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Visit New Zealand – 33 Reasons to Visit Right Now

Home Β» Travel Photography

Updated: February 23, 2021 by The Planet D

Visit New Zealand – 33 Reasons to Visit Right Now

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.

Visit New Zealand in 33 Photos

visit new zealand
33 Reasons to Visit New Zealand – A photo says a 1000 words

New Zealand is probably one of the most photogenic countries on earth.

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.

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.

Read about our Fox Glacier Adventure

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.

See our Dolphin Encounter in 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.

See more on Milford Sound

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

  • 38 Amazing Things to do in New Zealand
  • 21 Things to Do in Christchurch in 2020
  • Glowworm Caves a Dazzling Display of Light
  • The Tongariro Alpine Crossing: New Zealand’s Best 1 Day Hike
  • A Local’s Guide to The Best Things to do in Wanaka, New Zealand
  • Where to Bunjy Jump in New Zealand
  • Whitewater Rafting Class 5 Rapids in New Zealand
  • Explore New Zealand by Campervan
  • What a 6.3 Earthquake Can Do to a City
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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.

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Categories: New Zealand

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Comments

  1. Robert says

    June 7, 2017 at 11:29 am

    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! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      June 7, 2017 at 2:05 pm

      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
  2. Prymus says

    February 2, 2017 at 6:15 pm

    Will you share the location? πŸ™‚

    Reply
  3. Prymus says

    January 31, 2017 at 6:49 am

    Any chance you remember “Just taking in the beauty of New Zealand” photo location? I’d love to go there!

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      January 31, 2017 at 10:27 am

      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.

      Reply
  4. Tajirul Haque says

    May 21, 2015 at 3:45 pm

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

    Reply
  5. Alisha Paul says

    April 29, 2015 at 3:06 am

    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.

    Reply
  6. Live Learn Venture says

    March 19, 2015 at 6:00 am

    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 πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      March 19, 2015 at 1:42 pm

      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
  7. Trish Lambert says

    March 1, 2015 at 5:20 am

    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.

    Reply
  8. Len says

    February 27, 2015 at 2:08 am

    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.

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      March 3, 2015 at 7:56 am

      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
  9. fondos de pantalla says

    February 18, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    New Zealand is really amazing country with great landscapes.

    Reply
  10. Matt says

    February 5, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    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
  11. Devi says

    February 2, 2015 at 1:04 am

    WOW!!!! Amazing Picture. I wants to go there soon.

    Reply
  12. Scott Tisson says

    February 1, 2015 at 6:47 am

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

    Reply
  13. Dan says

    February 1, 2015 at 5:03 am

    So incredibly beautiful. I really need to take advantage of New Zealand being so close to Australia!

    Reply
  14. neil henderson says

    January 30, 2015 at 6:30 am

    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. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  15. Tara says

    January 29, 2015 at 3:53 am

    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
  16. Mary @ Green Global Travel says

    January 28, 2015 at 5:05 pm

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

    Reply
  17. Renuka says

    January 28, 2015 at 12:16 pm

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

    Reply
  18. Boris says

    January 27, 2015 at 4:15 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      January 28, 2015 at 10:40 am

      Oh no! So sorry they denied you citizenship. Did you get the chance to visit it at least?

      Reply
  19. Arti says

    January 27, 2015 at 5:17 am

    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!!

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      January 28, 2015 at 10:41 am

      Lucky you! Mumbai is amazing too!

      Reply
  20. Amanda says

    January 27, 2015 at 12:07 am

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

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      January 28, 2015 at 10:42 am

      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 πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  21. Marta Kulesza says

    January 26, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    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
    • Dave and Deb says

      January 28, 2015 at 10:43 am

      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
  22. Zante Insider says

    January 26, 2015 at 6:09 pm

    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
    • Dave and Deb says

      January 28, 2015 at 10:44 am

      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
  23. Clint says

    January 26, 2015 at 5:21 pm

    Absolutely amazing pictures. New Zealand is definitely on my bucket list. Such a beautiful looking place.

    Reply
    • Dave and Deb says

      January 28, 2015 at 10:44 am

      Thanks Clint. I hope you make it there soon!

      Reply
    • Evelyn says

      February 4, 2015 at 9:15 am

      Clint – I came here for a holiday 28 years ago – and made it my home. Only been back to UK 3 times since. New Zealand the best place in the world.

      Reply
  24. Dan B says

    January 26, 2015 at 5:15 pm

    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
  25. Dan M says

    January 26, 2015 at 12:23 pm

    We spent 26 days traveling across New Zealand in a camper van – just brilliant. We’d definitely do it again!

    Reply
  26. Dan says

    January 26, 2015 at 10:03 am

    Wow, fantastic photo of Tongariro Crossing. So surreal.

    Reply

welcome

Hi we’re Dave and Deb, a Canadian adventure couple who left our careers in the film industry 10 years ago to travel the world. We’ve been to 115 countries on all seven continents and were named one of the top travel influencers on earth by Forbes.

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