Are you heading out to New Zealand for your Working Holiday soon? Or are you still undecided about your destination and need help making up your mind? We have some hidden treasures about New Zealand that might help with that. Make sure to add these five locations to your list of must-see places!
Roy’s Peak, Wanaka
Attention hikers! This one is for you. You can reach Roy’s Peak through a hike along Lake Wanaka. This is a great day hike for those who enjoy nature and a sweet escape from routine. Make sure you prepare in advance and read all about hiking safety. The best season is autumn, although the trail is open year-round. Don’t forget to bring a $2 coin for the honesty box at the beginning of the trail as the money goes towards the maintenance of the trail.
Lake Tekapo and Church of the Good Shepherd
The Church of the Good Sheperd in Lake Tekapo is a breath-taking location you will not want to miss. You are welcome to visit the church grounds and lake view from 8am to 8pm during summer, and 9am to 5pm during winter. You are encouraged to leave a $5 donation as the Church is run by a small group of local volunteers. They depend on visitors’ donations to keep the Church in good condition! They hold Christian Sunday Service at 4pm if you are interested in joining worship as well.
Wharariki Beach, Golden Bay
You can find Wharariki Beach around the most northern point of the South Island in New Zealand. While swimming in this beach might not be a good idea (there are dangerous undercurrents), the scenery is enough to captivate you. You will pass through farmland and sand dunes when walking along this coastline. You’re likely familiar with the views from Wharariki Beach already as it is one of the most popular Windows screensavers!
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula
This beautiful place can only be accessed by boat, kayak, or water taxi. This corner of New Zealand was voted 46th in The World’s 50 Best Beaches of 2024. This volcanic coastline is a special area with ancestral and spiritual meaning, and it is protected by the Department of Conservation. To enjoy the views properly, taking a guided boat tour is recommended!
Nugget Point Lighthouse, Otago
The beauty of Nugget Point is the view of the lighthouse at the top of a little hill, creating the perfect postcard picture. Home to one of the country’s oldest lighthouses, Nugget Point is a great place to spot all kinds of seals and even some Yellow-eyed penguins. The best time to spot them is in the late afternoon. You will get the best views from Nugget Point if you visit in the early morning or late afternoon to catch the sky at its best.
To explore other destinations, check out our list of Work and Travel destinations!