Whether you’re a hardcore Lord of the Rings fan or just enjoy nature at its finest with a little bit of adventure here and there, New Zealand is a country with a lot to offer. If photography is a hobby or something you dabble in, you’re in luck because New Zealand is very photogenic.
So pack your camera and make your way down south to New Zealand and check out these places.
Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)
If you like the image above, it was taken at Milford Sound, a fiord in Fiordland National Park. Its Maori name is Piopiotahi and it was named after a now extinct bird called the piopio. Wildlife that inhibit this area include seals, penguins and bottlenose dolphins! Do check out the boat tours or if you prefer more adventure, you can go canoeing or backpacking in the area.
Queenstown
If you’re an adventure junkie, Queenstown is the place to be. Located on the shore of the breath-taking Lake Wakatipu, bring your family jet boarding or kayaking during summer, or bungee jump off Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge. If you prefer cold weather, plan your trip for winter time and hit the slopes and go snowboarding or skiing at one of the four ski fields a short drive away. During spring, do visit the farms and meet the cute new born lambs and calves and give them a glimpse into farm life.
Rotorua
Go up north and check out Rotorua, that was named after a lake and is famous for geothermal activity and is a Maori culture. Areas to check out include Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley with the bubbling mud pools and the Pohutu Geyser that shoots up to 30-metre tall columns of hot water. For a taste of local culture, check out the Maori villages like Mitai and Tamaki which offer traditional song and dance performances, and feasts.
Matamata
For the Lord of the Rings fans, Waikato town of Matamata is definitely not a place to be missed on your tour of New Zealand. The dairy farming landscape of Waikato was the set of the peaceful Shire region of Middle-earth and the village of Hobbiton was created here and remains a tourist attraction. 10 minutes away is the Wairere Falls which is a great walking track and after about an hour and a half, you’ll arrive at a viewing platform where you can witness the majesty of the waterfall.
Lake Tekapo
For photography buffs, Lake Tekapo is a small town and is connected via daily shuttle services to Christchurch and Queenstown. The lake is its main attraction and features beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Additionally, it becomes one of the best places to view the Aurora Australis (The Southern Lights) during the winter months because of its dark sky and sparse population.
References: Newzealand.com; Queenstownnz.co.nz.
