Visit New Zealand – 33 Reasons to Visit Right Now

Written By: The Planet D

There are so many reasons to visit New Zealand, it feels like you are passing through the set of a movie when traveling the country. New Zealand is probably one of the most photogenic countries on earth.

Visit New Zealand in 33 Photos

The photos say it all! Why you should visit New Zealand right now!

visit new zealand sunset
The sun sets on a beach near Oamaru on the South Island, New Zealand.

There’s a reason Peter Jackson came back again and again to film his epic trilogies, Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in his home country.

visit new zealand church
The Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo on the South Island, New Zealand.

Each corner you turn changes into a completely different scene.

visit new zealand queensland
Looking over Queenstown at night.

From jagged glacial mountains to long sandy beaches, New Zealand is a feast for the eyes. Read more: Things to do in Queenstown

visit new zealand moeraki boulders
Sunrise on the Moeraki Boulders on the Otago coast of New Zealand.

Check out Top Thrill Seeking Things to do in New Zealand

visit new zealand waterfall
The mighty cliffs of Milford Sound, New Zealand.

Planning on visiting New Zealand? Enjoy our video of Milford Sound 

visit new zealand landscape
The sky explodes in colour on the South Island of New Zealand.

There are many reasons to Visit New Zealand including adventure travel, hiking, water sports, and culture but for me, capturing the beauty of its diverse scenery was what made it so memorable.

visit new zealand ocean
Enjoying the beauty of Abel Tasman by kayak.

When you visit New Zealand you can be in the water and the snow all in the same day!

visit new zealand glacier
Hiking the Fox Glacier in New Zealand.
visit new zealand south island
The turquoise glacial waters of the South Island, New Zealand.

See How New Zealand Changed my Perspective on Life

visit new zealand north island
Standing on the edge of the thermal pools of Rotorua, New Zealand.

See: 15 Most Unique Things to do in New Zealand. 

visit new zealand trail
All roads lead to beauty in New Zealand.

If you are an adventure lover, you must visit New Zealand. Check out our adventures in New Zealand 

visit new zealand beach sunset
Taking a moment to enjoy the sunset on the South Island of New Zealand.

Buy the Lonely Planet Travel Guide

visit new zealand dolphins
Swimming with dolphins off the coast of the Bay of Islands on the North Island of New Zealand.

Read more: 14 Cool and Fun Facts About New Zealand

visit new zealand thermal pool
The harsh but beautiful landscape of the Tongariro Crossing on the North Island of New Zealand.

Take your travel photography to the next level with our Complete Travel Photography Gear Guide

visit new zealand lake wanaka
The beautiful Lake Wanaka.
visit new zealand
Watching whales fluke in Kaikoura, New Zealand.

Read about whale watching in Kaikoura

visit new zealand river
Waters rage at Huka Falls on the Waikato River near Taupo, New Zealand.

Make sure to take time for quiet moments when you visit New Zealand

visit new zealand beauty
Just taking in the beauty of New Zealand.
visit new zealand rocks
The Pancake Rocks of Punakaiki, New Zealand.

For pure adrenaline read about Flying a Stunt Plane over New Zealand. 

visit new zealand sand
Sunset on the shores of an unnamed lake outside of Queenstown, New Zealand.
visit new zealand field
Sunrise over “Mount Doom” on the Tongariro Crossing.

Get the Hobbit Trilogy Location Guide

visit new zealand hiking
A long but beautiful walk up to Fox Glacier.
visit new zealand mirror lake
The Mirror Lakes near Huka Falls, New Zealand.
visit new zealand waterfall
Random beauty in the New Zealand forest.

Get your travel adapter for New Zealand and Australia

visit new zealand beach
A roadside stop in New Zealand. Epic landscapes surround you.
visit new zealand mountain range
Milford Sound can sure make you feel small.
visit new zealand mountain
Walking through Mother Nature’s canvas on the North Island of New Zealand.
visit new zealand rangitata river
Rafting the Rangitata River in New Zealand.
visit new zealand kayaking
A perfect afternoon in Abel Tasman.
visit new zealand franz josef
Sunrise kisses the mountains near Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand.
visit new zealand bird
A bird stretching its wings in the later afternoon light.

When visiting New Zealand, everyone must skydive.

visit new zealand volcano
Making our way over the 19.6km Tongariro Crossing on the North Island.

For more on a visit to New Zealand check out our destinations page where you can learn more about the country.

Our trip around New Zealand was courtesy of Flying Kiwi an excellent way to see the country at a reasonable price and to meet new people.

Read More things to do in New Zealand

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Leave a Comment

37 thoughts on “Visit New Zealand – 33 Reasons to Visit Right Now”

  1. Traveled to Australia last season, wish we had time for New Zealand. Looks so much like my Province of British Columbia in Canada. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos and travel inspiration! 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi Robert, Australia is amazing too, so you made the right decision. But hopefully you’ll make it next time to New Zealand and you are right, it does remind us of BC is places. BC is so beautiful too!

      Reply
    • We certainly do! That’s a great addition. I may have to make it 34 reasons to visit New Zealand. We often just took in the beauty of the country.

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  2. Amazing photography, outstanding skills!!
    I am sorry, maybe the places deserve more credit…..
    New Zealand is such a gorgeously stunning country!!

    Reply
  3. New Zealand is definitely on my bucket list. Such a beautiful looking place.Such an amazing photo set, I’m just imagining how great was taking them, and living the moment! I’m hoping that in the near future I will be able to visit this amasing country.

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  4. Wow, wow, wow! All of these pictures are truly breathtaking! If we renew our contract (we teach in South Korea), we hope to visit Australia and New Zealand next January during our winter break. We’ve heard it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world and these amazing photographs show that!! Great post 🙂

    Reply
    • Best of luck with the contract renewal! You are going to love them both! New Zealand is amazing because you can see a lot of it in a short time. It’s a small country and easy to get around. Australia is awesome, but it’s large so you have to choose a State or two tops at a time. Enjoy!

      Reply
  5. Beautiful photos of my home, thankyou,but next time you visit-get in touch and I will ensure you see the beauty spots of the North Island; you have given it just a few shots -of Rotorua ,and the Tongariro crossing, but none of the Bay of Islands, the glow worm caves, the meeting of two oceans off the Northernmost tip of the country, the Bay of Islands, the magnificent Mt Taranaki, the East Coast beaches,the black sands of the wild West Coast-I love my home, and love sharing it.

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  6. Thanks Dave & Deb for the beautiful photos, from someone that was born and bred in Invercargill (bottom of the South Island) its so easy to forget and take for granted the natural wonderland we live in.

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    • Hi Len, thanks for the comment and I am so glad that you found that we captured your country. I find that we all miss the beauty in our own backyard. It’s easy to look outward. I almost think it is human nature to.

      Reply
  7. I have been to New Zealand 14 times as a tourist from Australia and love the place. This article sums up why i love it so much. Great work. Im in the process myself of putting together a few articles and galleries to help others.. I just travelled the US , UK and France and it reminded me how amazing New Zealand is that it has so much variety in such a tiny location. Well done great post.
    I have only just started but here iss my link for as it grows it may be of interest. Id love ot share these photos as well if they are for use??
    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Must-See-New-Zealand/

    Reply
  8. Hey Dave & Deb, these are such stunning photos! I’m writing a post about New Zealand myself, I hope no one reads yours first 😀 😀
    I’m a big fan of your blog, very inspiring. Ps I LOVE NZ 🙂
    Scott

    Reply
  9. awesome pics guys – you really capture a destination with your amazing pics. If i am not mistaken most of these were taken on your trip with Flying Kiwi – happy memories. 🙂

    Reply
  10. After spending an entire day researching our upcoming trip to New Zealand, this was the perfect way to end it. Dusting off the camera and lens in anticipation! Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  11. Wow, there are such beautiful backdrops to take in! I especially enjoyed the varying backgrounds of the two waterfalls photos.

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  12. True, pictures don’t need words! 🙂 New Zealand is definitely on my bucket-list. I hope to visit Australia again, and whenever that happens, NZ wont be a dream anymore.

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  13. New Zealand is my dreaming county. Once i tried to apply for citizenship , but they deny. The country is so beautiful and magic. I can watch pictures from there all day.

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  14. So, so very beautiful! I want to go there right now, but till the time I am in Mumbai I will satisfy myself with these Awesome pictures!!

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  15. Well, I certainly need no convincing when it comes to New Zealand… I LOVE that country. And these photos definitely capture it beautifully!

    Reply
    • Thanks Amanda! It is true, people don’t need a lot of convincing to go to New Zealand. It’s an amazing country. but always nice to share more photos from it 😉

      Reply
  16. Some of the photos here are magnificent. I really can’t wait to do some glacier hiking. Hopefully my photos will turn out as good as these ones.

    Reply
    • Thanks Marta. Glacier hikes are pretty cool. They are so magnificent and when you are walking on one it’s completely surreal. Hope you make it to New Zealand soon!

      Reply
  17. Omg D & D!

    I allways wanted to visit New Zealand, and after this, I want to live there! Such an amazing photo set, I’m just imagining how great was taking them, and living the moment! I’m hoping that in the near future I will be able to visit this amasing country..

    Reply
    • Thank you Zante. I hope you get to New Zealand soon too. It’s a really special destination and taking photos there was a lot of fun.

      Reply
  18. Amazing photos. I think I definitely need to work on my photo processing as these looks amazing. I just did the Tongariro Crossing this weekend and am in the process of blogging about it. I’m going to miss New Zealand when I leave.

    Reply