TOP INSTAGRAM SPOTS
Instagram has revealed its list of the most 'grammed places in New Zealand', and there are some seriously swoon-worthy locations. Check them out.
1
Lake Tekapo
Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing.
Lake Tekapo is about three hours drive south-west of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water.
2
Cathedral Cove
From beautiful Hahei Beach on The Coromandel you can walk to Cathedral Cove, where a naturally formed archway deserves photographic attention.
From the north end of the beach, a one hour walking track leads along the cliff top and then descends to the Cove. Here a gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves. The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore - a perfect place for a picnic and a swim.
3
St Clair Beach
A sweeping white-sand beach just minutes from the central city, St Clair is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, walking and socialising and dining out.
Facing the wild blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean, St Clair Beach boasts New Zealand’s most consistent surf break and on any given day, summer or winter, the waves are a playground for local surfers.
4
Matamata
Matamata is a must see if you're a Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fan.
45 minutes from Hamilton lies the lush farmland of Hobbiton Movie Set; it has more than 44 unique hobbit holes, including Bag End (Bilbo's house). As you wander through the heart of the Shire, you'll get to hear the fascinating commentary about how it was all created.
5
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Mt Cook, the tallest mountain in New Zealand, helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Everest.
Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is home of the highest mountains and the longest glaciers. It is alpine in the purest sense - with skyscraping peaks, glaciers and permanent snow fields, all set under a star-studded sky.