Top 5 New Zealand Destinations Recommended by Instagrammers

Besides the South Pacific islands, New Zealand is the first country in the world to welcome 2018. If you are spending the New Year Countdown in New Zealand, look forward to waking up to stunning landscapes, natural hot springs, marine reserves, and try experiencing the adrenaline thrills the country has to offer. From the Northern end of New Zealand to the Southern Hemisphere, here are the top 5 favourite destinations of instagrammers – perfect guide for those visiting New Zealand for the first time.

Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua)

Located at the extreme Northern point of New Zealand lies Cape Reinga, where you get to observe two oceans collide and learn a little on Maori culture. This sacred site is the place of leaping, where Maori spirits undertake their final journey to Hawaiiki-A-Nui, the land of their ancestors. Cape Reinga’s lighthouse was built in 1941 and was manned during World War 2, up until 1987 when it was fully automated. Its beacon is solar powered and can be seen 35 kilometres out to sea.

At the Cape, watch the division between Tasman Sea’s turquoise waters clashing with the Pacific Ocean’s darker blue waves in a spectacular swirl of currents. On a clear day, you will also be able to see the Three Kings islands and Cape Maria Van Diemen.

Cape Reinga is situated near the Ninety Mile Beach which is a famous spot for catching sunsets. Activities on the beach include surfcasting, swimming, or body-boarding down the sand dunes nearby. If time permits, and there’s a low tide, you might want to have a go at digging for tuatua, a native shellfish. If you find the beach too hot, escape into the green Aupouri Forest that flanks the beach.

Cathedral Cove and Hahei – recommended by Jeanette Schrewe

There are many beautiful places in New Zealand but Hahei and the famous Cathedral Cove were the best experiences for me. I recommend these areas while visiting New Zealand in summer.

Cathedral Cove is located on the North Island in the Coromandel Peninsula close to Hahei. The Cove is a cliff shaped into a unique tunnel with two nice sandy beaches around it. It is accessible by foot, kayak and boat. The walk, which takes about 2 hours (return trip) from Hahei, takes you through beautiful green nature with stunning views to the coast. I enjoyed watching the sunrise here in the early morning before spending a relaxing day at the beach.

Rotorua – recommended by Felicia Broccolo @ciaofeliciatravel

Rotorua is one of my favorite places to visit on the North Island. There are so many fun activities that everyone can enjoy. If you can get over the smell of Sulfur everywhere you go, the time spent in Rotorua will never seem like it’s enough!

Some of my favorite things to do in Rotorua are visiting the Polynesian Spa to relax in hot mineral bathing spas, taking a walk to Kerosene Creek to relax under a warm waterfall, visiting Wai-O-Tapu to see a crazy beautiful geothermal wonderland, and treating myself to a fresh donut from Baked. Rotorua is a place I could visit over and over again and still enjoy.

Read more on Felicia’s blog.

Whanganui – recommended by Deb Alexander @destination_deb

Whanganui is a hidden gem on the West Coast of New Zealand’s North Island. You will find a unique little city rich in history. There are many attractions here that you won’t find anywhere else in New Zealand. Whanganui enjoys a warm, temperate climate in the summer so it is a perfect place to stopover while you’re on a summer road trip.

There are three beaches, an amazing river and many beautiful gardens and lakes for the ultimate relaxation. The city is also famous for its heritage buildings – they are incredible! If you are visiting Whanganui in summer, The River Traders Market is a must do too.

Queenstown

If you’re one with an adventurous heart and loves the thrill and adrenaline rush, Queenstown is a destination not to be missed! From jet boating to taking a scenic helicopter flight to taking the gondola to Bob’s Peak and zooming down on the Luge to parasailing on Lake Wakatipu, there are countless activities to keep you entertained. When you need to take a break from the exhilarating activities, calm your mind down with a stroll along the incredible Lake Wakatipu.

Hope you will end the year on a wonderful note counting down to 2018 in New Zealand. May you begin the new year’s splendid adventures in New Zealand with the help of this guide!