Natural Wonders of New Zealand | WorldStrides

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Few places in the world match the natural splendor of New Zealand. From dense jungle and hot springs to spectacular beaches and snowcapped peaks, New Zealand has a bit of everything. During my time in New Zealand, I sought out some of the top natural features and wildlife on both islands.

A panoramic view of Auckland, New Zealand, seen from the grassy slopes of Mount Eden under a cloudy sky, with the Sky Tower prominent in the city skyline and a harbor in the background.

Mount Eden / Maungawhau

Mount Eden towers above the city of Auckland. Despite the bustling city below, the summit of this dormant volcanic cone was extraordinarily quiet.

A steaming geothermal pool with vibrant orange and yellow mineral deposits along its edge under a cloudy sky.

Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland

Waiotapu was not unlike Yellowstone National Park, with geysers, bubbling mud, and hot pools such as the Champagne Pool. The hues of orange and blue changed throughout the day with the light from the sun.

A steaming geothermal pool with vibrant orange and yellow mineral deposits along its edge under a cloudy sky.

A scenic coastal landscape featuring green rolling hills, a rugged cliff, and a wide blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

Whangaparāoa

The tip of the Whangaparāoa peninsula, just north of Auckland, is home to Shakespear Regional Park and contains beautiful beaches and unique wildlife. Few times in my life have I ever seen such strong shades of green vegetation and blue water.

A black swan with a red beak is dipping its head into the water, creating ripples.

Black Swan

While visiting lake Rotorua, I saw a wide variety of unique waterfowl unlike anything I had ever seen back at home. One of the most stunning looking was this swan.

A black swan with a red beak is dipping its head into the water, creating ripples.

A panoramic view of a dark pebble beach with two surfers walking, one carrying a green surfboard, facing a grey ocean with white waves. Lush green hills line the coast, and in the distance, snow-capped mountains are partially obscured by heavy grey clouds.

Kaikōura Beach

Kaikōura Beach lies a mere 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from the snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps, creating a stunning juxtaposition between rugged alpine terrain and coastal environment. Having just come down from the dense jungles of the north, this was the moment I realized how different the North and South islands of New Zealand truly were.

Two sea lions on a sandy beach, one light-colored looking up and one dark-colored with its mouth open.

New Zealand Sea Lions

While I was walking along the beach at Sandfly Bay near Dunedin, two New Zealand sea lions crossed my path. These sea lions are widely regarded as the rarest in the world, but I saw multiple more on this same beach.

Two sea lions on a sandy beach, one light-colored looking up and one dark-colored with its mouth open.

A scenic view of a large blue lake surrounded by mountains with golden sunlight on their peaks under a clear blue sky.

Lake Wakatipu

I made the decision to get up early to see the sun rise over Lake Wakatipu, and I am thankful I did. While I saw multiple sunrises on my trip, this one was probably the most spectacular.

A panoramic view of a mountain range, a deep blue lake, and a lakeside town under a bright blue sky.

The Remarkables

After hiking a relatively steep 1.5-kilometer (0.93-mile) track to the top of Queenstown Hill, I was rewarded with a truly “remarkable” view of Queenstown and The Remarkables. The view, coupled with a light, cool breeze made this moment unforgettable.

A panoramic view of a mountain range, a deep blue lake, and a lakeside town under a bright blue sky.

A solitary willow tree with green leaves stands in the clear blue water of Lake Wanaka, with majestic blue and gray mountains and a cloudy sky in the background.

That Wānaka Tree

Many know this tree from the “#ThatWanakaTree” photos on Instagram, and it is likely the most famous singular tree in New Zealand for that very reason. During my visit, there was a large crowd on the shore around the tree, but the nearby town of Wānaka was actually quite peaceful and quiet.

A large piece of driftwood rests on a rocky shore with the majestic mountains of Milford Sound, New Zealand, under a clear blue sky.

The Milford Sound

The Milford Sound is a spectacular fiord featuring deep valleys, towering peaks and countless waterfalls. In addition to the sound itself, the drive up from Te Anau is one of the most scenic in the entire country, if not the world.

A large piece of driftwood rests on a rocky shore with the majestic mountains of Milford Sound, New Zealand, under a clear blue sky.

Aoraki / Mount Cook

With a summit elevation of 3,724 meters (12,218 feet), Aoraki / Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Base to peak, it is easily the tallest mountain I have ever seen, and it dwarfs all the peaks surrounding it.

A wide landscape photograph shows the snow-capped peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook reflecting in the tranquil turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. A road curves along the shore in the foreground, leading towards the distant mountains under a bright blue sky.

A panoramic view of towering snow-capped mountains, a pale green glacial lake, and a winding river under a clear blue sky in a vast valley.

A close-up of a brown and green Kea parrot with a dark beak, looking left, against a bright blue sky and a blurred background of mountains and cars.

Kea Bird

I had heard about a cafe in Arthur’s Pass where the endangered Kea bird was a frequent visitor and I just had to check it out. Upon arriving, I thought I’d have to seek the birds out, but multiple of these cheeky parrots were trying to steal food right off people’s plates, and one even made off with a disposable cup of soda.

A majestic snow-capped mountain, partially obscured by clouds, with a clear blue sky above. Several small figures of hikers are visible on a rocky and snowy trail in the foreground.

Mueller Hut Summit

Mueller Hut lies at an altitude of 1,800 meters (5,905 feet) above sea level and is situated atop 2,200 sets of stairs, followed by an unmaintained bouldering track. The panoramic views of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park from the top are well worth the strenuous climb.

A majestic snow-capped mountain, partially obscured by clouds, with a clear blue sky above. Several small figures of hikers are visible on a rocky and snowy trail in the foreground.

Close-up of purple wildflowers with snow-capped mountains and a vast valley in the background.

Viper’s Bugloss

While leaving Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, I spotted a field of Viper’s Bugloss and just had to take a photo with the mountain in the background. I feel that this image truly encapsulates the wild beauty of New Zealand with vegetation, rivers and mountains reigning supreme.

Higher Ed Blogger - Michael - N.

Michael N.

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