5 BEST WAYS TO EXPERIENCE NEW ZEALAND LANDSCAPES

It goes without saying that New Zealand has some of the most stunning landscapes in the entire world. There are so many ways to experience these landscapes and whether it’s by helicopter, car, boat, cycling or on foot you are guaranteed to be amazed and captivated by the beautiful scenery.

Helicopter Experience

Experience by Helicopter

There is nothing like getting those incredible panoramic views of New Zealand than from high above in a helicopter. Many regions in New Zealand will offer a range of viewing activities from a helicopter, where it’s a Heli-hike in Franz Josef glacier, helicopter ride to from Queenstown to Milford Sound, staying at a lodge that can only be accessed by helicopter, or a full day helicopter excursion taking you to various location up in the Far North, stopping at wineries and hidden beaches. Many of the South Island helicopter trips will have a snow landing; just imagine landing at the top of the Southern Alps in a helicopter with nothing but incredible beauty surrounding you.

Helicopter landing

Check out some of our New Zealand tours which include helicopter experiences.

Experience by Car

One of the more traditional and best ways to travel around New Zealand and experience those epic landscapes is with a car. The added beauty of driving around New Zealand is it gives you a chance to go at your own pace and stop along the way to capture those landscapes. Although both islands are remarkable and self-drive worthy. A personal highlight would be driving in the South Island, driving from Christchurch to Mount Cook. The journey will have you winding the beautiful Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki with epic views of snow-capped mountains as your approach Mount Cook village. Other amazing journeys to only name a very few include the journey from Te Anau to Milford Sounds, Franz Josef to Wanaka or the winelands in Marlborough.

Check out some of our self-drive itineraries or speak to a New Zealand specialist who can help put together an incredible self-drive itinerary.

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Roadtrip through New Zealand

Experience by Foot

Sometimes the only way to access and experience those incredible landscapes and to immerse yourself in the beauty is on foot. New Zealand is home to some of the most incredible hiking trails and range from short day hikes, full day hikes or multi day hikes with varying options of easy to difficult. One of the most famous day hikes to take in New Zealand is the Tongariro crossing, also one of the most diverse hikes due to diverse landscapes and terrain of vast valleys, lava flows, startling blue lakes, towering volcanic cones and a rainbow of reds and yellows. Tongariro National Park was shaped after numerous volcanic eruptions, the most recent of which came from the Red Crater less than 100 years ago. Queenstown, Fiordland and Wanaka region are other great spots for finding amazing hikes which include the secret Moke Lake hike, Roys Peak and the famous multi day hike of the Milford Track.

So, don on a pair of hiking boots and explore with us by checking out some of our suggested itineraries with hiking or speak to a New Zealand Specialist for more information. 

Hiking the Tongariro Crossing

Tongariro Crossing

Experience by Boat

New Zealand has more boats per capita than any other country on the planet, so a tour around New Zealand is not complete without spending some time exploring on a boat. Whether its cruising around the incredibly beautiful Milford sounds, whale watching in Kaikoura or island hopping in the stunning Bay of Islands, discovering New Zealand by boat will give you a different perspective. If you are looking for something quite different, I recommend sailing the Abel Tasman to discover New Zealand beautiful coastline and stopping at some hidden beaches.

So, if you want to set sail, check out this exclusive sailing adventure or speak to a New Zealand Specialist for more information 

Boat ride

Experience by Bicycle

Now if you really love the outdoors and you want to get active with exploring these beautiful New Zealand landscapes, then I recommend cycling around. Cycling around will really let you go at your own pace and get deeper into those places that you wouldn’t by car. The Otago Central Rail Trail was one of New Zealand's original great cycling trips and is well-established and amazing multi-day route across the rolling Central Otago region. If you are only looking for a day cycle experience, I recommend the 74km route along the Geo- thermal cycle trail in Rotorua and the Waikite Valley, which will take you through five significant geothermal parks, which include Whakarewarewa, Te Puia, Waimangu, Wai-O-Tapu and Waikite Valley Thermal Springs, each with its own unique natural wonders.

Speak to a Specialist today to help you plan your cycling itinerary.

Cycling through the rainforest