Enchanting Landscapes: The Most Beautiful Places in New Zealand

Milford Sound – Fiordland National Park

Often regarded as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is a pristine fjord located in the serene stretches of Fiordland National Park. Carved by glaciers over thousands of years, the dramatic cliffs rise sharply from the reflective waters and are crowned with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.

The fjord’s tranquil elegance is often accentuated by misty mornings that shroud the landscape in a mystical atmosphere, making it one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand for those seeking the magic of nature. You can immerse yourself in this mystical setting in a variety of ways, such as drifting along the still waters on an opulent cruise or kayaking through the fjord for a more intimate experience.

Milford Sound’s untouched beauty offers a serene escape into nature. Luxury travellers can enjoy private helicopter tours, exclusive cruises, and stay in high-end lodges that provide an immersive experience of one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.

The Bay of Islands

Another beautiful place in New Zealand is the stunning maritime playground in New Zealand’s Northland region known as The Bay of Islands. Composed of 144 islands dotted with secluded beaches, turquoise waters, and lush forests, this idyllic archipelago is steeped in history and natural beauty.

Spend your days exploring the idyllic islands by private yacht, indulging in activities like deep-sea fishing, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, and spotting dolphins and whales as they play in the surf.

The Bay of Islands is one of the best places to stay in New Zealand as it offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty and upscale leisure. Stay in exclusive waterfront villas, indulge in gourmet dining, and take advantage of personalised sailing experiences, all while enjoying the serene ambiance of this coastal gem.

Queenstown & Lake Wakatipu

Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, Queenstown is a year-round destination known for its breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities. The town’s stunning setting is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to experience New Zealand’s rugged beauty.

Whether you want to race along the water on a jet boat tour or explore the viticultural offerings of the nearby Gibbston Valley vineyard, you’ll be sure to agree that this is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Lake Wakatipu’s mirror-like waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains, creating a picture-perfect setting that epitomises Queenstown’s wild beauty.

Queenstown seamlessly blends adventure with luxury, offering everything from five-star accommodations with lake views to private guided tours. You can even take in this splendid New Zealand scenery from above on a private scenic flight or helicopter tour, taking in the awe-inspiring views from a breathtaking perspective.

Rotorua & The Geothermal Pools

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation in beautiful New Zealand, there’s no better place to visit than Rotorua on the North Island. The area is celebrated for its boiling mud pools, steaming geysers, and vividly coloured hot springs, all set against a backdrop of thriving forests and lavish lakes.

While unwinding in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, you can enjoy private tours of geysers and hot springs, followed by a relaxing soak in soothing, natural hot pools. You can even top it off with a private cultural experience, including an intimate Māori performance and a gourmet hangi feast.

Rotorua offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural depth, with high-end lodges and resorts providing exclusive access to geothermal wonders and personalised cultural experiences. It’s a destination where luxury and nature converge in the most extraordinary way

Franz Josef Glacier

If you’d prefer to admire the beauty of New Zealand in one of its most primal environments, then you should consider hiking Franz Josef Glacier. This icy behemoth is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, descending from the Southern Alps into the temperate rainforest of Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Experience the glacier up close via a helicopter tour that includes a guided hike on the ice, allowing you to explore crevasses and ice caves. If you’d prefer a more leisurely excursion, take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and the glacier to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of this natural masterpiece.

The dynamic landscape is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, allowing visitors to experience a striking world of blue ice juxtaposed with vibrant greenery. Enjoy private helicopter excursions, premium guided tours, and exclusive lodgings that offer stunning views and the utmost comfort.

Waikato River

The Waikato River winds through dramatic gorges and rolling farmland, culminating in a tranquil yet captivating excursion. Along the river you will find another of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, Huka Falls.

Here, the river narrows before plunging over a volcanic ledge, creating a spectacular waterfall. Take in the beauty of the Waikato region from above in a charming hot air balloon offering endless vistas of the rushing river and distant mountains.

The Waikato River region is a tranquil and picturesque retreat, with high-end lodges and boutique hotels that provide easy access to the river’s scenic beauty. Travellers can enjoy luxury private cruises, gourmet riverside picnics, and exclusive guided tours, making it a perfect place in New Zealand for those seeking a blend of relaxation and natural splendour.

QT Auckland

All interiors at QT Auckland are layered with intoxicating style thanks to a design that’s bold and serene, smooth and textured, and celebratory of the bracing NZ lifestyle. It’s a cool yet quirky boutique hotel in which there are nine different styles of rooms and suites, including top-floor Harbour suites and ‘corner’ rooms with glorious double aspects.

The artworks, including worn artefacts combed from the beach, and even the staff outfits, relay a very different attitude. But don’t worry: laid-back luxury is assured, the restaurant is superb, and the rooftop bar will keep you out all night under the stars.

The Farm At Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay

If it’s natural beauty you desire, then consider staying at New Zealand’s largest privately owned and funded wildlife restoration project, protected by a 10.6km-long predator-proof fence. This keeps the 2500-hectare, sandstone headland safe and thriving for the most amazing selection of reptiles and mammals.

There is also a teeming gannet community that is one of the largest in the world, so it’s perfect for birdwatching and seeing the avian giants soaring through the skies. After a refreshing romp in nature you can then enjoy a few swings at the onsite golf course to further revel in the beauty of New Zealand. The Farm’s lodge and spa are warm and welcoming – we love the Owner’s Cottage – and you’ll be fed and watered (or wined) in a homely yet sumptuous way.

Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua

Solitaire Lodge is the perfect retreat to relax and rejuvenate with friendly hosts and absolutely breath-taking vistas over Tarawera and its volcanic backdrop. Once you’ve got your breath back and your heart-rate is plodding along contentedly, there are lots of outdoor activities to enjoy close by in this tranquil setting.

Minutes from this iconic North Island resort you’ll discover a multitude of activities, including kayaks and sailing dinghies. There are nine amazing suites on offer. And each one has a deep, free-standing bath from which you can revel in the views. We’d definitely go for the full-board tariff that includes hearty breakfast and a five-course dinner for the ultimate New Zealand experience.

Blanket Bay, Queenstown

For the eager and outgoing, there’s no better place in New Zealand than the ultimate alpine escape of Blanket Bay. We love the wilderness jet boat safari, amazing fly-fishing, riding, hiking and Alpine aura, as well as no less than five golf courses nearby.

What’s more, you can take in the beauty of New Zealand by exploring the shores of Blanket Bay at the foot of the Richardson Mountains! The Main Lodge here is rated as one of the world’s best, while chalets and a villa offer more privacy if you prefer a more intimate accommodation. There are numerous wineries in the area to excite the palate, as well as the excellent food and drinks served in-house.

Minaret Station Alpine Lodge, Wanaka

This luxurious lodge overlooks an incredible glacial valley in the Southern Alps at Minaret Station, a rugged working farm. The territory is spectacular, untouched, and so vast that helicopters are the preferred way to get about. As you brave intrepid activities like heli-skiing and fly-fishing, you can take in the minute details of the landscape that make this one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.

It’s family owned and a world apart. The accommodation is warm and welcoming, and the Mountain Kitchen specialises in satisfying big appetites with superb locally produced food, including free-range venison, lamb and beef reared on-site.

Bay Of Many Coves, Marlborough

Accessible only by either boat or helicopter, this stunning resort sits at the junction of native bush and secluded bay, and in summer or winter it can be your retreat and sanctuary when the rush of everyday city life gets unbearable. The peace, the scenery, the food and the lovely hospitality are everything you could want.

The Miritu Day Spa offers a wonderful wellness experience, but we also covet the three-day trek along the Queen Charlotte walking track, taking you through forests, along remote ridges and around stunning bays in the company of pristine wildlife.