New Zealand is packed with sweeping views and stunning landscapes. There are so many beautiful places in New Zealand where you can feast your eyes on a variety of scenery, from alpine vistas to serene coastal landscapes.
If you want to know where to find the best views in New Zealand, read on as we break down the top 12 scenic viewpoints around the country. We’ve hand-picked these incredible locations based on our own extensive travels around New Zealand over the last twenty years.
We cover options across the North and South Islands. Some are easy to get to and other viewpoints come with a hike. Whether it’s an easy excursion or a harder hike, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful New Zealand scenery.
» Looking for more help with your New Zealand trip planning? Check out our guides on the best time to visit New Zealand and how to rent a car in NZ as well as these useful travel tips.
12 Most Beautiful Places in New Zealand with the Best Views
1. Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is a breathtaking and historically significant destination located at the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island. Known as Te Rerenga Wairua in Māori culture, it is believed to be the point where spirits depart to the afterlife.
The rugged cliffs, stunning coastal views, and the iconic lighthouse perched on the edge of the cape create a dramatic landscape where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, offering some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand.
For a different viewpoint, take a quick detour to see the cliffs surrounding the area without the crowds. From the parking lot, follow the path to the left where it splits and go down the steps to see the waves crashing against the cliffs.
2. Piha Beach

One of my favorite views in all of Auckland, a day trip to Piha Beach is worth putting on the Auckland itinerary. This black sand beach on Auckland’s west coast is a popular surf beach with dramatic landscapes and epic sunsets.
The best views can be found at the top of Lion Rock, a prominent volcanic formation that rises from the beach, and the Piha Beach Lookout along Piha Road.
Lion Rock is a short but steep hike with panoramic vistas of the expansive black sand beach, the Tasman Sea, and the rugged coastline dotted with lush vegetation.
For a different perspective, the lookout points along the surrounding cliffs with stunning views of the beach and the surrounding landscape. It’s a great spot for both sunset watching and photography enthusiasts.
3. New Chums Beach Lookout

📍Coromandel Peninsula, North Island
Not only is New Chums Beach one of New Zealand’s best beaches, there’s a lookout offering spectacular views over the stunning soft white sands, crystal-clear water and lush surroundings. It’s secluded, pristine and a little off the beaten path, which is just how we like it.
Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, this hidden gem is only accessible by a scenic walk best done two hours either side of low tide. There’s a small stream to cross and a rocky patch around the headland to navigate before joining a dirt track through native bush to the entrance to the beach.
The walk takes most people around 30-40 minutes. Near the end of the walk, you’ll see a path on your right that leads to the lookout.
It’s a steep climb and requires a bit of agility and scrambling to get to the top, but the elevated views over the crescent shaped beach are worth it. You might even see fish and Manta Rays in the crystal clear water below.
Pro Tips: Be sure to keep track of time so you can make the journey back before high tide. The Lookout track may not be suitable in wet weather as it can become slippery and dangerous.
4. Mount Maunganui Summit

Mount Maunganui, officially known by its Māori name Mauao and affectionately referred to as “The Mount,” is a prominent volcanic cone located at the entrance of Tauranga Harbour in the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island.
Standing 232 meters (761 feet) tall, it offers fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding coastline, the Pacific Ocean, Kaimai Ranges and the vibrant town below from the summit.
The summit can be reached via a few well-maintained trails which require a good level of fitness and a bit of effort. The 1.2 kilometer Waikorire track is the quickest and most popular. It’s fairly steep and has a lot of stairs, taking most people around 40 minutes to reach the top. Totally worth it for the views.
Afterward, explore the nearby beaches, known for their golden sands and excellent surfing conditions, and you’ll quickly see why Mount Maunganui is a top New Zealand destination for both locals and tourists.
5. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

📍Tongariro National Park, North Island
Tongariro National Park is New Zealand’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s home to three active volcanoes and the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is regarded as one of the best day hikes in the world, and one of New Zealand’s top attractions, with spectacular volcanic landscapes including ancient lava flows, craters and emerald lakes. The exposed and rugged terrain is challenging but you’ll be rewarded with some of the most raw and beautiful scenery in New Zealand.
This 19.4 kilometer one-way track takes about 7-9 hours to complete and you’ll need to arrange transportation. We booked this park and ride from Ketetahi to bring us to the start of the track, so that our car was waiting for us at the end of the hike.
The best views on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be found at the Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes, two of the most iconic and breathtaking points along the trek. As you ascend to the Red Crater, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas of the volcanic landscape, including the vibrant colors of the crater itself.
The descent towards the Emerald Lakes offers a spectacular sight of these striking turquoise lakes set against the stark volcanic terrain. Additionally, the summit of Mount Tongariro provides an incredible vantage point for expansive views of the Central North Island.
6. Mount Taranaki (Taranaki Maunga)

📍Egmont National Park, North Island
If you enjoy hiking and photography, this may be the place for you. Mount Taranaki is a dormant stratovolcano located in Egmont National Park on the west coast of the North Island.
Officially known by its Māori name Taranaki Maunga, it holds great cultural significance to the Māori people of the area.
The extensive network of walking tracks within the park and perfectly symmetrical volcano attract hikers and photographers from all over to capture this iconic view.
The Pouakai Circuit offers the best perspectives, particularly from the Pouakai Tarns, where the mountain’s symmetrical cone is reflected in the water on calm days.
The full Pouakai Circuit takes 3 days, but you can visit the Pouakai Tarns as a day hike along the Mangorei Track, around 4-5 hours return, although we recommend booking a night in the Pouakai Hut to make the most of sunrise and sunset. The tarns are a 15 minute walk from the hut.
Pro Tip: Check the cloud cover before heading off and allow an extra day if you can, the mountain climate can be a little unpredictable.
7. Wellington Cable Car

Take a ride up the Wellington Cable Car for the best panoramic views of Wellington City and its beautiful harbor.
Starting at the Lambton Quay Terminal in the heart of Wellington CBD, the quaint red cable car climbs up the hillside through the suburb of Kelburn to the summit and lookout point. It’s a short but steep 5-minute ride offering the best effort to reward ratio on this list.
After soaking up the incredible views at the summit, enjoy easy access to nearby attractions such as the Botanic Gardens and Cable Car Museum or hop on the complimentary shuttle to Zealandia, a beautiful ecosanctuary where you can see native birds and other species.
8. Roy’s Peak

Standing 1578 meters above sea level with expansive views over Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps, Roy’s Peak is one of the most photographed views in New Zealand.
You will need to work for this one though, with a 3 hour uphill slog to get to the iconic lookout point, and another 30 minutes to the true summit. It takes endurance and determination to reach the top, but the views truly are worth it.
The track starts just outside the charming town of Wanaka. There’s a large parking lot and being a popular track it fills up fast, so we recommend getting there early. The track itself is a wide gravel path and not technically difficult. Bring lots of water and take breaks along the way to admire the views.
The famous lookout point is well signposted and you’ll likely see others taking photos. If you have the time and a little more energy, continue to the summit for more epic views.
9. Milford Sound

📍Fiordland National Park, South Island
Milford Sound is a stunning fjord located in Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and dramatic landscapes. Not only is it one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, it’s often described as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Surrounded by towering peaks, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, such as the famous Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls, a visit to Milford Sound is a must-do for any New Zealand itinerary.
The best way to see Milford Sound is by going on a boat cruise along the whole length of the fjord. It provides opportunities to see the stunning scenery and the best views of Milford Sound up close, as well as the chance to spot wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and if you’re really lucky, penguins.
We really like this Small Boutique Cruise but there’s a range of cruises to choose from.
» Related Read: 10 Best Cruises in Milford Sound
10. Aoraki/Mount Cook

📍Mount Cook National Park, South Island
Aoraki is the Māori name for Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain peak. It’s located in Mount Cook National Park on New Zealand’s South Island and another top contender for the most beautiful places in New Zealand.
In addition to the stunning mountain peaks, the park is filled with glacial rivers, lakes and alpine meadows. The jaw dropping scenery can be enjoyed from a variety of viewpoints catering to a range of fitness levels.
The best views of Aoraki Mount Cook can be found along the Hooker Valley Track and the Sealy Tarns Track.
The Hooker Valley Track is a popular walking trail through some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand that leads to the stunning Hooker Lake. On a calm day the mountain’s iconic peak is reflected in the iceberg strewn glacial waters. It’s a fairly easy walk that takes around 3 hours round trip on a well maintained track with little elevation gain and a variety of viewpoints along the way.
For a more elevated perspective, the Sealy Tarns Track offers spectacular views of the Hooker Valley, Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks. Referred to as the ‘stairway to heaven’, there’s 2,200 steps to climb to reach the tarns but the incredible scenery along the way provides a nice distraction.
11. Bob’s Peak

Bob’s Peak is a prominent vantage point located above Queenstown, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the town, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding Southern Alps.
Access to Bob’s Peak is via a ride up the Queenstown Skyline Gondola, the steepest cable car in the Southern Hemisphere, or the Tiki Trail, a short but steep climb through the forest.
Both start from Brecon Street in central Queenstown. The gondola provides scenic views on the journey up, whereas the Tiki Trail gets you access to Bob’s Peak free of charge.
At the peak, you’ll find the main viewing platform and spectacular views along with thrilling activities such as luge rides and hiking trails such as Ben Lomond. There’s also a cafe and a restaurant where you can dine while admiring the views.
12. Nugget Point

Nugget Point is a stunning coastal landmark located in the Catlins region of New Zealand, known for its dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
The area features a picturesque lighthouse perched on a rocky outcrop surrounded by blue sea which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape and the famous “nuggets” – small rocky islets that dot the sea. They were named by Captain Cook who thought they looked like pieces of gold.
There’s a short scenic walking track that leads to the lighthouse, providing opportunities to spot native wildlife such as seals, sea lions, and a variety of seabirds. Although you are unable to enter the lighthouse, you can walk around the outside for a good view of the nuggets.
It’s a popular spot for photographers. Sunrise and sunset can be especially beautiful times to visit in the right conditions. Although, it was a moody evening on our last visit and I found it to be just as beautiful.
Final Thoughts
We hope you are inspired to seek out these beautiful places in New Zealand so you too can experience the best panoramic views in the country. Now all you have to do is pick your favorite spots on the list and enjoy the beautiful scenery. While we consider these to be some of the best views in New Zealand, there’s plenty more out there so make sure the camera is charged!
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.