Picking the right places to visit in New Zealand is the difference between a trip you’ll rave about for years and one you’ll regret. With only two to three weeks, you can’t see everything, but you can see the best. Below are ten must-see regions, why each belongs on your shortlist, where to base yourself, what to do, and the hidden alternatives most visitors miss. This guide is written for a first-time visitor who wants to maximize time and experience.
1. Bay of Islands — Why it tops so many lists of places to visit in New Zealand
The Bay of Islands is a subtropical playground of 144 islands, warm beaches, and deep Maori history. It works brilliantly as either the start or the finish of a North Island loop and deserves three to four relaxed days.
Where to stay
Base yourself in Kerikeri rather than the busier Paihia. Kerikeri gives quieter evenings and easy access to the whole region without the crowds.
What to do
- Go sailing, kayaking, or take a dolphin-watching cruise.
- Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn the nation’s founding history.
- Drive to Cape Reinga to see the Tasman Sea meet the Pacific Ocean.
- Walk through Waipoua Forest to find ancient kauri trees.
Hidden gem: Tutukaka, just south of the Bay, is New Zealand’s diving capital and your jumping-off point for the Poor Knights Islands — world-class underwater scenery.
2. Coromandel Peninsula — A compact, coastal highlight among places to visit in New Zealand
If your schedule is tight and you want quintessential Kiwi beaches without driving north, Coromandel is a brilliant alternative. It’s only 2–3 hours from Auckland and packs beaches, coastal hikes, and unique experiences into a small area.
Where to stay
The eastern side — Hahei Beach, Cook’s Beach, or Whitianga — is where you want to be. Hahei is especially lovely and often less busy than Whitianga.
What to do
- Early-morning kayaking to Cathedral Cove to beat the crowds.
- Dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach at low tide.
- Take coastal hikes and enjoy dramatic sea views.
Note: summer accommodation books out quickly. If you’re traveling in peak season, reserve 6–8 months ahead.
3. Rotorua and Lake Taupo — Volcanic heartland among the best places to visit in New Zealand
Rotorua and Taupo sit in the thermal center of the North Island. Expect geysers, hot springs, crater lakes, and rich Maori cultural experiences. Allocate at least three nights between the two.
Where to stay
Choose Rotorua for thermal parks and cultural tours, or Taupo for lakeside calm and water activities. Both are excellent bases.
What to do
- Visit Waiotapu or Waimangu thermal areas near Rotorua.
- Enjoy a traditional Maori hangi and live performance.
- At Taupo, see Huka Falls, try jet-boating, fly-fishing, or explore the lakeshore.
- For experienced hikers, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often called New Zealand’s best day hike.
Insider tip: Acacia Bay, just outside Taupo, is a quieter, scenic base with great lake views that many visitors overlook.
4. Hawkes Bay or Taranaki — Food, wine, or dramatic hikes: choose your favorite among places to visit in New Zealand
These two regions are very different but both worth considering depending on your interests.
Hawkes Bay
On the east coast, Hawkes Bay is New Zealand’s food and wine playground. Stay in Napier or Havelock North to enjoy art deco architecture, winery tours, relaxed cycling, and gourmet dining.
Taranaki
On the west coast, Taranaki is for hikers and road-trippers. Mount Taranaki is a near-perfect volcanic cone that rewards climbers and photographers. The Forgotten Highway is one of the country’s most scenic, remote drives — well worth the extra kilometres.
Most international visitors skip Taranaki. If you love hiking and are happy to drive a little further, don’t miss it.
5. Nelson Tasman and Abel Tasman National Park — Sunniest coastal escapes among places to visit in New Zealand
The Nelson Tasman region is one of New Zealand’s sunniest corners, combining beaches, national parks, food, and craft culture. It’s a great place to slow down and enjoy outdoorsy days.
Where to stay
If the Abel Tasman is your priority, base in Mapua, Ruby Bay, or Kaiteriteri instead of Nelson city. Staying closer saves driving time and gets you on the water faster.
What to do
- Kayak or take a water taxi and hike parts of the Abel Tasman coastal track.
- Cycle sections of the Great Taste Trail and stop at local wineries.
- Explore artisan galleries and waterfront cafes in the small towns.
People miss Mapua and Ruby Bay — charming, waterside towns that make a perfect base for the region.
6. West Coast — Wilderness and glaciers among the dramatic places to visit in New Zealand
The West Coast is a raw, rugged stretch of rainforest, glaciers, and powerful coastline. It feels like a different country from the rest of New Zealand.
Where to stay
Key bases are Punakaiki for the Pancake Rocks, Hokitika for the gorge and local arts, and Franz Josef or Fox Glacier for glacier access.
What to do
- See the Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki, best at high tide.
- Visit Hokitika Gorge for surreal blue waters.
- Take a glacier heli-hike at Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
- Kayak the peaceful Okarito Lagoon for wildlife and solitude.
Hidden gem: Okarito is tiny and magical — a peaceful spot many travelers miss.
7. Queenstown, Wanaka and Cromwell — Adventure and alpine lakes among the top places to visit in New Zealand
Central Otago is New Zealand’s adventure heartland. Queenstown is energetic and activity-packed; Wanaka is calmer with equally stunning lake scenery. My personal favorite base is Cromwell, a low-key town between the two that offers access to both plus great food and Central Otago charm.
Where to stay
Queenstown for nightlife and the full menu of adrenaline activities, Wanaka for relaxed lakeside stays, and Cromwell if you want to split time and avoid the higher prices.
What to do
- Choose from bungee jumping, skydiving, jet-boating, or scenic hikes.
- Explore vineyards and fruit orchards around Cromwell.
- Use Cromwell as a calm base and make day trips to Queenstown and Wanaka.
Many rush straight to Queenstown and never discover Cromwell. Stay two or three nights here to get a different, quieter Central Otago experience.
8. Fiordland — Fjords, tracks and dramatic scenery among iconic places to visit in New Zealand
Fiordland is where New Zealand’s landscapes feel most monumental: towering peaks, waterfalls, and deep fjords carved by glaciers. It is essential for hikers and anyone after jaw-dropping scenery.
Where to stay
Te Anau is the best base for exploring the region and is only about two hours from Milford Sound. For more immersive experiences, consider staying overnight in Milford Sound or booking an overnight Doubtful Sound trip.
What to do
- Milford Sound cruise — classic and spectacular.
- Combine the scenic drive with a guided section of the Milford Track, then finish with a cruise.
- Explore day hikes around Lake Te Anau, Kepler Track sections, and Lake Marian.
If you love hiking, allocate more nights here. Fiordland rewards slow travel.
9. Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula — Wildlife and history among unique places to visit in New Zealand
Dunedin has a Scottish soul and Victorian architecture, while the Otago Peninsula is a wildlife hotspot. This area is the only place where you can see an albatross colony so close to a city.
Where to stay
Stay in Dunedin for city history, or choose boutique accommodation on the peninsula to be close to wildlife and ocean views.
What to do
- Visit the Royal Albatross colony and watch birds soar.
- See yellow-eyed penguins in the wild and tour historic Larnach Castle.
- Explore the Olveston historic house and the city’s Victorian streets.
Many miss staying on the peninsula itself. If you want wildlife encounters without long commutes, pick a peninsula lodge.
10. Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo — Mountains and starlight among unforgettable places to visit in New Zealand
Aoraki/Mount Cook is the tallest peak in New Zealand. The surrounding national park, turquoise lakes, and clear night skies make this region an alpine highlight.
Where to stay
Lake Tekapo is a practical base and part of an international dark sky reserve, perfect for stargazing tours at Mount John Observatory. Mount Cook Village gives the closest hiking access but has very limited accommodation. Twizel is a quieter, more affordable alternative.
What to do
- Hike the Hooker Valley Track — family-friendly with stunning views.
- See the Tasman Glacier viewpoint or book a heli-hike for an adventurous day.
- Join a stargazing tour at night — the sky here is unforgettable.
Staying in Twizel is a practical option many travellers overlook. It’s peaceful and well-located when Tekapo and Mount Cook fill up.
Practical itineraries: how to connect these places to maximize two or three weeks
With only two weeks, you cannot do all ten regions without rushing. Focus sharp and travel well.
Two-week sample: concentrate on the South Island
- Fly into Christchurch.
- Drive to Mount Cook / Lake Tekapo (1–2 nights).
- Head south to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula (1–2 nights).
- Continue to Fiordland / Te Anau for Milford or Doubtful Sound (2–3 nights).
- Queenstown or Wanaka (2–3 nights).
- Explore the West Coast glaciers and Punakaiki / Hokitika (2 nights).
- Finish in the Nelson Tasman region or loop back to Christchurch depending on flights.
This loop focuses on dramatic scenery, hikes, and key experiences while keeping driving sensible.
Three-week sample: split North and South
- Spend 6–7 days in the North Island: Auckland, Coromandel (or Bay of Islands if you prefer), Rotorua and Taupo.
- Fly Christchurch and spend two weeks on the South Island using the sample two-week loop above.
My golden rule is to stay at least two nights at key locations. That gives you one full day to explore without spending every hour packing and driving.
Travel tips and final advice for choosing places to visit in New Zealand
- Prioritize what you love. If you love wine and food, Hawkes Bay and Cromwell should be high on your list. If you love backcountry hiking, choose Fiordland and Taranaki.
- Book summer stays early. Popular beach towns and small mountain villages often sell out months in advance.
- Allow travel time. Distances are deceptive: weather and winding roads mean drives take longer than maps suggest.
- Mix big highlights with small towns. Places like Cromwell, Mapua, Okarito and Twizel add local flavor and calmer nights between big attractions.
- Consider internal flights. A short domestic flight can save days of driving and give you more time at the places to visit in New Zealand that matter most to you.
Quick checklist before you go
- Download sample itineraries and personalize them around the regions you want to visit most.
- Reserve peak-season accommodation 6–8 months ahead for beaches and alpine villages.
- Leave buffer days for weather — especially in Fiordland and the West Coast.
- Plan at least two nights in major bases so you can actually explore.
New Zealand is compact, varied and welcoming. If you focus on the right places to visit in New Zealand — and balance the iconic highlights with a few quieter towns — you’ll come away with a trip that feels both complete and unforgettable. Safe travels and enjoy discovering these ten essential regions.
Additional Travel Resources for a New Zealand Itinerary:
To further enhance your trip, here are some valuable resources:
- Selection of Value for Money Rental Cars 🚗 – Click here.
- Wide Selection of Camper & Motorhomes 🚐 – Click here.
- Download the 100% FREE NZ Travel Planning Sheet here
- Watch our NZ Travel Planning Playlist on YouTube here
- Review our NZ Sample Travel Itineraries on YouTube here
- Check out our NZ Road Trips Playlist for route inspiration here
- Visit key NZ Travel locations on our playlist here
- Explore our NZ Must Do & See Playlist here
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