Wilderness Wonders of New Zealand

New Zealand may be a small country, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it isn’t packed with a ton of natural beauty and wilderness.

Here are a few of the best places to visit to get an authentic taste of what the wilds of New Zealand has to offer. 

Arthur’s Pass National Park

Head to a car rental service, pack some snacks, and drive to the Arthur’s Pass National Park.

Found on the South Island, this slice of alpine heaven is the perfect place to take in all the flora and fauna that the area has to offer. 

Additionally, there are plenty of well-marked walking and hiking trails for you to enjoy.

With many taking no longer than half a day to complete, it is the ideal spot for a sunrise or sunset hike and picnic. 

Tongariro National Park

Found on the North Island, Tongariro National Park is another alpine desert with three volcanoes for you to explore.

Often ranked as one of, if not the best, single-day walks, you can take in the volcanoes, craters, beautiful lakes, and almost everything in between. 

There is a crossing that has become incredibly popular with visitors, and while there is a limit to how many people can use it a day, if you plan correctly, it is the ideal spot to spend your day exploring. 

Zealandia

Found in Wellington, Zealandia is an urban eco-sanctuary with the goal of recreating the pre-human environmental conditions.

The interesting part? They have given themselves 500 years to achieve this incredible, and exceptionally useful goal. 

The sanctuary is also home to some of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered creatures, such as the kiwi.

While it is the symbol of the country, they are exceptionally rare, and Zealandia is doing its part to change that. 

Motuara Island

Motuara is the last island you pass before heading into the open ocean of the Cook Strait.

The entire island is a wildlife sanctuary, and is often regarded as one of the best places in the country for bird-watching, and spotting ultra-rare birds. 

The island also acts as a safe haven for baby birds, especially kiwis, as their nearby native habitat has been overrun by predators.

You can’t reach the island on your own, but there are plenty of wildlife-focused boat tours leaving from Picton. 

Mou Waho

Found in the middle of Lake Wanaka, Mou Waho Island is a pest-free sanctuary that offers spectacular views of the surroundings, and plenty of native plants, trees, birds, and insects.

Additionally, there is a special and unique feature of the island that you wouldn’t have come across. 

There is a lake on the island, and the island is in a lake, which creates a gorgeous natural wonder that is incredibly difficult to find anywhere else on earth. 

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Also known as a “mainland ecological island”, which is surrounded by 29 miles of pest-proof fence, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is also home to an ancient forest where you can find several rare birds and animals. 

When visiting the sanctuary, you can explore one of the many walking and hiking trails, and the sanctuary also offers guided nature tours.

When you add in the fact that it can be found only an hour from Hamilton, it is an ideal spot to escape for the day with your family and loved ones. 

Fiordland National Park

When you hear Fjord, or a variation of it, your first thought will almost always be somewhere in Scandinavia.

However, the Fiordland National Park can be found in New Zealand, and if you haven’t seen it before, you are definitely not ready for the beauty that awaits. 

This almost 27,00 sq-km national park is packed with fjords, which can be explored by yourself by boat, or on a cruise, with the latter easily being the better option as you get to see the sites you may not know about or know how to get to. 

Mt Cook National Park

If you want snow, and plenty of it, Mt Cook National Park on the South Island is the only place you need to visit.

It is 700 sq-km, and one-third of the park is covered with a permanent layer of snow. 

While there isn’t a ton of wildlife to see, that isn’t why you visit here.

Hop on a tour bus that will take you to the nearby Hermitage Hotel, somewhere you should try to spend a night in, and then take some photos of and explore this glorious part of New Zealand. 

Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Found in the beautiful city of Dunedin, Orokonui Ecosanctuary is another glorious home to countless native birds.

While there are other places with more creatures to see, Orokonui stands out from the crowd due to the magnificent beauty you can find around every corner. 

You don’t have to travel too far from the city to visit either, with the sanctuary located only 20 minutes from the centre of the city, and there is also a handy cafe found just outside for you to stop have a coffee, have a sandwich, or relax after exploring. 

Final Thoughts

New Zealand’s wilderness is nothing short of extraordinary, offering everything from lush forests and volcanic landscapes to rare wildlife sanctuaries and snow-capped mountains.

Whether you’re seeking a rugged hiking adventure, a peaceful eco-sanctuary, or breathtaking views you won’t find anywhere else, these wilderness wonders promise unforgettable experiences.

No matter which destination you choose, you’re guaranteed to leave with a deeper appreciation for the incredible natural beauty that makes New Zealand so special.

Photo Credit: Depositphotos