Some of the Best Views in New Zealand

Jacob Schweitzer 

New Zealand has some breath-taking views and just about anywhere in the country, you can encounter beautiful, natural wonders. An easy way to see the local attractions is by booking bus hire in New Zealand. The country has such varied geography it really makes for excellent pictures almost anywhere you can take them, from the white mountain tops to the clear blue seas below. It is impossible to catalog all of these things which nature has created for us to enjoy but an attempt can be made to highlight a few of them which is what I will do in this article.

For a great city view in New Zealand (since this list will be dominated by mostly natural views) is from the Sky Tower. At 328 meters or 1,076 feet it is the highest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand. With views of up to 80 km on a clear day, the 360 degree views are incredible. There are glass floors and you can watch people bungee jumping from the SkyJump area. There are a few restaurants including Orbit, the only 360 degree rotating restaurant in Auckland. It is all part of the SkyCity entertainment complex, which includes hotels, bars, restaurants, and a casino right in downtown Auckland.

In Queenstown, the city seems to have been built by the natural forces of the earth to be an adventure tourism playground. It is built around Lake Wakatipu, a glacial lake and the third largest in New Zealand. The skiing is some of the best in New Zealand here and The Lord of the Rings along with X-Men:Wolverine were just some of the movies and shows to feature the scenery that is overwhelming here. The attraction here though and the best view in the area is from the Skyline gondola which takes you to the top of Bob's Peak. The Remarkable Mountains provide the backdrop as you enjoy the crisp, fresh air.

Milford Sound is not far from Queenstown, and is one of the most visited sites in New Zealand. A day trip will get you there and the view from the ferry is unforgettable. Rudyard Kipling described it as the eighth wonder of the world and just one view will give you an idea why. The giant mountains reflect across the clear blue sea as dolphins and penguins swim around you in the water. Technically it is a fjord, not a sound, and the water comes in from the Tasman Sea to meet with the glacial runoff from the mountains.

Cape Reinga and 90 mile beach is another spot that shouldn't be missed in a visit to New Zealand. Located at the northern tip of New Zealand's North Island, it is mystical place for the Maori people where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. The Maori believe Cape Reinga is where the dead go when their spirits leave the earth.  90 mile beach is popular with surfers and body boarders, but it is actually only 55 miles long. Forget about how long the beach is, grab a towel and just go relax on the fine white sands already.

Coromandel Peninsula is a great place for photos, located on the east coast of the North Island. There is a harbour there and several islands and coves. One cove is called Cathedral Cove, and is one of the most photographed places in New Zealand. The view over Mercury Bay from the Tairua-Whitianga Road on Coromandel Peninsula is spectacular and there are many other picturesque views to be had around this peaceful area near Auckland.

There is tons of other beautiful places in New Zealand but these were just some of my favorites. The arguments about the best places in this blessed country could continue forever but I'd rather just enjoy the scenery, not getting caught up in the hype and enjoying what the journey has to offer.