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Inspiration

Experiencing New Zealand’s Great Outdoors

Published: 24 November, 2022
Last modified: 21 June, 2024
GLACIERS MOUNTAINS North Island River Birches
GLACIERS MOUNTAINS North Island River Birches

If you’re looking for an unforgettable wilderness experience, look no further than New Zealand.
The North and South Islands of New Zealand offer a wealth of opportunities for those who love the great outdoors. From hiking and camping in pristine, unspoiled forests to kayaking and fishing in sheltered bays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this post, you’ll find outdoor activities and luxurious New Zealand accommodation options where you can experience both the wilderness and soulful relaxation.

Seeing the Glaciers, Mountains, and Volcanoes

TREKKING South Island Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Boutique Hotel
Helicopter tour at Fox Glacier c/o Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Boutique Hotel.
GLACIERS South Island Distinction Fox Glacier TeW eheka Boutique Hotel
Photo courtesy of Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Boutique Hotel.

Perhaps the most famous wilderness area in New Zealand is Fiordland on the South Island. This stunning region is home to some of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes in the country, including glaciers, rainforest, and snow-capped mountains. Its towering mountains and pristine parks make it a nature lover’s paradise. The glaciers of South Island are a sight to behold! The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are two of the most spectacular in the country, offering hikers and climbers a unique opportunity to explore their icy surfaces.

GLACIERS MOUNTAINS North Island Wharekauhau Luxury Country Estate
Wharekauhau Luxury Country Estate has 4-wheel drive farm tours and heli-fishing experiences among other outdoor activities to enjoy Ocean Beach, NZ.
GLACIERS MOUNTAINS North Island River Birches crater lake
A stay at River Birches places you around half an hour away from Tongariro National Park’s crater lakes.
SOUTH Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
Mt. Aoraki photo courtesy of Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat.
South Island Wonderland Makarora Lodge
You can go on a guided tour of Mt. Aspiring National Park when you stay at Wonderland Makarora Lodge.

A land full of natural wonder, New Zealand also has picturesque mountains and volcanoes with mesmerizing crater lakes. From country getaways near North Island’s Remutaka Mountain Ranges to South Island’s highest alpine peak, Mt. Aoraki, there is an abundance of majestic mountain views.

Undisturbed surrounds and expansive views of the sea and mountains from Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Biking and Hiking Trails

Trekkers at Mt. Aspiring National Park. Photo courtesy of Wonderland Makarora Lodge.

South Island is home to Milford Sound in the Fiordland National Park, one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand. Some of the best hiking trails in the country are found here, including the Milford Track, which winds its way through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Other beautiful hiking trails include the Tongariro Crossing, easily accessible from River Birches, and the Blue Valley Track in Mount Aspiring National Park close to Wonderland Makarora Lodge.

Wonderland Makarora blue valley track
The Blue Valley Track is one of the popular hiking trails in New Zealand. It accessible with a stay at Wonderland Makarora Lodge.
HIKING South island wonderland makarora lodge Blue Valley Track
Blue Valley Track
SOUTH Te Anau Fiordland Lodge
A hiking trail at Fiordland Lodge.

If you’re looking for a less intensive way to enjoy the scenery and fresh air, you’ll enjoy biking in New Zealand. Whether you’re in the North or South Island, you’ll be able to enjoy ocean, mountain, and forest views while leisurely biking on or off the trail.

BIKING Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Enjoy fresh air as you cycle around Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef Glacier.
BIKING South Island Fiordland Lodge
Biking nearby Fiordland Lodge
BIKING North Island The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
Ocean views in the distance when you go biking at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers

Luxury New Zealand accommodation providers also offer heli-hiking and biking tours where you can be dropped off at biking and hiking trails and go on a guided expedition. Our favourite for this kind of excursion is the one at Mahu Whenua, New Zealand’s largest private conservation project that combines luxurious comfort and immersive wilderness experiences.

BIKING HIKING Mahu Whenua
Heli-biking adventures and tours in the nearby regions of Fiordland National Park, Mt Aspiring National Park, and Milford Sound c/o Mahu Whenua in Otago.
BIKING HIKING Mahu Whenua
Mahu Whenua guided treks.
BIKING HIKING Mahu Whenua
Biking (and horseback riding available too!) in Mahu Whenua eco-sanctuary.

Kayaking, Boating, and Fishing

Are you more drawn to tranquil waters and cruising over lakes? Kayaking and boating are excellent outdoor activities to make for an even more memorable holiday. Lake Taupo, where visitors can enjoy fishing and swimming in the clear waters, is a must-see destination for nature lovers. The largest lake in New Zealand, it’s surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains. Tongariro River is another popular destination for fly fishing enthusiasts as there is an abundance of large brown trout any angler would be excited about!

FISHING North Island Kauri Cliffs
Fly fishing at Matauri Bay. Photo courtesy of Kauri Cliffs.
FISHING North Island River Birches Tongariro River
Impressive catch from Tongariro River! Photo courtesy of River Birches Lodge
FISHING North Island River Birches Tongariro River
Tongariro River fishing, c/o River Birches Lodge

New Zealand accommodation by the lake usually offers boat or kayak and fishing equipment rentals to help guests enjoy these experiences. Whether you prefer sitting on the edge of a deck or being the captain of your own fishing boat for a day, there’s a luxury getaway in New Zealand for you.

FISHING North Island Solitaire Lodge lake tarawera
Fishing at Lake Tarawera c/o Solitaire Lodge.
FISHING North Island Solitaire Lodge
Photo courtesy of Solitaire Lodge.

Birdwatching

BIRDWATCHING North Island The Farm At Cape Kidnappers
Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Photo courtesy of Rosewood Cape Kidnappers.

Long before human settlement, the most colourful and whimsical winged creatures have inhabited New Zealand. There are many endemic birds, including kiwi, tui, kaka, fan tails, and bush parrots. With the country’s wide variety of seascapes and landscapes; from towering mountains to rolling hills you’ll be able to spot some of the most unique birdlife in the world. Te Kauwae-a-Māui (Cape Kidnappers) is a sandstone headland in Hawke’s Bay where colonies of up to 25,000 gannets gather within close distance. This makes it a perfect destination for birders of all levels of experience!

BIRDWATCHING Treetops Forest Escape Onetangi bush parrot
Kaka or bush parrots are talkative native birds! Photo courtesy of Treetops – Forest Escape – Onetangi
BIRDWATCHING North Island The Farm at Cape Kidnappers bush parrot
Treetops – Forest Escape – Onetangi is on Waiheke Island where you’ll see a lot of bush parrots.
BIRDWATCHING Treetops Forest Escape Onetangi
Close-up of the tui’s beautiful plumage c/o Treetops – Forest Escape – Onetangi

Now, imagine waking up to the morning song of fan tails from your private hideaway… doesn’t that sound amazing? Plan your getaway to NZ today. Discover our full collection of luxury New Zealand accommodation at viewretreats.com

Image credit: River Birches – Andy Belcher

All accommodation, experiences and products featured on View Retreats are independently selected by our team. If you book something through our links, we may earn a commission.

About the author
Picture of Stoewie

Stoewie

I'm the co-founder of View Retreats. I love travel and the perspectives travel gives you. I love helping people find rejuvenation and inspiration through our recommendations.
Mat and Stoewie - co-founders of View Retreats
Welcome

We’re Mat and Stoewie. We’re both seasoned travellers and qualified life coaches. We’re passionate about finding and creating travel experiences that help to connect people to special places and experiences that will help them to rest, relax, reconnect & rediscover. 

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