New Zealand Scenic Highlights
In the geological sense, New Zealand has had a colourful past. The ice age carved the exquisite network of Fiordland and the Marlborough Sounds, huge tectonic forces pushed up the Southern Alps and volcanism on a fearsome scale shaped (and continues to shape) much of the North Island.
The result of all this action is scenery to die for—a landscape jam-packed with interest.
![Copyright Ron Laughlin. Surfing on the West Coast, New Zealand Copyright Ron Laughlin. Surfing on the West Coast, New Zealand](/images/new-zealand/nz-regions/west-coast/surfing-sm.jpg)
![Copyright Ron Laughlin. Canterbury, New Zealand Copyright Ron Laughlin. Canterbury, New Zealand](/images/new-zealand/nz-regions/canterbury/pass-sm.jpg)
![Copyright Ron Laughlin. Lewis Pass, New Zealand Copyright Ron Laughlin. Lewis Pass, New Zealand](/images/new-zealand/nz-regions/canterbury/lewis-pass-sm.jpg)
![Copyright Ron Laughlin. Auckland City, New Zealand Copyright Ron Laughlin. Auckland City, New Zealand](/images/new-zealand/nz-regions/auckland/auckland-sm.jpg)
![Copyright Ron Laughlin. Ocean, New Zealand Copyright Ron Laughlin. Ocean, New Zealand](/images/new-zealand/scenic/ocean-sm.jpg)
![Copyright Ron Laughlin. Southland, New Zealand Copyright Ron Laughlin. Southland, New Zealand](/images/new-zealand/nz-regions/southland/southland-sm.jpg)
![Copyright Ron Laughlin. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand Copyright Ron Laughlin. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand](/images/new-zealand/nz-regions/canterbury/lake-tekapo-sm.jpg)
![Copyright Ron Laughlin. Autumn in New Zealand Copyright Ron Laughlin. Autumn in New Zealand](/images/new-zealand/scenic/autumn-sm.jpg)
Coastal Highlights
Rocky and wild, pristine and shimmering or black with iron ore, you're never far from the coast in New Zealand.
History and Culture
From the Polynesian navigator Kupe to the Kiwis of today, New Zealanders all add their own flavours to our unique cultural mix.
Islands
Each one different in character, New Zealand's islands reflect the contrasts of the mainland.
Lakes
Popular playgrounds or idyllic hideaways, New Zealand's lakes are a drawcard for all.
Natural Phenomena
Nature demonstrates her awesome power with grinding glaciers, seemingly bottomless fiords and steaming geothermal hot spots.
Parks and Reserves
Set aside for their special appeal, New Zealand's parks and reserves can be wild, cultured or somewhere in between.
Scenic Views
You'll never tire of New Zealand's scenic views, or of the myriad of ways you can get to see them!
Walks and Trails
Slow your pace and give your senses time to take in your surroundings. You can't really appreciate the flavour of a place until you've explored it on foot.