5 Natural Wonders of New Zealand

New Zealand's diverse landscape makes for the perfect location for a school trip: from mountains to lakes, from glaciers to hot water beaches and from underground caves to black sandy beaches. There are too many amazing places to visit in New Zealand, but here are some of our favourite natural wonders that are well worth a visit. White Island Tongariro Crossing Milford Sound Waitomo Glow Worm Caves Fox Glacier

5 Natural Wonders of New Zealand

New Zealand's diverse landscape makes for the perfect location for a school trip: from mountains to lakes, from glaciers to hot water beaches and from underground caves to black sandy beaches. There are too many amazing places to visit in New Zealand, but here are some of our favourite natural wonders that are well worth a visit.

White Island

White Island's traditional Maori name is Whakaari and is an active volcano located in the Bay of Plenty. It is New Zealand's most active cone volcano and can be accessed by helicopter or boat from Whakatane. The island oozes a white cloud of steam all year around and has done so since its discovery by Captain Cook in 1769.

Tongariro Crossing

Tongariro Crossing is located near Taupo and is one of New Zealand's great walks and is one of the most popular day treks in the country. It is a World Heritage Listed site with great natural and cultural significance. The day trek passes through the multi cratered volcanic terrain of Tongariro Mountain and passes by Mount Ngauruho, also known as Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings. The reason the walk is so popular is due to the number of luminous green and blue crater lakes that sit throughout the mountain range.

Milford Sound

Located in Fiordland National Park in the west of New Zealand's south island, Milford Sound is best explored by a boat cruise that leads through the towering mountains, waterfalls, seal colonies and penguin colonies of Milford Sound. There is a majestic feel to the area as you enter the fiord.  The sound runs 15km inland from the Tasman Sea and the mountains that form the mouth of the Fiord rise to 1200 metres... that is pretty big!

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

The underground cave system is located in the middle of New Zealand's north island, about 12km northwest of Te Kuiti. The name of the caves comes from the Maori translations of waimeaning water and tomo meaning sinkhole. The reason the caves are so unique is due to the glow worms that live within the system. The glow worms sparkle a bright greenish blue that look like fairy lights in the darkness of the caves. There are a number of ways to explore the cave system including a boat trip, abseiling into the caves and tubing tours.

Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier is a 13km long that can be found in Westland Tai Poutini National Park on the west coast of New Zealand. The glacier stems from the Southern Alps and begins at 2600 metres high. The glacier uniquely ends in lush, green rainforest.