Kia orana – Long may you live – this is how you are welcomed to one of the most beautiful atolls in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands. You will hear this sentence countless times as soon as you arrive here. And it’s not just a phrase. The people who live over here mean exactly that. They are friendly and the lightness of being is their top priority. This is not surprising, because once you have seen the turquoise lagoons and white sandy beaches where palm trees stand before the sea, you will always long to return here.

Let me take you to paradise, where I saw the bluest water and where the Milky Way sparkled above me at night.

As always, at the end of this Cook Islands Travel Guide you will find a map where I have marked all the spots for your vacation in the Cook Islands that you should not miss.

Where are the Cook Islands located and how can they be reached?

The Cook Islands are a South Pacific archipelago located between Hawaii and New Zealand, comprising 15 islands of volcanic origin. Discovered by James Cook around 250 years ago, the archipelago was named after him.

You can reach the Cook Islands by plane to Rarotonga International Airport on the main island of the same name. From here, island flights depart for Aitutaki, the second largest island in the Cook Islands.

How many days should you plan for your Cook Islands vacation?

You should plan at least a week for your trip to the Cook Islands, alone to make the long flight worthwhile. Perhaps you can combine your trip with a previous stay in New Zealand or Australia. Then, like us, you would fly across the international date line and arrive here yesterday. That is an incredible experience.

When is the best time to travel to the Cook Islands?

The Cook Islands have a tropical climate, with temperatures of around 28 degrees Celsius all year round. To enjoy the beach and sea to the full, you should spend your vacation in the Cook Islands outside of the rainy season. The best months for this are June to October.

The ultimate guide for the Cook Islands: Aitutaki & Rarotonga

My travel tips for Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Aitutaki – a dream of an island – is not only the most beautiful and popular of the Cook Islands, but also one of the most picturesque in the entire Pacific. It is an 18 square kilometer inhabited atoll bordered by a massive outer reef. When I saw the lagoon for the first time, I knew it immediately: this is the bluest water I have ever seen. The Aitutaki lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world.

After your 45-minute flight on a small plane from Rarotonga, you can see for yourself that I wasn’t exaggerating. Quiet island life awaits you. There is only one road that leads around the island and there are only a few slow-moving cars. Most accommodations offer bicycles to explore the beautiful Cook Islands of Aitutaki. A rental car is not necessary.

You shouldn’t miss the these activities and places on Aitutaki during your Cook Islands trip:

Swimming with whales on Aitutaki

During the winter months in the southern hemisphere, humpback whales come to the South Pacific (from around July to October) to mate or give birth and nurse their calves before returning to the cold but nutrient-rich waters of Antarctica. However, you should know that there is no guarantee of spotting whales, as they are wild animals after all. However, Aitutaki is one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales and even snorkel with them. This is not allowed everywhere. On Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands, you are only allowed to watch them from a distance from a boat. But even when snorkeling on Aitutaki, the whales are observed from a safe distance for humans and animals. However, young calves are often curious and therefore come closer.

My recommendation: Book your tour with Dive Aitutaki – Bubbles Below. They organize small tours with a very experienced guide and captain.

Lagoon tour – a must do on Aitutaki

A boat tour through the blue lagoon is simply fantastic and unforgettable – an absolute must-do. The trip takes you to small islands, snorkeling spots and sandbanks. The color of the water is so incredible that you simply can’t get enough of it.

One highlight of the tour is One Foot Island (Tapuaetai). You even get a stamp in your passport if you have it with you. Here, palm trees blow in the wind, surrounded by nothing but deep blue water and white sand – the South Pacific at its best. One Foot Island is a popular excursion destination during a vacation in the Cook Islands, but only a short stop is made here on the tour. If you want more time to enjoy the small island at your own pace, you should charter a private boat. Especially early in the morning or late in the afternoon, there is a very good chance that you will even be alone.

My tip for your boat tour: We did our tour with Teking Lagoon Cruises. It was very entertaining on one of the rather small boats and the stops were great. There was a BBQ break on Honeymoon Island. Even better, but also more expensive, are private tours with individual stops and more time in different places.

Hiking on Aitutaki, Cook Islands

If you are the adventurous type, you will definitely want to take a tour to the highest point of Aitutaki during your Cook Islands travels. This is located in the middle of the island. There are two paths from different sides, each leading to a great viewpoint. One is Maunga Pu, which offers you a better view but is not completely accessible by bike or scooter. In some places, you will have to push or park your vehicle to walk up a steep gravel path. Although Maunga Pu is the highest point on the island at 124m, it is more of a hill than a mountain.

The second viewpoint is called Piraki Lookout. You can get there directly by bike or scooter. In any case, you can enjoy a great panoramic view of the island and the blue lagoon from both points.

We set off on our bikes to the Maunga Pu viewpoint in the early evening. When we were already quite high up, a thunderstorm approached. The dark clouds came closer and closer, but luckily they passed us by on both sides. Apart from a bit of wind, we didn’t get anything from the tropical rainstorm. On the way back, we felt infinitely free and happy as we cycled towards an incredibly beautiful sunset in the middle of nowhere. These are moments I will never forget in my life.

Traditional dance show on Aitutaki

Dance shows take place in the evenings in most of the accommodations. Accompanied by a dinner of traditional dishes, singing and dancing are performed in beautiful costumes. But watch out, if you’re like me, you’ll be invited to dance along. That was really fun!

Restaurant tips on Aitutaki, Cook Islands

• The Boat Shed – This is where we had the best dinner on Aitutaki at a fair price. The Boat Shed is located directly on the ferry to the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort.
• The Pacific Resort Aitutaki Restaurant – Located by the pool and beach with an incredibly beautiful ambience.
• WokKai – a cute roadside snack bar with fresh wok dishes and homemade cakes

The best accommodation on Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Luxury: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort

The adults-only resort is located on a small private island off Aitutaki, separated only by a narrow channel and therefore accessible by ferry. It feels like you are in the Maldives. You will find small beach villas and seven overwater villas – the only ones in the Cook Islands. The interior design is less luxurious, more rustic and very cozy. The highlight of all the villas is of course the gigantic view over the blue lagoon – a paradisiacal retreat to relax in. Probably the most beautiful accommodation on the Cook Islands!

Mid-range: Tamanu Beach Resort

The cute bungalows on the beach are divided into two separate areas: Larger family bungalows and Adults Only double bed bungalows. They are also furnished in a rustic style and have a great terrace and a bathroom with an outdoor shower. You have a fantastic view of the sunset from the beach and the resort pool. In the right months, you can even spot whales behind the reef edge. The resort is a beautiful and relaxed accommodation in the Cook Islands!

My travel tips for Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands, is significantly larger than Aitutaki. Around 14,000 people live here. There is also only one coastal road on Rarotonga, which runs 32 km around the island. It might be worthwhile for you to hire a car. Cabs are available for a fixed price per person, but are relatively expensive.

You can’t miss these activities and places on Rarotonga during your travels to the Cook Islands:

Diving and snorkeling on Rarotonga

With its many different spots, Rarotonga is perfect for diving and snorkeling. Healthy and impressive coral reefs with colorful fish, turtles, reef sharks and rays await you here. If you’re visiting between July and October, you can hear the humpback whales singing while diving, which is absolutely fantastic. We were enchanted by it.

We booked our diving tour with Pacific Divers, but there are also other good providers

The snorkeling on Rarotonga is also very impressive. Popular snorkeling spots are Black Rock (close to the airport), Titikaveka Beach or Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve.

Hiking on Rarotonga

The Needle (Te Rua Manga) is a unique rock formation in the middle of Rarotonga, which rises 413 meters into the air. From here you have a spectacular view over the island. If you are not afraid of heights, it is definitely worth planning this hike into your vacation on the Cook Islands. The level of difficulty is moderate and hiking boots are an absolute must!

On the way to the foot of The Needle, you have to climb over roots or stones in some places. It starts off as an easy, then steep climb through the forest, which provides shade until you reach the rock formation. have already reached the rock formation. Once there, you can climb up The Needle. You can get halfway up with the help of attached ropes. The view is simply gigantic, it almost took my breath away. Incidentally, we were accompanied by a rooster almost all the way to the summit. Chickens just live freely in nature here. He didn’t want to leave our side, it was kind of cute.

It took us 3.5 – 4 hours to hike to The Needle on Rarotonga, including photo breaks.

 I have marked the GPS coordinates for the parking lot on my Cook Islands map. 

Restaurant tips on Rarotonga

• Beluga Café – It is simply ideal and delicious for breakfast or lunch. However, it closes in the early afternoon.
• The Waterline Restaurant – This highly recommended restaurant is just a few minutes’ walk from the Magic Reef Resort
• The Falafel Shack – It is a small cozy food truck on the beach with absolutely delicious food

The most beautiful accommodation on Rarotonga, Cook Islands

The Magic Reef Bungalows

The lovingly designed and furnished bungalows with kitchen are located either directly on the beach or just a few steps away. You can also enjoy a great view of the sunset from here. The owner is very welcoming and will help you with any questions or give you useful tips. You can rent snorkeling equipment free of charge at the resort and hire an electric car for a fair daily rate. For me, this is the best accommodation on Rarotonga!

My maps for the Cook Islands:

You can open and save the map via Google Maps to find all the places mentioned in this post!

A day that ends with a sunset on the beach is simply a good day. So every day of your vacation on the Cook Islands should be a good one. For those who dream the South Pacific dream, it becomes reality here.

For me, Aitutaki in the Cook Islands in particular is a hidden gem that should definitely be on your bucket list – gorgeous white beaches and an incredible blue lagoon. And not to forget the warm-hearted people who live in the Cook Islands and radiate so much happiness. My time here will stay in my memory forever.

I hope this article with my tips for your travels to the Cook Islands will convince you to set foot in paradise yourself and help you plan your own vacation.

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New Zealand has always been one of my dream destinations – so we finally took the long trip around the globe! And I’m speechless: the islands have an incredible abundance of nature, unique views and special activities to offer. In this article, I will not only tell you about the most beautiful places & sights in New Zealand, but also give you important tips for your own New Zealand round trip!

When is the best time to travel to New Zealand on a road trip?

Many travelers first think of New Zealand during the summer months, which is when New Zealand winters. But in reality, New Zealand is a fantastic year-round destination with incredibly beautiful sights that have their own charm at any time of year. In the north, the weather is subtropical, while in the alpine regions of the South Island it can cool down to -10°C in winter. However, as most of New Zealand is on the coast, temperatures are mild all year round.

We ourselves were in New Zealand in August, at the end of winter, just before the start of spring. The advantage of winter is that there are far fewer tourists, which means that New Zealand’s beautiful sights are often empty and hotel prices are more affordable. In the early morning it was often still chilly, while in the afternoon it quickly warmed up thanks to the intense sunshine, so that I often didn’t even need a jacket. The winter months are also ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, as the Southern Alps on the South Island are covered in fine snow and are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. In addition, the winter months on the South Island are considered drier and are characterized by fewer rainy days than in summer.

The mild spring is also a beautiful time to visit, when New Zealand begins to sprout and bloom. The colorful lupines are a particularly popular photo motif – even though they are actually an invasive species and are not welcomed by the locals.

How many days should you plan for your New Zealand road trip?

In order to visit both the North and South Island, I recommend planning at least 14 days for a round trip through New Zealand. Due to the long journey, it is also worth planning one to two days “buffer” for the first few days, as the 10-hour time difference (from Europe) is very noticeable at the beginning of the trip due to jet lag!

Is it worth having your own rental car for your trip to New Zealand?

In my opinion, having your own rental car is a MUST in most regions of the country in order to enjoy the best sights and activities in New Zealand. We traveled most of the time in our own car on both the North and South Island. There is left-hand traffic, which we had to get used to, but the roads are well developed and there are hardly any toll roads. An international driver’s license is officially required to rent a car, but we were never asked for it.

What to pack for your New Zealand road trip:

• Rain, fleece and down jackets: The weather in New Zealand is unpredictable and can change within minutes. It is therefore advisable to carry several layers of clothing in both winter and summer so that you can take them off or add them as required. A waterproof rain jacket with a hood and hat are an absolute must!
• Hiking boots: I’ve hardly worn my hiking boots as often on any other trip as I did in New Zealand. They should also be waterproof and have a good tread for stony paths.
• A reusable water bottle: the tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink and of very good quality. This saves you waste and money on disposable bottles.
• Offline maps: not everywhere in New Zealand has good reception. Especially away from cities, in the middle of the wilderness. So download offline maps of your planned hiking trails and the surrounding area in advance.
• Sunscreen: even if you probably won’t be lying on the beach much, the UV radiation in the mountains is very intense.
• Environmentally friendly insect repellent: the annoying little sand flies are unfortunately found in many places in New Zealand – especially during the warm season. They bite and leave itchy bites that resemble mosquito bites. But you can keep them at bay with mosquito spray

New Zealand Must See’s – The best places to visit & attractions during your road trip

The North and South Islands of New Zealand

New Zealand consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island. These are not only very different in terms of landscape, but also in terms of climate. We traveled to both islands during our New Zealand round trip, but we spent most of our time on the South Island and were therefore able to check off and test almost all of our must-dos. However, I will also give you tips for places that we were unfortunately unable to visit ourselves due to time constraints, but which should not be missing from your itinerary.

Traveling from the North Island to the South Island

You can travel from the North Island to the South Island by ferry or by plane. The ferry trip between Wellington and Picton is possible both on foot and by car. You can enjoy the view of the Marlborough Sound and, with a bit of luck, even see whales, dolphins or fur seals.

My map with the best sights & most beautiful places in New Zealand:

The most beautiful sights on the North Island of New Zealand

1 Auckland

New Zealand’s largest and busiest international airport is in Auckland. This is why most holidaymakers start their trip to New Zealand from here. We also flew to Auckland via Doha and decided to spend a few days in the city and the surrounding area. Auckland has a futuristic yet cozy charm. The harbor city reminds me of a Scandinavian city with hip restaurants, a harbor promenade to stroll along and numerous shopping opportunities.

As you stroll through the city, your gaze naturally falls on the city’s most famous landmark, the Sky Tower. It offers a fantastic 360-degree panoramic view of the whole of Auckland, the surrounding area and the Rangitoto volcano. A visit to the two viewing platforms is well worthwhile in good weather! The particularly brave can even try a SkyWalk at lofty heights!

Entrance fee: 38 NZD (around 21 EUR) → Here you can book your ticket online!

Sailing tours, which start in the harbor, as well as dolphin and whale watching tours are also a very popular attraction in Auckland. Dolphins can be seen here all year round.

→ Find the best tours here:

2. Hobbiton

This place is not just a must-see for fans of the Lord of the Rings films! Hobbiton is the film set “The Shire”, the home of the hobbits, which was used for both ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’. The drive from Auckland is truly dreamlike and feels like you’re traveling to a dream world: rolling green hills with countless sheep and lambs jumping across the meadows. You hardly meet any other people. It’s so idyllic …

A visit to Hobbiton is only possible with a guided tour, which starts in groups at fixed times. Not only do you have the chance to experience the hobbits’ cute houses up close, you can even go inside one of them. The house is fully equipped, with a fireplace, bathtub, kitchen and many other rooms. And exactly as they were used in the films. The houses and the entire village are so lovingly furnished with so many details that I had the feeling that a hobbit could walk out of one of the small front doors at any time.

A visit to Hobbiton is a popular day trip from Auckland, which is why the time slots are quickly booked up.

3. Waitomo

Waitomo is not far from Hobbiton. The region is best known for its mystical and impressive glowworm caves, which are unique in the world. In the Waitomo Caves there are impressive stalactites hanging from the ceiling and millions of glowworms create a blue glowing natural spectacle. As the caves resemble a labyrinth and an underground river flows through them, access is only possible with a guided tour. Various providers offer adventurous tours with abseiling and climbing, rafting or simply relaxing in a boat – there is an adventure for everyone.

If you love exciting adventures, you can even abseil hundreds of meters into the caves in the Waitomo Caves.

The landscape around the caves is also beautiful and offers great trails through moss-covered rocks along streams to waterfalls. The Ruakuri Walk is a short and beautiful one-kilometer circular trail.

→ Book your Waitomo Tour here

4. Lake Taupō & Tongariro National Park

In the heart of New Zealand’s North Island lies Tongariro National Park with nearby Lake Taupō, the largest lake in New Zealand. From here, you have a great panoramic view of the three volcanoes of Tongariro National Park.

´In Tongariro National Park, there are numerous hikes and footpaths to explore the unique landscape of volcanoes that are still active today:

• The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is particularly well known. However, you should plan a full day for the 20-kilometre route and be experienced in hiking. You will be rewarded with views of blue crater lakes and steaming fields. The landscape seems to be from another planet. Due to the popularity of the trail, hikers must register before the tour via → this booking system! You aren’t an experienced hiker but still want to do the hike or are you traveling alone? → I recommend booking a guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing tour here!
• A shorter option is the Taranaki Falls Trail. You only need around two hours for the hiking trail and will also be able to marvel at great views and even a waterfall. The circular trail is also suitable for beginners.

5. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

The largest trees in the world: Giant Sequoia Trees can also be found in New Zealand! Namely in the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest! However, the trees here are significantly younger than their relatives in Sequoia National Park in the USA (90 years compared to 2000+ years) and therefore even smaller. But even the “young” Sequoia trees are already a considerable size. In the Redwoods Forest, you will find a trail that leads through the canopy on suspension bridges and platforms at lofty heights. After sunset, lanterns glow in the treetops, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.

6. Lake Tarawera

Lake Tarawera is a popular destination for locals. Both for swimming and boating in summer as well as for year-round hiking or to enjoy the view of the extinct volcano Mount Tarawera. On windless days, the lake resembles a mirror that reflects the mountains and the sky. Thanks to numerous jetties leading into the water, you can find fantastic photo opportunities at sunrise or sunset.

The Tarawera Falls are just a few minutes away from the lake. The Tarawera Falls Track offers fantastic views of the Tarawera River and is a short 20-minute walk (each way). To get to the parking lot, however, you must obtain an access permit. This costs 10 USD and can be obtained at the Visitor Center in Kawerau. I have marked the exact location on my New Zealand map.

7. Geothermal Parks

The North Island of New Zealand is tectonically very active, resulting in volcanic activity and geothermal fields that steam and bubble from every corner. There are several parks where you can walk on safe paths and walkways across the hot and fragile landscape:

• Kuirua Park – the only geothermal park in New Zealand that is open to the public free of charge
• Hell’s Gate – here you can bathe in healing mud and natural hot springs. Admission: 105 NZD (around 58 EUR)
• Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland – The most famous geothermal park on the North Island! Here you can marvel at impressive sulphur lakes and geysers. Admission: 45 NZD (around 25 EUR
• Craters of the Moon – We were here! You can walk on wooden walkways over bubbling mud and the steaming ground. There is a mystical atmosphere which makes for great pictures. You should plan around 1 – 1.5 hours for the circular walk. Entrance fee: 10 NZD (around 5.50 EUR)

→ Book the best geothermal activities here:

The best places to visit on New Zealand’s South Island

1. Christchurch

Our trip to the South Island started in Christchurch in the north-east of the island. We traveled on by plane from Auckland and spent two nights in the small city. Christchurch was badly destroyed by an earthquake in 2010, but most of the buildings have since been rebuilt. As a result, the city looks very new and modern.

These are my personal highlights in Christchurch:

• Riverside Market – There are various food stalls, a bar with New Zealand beer, great wines to taste and local products to store for. The market is open from midday to evening and is a great place to stroll around and enjoy whatever the weather.
• He Puna Taimoana Springs – Enjoy the great view of the ocean while relaxing in one of the hot pools. There is also a steam room, a sauna with ocean views and a cold plunge pool. Perfect for relaxing after a hike.
• A punt trip on the Avon River is a classic in Christchurch and especially beautiful in good weather! As the relaxed boat trip through the park is very popular, you should book your ticket in advance.
• The historic Christchurch tram – it’s hard to imagine the cityscape without it and is also a classic in Christchurch. The hop-on hop-off ticket is the ideal way to explore the city. Evening dinner tours on the tram are also offered.
• Christchurch Cable Car – Enjoy the view over the city and the surrounding area without having to hike? It’s possible with the Christchurch Cable Car!

→ This combination ticket includes the boat trip on the Avon River, a round trip on the historic tram and a ticket for the cable car at a reduced price.

• As an alternative in bad weather, we visited the International Antarctic Center, which we can only recommend. Christchurch is an important connection point for expedition flights to Antarctica, so the topic plays a major role here. At the Antarctic Center, you can learn all about the ice continent in an entertaining and interactive way. This also includes an arctic storm simulation, penguins and huskies!
• Tussock Hill – Just outside Christchurch is the Tussock Hill winery and restaurant with a great view in good weather. But even when it rains, the restaurant is worth a visit thanks to the cozy ambience and the good food & wine!

→ Book the best Christchurch tours here:

2. Akaroa

During our time in Christchurch, our day trip to Akaroa was a real highlight. The small French town has a European feel with cute houses and French street names. But what makes Akaroa so unique is above all its secluded location, surrounded by unique nature and spectacular views. There is also a colony of indigenous little penguins here. 

Here I can recommend the Pōhatu Penguins Tour! The family business has set itself the task of protecting the feathered dwarfs, as the number of animals unfortunately declined sharply ten years ago. Thanks to the protection measures, the number of animals is now increasing again. A large part of the colony lives on the private property, as well as seals and cuddly sheep. Sometimes dolphins can also be observed in the bay. There are also fantastic viewpoints over the landscape. We did the tour in the rain and still had a great time. The views are phenomenal, especially on a clear day.

The family business also offers longer tours, for example with hikes and kayak trips or evening penguin watching.

3. The TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Greymouth

Another highlight of our trip to New Zealand was the picturesque train journey from the east coast (Christchurch) to the west coast (Greymouth). The route leads through the middle of the country, past spectacular views such as canyons, mountain panoramas and endless expanses. We booked the 5-hour trip in the Scenic Plus category, with our own table at the huge panoramic window. The ticket for this category also includes two à la carte meals as well as non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. The Scenic Plus compartment is connected to the panoramic carriage outside, which is ideal for taking photos thanks to the unobstructed view. The TranzAlpine train ride is an incredible experience all year round and for me is one of the best things to do in New Zealand.

P.S. Of course, the trip is also offered in the other direction, from west to east.

4. Franz Josef / Waiau

Franz Josef/Waiau is a small village with just under 500 inhabitants. However, it should definitely not be missing from your New Zealand bucket list! The sleepy town is known for the Franz Josef Glacier of the same name, which is located above the town.

These are the most beautiful sights & activities that you should not miss in Franz Josef / Waiau, New Zealand:

Helicopter Glacier Hike

I’m still speechless after this experience: flying by helicopter to the Franz Josef Glacier to hike on the eternal ice!

First of all, of course, you get the right equipment. This includes waterproof trousers, warm boots, a jacket, a hat, woolly socks, a helmet … just remember to bring your own sunglasses to protect your eyes. Afterwards, we take a helicopter in small groups from the village up to the glacier. There we hike with ice ramps through the unique ice landscape. The blue ice glows incredibly in the sun and the ice canyons are particularly impressive.

The helicopter tours only take place in good and clear weather so that the pilots can fly safely. It is therefore a good idea to book the flight for your first day in Franz Josef. That way, you can switch to an alternative date on the second day if necessary.

You should definitely not miss the Glacier tour! For me, it is one of the absolute highlights and the most beautiful places in New Zealand!

The Terrace Walk to the Callery Gorge Bridge

Incidentally, the Franz Josef Glacier is one of only three glaciers in the world that are surrounded by rainforest! (The second is also in New Zealand and the third in Patagonia).  A great hike to explore the mystical rainforest is the Terrace Walk from Franz Josef / Waiau to the Callery Gorge bridge. You should plan around two hours for the outward and return journey and wear good shoes. The hike is also great in rainy weather, perhaps even more beautiful than in sunshine. The rain gives the forest a mystical atmosphere.

Roberts Point Track

If you have more time and the weather is nice, the Roberts Point Track is an exciting alternative. The 12.3-kilometre circular trail can be completed in around 5 hours and offers great views of the rainforest, a waterfall and even the glacier. As you have to cross a total of three suspension bridges, several steps and larger rocks on the trail, the hike is rated as moderate to strenuous.

West Coast Wildlife Center

At the West Coast Wildlife Center you have the unique opportunity to see a guaranteed kiwi! The cute birds are reared here and then released into the wild. Our guide first told us a lot about the special animals and the project before we were allowed to see two of the animals. And they are much bigger than I had always imagined! Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos of the animals.

Waiho Hot Tubs

To end an eventful day in a relaxed manner, I can warmly recommend the Waiho hot tubs – in the truest sense of the word. The wooden hot tubs are fired with firewood and can be booked for up to four people for a certain time slot. Surrounded by the rainforest and chirping birds, this is pure relaxation! You can also bring your own drinks to enjoy during your relaxation time.

→ More activities in Franz Josef:

5. Wānaka

The drive from Franz Josef to Wānaka is very picturesque and offers numerous opportunities for photo stops along the way. A particular highlight is Thunder Creek Waterfall, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the road, or Bruce Bay View Point in Haast – great views guaranteed!

Lake Wānaka

Swimming in summer and skiing in winter! The huge Lake Wānaka is a beautiful sight in New Zealand all year round that you shouldn’t miss. Plan at least two days in Wānaka to see some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand:

Mou Waho Island

A boat trip on the lake to the idyllic Mou Waho Island is a wonderful activity! Once on the island, a short hike leads to the highest point of the island, where another small lake is hidden. A lake on an island, so to speak, in a lake on an island The summit offers a great panorama over the lake and the surrounding mountains!

Roys Peak – one of the best places to visit in New Zealand

The most famous hike on Lake Wānaka and perhaps even in New Zealand? Roys Peak offers a fantastic view over the breathtaking landscape around Lake Wānaka. However, the hike is a tough one: 16 kilometers and 1,300 meters of ascent from the Roys Peak parking lot, for which you need to plan around 5-6 hours. Depending on the season, you may have to queue at the summit to take the popular photo with a view. However, there are countless other photo opportunities and views that you can enjoy and photograph on the way to the summit.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel the hike due to bad weather. We would have only seen clouds at the summit… Nevertheless, I don’t want to hide this great hike from you and hope that you can experience it on your own trip to New Zealand!

P.S. Unfortunately, the hike is closed during the lambing season from October 1 – November 10.

Scenic flight from Wānaka to Milford Sound

The absolute top experience of our trip and an unforgettable activity in New Zealand, is a scenic scenic flight from Wānaka to Milford Sound and back, in a small Cessna plane. During the two-hour flight, I was constantly looking out of the window and could hardly believe my eyes. The small plane has the ability to fly close along mountain ridges, snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes and the valleys of the Southern Alps. The flight into the Milford Sound fjord is spectacular: a completely different landscape with lush green rocks and waterfalls cascading down the cliffs! The scenic flight is incredibly spectacular and includes a short landing in Milford Sound before heading back over the mountains to Wānaka! I had goosebumps on our flight! An absolute must-do in New Zealand that should definitely be on your itinerary!

We booked our tour with a friendly family business. The family invests an incredible amount of passion and heart and soul to offer every guest an unforgettable experience!

6. Aoraki / Mount Cook

At 3,754 meters, Aoraki / Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand and one of the most popular sights in New Zealand. The drive to Mount Cook National Park alone is a highlight, as the picturesque road leads along the blue waters of the glacial lake Pukaki and the Tasman River. We would have loved to stop every few minutes to take photos of the unique view!

Once you arrive at the small village, there are various circular trails and hikes through the national park to explore the unique landscape. Unfortunately, the weather conditions on site are often worse than in the surrounding area, as the clouds are stuck in the mountains and thus hide the view of Mount Cook. But it’s still well worth a visit – and with a little luck and patience, you’ll see a spectacular view of Mount Cook.

Hooker Valley Track

You shouldn’t miss the Hooker Valley Track. This leads from the parking lot from the valley over suspension bridges, along the Hooker River to a blue glacial lake. On a clear day, you will be rewarded with a majestic view!

7. Milford Sound

Probably the most famous sight in New Zealand is Milford Sound. On the southern west coast, the fjord impresses with cliffs thousands of meters high and rugged mountain formations with cascading waterfalls. You should allow more time for the journey by car through Fiordland National Park than Google Maps calculates, as the views are beautiful and there are various viewpoints to stop at.

The atmosphere is particularly magical on a rainy day, when the water flows down the rock faces, and in spring, when the snow melts in the mountains and creates strong streams of water.

A visit to Milford Sound would not be complete without a boat trip through the fjord to its connection to the sea. You will see numerous waterfalls rushing into the fjord, sleeping seals and huge rock faces. The scenery is reminiscent of a landscape from a fairytale movie!

Be sure to book your ticket for the boat trip in advance, as the boats only depart at fixed times and are very busy – the last departures leave as early as late midday.

→ I linked the best tours here for you:

By the way, you can also go kayaking and diving in Milford Sound!

→ Insider tip: The lesser-known but also incredibly beautiful Doubtful Sound fjord is also worth a visit!

8. Queenstown – the most famous stop during a New Zealand Road Trip

The most beautiful and best-known city on the South Island is Queenstown. It is picturesquely situated on Lake Wakatipu and offers an ideal base for many of the most beautiful sights and activities in New Zealand. You should definitely not miss these sights in Queenstown:

Skyline Queenstown

The Skyline is a new attraction in Queenstown. The gondola takes you up to 784m to the top of Ben Lomond mountain. From here you have a great view over the town and Lake Wakatipu and can either hike down, ride a mountain bike or even take a summer toboggan run – of course you can also simply take the gondola back down to the valley. We took the trip ourselves in the late evening to take part in one of the stargazing tours, as the summit is a popular place to admire the clear starry sky. On the tour, we were able to marvel at various stars, planets and the craters of the moon thanks to professional telescopes.

Tip: To see both the view and the starry sky, we recommend going up just before sunset. After you have marveled at the sunset and the sun has disappeared, you can enjoy dinner or a drink with a view in the Skyline Restaurant until the Stargazing Tour begins.

→ Here you find all tours & activities of Skyline Queenstown

Skippers Road & Arrow River Tour

The best experience for me in Queenstown was our tour with Nomad Safaris on Skippers Road and to the Arrow River. Following in the footsteps of the gold miners who flocked to New Zealand in the 19th century during the “gold rush”. Skippers Road once led to a small gold mining town. Today this is long forgotten and the road is considered one of the most spectacular and exciting in the whole of New Zealand. As it can only be driven in an off-road vehicle and in many places runs close to the edge of the precipice, it is worth booking a guided tour. Especially in autumn and winter, when there is snow on the road, it can otherwise quickly become dangerous. Our guide also told us exciting stories from the old days and showed us the best viewpoints.

Afterwards, as part of the tour, we drove to the Arrow River, from which gold collectors used to mine several kilograms of gold every day. Gold can still be found in the riverbed today! We also tried our luck and even found a tiny crumb of gold thanks to our guide’s instruction in gold digging. But the trip along and through the river was an unforgettable adventure.

Arrowtown

During the tour, we made a short stop in Arrowtown and I fell in love with the little town straight away. It takes its visitors back to the old “gold rush” days, with picturesque houses, cute stores and cafés as well as historical sites. In the fall, a big festival takes place here when the trees glow in intense yellow, orange and red. So be sure to plan some time in Arrowtown to explore and enjoy!

Shotover Jet – Shotover Canyon

Probably the most famous and exciting attraction from Queenstown is a jet boat ride through the Shotover Canyon! New Zealanders love the fast jet boats and they are the only way to see the Shotover Canyon near Queenstown. The boat speeds along the cliffs and fast turns provide adrenaline rushes and water splashes – a rain jacket with a hood is therefore highly recommended!

Even though I usually prefer to enjoy nature in peace and quiet, we didn’t want to miss out on this famous activity and had a lot of fun!

Note: There are numerous providers of jet boat tours, but only one of them goes through Shotover Canyon!

Queenstown Promenade

Queenstown is a town that’s great for strolling and walking. No matter where you are, there is always something to discover: a great view, a tasty treat or a boutique to browse. A walk along the lakeside promenade to Queenstown Beach and through the Queenstown Garden is a real insider tip. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the view of the lake, the mountain panorama and the town.

Deer Park Heights

An insider tip in Queenstown! Deer Park Heights is a picturesque drive, 550 meters above Queenstown with numerous free-roaming animals such as deer, buffalo and donkeys which can be fed or simply observed. The park also offers great views over the town and is still relatively unknown to tourists. The daily number of visitors is strictly limited, which is why a code must be purchased in advance to open the entrance barrier. To get a place, you should do this online at least one or two days before your planned visit. Entry costs NZD 55 (approx. EUR 30) per car and you can register → here.

→ More activity tips in Queenstown:

Here are some of my restaurant tips in Queenstown:

• The Bathhouse on Queenstown Beach – great for breakfast and lunch in the historic bathhouse with a view of the lake
• Fergburger is the most famous burger joint in Queenstown. The queue to order is always quite long, but the service is fast and the burgers are great!
• Fergbaker – right next door is the bakery of the same owner, which, according to the locals, bakes the best meat pies – the favorite dish of New Zealanders.
• Saigon Kingdom – we love Vietnamese cuisine! This restaurant was both authentic and very reasonably priced.
• Gibbston Valley – a little out of the way, but very worthwhile: great wine, with a possible tour and a classy restaurant with local dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Gibbston Valley is not only a winery with a restaurant, but also a beautiful hotel outside the hustle and bustle of Queenstown

→ Hotel Tip in Queenstown: The Rees

The most beautiful hotel in Queenstown with great views over the lake, cozy interior, great food and a private beach is “The Rees” named after the founder of Queenstown William Gilbert Rees.

I hope this article with the most beautiful sights and activities will help you to plan an unforgettable road trip through New Zealand. The journey to the other side of the globe is very worthwhile and unforgettable at any time of the year. Adventure and nature lovers in particular will have the time of their lives in New Zealand!

Do you have any questions about traveling to New Zealand? Then leave me a comment or send me a message on → Instagram

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French Polynesia is a true paradise in the middle of the South Pacific. Especially Bora Bora and Tahiti are famous destinations in Polynesia but we lost our heart on the wild island of MOOREA.
Crystal blue waters, white beaches and impressive green mountains invite you to leave your resort and go explore the island on a little road trip.

A ROAD TRIP AROUND THE ISLAND

For a complete drive around the island you need around 1-1,5 hrs and you will have the lush mountains on the one and the blue ocean on the other side throughout the whole tour.

RENTAL CAR

We rented our car with the Europcar. The station is right at the ferry port in Vai’are. This is the same place where all visitors of Moorea arrive. We actually booked a regular little car for our day tour around the island but when we arrived to the rental car station they only had an off road buggy left. It was a bit windy to drive with it and definitely not possible without some shades to protect your eyes but we had so much fun!
Later we were even happier about our vehicle cause it allowed us to reach an incredible viewpoint.

MAGIC MOUNTAIN (2)

A small street will lead from the main street to the left. You will have to stop by a guard to pay a little entry fee of 1 USD per person (cash only!). After that the street will turn into a steep path with some lovely views. It!s also possible to walk up the way but it would probably take you one hour in the extreme heat.

Shortly before the top you find a little space to park your ride and walk up the last few meters to an incredible viewpoint from which you can overlook the ocean and Opunohu Bay.

P.S. If renting a car or walking up is not an option for you, you can also book an ATV tour around the island. They all make a stop at the Magic Mountain Overlook!

PINEAPPLE PLANTATIONS (3)

Moorea is famous for its sweet pineapples. You can see the pineapple fields in the centre of the island as far as you can see. We also drove here with our off road buggy but it’s also possible to drive the ‘route des ananas’ with a regular car. A great way to visit the fields is on your way to the Belvedere Lookout since the street leads right to it.

BELVEDERE LOOKOUT (4)

The „route du belvedere“ leads up the mountains of Moorea to the most famous viewpoint on the island: The Belvedere Lookout. It offers a view over the Cook Bay on the one and Opunohu Bay on the other side with the iconic mountain in the middle of it. The street till the top is completely asphalted so you can easily drive up with a regular car or motorbike.
We loved to come here in the late afternoon to see the sunbeams of the setting sun shining through the clouds.

TOATEA LOOKOUT (5)

The Toatea Lookout is located right at the street and actually not very high. But it offers a postcard view over the Temae Public Beach with the Overwater Bungalows of the Sofitel Resort right behind it.

WHALE WATCHING & SNORKELING TOUR

From July until November you have the unique chance to see wild humpback whales around Moorea which come here every year around the same time. We can highly recommend Moorea Moana Tours for a half day tour – especially during the peak season for the humpback whales from mid August until October.

We first went to a snorkeling spot to swim with rays and reef sharks in shallow water. After that we left the lagoon to the deeper waters to look out for humpback whales. When we’ve been to Moorea in November the season for the whales was just about to end so unfortunately we only heard the singing of the male whales through a special microphone and didn’t see one. But all of a sudden we spotted a curious whale shark which swam around the boat for half an hour. It!s not very common to see these gentle giants around Moorea and it even has been a huge surprise for our experienced guides.

You never know what you will experience during a tour! One time you will see dolphins, sharks, small whales or even a whale shark or humpback whales if you’re here for the right time. A tour to explore the maritime life of Moorea is an absolute MUST DO during your stay!

Swimming with this gentle giant has been the biggest of our Moorea adventures!