This was one of the last countries to be discovered in the colonial era and has often been dubbed 'God's Own Country' and 'The Last Paradise.' Our small country is crammed with a whole continent's worth of diverse scenery within its maritime borders. It's like the whole world in miniature - a microcosm of all the most impressive geographical features on earth.

The South Island is here for you to enjoy; dramatic alpine scenery, wilderness areas, glacial lakes, peaceful fiords, grinding glaciers, roaring rivers and gold rush relics. You'll love the North Island if you are seeking pleasant, easy-on-the-eye scenery - gentle rolling pastures, stunning off-shore islands and beaches, thermal resorts and Maori culture.

If you really want to go bush, then Stewart Island is a remnant of ancient Gondwanaland - an untamed and rugged wilderness.

Our Top 10 most scenic routes and locations, our Highlights

North Island
Rangitikei River Valley
A pictures and steep river valley in the rugged Ruahine Ranges, with unbelievable scenery not yet discovered by most tourists.

Coromandel Peninsula
This is a dramatic and unspoiled coast, with native pohutukawa trees on the western side and beautiful white sandy beaches on the east, and divided by ranges cloaked in native rainforest.

Wai-o-tapu geothermal wonderland
View the fascinating “Champagne Pool” and experience the panorama of vividly colorful hot and cold pools.

South Island
Milford Sounds
Is Actually a Fiord and described by R. Kipling as the “eights wonder of the world” and located in the Fiordland National Park. A major highlight in New Zealand.

Paradise Valley
(Dart River Valley) This area is used as one of the favorite locations in the international film industry and not far from Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown.

Haast Pass
Passes through Mount Aspiring National Park with its many accessible waterfalls and walks into Native bush and should not be missed.

Arthur Pass
In the Southern Alps links Canterbury to the West Coast. The TranzAlpine train journey passes through this spectacular scenery.

Franz Josef and Fox Glacier
Spectacular alpine scenery in the middle of Rainforest and close to the sea at the West Coast.

Punakaki Pancake Rocks
Lime formations set in native New Zealand vegetations and a stunning drive along the rugged West Coast.

Akaroa Peninsula
Take your car up to the Summit Road and get beautiful views of Akaroa Harbour and the French settlement (near Christchurch).

These are our personal favorites…but there is so much more to see and experience!