This post is part of my Blog4NZ series. Blog4NZ, running March 21-23, is an initiative by travel bloggers to share memories, photos and stories from New Zealand in order to bring awareness to the fact that, despite the Feb. 22 Christchurch earthquake, the country is still very much open for business.
New Zealand is full of beautiful views.
From snow-capped mountains, to untouched beaches, to geothermal wonders, to lush rainforests, to rugged coastlines, to colorful towns… need I go on?
Though it’s really difficult to chose my “favorite” views and landscapes in this picturesque country, I’ve narrowed it down to the 5 that I find to be most memorable.
My 5 Favorite Views in New Zealand
Top of the North
Cape Reinga
Te Paki Sand Dunes
Cape Maria van Diemen
The Northland Region of New Zealand — full of beaches, forests, and gently-rolling hills under a big blue sky — has some of my favorite views in the country. Whether it’s the golden sand dunes along 90 Mile Beach, the Tasman meeting the Pacific at Cape Reinga, or the towering old kauri trees in nearby forests, Northland has a lot to offer someone who loves nature and the untouched beauty of undeveloped land.
Wellington
Oriental Bay
Wellington from the Kelburn cable car station
The fern ball sculpture in Civic Square
It’s no secret that Wellington — New Zealand’s political and cultural capital — is my favorite city in the world. Whether it’s taking a stroll along the waterfront, visiting the lookout at the top of Mount Victoria, or riding the historic cable car up to the botanic gardens, some of my favorite views in New Zealand are located right in downtown Wellington. It’s no wonder that Lonely Planet called Welly “the coolest little capital in the world.”
Above the Southern Alps
Flying over Lake Wakatipu
Southern Alps
Southern Alps
There really is nothing quite as breathtaking as soaring over snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear alpine lakes on a perfect, blue-skied day. I had the chance to do just that over New Zealand’s craggy Southern Alps between Milford Sound and Queenstown, and it ranks up there as one of my most memorable NZ experiences.
Queenstown
Looking out over Queenstown from Deer Park Heights
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
Queenstown, from the Skyline Gondola
Queenstown calls itself “New Zealand’s Adventure Capital” — and I would have to agree. Here you can do everything from bungy jumping to jetboating to skydiving. But, along with being home to a slew of extreme sports, Queenstown also has some of the most spectacular views of any city in New Zealand. With green hills and the blue waters of Lake Wakatipu set before the backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range, it’s hard to imagine wanting to be anywhere else when you’re here.
The Wind-Swept Southern Coast
The Catlins Coast
Nugget Point
The Southern Coast
If you do one road trip in New Zealand, pick this one — the Southern Scenic Route through the Catlins along the coast of the country’s South Island. It only takes about a day to drive, but there’s so much to see that you could let it last much longer. I wore out my camera battery on this drive, and it’s not difficult to understand why with coastlines and landscapes like this.
What are some of YOUR favorite views in New Zealand? Did any of them make my list?
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Please note: All photos in this post were taken by me in New Zealand. To see more from this album, head over to Flickr.
And, if you liked this post, I would love if you would tweet it with the #blog4NZ tag, stumble it, and share it on Facebook to help promote this awesome blogging effort!
Gorgeous photos
Linda ~ Journey Jottings recently posted..Why New Zealand Now blog4NZ
Thank you, Linda! I have so many photos from New Zealand — I always like finding the chance to share them!
Great shots! I love the diverse landscape. In particular, I’m a sucker for rocky coastlines.
Randy recently posted..Travel Gear ExOfficio Underwear Review
Thank you, Randy! I’m also a sucker for rocky coastlines. And mountains. If an area has mountains, I’m SOLD.
Beautiful photos…some great travels youve done
I’ve indeed been really lucky with my travels so far. But I’m still dying to get back to New Zealand to do even more! Thanks for reading. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos!
Love the first picture, so pretty. Actually I love them all. There certainly doesn’t seem to be a shortage of beautiful scenery in New Zealand.
Alouise recently posted..Let’s Go To New Zealand
Definitely no shortage of gorgeous vistas in NZ, that’s for sure! Even on rainy days you could find a pretty scene.
Thanks for reading, Alouise!
Some lovely views. Well done on the pictures, they are excellent.
Natalie recently posted..Weather in Turkey – The Unofficial Guide to the Summer Months
Thanks, Natalie. It was actually kind of difficult narrowing it down to just 5 places! There are so many to pick from in NZ that are memorable.
Wow. These photos are so beautiful. Great shots from a great country. I especially like the Southern Alps pics, You’ve got to love a snowy mountain!
Monica recently posted..Universal Studios- Singapore
Snowy mountains are my absolute favorite! I’m such a sucker for them. I’m glad you liked the photos! Thanks for checking them out!
Great pics, they are all absolutely stunning!
Annie recently posted..Blog4NZ–A Leap of Faith in Queenstown
Aww, thanks Annie! All of NZ is so amazing… anyone could take shots like these!
“Looking out over Queenstown from Deer Park Heights” Definitely my favorite view! So many gorgeous things in one picture!
The people who settled Queenstown knew what they were doing. It’s no wonder why it’s such a popular New Zealand destination — there are amazing sights every way you turn!
I love the Catlins Coast!!! And lucky you for going on a sunny day! I went in the middle of summer and it still was overcast, cloudy and rainy most of the time. But like everything in NZ, I still had the best time!!
Rebecca recently posted..Groupons and the Like
I was verrrry lucky with the weather for my drive through the Catlins! It actually started raining when we got closer to Invercargill, but that was after a full day of driving under sunny blue skies. I LOVE that part of New Zealand!
GODDAMMIT. I HAVE TO GO.
YES YOU DO. I know you’re all obsessed with Greece and all… but seriously, NZ is awesome.
Amanda, you are doing an amazing job here! If I could I would give you my vote as you deserve the chance to come and visit NZ again.
Merav | AllWays Car Rental NZ recently posted..Puzzling World Wanaka – Not Only For Kids
Aww, Merav that is so sweet of you to say! I would LOVE to win that trip to NZ. But, honestly, I would be posting all of this regardless for Blog4NZ, because I love New Zealand that much!!! The prizes are just icing on the cake (though I can’t lie and say I don’t have my fingers and toes crossed!).
What sort of camera do you use?
All your shots are great!
Linda ~ Journey Jottings recently posted..Why New Zealand Now blog4NZ
Thanks, Linda! I just use a little Canon PowerShot point-and-shoot, and then edit some of my shots in iPhoto! I don’t have an expensive camera or fancy editing software or anything like that – in New Zealand, you don’t need it to take amazing shots!
Gorgeous photographs!
Kirsten recently posted..Free Museum Day in Paris – Musee du Louvre
Thanks so much, Kirsten! That actually means a lot coming from you, as I always admire the photos you take on your site!
absolutely gorgeous! haven’t been so have only “been” in photos and if these don’t serve the Blog4NZ mission of increasing tourism post-earthquake, i don’t know what will
Lorna – the roamantics recently posted..I’m Still Here- And Hopefully Not as Crazy as Joaquin Phoenix
Thanks so much, Lorna!
I’m glad this post did what it was meant to do!
Wow, awesome photos! I hope I make it there soon!
Travelogged recently posted..How to Help Japan After the Earthquake and Tsunami
Thank you! I hope you make it there soon, too! It’s such a beautiful country.
Great views, one of my favorite views is also from the hill in Queenstown, another favorite is from Porthills in Christchurch.
Thank you, Sofia! I’ve never been to the Port Hills, but I’ve heard they are beautiful.
I have so many pictures of NZ too and probably wouldn’t able to pick 5 favorites
Vi recently posted..Is it safe to go to New Zealand now
It was tough… and, really, I picked 15 favorites! Haha. But NZ has so many beautiful places that yes, it was really hard to narrow it down.
Wow, amazing photos. We just love New Zealand….it’s so pretty.
Thanks, Nicole! New Zealand is amazing. I can’t wait to go back!
Great Photo’s, makes me want to visit New Zealand, keep up the good work! Thanks
I would include Tongariro crossing to this list.
Vi recently posted..What’s on in Sydney in October, 2011