Forget the long-haul. Where to find Earth’s most stunning spots

It doesn’t take a trek to the top of Everest to see something that will snatch your breath away. A three-hour flight from the eastern seaboard is all it takes to be face-to-face with awe-inspiring glaciers, natural hot pools, ancient rock formations, and sea caves where turquoise water laps the shore.

It’s all available in New Zealand, a destination that rewards those who want a little more from their travel. In Aotearoa, you can embark on the world’s greatest hikes, deep sea dive with marine life and explore untamed national parks.

See what lies below at Poor Knights Island on the Tutukaka Coast.Credit: Miles Holden

There are few – if any – easily-accessible places on the planet that offer anything like the landscapes found here. And the more you give to Aotearoa, the more it will give you in return.

It’s a destination that manuhiri (visitors) could spend years unravelling, feeling welcome in the spirit of manaakitanga – a deep Māori expression of hospitality and connection.

Natural wonders up north

If it’s serenity you seek, there’s nothing like the shores of the Coromandel. This North Island town is home to the country’s most stunning beaches and divine coastal experiences.

During your stay, be sure to kayak out to Whenuakura Island, where a collapsed volcanic blow hole created a turquoise lagoon in the centre of the land, earning itself the nickname ‘Donut Island’. To really unplug, go inland for an overnight hike along the rugged mountain ranges of The Pinnacles Track.

Most importantly, don’t leave the Coromandel without visiting Hot Water Beach – a truly unique experience unlike anywhere else on earth. Here, naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from within the earth, meaning at low tide you can dig a hole, settle in, and enjoy your own DIY spa pool. With views over the Pacific Ocean, try to name a better place to relax as the earth reinvigorates your soul and waves lap the shore.

Enjoy a DIY spa pool on the shores of Hot Water Beach.Credit: Miles Holden

To see what lies below, head five hours’ drive north to the Tutukaka Coast, home to some of New Zealand’s best diving experiences. From the Tutukaka town, you can catch a dive boat out to Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve where over 125 marine species live underwater. The Poor Knights Islands are also home to one of the largest sea caves in the world, the Rikoriko Cave, where divers can swim past gobsmacking sights like a large whale jawbone resting on the sand.

Never dived before? No problem, the adventurous can learn the ropes at Dive! Tutukaka, whose staff include marine biologists, naturalists, and tech and wreck specialists. Then again, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding or simply cruising are also great ways to soak up this revered spot.

Stunning sights down south

The fresh landscapes of the South Island show a different side of New Zealand. At the tip of the South Island is Tahunanui Beach; a sleepy, unspoilt coastal stretch. One of the best ways to explore the region is stand-up paddle boarding with Paddle Nelson, whose latest tour depart as the sun sets, guiding you past the area’s soothing natural sights under the stars. For those looking to enjoy the sunshine, day tours are on offer as well.

On the West Coast of the South Island is Hokitika Gorge, where startlingly bright turquoise water is fringed by white limestone cliffs and lush rainforest. This stunning west coast destination is best explored on a two-kilometre trail along the banks of the Hokitika River. There, you’ll walk through thick forest, find a small beach and be able to stroll across a scene-stealing 90-metre swing bridge across the river.

Hokitika Gorge is a sight to behold, with stunning blue waters surrounded by greenery.Credit: Fraser Clements

A six-hour drive from Hokitika Gorge is Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. The park is home to the tallest mountain in New Zealand; a peak that Sir Edmund Hillary climbed in preparation for the conquest of Everest.

Aoraki / Mount Cook is also one of just 40 locations worldwide classified as a Dark Sky Reserve – where the use of artificial light is restricted. With some of the darkest skies in the world, Aoraki / Mount Cook is the perfect place for stargazing. Re-visit in winter for the chance to catch a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Australis.

And while you may have heard of Milford Sound, just an hours’ drive south find the equally impressive, natural optical illusion of Mirror Lakes. There, the water provides reflections of the Earl Mountains – a brilliant, brain-bending sight. It is, like everything New Zealand, an utterly unique experience.

To experience everything New Zealand has to offer, visit www.NewZealand.com to discover the country’s best hidden gems, unique experiences and epic deals.