From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Sealy Tarns 

Planning for a holiday that allows you to escape from the busy city life? Well, New Zealand is the perfect destination for you then. Endowed with green pastures, mountains and lakes, New Zealand a great place to relax or go to for an adventure. The country also boasts of beaches with fine sand where you can have a picnic and watch the sun set.

If you still have no idea where you should head to, here’s a list of top 10 spots of 2017 based on the number of images geotagged to specific locations on Instagram. Scroll down to check out the spectacular views you definitely won’t be able to find in Singapore.

 

Milford Sound, South Island

A fjord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island, Milford Sound, is home to rainforests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls which are accessible via boat tours. You can find fur seals, dolphins, and even the rare Fiordland crested penguins too. So remember to keep your eyes peeled.

 

Hobbiton Tours, North Island  

You must visit the land of the Hobbits if you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings. Transport yourself to The Shire and visit the 12 acre set that includes the hobbit holes and The Mill. The Green Dragon Inn is opened for business too if you’re craving for a pint of beer during your tour.

 

Lake Tekapo, South Island

 

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Being a part of UNESCO’s Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo promises dark skies illuminated by millions of shining stars. Perfect for stargazing. Alternatively, you can visit it in the day to catch a sight of its milky-turquoise-coloured waters and majestic snow-capped mountains.

 

Mt Maunganui, North Island  

If chilling by the beach is your kind of holiday, visit Mt Maunganui for its gorgeous white sand beach. Bring your surfboards along too and catch a wave, or head to one of the many beach-side cafes there. The best time to visit would be during the summer where the weather is most favourable for a day at the beach.  

 

Aoraki Mt Cook, South Island

 

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Standing at 3,724 metres, Aoraki Mt Cook is the highest mountain in all of New Zealand. Go on a leisure walk by taking one of the 10 short routes they have. If you’re a more experienced alpine hiker, you can challenge yourself with one of their three mountain pass routes.

 

Lake Wanaka, South Island

 

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Visit Lake Wanaka for year round activities such as fishing, hiking, canyoning, climbing and skydiving. Its crystal clear waters also make it a hot destination for jetboating and kayaking.

 

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Tongariro Alpine Crossing, North Island

Up for an adventure? Tongariro Alpine Crossing has a 19.4 kilometre hike that passes the volcanic terrain of active volcano, Mount Tongariro. Although it is the route is steep and weather is unpredictable, the view from the hike is a magnificent one.

 

Takapuna Beach, North Island

Have a picnic on the black sands of Takapuna Beach while watching the sun set. You can also go for a dip in the water or do some water sports there.

 

Lake Wakatipu, South Island

 

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Shaped like a lightning bolt, Lake Wakatipu in the south island is a hot spot for trout fishing all year round. If you’re looking for some adrenaline-rushing fun with your friends, there are several businesses offering waterskiing and wakeboarding in the summer as well.

 

Lake Pukaki, South Island 

 

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Admire the bright turquoise hues of the lake as you’re surrounded by majestic peaks under the broad sky. But pictures don’t do this location any justice, you’ll have to see it for yourself.   

 

 

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