From azure lakes to turquoise pools, these dazzling blue attractions need to be seen to be believed.
Beneath the waves at the Poor Knights Islands, you'll find subtropical fish that can't be seen anywhere else in New Zealand. Diving and snorkelling are the best ways to enjoy this underwater world, located 30 kilometres from Whangārei in Northland & Bay of Islands region.
One of New Zealand's most popular natural attractions, Huka Falls is just 10 minutes from Lake Taupō. Watch as the mighty Waikato River, which measures about 100 metres wide, is squeezed through a narrow gorge and down a 20 metre drop. You can feel the thundering Falls up close on a jet boat ride or marvel from a safe distance on one of the many viewing platforms.
First explored in 1865, you can take a guided ice walk or do a heli-hike to get up close to the spectacular World Heritage Area. There's a range of natural attractions in close proximity to Franz Josef Glacier Village. Lose yourself in the rainforests, waterfalls, and lakes.
Lake Pukaki, a shimmering blue jewel set against a backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook, gets its distinctive deep blue tones from finely-ground minerals carried in the glacier-fed waters. Discover nearby walks, take a scenic flight, or go at night for a spectacular stargazing experience.
Take a short and easy walk through mature beech trees and over a swing bridge to discover the awe-inspiring Blue Pools. The deep, clear glacial pools of the Makarora River can be found in Mount Aspiring National Park.
An ancient subterranean world in the heart of New Zealand’s central North Island, the Waitomo Cave system(opens in new window) is a series of fascinating and dramatic natural wonders. Take a boat ride to observe the glowing wonders up close or get your adrenaline pumping with Black Water Rafting(opens in new window).
Lake Tekapo's milky-turquoise colour can be attributed to the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water. On the shore, you can visit the Church of the Good Shepherd or come at night between April and September to witness the dazzling Southern Lights.
Dark, clear skies and unique landscapes make New Zealand the best place to experience stargazing. Whether you're travelling the North or South Island, there are multiple locations to see magical constellations and shooting stars.
Stroll and admire the pure water of The Blue Spring in the Waikato-Hamilton region, so clean it supplies around 70 per cent of New Zealand’s bottled water. The Te Waihou Walkway winds through wetlands, across rolling pastures and past small waterfalls to the turquoise water of the spring, one of the purest water sources in the world.
Be amazed by some of the clearest water ever measured at Te Waikoropupū Springs, in Tākaka, the largest freshwater springs in the Southern Hemisphere. Also known as Pupu Springs, local Māori see it as a tāonga (treasure) and wāhi tapu, a place held in high cultural and spiritual regard.
