Maria R.'s
Iconic Landmarks
- 15Franz Josef GlacierFranz JosefQuite possibly my favourite township in all of the West Coast, Franz Josef is not only a cool place to hang, but the glacier is very iconic. I love climbing it or simply taking a helicopter over top!
- 25Fox GlacierFox GlacierA fantastic landmark, Fox Glacier is a place that all locals must visit at least once in their lifetime. The area is also superb for tramping, walking and mountain biking too.
- 34Heaphy TrackKarameaI love this track! Boy, it’s not an easy walk, but it’s certainly worth it. Heaphy Track is one of NZ’s Great Walks. The walk is five days long and the scenery is simply spectacular. I love it.
- 42Hokitika GorgeHokitikaBeautiful turquoise water is just one of the amazing things to see at the Hokitika Gorge. A fantastic landmark, the gorge has great walks and lovely wildlife and native flora.
- 58Treetop Walk and CafeHokitikaA wicked tourist attraction just outside of Hokitika, the Treetop Walk and Cafe is majestic. The bridge is 47 metres above the forest floor and you’ll finish in a wicked cafe with great food and amazing coffee!
Maria R.'s
Iconic Landmarks
- 15Larnach CastleDunedin CentralA historic landmark in Dunedin, Larnach Castle is a highly recommended activity for tourists and locals. I love the history, the gardens, the grandness of the building - this place is simply awesome.
- 22Lake DunstanCromwellA beautiful lake next to the town of Cromwell, Lake Dunstan is an epic landmark, great for swimming and water skiing.
- 32Otago Central Rail TrailDunedin CentralA spectacular rail trail in central Otago, this track is amazing. I love the sights on this trail, from tunnels and bridges to abandoned gold diggings and historic buildings.
- 42Dunedin Railway StationDunedin CentralThe Dunedin Railway Station is a beautiful historic building in the centre of Dunedin. My favourite time to visit is on Saturday mornings when the Otago Farmers Market is on.
- 53Dunedin Chinese GardenDunedin CentralNot what you would expect in the heart of Dunedin, the Chinese Gardens is an authentic example of a late Ming/early Ching Dynasty Scholar’s Garden. The beautiful setting is very romantic too.
Maria R.'s
Iconic Landmarks
- 11Stirling PointBluffSouthland Stirling Point, Southland By Destination Southland Stirling Point is a very famous, and very popular landmark. This memorable distance sign post is probably one of the most photographed landmarks in NZ!
- 24Oreti BeachInvercargillThe location of Burt Munro’s famous stretch of race track, go for a walk, a run or just enjoy the scenery at Oreti Beach. I always like to take a picnic and spend an afternoon there.
- 31Stewart IslandStewart IslandA place of pure unadulterated beauty. Stewart Island is a favourite place of mine and an iconic landmark of Southland. Go for a night or stay a whole week!
- 46Southland Museum & Art GalleryInvercargillA great historical landmark in Invercargill, you may be surprised to learn that the Southland Museum and Art Gallery is also home a 110 year old reptile!
- 54Milford SoundMilfordAn iconic landmark of epic proportions, Milford Sound is simply spectacular - a must visit for tourists and locals for its amazing natural vista, wildlife and its pure New Zealand vibe.
Maria R.'s
Iconic Landmarks
- 14Re:START Cashel MallChristchurch CentralThe most iconic landmark of Christchurch post-earthquakes, Re:START is a pretty neat place to recommend to people visiting the city. I love the colourful containers and the stylish shops.
- 23Aoraki Mt Cook National ParkMt CookThe most iconic (natural) landmark in Canterbury is, of course, Aoraki Mt Cook. Located in a National Park, there’s loads of fun activities to be had either at the base or the very top of this mountain!
- 31AkaroaAkaroaAkaroa is full of iconic landmarks, not to mention the harbour itself. This place should be at the top of everyone’s list if they’re visiting the region. There’s always amazing activities and delicious food and wine!
- 44Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & SpaHanmer SpringsA must visit, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is certainly an iconic landmark in Canterbury. The hot pools are very popular for their therapeutic qualities and a great place to unwind.
- 51Church of the Good ShepherdFairlieThe place to see the stars in Canterbury, the Church of the Good Shepherd is picture-perfect. This old girl is iconic to Lake Tekapo and is not only a place for prayer, reflection and worship, but also for a good place for gazing at the stars.
Maria R.'s
Top Spots To Explore Nature In
- 11Banks PeninsulaGovernors BayMy favourite bit of nature to spend time in! The Banks Peninsula is so close to Christchurch, it’s a mere 20 minute drive way. This area is great for walking, mountain biking and camping!
- 21Bottle Lake ForestChristchurch CentralI love this place for biking and walking. Bottle Lake Forest is a production forest and recreational park and is great for walking the dog. I love this place!
- 33Aoraki Mt Cook National ParkMt CookAustralasia’s highest mountain towers! Aoraki Mt Cook National Park is a whopping 3,724m located in amongst the epic Southern Alps. Great for skiing, rock climbing and walking!
- 45An epic river and regional park just slightly north of Christchurch, I love spending long summer Sunday evenings here fishing and cooking dinner on a BBQ. No better way to explore this area than spending loads of time there!
- 51Peel ForestTwizelI love Peel Forest - it’s a great way to see Canterbury at its finest! There’s some awesome white water rafting, horseback riding and bush walks. The surroundings here are 100% lush!
Maria R.'s
Top Spots To Explore Nature In
- 14Milford SoundMilfordOf course it’s on the number one spot, Milford Sound is the most magical place of nature in New Zealand. It’s reason why New Zealand Tourism use the region in pretty much all their marketing campaigns!
- 24Ulva Island Te Wharawhara Marine ReserveStewart IslandPretty much the only predator free place in New Zealand, Ulva Island is a great tourist (and local) attraction. I love the amazing native bush and the spectacular wildlife!
- 31Te AnauTe AnauAn excellent destination if you’re heading south, Te Anau has it all from an amazing lake, beautiful native bush and excellent walking and biking tracks. I love spending a couple of nights here to explore nature.
- 41The CatlinsCatlinsA majestic place in the South Island, The Catlins straddles both Otago and Southland, and is a great way to explore the untouched New Zealand landscape. I love Nugget Point in particular for seeing the seal life!
- 51RivertonRivertonThe Riviera of the South, they call Riverton and you can see why! This is a beautiful spot in Southland featuring an amazing beach, and a really chilled out arts vibe, so you can have your nature and your arts in one!