New Zealand has so many outstanding places to visit during a vacation that it is difficult to choose among them. I know that your vacation time is both brief and valuable. Our recommendations for the best places to visit will help you find the right place for your vacation in New Zealand.
Be sure to note that the period of the seasons in the Southern Hemisphere is the opposite of the Northern Hemisphere. During our summer they are experiencing winter. So if you want to ski in Queenstown, July and August can be the heart of the season. If you are not a skier, don't let the concept of winter stop you from taking your summer vacation in New Zealand, since the snow pretty much stays at the higher elevations.
A trip to New Zealand should cover the country's two major islands, known simply as the North Island and the South Island. Both islands are interesting, but we recommend that you spend the majority of you time on the South Island, which is pretty close to paradise.
The team at ThereArePlaces has developed a proprietary method for evaluating the attractiveness of towns and regions as tourist destinations. We used this methodology to create our list of the best places to visit in New Zealand. We believe that the cities and regions described below are the country’s key tourist destinations, contain New Zealand's best attractions and urge you to visit them during your travels in New Zealand.
South Island : The South Island is sparsely populated and brimming with outdoor adventure. You may see landscapes and scenery that you have not seen before, packaged in the most beautiful and moving of environments.
Queenstown : Queenstown, sited on the shore of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, is surrounded by the luscious beauty of a mountain chain known as the Remarkables. The town is the focal point for a large and diverse recreational area. Queenstown is a place where you can "sit and think" or participate in various outdoor activities, some of them quite unique. The shopping is OK but limited and cultural attractions are sparse.
Milford Sound : I think that cruising Milford Sound (a glacial fjord/fiord) is worth the cost of the trip to New Zealand. The Sound's scenery is spectacular - do not miss it! Most rental car agreements prohibit you from driving your rental on the road to Milford Sound. The Milford Road is subject to avalanches and landslides and is often closed on short notice.
