As a practitioner who has been deeply involved in the tourism industry for many years, especially focusing on high-end personal tailor travel in Australia and New Zealand, every time I talk to you about Australia and New Zealand, my chatterbox can’t be shut down. I really want to share the fascinating beauty here with you, so that more people can know that there are such moving corners on the earth.

From towering mountains and thousands of years of glaciers to bright starry skies and mysterious caves, New Zealand is like a treasure box full of wonders. The following places are excellent places to open this treasure box and experience its essence.

1. Glaciers on the west coast-Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier

Come and feel the shock of New Zealand’s “Glacier Country”. Here, huge glaciers rush down from the snow line, almost touching the sea level in the distance, forming a magnificent glacier valley.

Fox Glacier is named after former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir William Fox. You can enjoy its magnificence along the Cook Plains Road to Matherson Lake. Of course, an even better way is to take a glacier hike or take a sightseeing plane overlook. There is also a firefly cave to visit near the town. The beautiful Matherson Lake is a photography paradise. On the calm lake, the reflection of Mount Cook is clear and picturesque.

The Franz Josef Glacier was named after the Austrian emperor by a geologist. It’s an easy walk from the town to the foot of the glacier. You can choose to overlook from the observation platform, follow the guide on the glacier, or land in the ice field by helicopter for an intimate encounter you will never forget. Kayaking can also be experienced at nearby Lake Mapreka.

2. Lake Tikapu (district)

Lake Tikapu is like a turquoise stone in the Southern Alps, famous for its dreamy milky blue lake water. This peaceful town is the perfect base from which to explore Mount Cook National Park and Lake Pukaki. The landmark here-the Church of the Good Shepherd, and the excellent stargazing conditions rated as an “International Dark Sky Reserve” all make it full of charm.

Night Sky Magic at Lake Tikapu

The lake view during the day is amazing enough, but the starry sky at night is the highlight. This is one of the largest dark sky reserves in the world. You can participate in stargazing clusters, explore the universe through professional astronomical telescopes, or listen to Maori starry legends in the “Dark Night Experience”. A more special experience is stargazing while soaking in a hot spring, lying in an underwater hammock in a hot spring pool and looking up at the Milky Way. The clear night sky works best in winter.

The Good Shepherd’s Church, a small church made of stone, is integrated with the lakes and mountains, and it is a classic background for taking photos. Please note that it is still a place of worship, please be quiet and respectful when visiting.

Mackenzie Helicopter Sightseeing

Looking for a different perspective? Then fly! Mackenzie Helicopters offers a variety of flying experiences from Lake Tikapu, whether it’s sightseeing, private charter flights, or more exciting heli-skiing, which will allow you to see the magnificence of this mountain and river from the air.

Jack Rabbit Cafe

At Jack Rabbit Cafe, you can enjoy excellent coffee and great food (they have plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options) while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Tikapu through the large windows. It’s ideal for taking a nap and fueling on the go.

3. The picturesque seaside town of Kaikoura

Kaikoura, a wonderful place where mountains and seas meet. The name means “lobster feast” in Maori, and it is a haven for watching wildlife and enjoying seafood. It’s a two-hour drive from Christchurch.

The town is backed by snow-capped mountains and faces the Pacific Ocean. The scenery is extremely rich. The most unique experience is to meet the ocean behemoth-whale watching is the signature project here, and the success rate is very high. Additionally, you can see groups of seals and dolphins.

Kaikoura Whale Watching takes you out to sea in search of the world’s largest toothed whale, the sperm whale, among other cetacean companions, an activity that can be done almost year-round.

Dolphin Encounter

If you don’t think whale watching is enjoyable enough, jump into the sea and swim with the clever dark-spotted dolphins! Or watching them flock, leap and play by boat will surely become the happiest memory of the journey.

Enjoy a night’s dream in the Hapuku tree house

Want a special stay experience? Hapuku Treehouse Lodge is the place for you. Living in a tall tree house feels like being in a forest. When you wake up, you can embrace the beautiful scenery of mountains and seas in Kaikoura, which makes the whole journey full of fairy tales.

4. Matamata Town-Hobbit Village

From Auckland to the south, drive into the rolling pastures of Waikato region, which are full of green and picturesque. Peter Jackson, the director of the movies Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, took a fancy to this paradise-like scene and moved the story of Hobbiton and the Shire here.

Following the guide, you will walk into the real “Middle-earth”. Visit 44 carefully crafted hobbit cave huts, stop in front of Bilbo’s bag-bottom hole, walk across the double-arch bridge and finally grab a specialty brew at the Green Dragon Tavern. The whole process is like completing a fairy tale tour.

5. Explore Milford Sound

This is the crown jewel of South Island scenery. Writer Rudyard Kipling once called it “the eighth wonder of the world”. When you sailed into this dark water surrounded by steep cliffs, you could see why he was so impressed.

The towering Mitt Peak and Bowen Waterfall, which flows straight down, are must-see highlights. It is worth mentioning that this is one of the wettest areas on earth. After the rain, hundreds of temporary waterfalls pour down from the cliff, which is particularly spectacular. If you are lucky, you can also see fjord crested penguins and dolphins traveling with your boat for a segment.

It is also full of Maori cultural legends. The Maori name of the fjord “Piopiotahi” comes from a bird that flew here in memory of the hero Maui, adding a tragic mythical color to this natural wonder.

6. Visual Feast-Waitomo Firefly Cave

The underworld of Waitomo, is a real visual magic. For tens of thousands of years, flowing water has carved a huge network of caves, and the most breathtaking of them is the underground “starry sky” lit by thousands of fireflies.

Ruakuli Cave

The unique spiral trail at the entrance of Ruakuli Cave is full of design. The inner passages of the cave are intricate, and you can enjoy the huge stalactites, and look up at the fireflies twinkling like the blue Milky Way in the quiet river channel.

Waitomo Firefly Cave

This is the most classic and earliest developed firefly cave. He slid quietly into the dark cave in a small boat. When he lifted his head, the sky was filled with glimmering light like a river of stars. The quiet and resplendent shock could not be described in words. Remember to be sure to book in advance.

Alanui Cave

Alanui Cave, although there are no fireflies, is a temple of limestone sculpture. The cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites with various shapes and soft colors, just like an ancient and gorgeous underground palace, showing the uncanny workmanship of time and water drops.

7. Mount Cook National Park

Here is the roof of New Zealand, where the highest mountain peak (Mount Cook) and the longest glacier converges. The mountains are towering and the glaciers are shining, forming the purest and most shocking mountain picture.

The park is full of hiking trails of various difficulties, from an easy ten-minute stroll to the Hook Valley Trail, which takes several hours. You can measure the magnificence of this world natural heritage site with your feet. No matter which road you choose, snow-capped mountains and glaciers are always with you.

The beauty of New Zealand, with different seasons, is worth visiting at any time. Whether it’s spring flowers, summer waves, autumn leaves or winter snow, there are unique ways to play. I’d love to discuss with you how to plan your trip to New Zealand. Perhaps, we can be lucky enough to travel together and discover more surprises in this pure land!

Goldhairs