Wonders of New Zealand: 20 Places from Milford Sound to

Explore New Zealand's most spectacular destinations across 7,203 km, from the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound in Fjordland National Park to the adventure capital of Queenstown. The route covers the country's premier natural attractions including the Catlins coastal region, Mount Cook, and Lake Tekapo, showcasing the diverse landscapes of both the North and South Islands.

Mode
Places
Start
Welcome to New Zealand
End
Routeburn Track
Stops
20
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Welcome to New Zealand — Island nation in the southwestern Pacific renowned for dramatic landscapes, Māori culture, and adventure tourism opportunities.
  2. Milford Sound — Spectacular fjord in Fiordland featuring towering cliffs, rainforests, and cascading waterfalls accessible by boat or scenic drive.
  3. Waterfalls Milford Sound — Multiple powerful waterfalls plunge directly into the fjord waters, creating one of New Zealand's most photographed natural phenomena.
  4. The Catlins — Rugged coastal region with native forests, sea cliffs, and wildlife habitats offering solitude and pristine natural beauty.
  5. Mount Cook — New Zealand's highest peak at 3,724 meters, dominating the Southern Alps with snow-covered slopes and glacial valleys.
  6. Lake Tekapo — Turquoise alpine lake in the Canterbury region famous for star-gazing and surrounded by mountain peaks.
  7. Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers — Two accessible glaciers on the West Coast descending from the Southern Alps into temperate rainforest valleys.
  8. Abel Tasman National Park — Coastal park featuring golden beaches, granite cliffs, and native forest accessible via walking tracks and water taxis.
  9. Tongariro National Park — Active volcanic landscape with three major peaks, geothermal features, and the iconic multi-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail.
  10. Sky Tower — Auckland's 328-meter observation tower offering 360-degree city and harbor views from the Southern Hemisphere's tallest structure.
  11. Bay Of Islands — Historic subtropical region with 144 islands, sheltered bays, and significant Māori and European colonial heritage sites.
  12. Piha beach — Dramatic black sand beach near Auckland featuring powerful surf, volcanic rocks, and rugged coastal scenery.
  13. Lake wanaka — Scenic alpine lake in the Southern Lakes district surrounded by mountains, offering water sports and adventure activities.
  14. Wharariki Beach — Remote beach at New Zealand's northern tip featuring sea arches, rock formations, and sand dunes backed by farmland.
  15. Roy’s Peak — Popular hiking destination above Lake Wanaka offering panoramic views of mountains, lakes, and surrounding wilderness.
  16. Lake Wakatipu — Long glacial lake near Queenstown known for its distinctive Z-shape, pristine waters, and adventure tourism hub.
  17. Marlborough Sounds — Scenic region of interconnected waterways, native forest, and isolated beaches accessible by boat or walking trails.
  18. Ben Lomond — Mountain peak above Queenstown providing challenging hiking with expansive views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding ranges.
  19. Ulva Island — Predator-free island sanctuary off Stewart Island featuring native bird species, forest walks, and untouched wilderness.
  20. Routeburn Track — Three-day walking trail traversing Fiordland's mountains, native forests, and alpine meadows with stunning scenic vistas.

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit Abel Tasman National Park during spring and autumn shoulder seasons for crisp mornings, calm waters, and less crowded beaches compared to summer.
Transport
Milford Sound is the only fjord in New Zealand accessible by road, offering easier access compared to other remote fjords in the region.
Tip
Rainy days at Milford Sound create temporary waterfalls that cascade from cliffs into the fjord, making it especially photogenic and creating a mystical atmosphere.
Tip
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are exceptionally accessible compared to glaciers worldwide due to their low altitude proximity to sea level and temperate climate.
Where to stay
Abel Tasman National Park offers high-end lodges for luxury accommodation, though camping under the stars is considered the ultimate way to experience the park.
Transport
Abel Tasman National Park can be explored by land, water, or air through scenic cruises, water taxis, kayaking, helicopter tours, and catamaran sailing trips.
Tip
Wellington's downtown is compact and walkable, featuring 19th century wooden cottages and art deco buildings, best explored on foot.
Tip
Rotorua's Roto Vigus area at the top of Fenton Street features vibrant mud geysers and therapeutic hot mud baths.
Transport
From Rotorua, the Skyline Gondola rises nearly 2,000 feet above the city, offering panoramic views of Lake Rotaroa.
Tip
Lake Tekapo offers horse trekking, paddle boarding, hot pools, scenic flights, and stargazing tours in addition to lakefront walks.
Avoid
Mount Cook climbing is extremely challenging and only suitable for experienced mountaineers due to rugged terrain, steep climbs, unpredictable weather, and extensive glaciation.
Tip
Queenstown offers themed Lord of the Rings tours to film locations where iconic scenes were shot in the region.

Video on this route

Wonders of New Zealand | The Most Amazing Places in New Zealand | Travel Video 4K

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