From stunning beaches and natural hot springs, to flowing waterfalls and marine reserves, New Zealand has endless free experiences for you to discover.
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(opens in new window) on Instagram
Watch oceans collide at New Zealand's most northern tip.
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.
Head to Goat Island Marine Reserve to get up close to masses of colourful fish.
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(opens in new window) on Instagram.
Relaxing in the hot water at Kerosene Creek.
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(opens in new window) on Instagram.
Dig your own beach-spa while soaking in epic views of the Pacific at Hot Water Beach in The Coromandel.
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.
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.
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(opens in new window) on Instagram.
Crossing a stark and spectacular volcanic terrain, Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the best day walks in the world.
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.
Discover the rugged beauty of Auckland's West Coast.
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(opens in new window) on Instagram.
Campers take in the beautiful southern stars in the Aoraki/Mount Cook region.
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(opens in new window) on Instagram.
The crystal clear blue water at Wanaka's Blue Pools
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(opens in new window) on Instagram.
A surreal waterfall in Fiordland.
