The New Zealand archipelago is made up of two main islands - the North Island with its beaches, volcanoes and geysers, and the South Island with its huge fjords and glaciers. Ready for a trip through breathtaking scenery? Ready to meet whales and porpoises? Let's go to Middle-earth from North to South.
Auckland
With its 1.5 million inhabitants, Auckland is the economic centre of New Zealand. However, it is Wellington, located in the south of the North Island, that is the country's capital. In the Central Business District (CBD), it is impossible to miss the highest tower in the southern hemisphere: the Sky Tower. The view from the top is guaranteed!
To eat, choose the Wynyard Quarter or Ponsonby. Auckland is built on fifty volcanoes and it is impossible not to succumb to the beauty of the sunset on top of Mount Eden.
A 30-minute ferry ride away is one of the many islands surrounding the city: Rangitoto. It can be seen from afar as it is home to the youngest volcano in the area (it is only 600 years old).
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Milford Sound
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Imagine primary forests along high mountains and a fjord full of seals and dolphins. This magical place exists and it has a name: Milford Sound Park. It is the most beautiful fjord in all of New Zealand.
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To enjoy the scenery to the full, you should take the boat tour. Don't miss the Mackinnon Pass and Sutherland Falls!
The Bay of Islands and Russell
Composed of 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is about 3 hours from Auckland. This region is a paradise for water sports and fishing enthusiasts. The subtropical climate allows for optimal sailing conditions (don't miss the Hole in the Rock!).
The Bay of Islands is also one of the country's historical highlights. It was in the small town of Waitangi that the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, where the Maori and English tribes agreed on the status of New Zealand.
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The town of Russell, easily accessible by road or boat, is also the first town built in New Zealand. Settlers landed here in 1769.
Tongariro National Park
With a surface area of 797 km², this park, which welcomes nearly one million visitors per year, is the oldest in the archipelago. Ideal for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, it is famous for its Tongariro trek, which will plunge you into the Land of Mordor: insiders from Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings will recognise Mount Doom when they see Mount Ngauruhoe.
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On the way, you can admire emerald lakes but also the two other volcanoes of the park: Mount Tongariro (the smallest of the three at 1967 metres) and Mount Ruapehu. The latter was still active in 1945: the eruption was seen from Wellington!
Waitomo Glowworm Cave
Get ready for a unique experience in Waitomo at Glowworm Cave. In a boat, in complete silence, you will discover the walls illuminated by glowworms (Arachnocampa Luminosa) and dive into another dimension. There is another cave in Waitomo where you can see glow worms, this time on foot, the Aranui cave with its spiral entrance.
Lake Wanaka
This South Island lake, located at an altitude of 300 metres in the Otago region, is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand, with an area of about 192 km². At the southern end of the lake is "That Wanaka Tree", a lone tree in the middle of the water that has been photographed and vandalised many times.
The area is particularly popular in the summer as it is a great place to hike, but other activities include fishing, sailing and canyoning in the summer and skiing in the winter!
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
At 3724 metres, Mount Cook (Aoraki in Maori) is the roof of New Zealand. With no less than 140 peaks and 72 glaciers, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1953. There are no hiking trails to reach the summit, which is reserved for the most experienced climbers.
However, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery on the Hooker Valley Track. This hike is ideal for less experienced hikers and takes you from Mount Cook to Glacier Lake. For frozen lakes (winter) and icebergs (summer), follow the Tasman Valley Tracks where you'll be amazed at the incredible blue of the lakes.
Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
Part of the Westland Tai Poutini, these ice valleys have the distinction of ending less than 20km from the Tasman Sea. The 13km long Fox Glacier is easier to access. Before reaching the viewing platform, you'll discover a number of discreet coves and waterfalls.
The journey into the Ice Age continues with the Franz Josef Glacier, which can also be visited by helicopter. Due to the temperate climate, hiking is often done in the rain. Bring a parka and good walking shoes!
The Catlins
Located at the southern tip of New Zealand, the Catlins coast enjoys a temperate climate where it rains nearly 150 days a year. It is known around the world for the Nugget Point lighthouse nestled above the sea and surrounded by rocks.
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Occupied by less than 1,500 inhabitants, this part of the island is the preferred territory of some endemic species such as yellow-eyed penguins but also dolphins and sea lions.
Hobbiton Movie Set
If you have followed all the adventures of Frodo Saito, Aragorn or Legolas and Gandalf, don't miss the visit of one of the film sets used to film the Lord of the Rings saga.
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This reconstructed Hobbit village features cult locations that will strike a chord with fans, such as the festival tree or the mill. However, you don't have to be a fan of the world of elves, orcs and dwarves to have a good time on a guided tour.