geothermal Parks
- Hobbiton
- South Island
- Lake Wanaka
- Milford Sound
- Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
- Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
North Island
1. The Sky Tower
This fantastic view awaits you at the top of Sky Tower! Image credits: @nzsoulsisters
Brace yourself for a million-dollar scenic view of the Auckland skyline atop the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest building! A New Zealand landmark, Sky Tower stands tall at 328 metres, with its observation deck at 220 metres above the ground. Thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies will have the time of their lives since you can jump off from the tower. Foodies will also enjoy their visit as the building offers excellent dining options such as Orbit 360°.
2. Huka Falls
See firsthand Huka Falls’ massive hydropower! Image credits: @meghan_may93
When it comes to iconic New Zealand landmarks, the majestic Huka Falls goes without mention. This stunning waterfall in North Island gets its name from the Maori word for foam, and it indeed lives up to its name. Around 220,000 litres of water flow from the waterfall per second! If you want to feel the power of the falls, you can go on a jet boat ride along the Waikato River, where you’ll skim at up to 80 kilometres per hour for 30 minutes.
3. One Tree Hill
Witness sheep grazing at One Tree Hill. Image credits: @mooddooyodee from @visitauckland
Another scenic New Zealand landmark located in Auckland is the historic Maungakiekie or One Tree Hill. Did you know that it is an extinct volcanic crater and was once a developed Māori pā or village settlement? Today, it is an important memorial site, one of the largest pre-European archaeological sites in New Zealand, and a family-favourite destination, thanks to its breathtaking views of Auckland and surrounding harbours.
4. Tongariro Crossing
Enjoy the scenic views of Tongariro Crossing! Image credits: @flipflopwanderers from @tongarirocrossing
Fans of the beloved The Lord of the Rings cinematic universe might recognise this one. Tongariro Crossing is the location for the iconic Mordor and is New Zealand’s oldest national park. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers some of the most awe-inspiring day hikes in the country, such as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. The 12-mile hike takes you through several natural wonders such as volcanic craters, hot springs, and petrified lava flows.
P.S.— You can book hassle-free shuttle transfers to and from Tongariro National Park with Klook!
5. Mount Cook/Aoraki
Have some alpine fun at Mount Cook/Aoraki! Image credits: @alpinerecreation
Complete your bucket list of New Zealand landmarks with a visit to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park! It’s home to the highest mountains and longest glaciers and packs tons of activities for the thrill-seeker in you. If you’re daring enough, embark on this ski plane and helicopter experience in Mount Cook for the ultimate Alpine experience!
6. The Beehive, Wellington
Witness one of Wellington’s architectural marvels: The Beehive! Image credits: @duane_dean
While you won’t find actual bees in The Beehive, you’ll still be encountering some busy bees along the way. The Beehive is actually home to the parliament Executive Wing where offices of the Prime Minister and Cabinet members are located! The distinct establishment resembles a traditional, woven beehive, thus the name, and is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
7. Rotorua’s Geothermal Parks
Venture into a geothermal wonderland at Rotorua! Image credits: @thestylejungle
Rotorua is a Mecca of geothermal landmarks of New Zealand. Don’t let the smell of sulphur drive you away from these natural wonders, especially Hell’s Gate, where you can soak in a relaxing mud bath and experience the healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water. You can even book the whole Hell’s Gate experience, complete with a geothermal walk, Māori carvings, mud baths, plunge pool, and more!
8. Hobbiton, Waikato
Keep your eyes peeled out for hobbits along the way! Image credits: @kitnet506
This one’s for the Lord of the Rings fans Ringers again! Step into the Shire and explore the majestic Middle Earth as seen in the films! Drive through the 1,250-acre sheep farm that has been transformed into a well-loved film location by movie magic. Visit the film sets of the Hobbit House, Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill—even get the chance to drink a refreshing complimentary beverage at The Green Dragon Inn!
South Island
9. Lake Wanaka, Otago
Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere at Lake Wanaka. Image credits: @rossadelic
Once you’ve ventured down south, make sure to visit the quaint town of Wanaka, where the stunning Lake Wanaka sits. Nestled in the magnificent Alps on the South Island, Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand. It is an excellent base for outdoor activities such as jet boating and water sports and other nearby New Zealand landmarks.
10. Milford Sound/ Fiordland National Park
Take the whole family out to Milford Sound! Image credits: @gaeapodcast
Those who love the outdoors will adore Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park! It’s filled to the brim with impeccable photo opportunities with its lush green rainforests, impressive rock formations, and waterfalls, Milford Sound. The best way to go about this remote fiord is to go on a Milford Sound cruise such as this one with Jucy Cruise, where you get to travel in luxury aboard the “Gem of the Sound!”
11. Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers
Learn how to walk on ice! Image credits: @emilyhlavacgreen from @foxglacierguidingnz
When on the South Island, one should definitely pay a visit to its magnificent glaciers. They offer awe-inspiring views and are packed with thrilling glacier tours and experiences that will definitely give you the time of your life! Don’t know where to start? Check out this Fox Glacier Heli Hike experience for a fun day in the snow!
12. Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
Feel alive when you take a leap of faith at the Kawarau Bridge! Image credits: @coco.travel.landscaper
Queenstown is a natural playground for adrenaline junkies and packs a ton of exhilarating activities for visitors. One of them is the historic New Zealand landmark Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge. It’s the site of the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the world’s first commercial bungee jump! Join thousands of thrill-seekers as you leap 43 metres from the historic bridge! For more thrill, you can even request to have water touches on your jump!
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_160,h_104/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_410,h_264/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
