New Zealand is a beautiful and friendly country that offers an unforgettable adventure to its visitors. Located close to Australia, the islands of New Zealand are home to native natural forests, mountains, beaches, glaciers, dense thermal areas and fiords that are well maintained by its environmentally and culturally conscious government. New Zealand is a place where the traditional Maori culture mingles with modernity in cosmopolitan cities, charming villages, and a vast expanse of untouched wilderness.

Here are 10 favourite sights in New Zealand:

1. Coromandel Peninsula

            The peninsula is famous for its golden beaches that frame super coastal scenes and wildernesses that challenge exploration. Start your visit at Thames, a small but beautiful town with a rich history of gold mining. Do not miss Hot Water Beach, where visitors can dig their own hot water pool from the springs under the sand.

2. Abel Tasman National Park

            Located at the north end of South Island, this vast national park is a dream for hikers. Closed to vehicles, everyone must enter by boat, on foot or by small plane. Blue penguins, wekas, oyster catchers and many rare varieties of birds are to be seen here.

3. Sky Tower

            Sky Tower is an observation and telecommunication tower located in the largest city in New Zealand. With a height of 328 meters, this tower is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere and Sky Tower has become an iconic structure on the Auckland skyline. The tower offers views of up to 80 km and a unique dinner may be taken in Orbit, the revolving restaurant.

4. Napier Art Deco

            Napier, a small town in Hawke's Bay, on the east coast of the North Island, is renowned for its exceptional de-architectural art. Thousands of tourists visit Napier every February for the Art Deco Weekend, an event dedicated to aficionados of the 1930’ and vintage cars.

 

5. Kaikoura

            This small coastal town on South Island is a haven for seafood lovers. You can see seals, dolphins, sperm whales and sea eagles. Enjoy fresh lobster parties, shellfish, blue cod and more. Ramblers can wander through the wild and dramatic wilderness of Kaikoura.

6. Franz Josef Glacier

            This glacier, located within Westland National Park, in the southwest, is one of the more easily accessible glaciers. Visitors can walk right up to the foot of this huge glacier or take a helicopter flight over it.

7. Rotorua

            Rotorua is known as the thermal wonderland of New Zealand. There are many geysers and hot springs in this town and its surroundings. Many of the geysers are inside the park and protected.

8. Tongariro National Park

            Here one can enjoy fantastic nature, including calm lakes, active volcanoes, flower meadows, wild forests and desert-like highlands.

9. Bay of Islands

            Bay of Islands is one of the most popular holiday destinations in New Zealand. This beautiful area has 144 islands, many secluded bays and several wide sandy beaches. The beautiful bay also has a wide variety of marine life including whales, penguins, dolphins and great marlin.

10. Milford Sound

            Milford Sound is one of New Zealand's most famous sights, accessible from Fiordland National Park. Milford Sound offers some of the world's most stunning beach scenes with dramatic peaks and beautiful dark blue water.