Hike the Rob Roy Glacier Track, Wanaka
By @wildandrestless__
Must-do Free Experiences in New Zealand
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From stunning beaches and natural hot springs, to flowing waterfalls and marine reserves, New Zealand has endless free experiences for you to discover.
Watch Oceans Battle at Cape Reinga
There are not many places where you can watch two oceans meet. And at 165 meters above sea level, nowhere offers a more spectacular way to do so than the lookout at Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand. Photo by @misi_chan on Instagram
Cape Reinga, Northland & Bay of Islands
By @misi_chan
Watch oceans collide at New Zealand's most northern tip.
Northland & Bay of Islands
Highlights
- The Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Dune surfing on Ninety Mile Beach
- Dolphin encounters
Proximity
- 5hr 40min from Auckland Central
- 2hr 45min from Paihia, Bay of Islands
Chase the Fish at Goat Island
Actually, it’s not the island itself that’s the attraction – rather the waters that surround it. Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island) in Auckland was one of New Zealand’s first, situated on a coastline already abundant in sea life. So put your mask and snorkel on and dive in.
Snapper at Goat Island, Auckland
By Enderby
Head to Goat Island Marine Reserve to get up close to masses of colourful fish.
Auckland
Highlights
- New Zealand's oldest marine reserve
- Matakana markets, cafes and vineyards
- Tawharanui Regional Park
Proximity
- 1hr 10mins from Auckland Central
Hot Spring at Kerosene Creek
35 kilometres south of Rotorua is Kerosene Creek, where a hot spring and freshwater stream meet, allowing you to bathe and relax all year round. Photo by @petiteloudy on Instagram.
Naturally Hot Kerosene Creek, Rotorua
By @petiteloudy
Relaxing in the hot water at Kerosene Creek.
Rotorua
Highlights
- Whakarewarewa Forest trails
- The Buried Village of Te Wairoa
- Scenic flights to White Island
Proximity
- 2hr 50min from Auckland Central
- 4hr 30min from Auckland Central
- 5hr 40min from Wellington Central
Hot Pools at Hot Water Beach
The water at Hot Water Beach in The Coromandel is like a bath. Literally. Natural thermal springs run under the sand between the high- and low-tide mark and you can dig yourself a hot pool. Photo by @victorgag on Instagram.
Hot Water Beach, The Coromandel
By @victorgag
Dig your own beach-spa while soaking in epic views of the Pacific at Hot Water Beach in The Coromandel.
The Coromandel
Highlights
- Cathedral Cove
- The Pinnacles track
- Gold-mining history in Waihi
Proximity
- 2hr 40min from Auckland Central
- Approx 4hr from Auckland Central
Enjoy the Rere Rock Slide
Just outside the iconic surf town of Gisborne, Rere Rock Slide is New Zealand’s first waterslide. Carved over thousands of years it’s become a stunning natural waterpark.
Rere Rockslide, Eastland
By Bare Kiwi
A 60-metre-long natural water slide is off the Wharekopae Road, just out of Gisborne. Rere Rockslide is as much fun as it looks in the photos.
Eastland
Highlights
- Top notch surf beaches
- Wine trail - Chardonnay is the specialty
- Maori culture and heritage
Proximity
- 3hr 30 min from Rotorua
- 1hr from Auckland
Hike an Active Volcano
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging and fun one-day hike through Tongariro National Park, a dual World Heritage listed site. You’ll see lava flows, an active crater, steam vents, emerald coloured lakes and magnificent views making this an epic walking journey. If you’re willing to step up to the challenge you’ll be rewarded with some views that are impossible to get any other way. Along with bragging rights, of course. Photo by @semiamateurphotography on Instagram.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand
By @semiamateurphotography
Crossing a stark and spectacular volcanic terrain, Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best day walks in the world.
Ruapehu
Highlights
- Emerald lakes
- Panoramic views
- Volcanic craters and lava flows
Proximity
- 10 mins from Turangi
- 45 min from Ohakune/Taupo
- 4hr 15min from Wellington Central
Visit Auckland's wild West Coast
With picturesque waterfalls and spectacular black-sand beaches, Auckland’s West Coast is just waiting to be explored. Climb Lion Rock at Piha Beach or visit the huge gannet colony at Muriwai. Although just an hour from the city centre, you'll feel a world away among the rugged, untamed beauty.
Waitakere Bay & Bethells Beach, Auckland
By Kai Lehnberg
Discover the rugged beauty of Auckland's West Coast.
Auckland
Highlights
- Lion Rock on Piha Beach
- Streams, caves and cliffs
- Surfing, horse-riding, blo-karting
Proximity
- 50 mins from Auckland City
Stargaze in Canterbury
Covering much of the Aoraki/Mount Cook Mackenzie region is an International Dark Sky Reserve - the Southern Hemisphere’s sole reserve of its kind and one of only eight in the world. This is a stargazing experience that is second to none. Extensive testing has proven the area has the darkest, and most spectacular night skies in New Zealand with the highest number of clear sky nights! Photo by @david.rexer on Instagram.
A night spent stargazing, Christchurch - Canterbury
By @david.rexer
Campers take in the beautiful southern stars in the Aoraki/Mount Cook region.
Christchurch - Canterbury
Highlights
- Climbing and Mountain walks
- Stargazing
- Glacier viewing and skiing
Proximity
- 4hr from Christchurch Central
- 3hr from Queenstown
Reflect on Wanaka’s Blue Pools
A short walk from the Haast Highway, in Mount Aspiring National Park, are the Blue Pools with some of the bluest water the world has to offer, it’s so clear you can often see New Zealand’s famous brown and rainbow trout migrating. Photo by @ellenprojects on Instagram.
The Blue Pools, Wanaka
By @ellenprojects
The crystal clear blue water at Wanaka's Blue Pools
Wanaka
Highlights
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Sailing, jetboating, and kayaking
- Flightseeing, skydiving, and canyoning
Proximity
- 2hr from Queenstown
- 50min from Wanaka Township
- 4hr 45min from Wanaka
Chase Fiordland’s Waterfalls
Mountains and waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into massive fiords here - hence the name Fiordland. The area is renowned for it's spectacular scenery and walks throughout the Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Don't miss out on a sight that’s completely, utterly and unforgettably majestical. Which is officially a word in New Zealand. Almost. Photo by @hannahdanilu on Instagram.
Milford Sound Waterfall, Fiordland
By @hannahdanilu
A surreal waterfall in Fiordland.
Fiordland
Highlights
- Milford & Kepler Tracks - Great Walks
- Kayaking, diving, or scenic flights
- Glowworm caves
Proximity
- 2hr from Queenstown
- 3hr from Queenstown
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