Stellar Sights: New Zealand's Most Breathtaking Ever-Changing Vistas

In New Zealand’s Northland, where there are an infinite number of postcard-worthy beaches, the climate skews subtropical. Revel in the autumnal warmth of the region, where the days are sunny but not scorching. The only difficult decision is settling on where to explore first.

A seven-day adventure along the Twin Coast Discovery touring route will put you in good stead to explore the region’s standout beaches, hiking tracks and cultural encounters. Some of the highlights on this abundant adventure include Ninety Mile Beach, Poor Knights Islands and Waipoua Forest, where you’ll find Tāne Mahuta — New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree.

Just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, the pristine surrounds of Waiheke Island make for the ultimate day trip.

If you consider yourself something of a wine aficionado, the island is teeming with world-class vineyards. Head to top-notch destinations like Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant, Man O’War Vineyards and the Tantalus Estate to sip exceptional vino with a view to match.

Then, roam picturesque white-sand beaches with azure blue waters including Oneroa, Palm Beach and Onetangi. More than just sights of natural beauty to marvel at, discover the walking tracks, hikes, paddle boarding and kayaking that can be enjoyed either at the beaches or in their surrounds.

No trip to the Taranaki region is complete without a jaunt in Egmont National Park to check out the Pouākai Crossing on Taranaki Maunga — a soaring dormant stratovolcano rising to over 2,500 metres.

Considered the premier hike amid this monumental landscape, the daylong adventure covers an assortment of natural wonders throughout its 19-kilometre track.

With vistas stretching out to the coastline, you can gaze out as far as the eye can see, while the inland perspective sees Mount Ruapehu rising in the distance. Along the way, the towering lava columns of the Dieffenbach Cliffs make for a fascinating focal point, while the waters of the Kokowai Stream — a distinctive red caused by manganese oxide oozing from the earth — are a must-see.

Hot Water Beach isn’t your everyday picturesque, sandy coastline. This surreal destination embodies the healing power of nature with heated mineral water rising visibly through the sand.

For an all-in, immersive experience, head to the southern end of the beach and start digging a hole in the sand. Soon, you’ll be rewarded with your own personal spa. Then, it’s just a matter of climbing inside for something resembling a jacuzzi powered by the earth. For the best experience, plan your visit for two hours on either side of low tide, when the water level is low enough to expose this natural warming phenomenon.

Filled to the brim with picturesque scenery, Central Otago is a dream destination for an elongated bike ride — and the Lake Dunstan Trail is one of the most rewarding, having become the newest of the 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides.

Stretching over 55-kilometres, the intermediate trail offers a confection of points of interest, winding around bodies of water ranging from lakes to rivers, and passing through wineries and heritage towns like Cromwell or Clyde that are perfect for a feast and a rest.

New Zealand’s South Island is renowned for idyllic scenery — it boasts glacial lakes, towering mountains and sweeping fiords, to name just a few — and Wānaka is a stop well-suited to sampling the best of the region’s nature. It’s also ideal as a base, serving as a gateway to even more vantage points that will grant views of the distinctive lake.

You’ll find a myriad of hikes that offer varying perspectives on the namesake lake. The Outlet Track is an easy one-hour stroll starting at Beacon Point and making its way along the Clutha River toward Albert Town. The Rob Roy Glacier Track is slightly trickier, stretching 10-kilometres through Mount Aspiring National Park. 

With a claim to fame as the world’s youngest geothermal site, the striking Waimangu Volcanic Valley hydrothermal system bubbled to life as recently as 1886 after the eruption of Mount Tarawera.

Explore the landscape with a self-guided stroll through this volcanic valley, where natural wonders await around every corner. Hikes range from 1.5 to 4.5-kilometres, with most featuring exceptional views of the Inferno Crater Lake. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife encounters and relish in the enormous hot water springs.

Formed millions of years ago by ancient glacial waters, the Ōmarama Clay Cliffs are a hiking destination unlike any other in New Zealand. 

Separated by narrow ravines, towering pinnacles of gravel and silt rise 30 metres into the sky, providing a surreal view worth craning your neck for. Situated only 10-kilometres west of Ōmarama, there’s a good chance you’re already journeying within touching distance of these exceptional rock formations.

Renowned for its natural beauty and being the starting point for some of the most picturesque and exhilarating adventure activities in the Pacific, Queenstown’s reputation precedes itself.

However, for a different, off-the-beaten track experience of Queenstown, head to the Queenstown Hill Time Walk. Rising 500 metres through pine forest, the 4.2-kilometre track is adorned with the famous ‘Basket of Dreams’ sculpture alongside six plates that explain how different time periods shaped the region. While the walk is lightly demanding, your exertion will be rewarded with panoramic views stretching back to town and across the picturesque landscape.

Venture deep into Fiordland National Park to reach the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track – a 3-day loop traversing subalpine mountains, deserted beaches and pristine forests.

Less than a year old, this exceptional multi-day hike (New Zealanders call it tramping) is the newest of New Zealand’s 11 Great Walks, and it delivers a more memorable experience than most. While autumn is a beautiful time to visit, this trek isn’t for the faint-hearted, so make sure your fitness level and equipment are up to the test.