New Zealand Scenic Views Highlights
In one way or another, New Zealand is always suggesting you 'go up and see the view'. We might be talking about a gentle hill above a rural town or the cloud-piercing enormity of Mount Cook (Aoraki). The land is rarely flat, and where it is there's always a mountain range or volcano close by to provide full-strength panorama.
Auckland City - Auckland
Auckland
Photographer: Scott Venning
(scottv@ihug.co.nz)
Special places to find in and around Auckland City.
Katikati Murals - Bay of Plenty
In Katikati, visitors and residents see local history every day, just by walking the main street.
Banks Peninusla - Canterbury
Banks Peninsula and Akaroa, early attempted French settlement site. Charming seaside tourist town with French influences.
Canterbury Plains - Canterbury
Hobbits Frodo and Sam had to walk through the vastness that was Erewhon in the Lord of the Rings - an easier way to view this magnificent film scene is via a hot air balloon.
Lindis Pass and Misty Mountains - Canterbury
You don't have to be a Lord of the Rings fan to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.
Wentworth Valley Waterfall - The Coromandel
Wentworth Valley in the Coromandel offers several walks and scenic views.
Larnach Castle - Dunedin
Photographer: Kieran Scott
(www.kieranscott.co.nz)
Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, is ornately decorated and furnished, and open for viewing every day.
Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula - Dunedin
Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula is home to the only mainland breeding colony of Royal albatross in the world.
Moeraki Boulders - Dunedin
The famous Moeraki boulders lie scattered along a beach 40 kilometres south of Oamaru.
Mount Hikurangi - Eastland
Mount Hikurangi is the first point on mainland New Zealand to see the sunrise each day.
Lake Manapouri becomes River Anduin - Fiordland
A perfect place to stop for a breather and take in the scenery—you could also pose for the odd publicity still with the backdrop of Eregion in the distance.
Te Mata Peak - Hawkes Bay
Te Mata Peak offers panoramic views of the Ruahine, Kaweka and Maungaharuru ranges and Cape Kidnappers.
Pohangina Anticline - Manawatu & Rangitikei
Running along the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges, the 50km Pohangina Anticline is growing rapidly in geological terms.
Molesworth Station - Marlborough
The high country farm known as Molesworth Station is New Zealand's largest cattle station.
Lindis Pass and Misty Mountains - Mt Cook
You don't have to be a Lord of the Rings fan to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.
Golden Bay - Nelson
Photographer: Graham Charles
(imagematters@clear.net.nz)
Take a trip to Golden Bay over Takaka Hill. Check out the lookouts, points of interest and sacred places.
Takaka Hill - Chetwood Forest - Nelson
You won't find any of Saruman's black crows when you visit Nelson, but you could find a few solid gold rings.
Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach - Northland
Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of New Zealand has great views of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean merging.
Whangarei - Northland
Various scenic options around Whangarei - a leisurely centre for exploring Northland and the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.
Paradise in Queenstown - Queenstown
A region that can boast being Paradise - amongst other things.
Mount Tarawera - Rotorua
Photographer: Hiroshi Nameda
(hnamechan@hotmail.com)
Mount Tarawera, sacred volcano, famous landmark, and playground, plays an important role in the history of the region.
Nugget Point Lighthouse - Southland
Spend a day admiring the sky, sea and seals of Nugget Point.
Stirling Point - Southland
Points, Hills and Local Oddities - explore Stirling Point, Bluff Hill, Fred and Myrtle's Paua House!
Three Sisters Beach - Rock Formations - Taranaki
Spectacular rock formations and views - the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock.
Huka Falls - Taupo
Waikato River, Taupo
Photographer: Huka Jet
(www.hukajet.co.nz)
The Huka Falls is New Zealand's most visited natural attraction.
Waikato River - Taupo
Be there when the spillway opens at the Aratiatia Rapids.
Volcanic Plateau - Taupo
If you're a fan of the movie The Lord of the Rings, you can relive the feeling of complete isolation as you immerse yourself in the land of Mordor.
Matamata - Home of Hobbiton - Waikato
The Waikato town of Matamata played the set for Hobbiton, the home of Bilbo and Frodo in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings.
Mt Iron - Wanaka
Climb the flanks of Mount Iron or Mount Roy for spectacular views of surrounding valleys, peaks, rivers and lakes.
Cardrona Valley - South of Rivendell - Wanaka
You don't have to be a Lord of the Rings fan to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the landscape.
Wanganui City Heritage Walks - Wanganui
Heritage walks in Wanganui City; brochures provide a brief on each location plus drawings of historical sights.
Queens Wharf - Wellington
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)
Exploring Wellington's waterfront on foot, visit Queens Wharf, Te Papa, Chaffers Marina, and Oriental Bay.
Mount Victoria and Kaitoke Regional Park - Wellington
The home of The Lord of the Rings movie director Peter Jackson and the location for some of the films scenes.
Paparoa National Park - Pancake Rock - West Coast
Paparoa National Park, famous for its Pancake Rocks and packed with variety and stunning landscapes.
