10 Most Amazing Views in New Zealand

After many road trips through New Zealand, Liz Carlson compiled a list of the best views you can find on New Zealand’s South Island.

1. Mitre Peak in Milford Sound

Milford Sound is topping everyone’s bucket list and is always worth the long drive down or costly flight over. Even when it’s raining “you’ll be graced with hundreds of temporary waterfalls cascading down from the mists.”

2. Curio Bay in the Catlins

Endless beaches, beautiful forest walks, and a few quirky spots in between await you at the Catlins – a peaceful and quiet seaside escape.

3. Mt. Roy, Wanaka

Roy’s Peak (or Mt Roy) in Wanaka, quite possibly one of the most Instagrammed spots in New Zealand, is overlooking Wanaka and down the Matukituki Valley with a panorama of Tititea/Mt Aspiring.

4. Punakaiki on the West Coast

Nothing is more spectacular than watching the huge waves pummel against Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, shooting water dozens of metres into the air through the many blowholes.

5. Abel Tasman

The Abel Tasman is the perfect place for a paddle with its tropical white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

6. Kaikoura

With huge mountains and an epic coastline, Kaikoura really is the best of both worlds. Head to the viewpoint above the town and watch the sunset for stunning views.

7. The Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve

The South Island has some of the world’s best stargazing, especially around the Mackenzie Basin in Canterbury. The stars here shine in a way you have likely never seen anywhere else in the world.

8. Autumn in Arrowtown

Few places on the South Island experience autumn colours quite like Arrowtown. Carlson’s favourite spot to see the colours is on the back road from Queenstown to Coronet Peak to Arrowtown.

9. Marlborough

Marlborough has a superb foodie scene, and an abundance of Sauvignon Blanc. If you want to a visit a winery that packs a punch and has some of the best views, it has to be Yealands Estate near Blenheim.

10. Aoraki/Mt Cook

Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s biggest mountain never fails to impress. Just the drive down to the village will knock your socks off, writes Carlson.

Article Source: Business Insider, Liz Carlson, March 14, 2016

Image Source: Wikipedia