Top 10 Picturesque locations for tourists visiting New Zealand
New Zealand as a country is the most wholesome place for a nature lover to be, they can find a plethora of flora and fauna here set in myriad diverse landscapes which will leave tourists spell-bound and leave them wanting for more after visiting every place.
New Zealand Visa (NZeTA)
New Zealand Visa Application Form now allows visitors from all nationalities to obtain New Zealand eTA (NZETA) by email without visiting New Zealand Embassy. Government of New Zealand now officially recommends New Zealand Visa or New Zealand ETA online rather than sending paper documents. You can obtain NZETA by filling out a form in under three minutes on this website. The only requirement is to have a Debit or Credit Card and email id. You do not need to send your passport for Visa stamping. If you are arriving to New Zealand by the Cruise Ship route, you should check the New Zealand ETA eligibility conditions for Cruise Ship arrival to New Zealand.
Lake Tekapo
The location is known for the crystal clear blue glacial waters that dazzle throughout the year. Daytime is best for the scenic picnic around the lake with the beautiful landscape that surrounds the lake in the background. At the night the pollution-free sky becomes a haven for star-gazing as the location is one of the most beautiful International Dark Sky Reserves. The best time to visit the lake is in spring from Mid-October to late November when the Lupin flowers are in full blossom and their pink and purple hues make you want to stay by the lake forever.
Lake Tekapo with Lupins
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Foreigners who must visit New Zealand on a crisis basis are granted an Emergency New Zealand Visa (eVisa for emergency). Learn more at The Emergency Visa to Visit New Zealand
Waitomo Glowworm cave
The caves are one of the most visited in New Zealand. These caves are known to have a rare species of glow worms that are found only in New Zealand. The caves are a great site for exploring underground tunnels and pathways while enjoying the sparkling and shining glow of the worms. For adventure lovers, this cave is a haven as there is the thrilling and adrenaline-rich adventure sport of black water rafting in these caves which is enjoyed thoroughly by loves of water sports!
Cape Reinga
The Cape is identified to be the northernmost part of the country. The Te Werahi Beach track is a trek you should not miss out on when at the Cape which gives you a great experience of exploring the Cape. You should head to the Te Paki dunes to feel the sand on your soles and the breeze brush against your skin. The Rarawa white-sand beach in the region is also a great spot to relax and rejuvenate oneself. The leisurely walk to the lighthouse is a great way to bask in the views of the coastline and greenery of the Cape. It is highly recommended to camp out there and spend the night at the Tapotupotu campsite.
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The nightlife of New Zealand is fun, adventurous, dreamy, and elite. There are numerous events to suit the taste of every soul coming from different parts of the globe. New Zealand is filled with joy, fun, dance, and music, the night skyline of New Zealand is nothing but perfection. Experience superyachts, stargazing and stunning performances. Learn more at A Glimpse of The Nightlife in New Zealand
Piha Beach
Remarked as the most popular and dangerous beach in New Zealand, surfers identify this beach to be their go-to beach to tide among the waves. The iconic black sand beach is also popular among tourists and locals during summertime for watching the waves and picnicking on the beach. The mammoth lion rock which is located on the beach along with the Maori carvings surrounding it is a popularly visited site on the beach. The region around the beach is set at a backdrop of hills frequented by hikers as the walks give you incredible views of the beach and the sea from the peaks.
Piha Beach
Mt. Taranaki
This peak is located in the Egmont National park from where it gets its other name Mt. Egmont. The mountain is known for its uncanny resemblance to the famous Mt. Fuji of Japan due to its symmetrical shape. It is an active strata-volcano, so summiting this peak is adventurous and risky at the same time. The location was the backdrop for Tom Cruise’s famous film Mount Samurai. There are various hiking tracks through the lush rainforests, rushing waterfalls, and swaps frequented by mountaineers to summit the top of the mountain. The view of the valleys below from the top is spectacular.
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New Zealand has opened up its borders to international visitors with an easy to apply online process for entry requirements via the eTA or Electronic Travel Authorization. Learn more at New Zealand eTA Visa
Mt. Taranaki
Champagne Pool
The Champagne Pool is one of the most visited tourist spots in the active geothermal area of the cultural epicentre of the Maoris, Rotorua. The pool is located a short drive away from Rotorua in the Wai O Tapu geothermal area which is home to many colourful springs, mud pools, and geysers. The Champagne Pool is a mesmerisingly blue hot spring and the bubbles spurting out of the pool resemble a glass of champagne hence it gets the name. Nearby, the Devil’s Bath which is a rich fluorescent green pool is also a sought-after tourist spot!
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If you wish to know the tales and explore the alternative islands in New Zealands North Island, you must take a glimpse at the list we have prepared to make your island-hopping adventure a bit easier. These beautiful islands will provide you with breathtaking scenery and memories to cherish for a lifetime. Learn more at Must Visit Islands of North Island, New Zealand.
Franz and Josef glacier
The two glaciers are a favourite tourist haven on the west coast of the southern islands. Here you can take on heli-hiking in the glacier valleys and get up close and stunning views of the glaciers. Both the glaciers are formed from melting ice of the highest peaks of the Southern Alps. There are four glaciers in all but two most looked out for, that rise up to a level of 2500m above sea level with a width of almost 13m. The hike to the nearby lake Matheson is preferred by those who want to take an easy walk with a view of the glacial valleys. The Alex Knob track climbing to an altitude of over 1300m culminates into a beautiful experience with great views of the glaciers.
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From October 2019 New Zealand Visa requirements have changed. People who do not require a New Zealand Visa i.e. formerly Visa Free nationals, are required to obtain New Zealand Electronic Travel Authorization (NZeTA) in order to enter New Zealand. Learn more at New Zealand eTA Visa Eligibility
Moeraki Boulders
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of the place is the boulders. They are mysterious and huge spherical stones formed due to erosion of mudstone and the turbulent waves of the sea. The stones are found in the famous Koekohe beach of the region. While tourists marvel in the spectacle of these boulders, geologists are also avidly interested in these stones which are hollow, perfectly round, and three meters in diameter. This led to the beach’s becoming of a protected scientific reserve. The scenic beauty of this location peaks when the sun meets the horizon while you enjoy the waves and the sea-breeze amidst the boulders.
Milford Sound
It is located in the largest and one of the most beautiful National Parks in New Zealand. The fiord is the most visited tourist spot in all of New Zealand. The inlet is located on the northern end of the park and is accessible via road. It opens up to the Tasman Sea and the land surrounding the spot is prized for greenstone. The location has a lot to offer, you could drive to the spot and explore the fiord on a day-cruise of go kayaking to get up-close to the glaciers. One of the 10 great walks in the Milford track and while taking on the track you see the marvelous spectacle of mountains, forests, valleys, and glaciers which finally lead to the marvelous spectacle which is the Milford Sound.
Hokitika gorge
The gorge is located on the west coast of the southern islands and is as pretty as the pictures paint the location. The gorge is the endpoint of the Hokitika walking track which is a 33km long trek that begins outside the town of Hokitika. The walk takes you through the dense rainforests of the region until you reach the viewing point and the stellar view of the shimmering glacial waters which create an intense turquoise colour will leave you spell-bound. From the iconic swing bridge, it is a location where one must-take photos for your memorabilia.
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Famous for everything from ski fields along its mountain peaks, snowboarding and numerous adventure activities to scenic walks and trails, floating restaurants and jelly museums, the list of places to visit in Queenstown can become as diverse as you want it to be. Learn more at Top Tourist Activities in Queenstown, New Zealand
Ensure that you have checked the eligibility for your New Zealand eTA. If you are from a Visa Waiver country then you can apply for an eTA regardless of the mode of travel (Air / Cruise). United States citizens, European citizens, Hong Kong citizens, United Kingdom citizens, Mexican citizens, French citizens and Dutch citizens can apply online for New Zealand eTA. United Kingdom residents can stay on New Zealand eTA for 6 months while others for 90 days.
Please apply for a New Zealand eTA 72 hours in advance of your flight.