Skip to playerSkip to main content
AI - VIEW
  • 12 hours ago
Transcript
00:00Imagine a land where snow-dusted mountains kiss the clouds, emerald lakes shimmer under golden
00:09light, and wild coastlines stretch as far as the soul can wander. This is New Zealand,
00:22a breathtaking patchwork of nature's finest masterpieces. From the ancient glaciers of
00:28the South Island to the steaming geothermal valleys of the north, every corner of this
00:34country feels like it was hand-sculpted by magic.
00:44Here, time slows down. Waterfalls plunge from mossy cliffs. Glowworms light up caves like
00:52constellations. Dolphins dance through turquoise bays, and volcanoes sleep under star-filled skies.
01:08In a single day, you can hike alpine trails, stroll black sand beaches, and sip wine among sun-soaked vines.
01:16But New Zealand is more than just scenery. It's a feeling, a deep, awe-filled breath of fresh air,
01:30a quiet moment by a misty lake, a sunrise that makes you believe in something bigger.
01:36Every wonder here has a story. And today, we're diving into them all. From mystical peaks to coastal
01:51hideaways, prepare to uncover of the most unforgettable wonders New Zealand has to offer.
01:57Pack your curiosity, grab your sense of adventure, because what you're about to see is nothing short
02:09of extraordinary.
02:17Queenstown
02:18Queenstown is New Zealand's jaw-dropping playground, nestled beside the crystal clear,
02:29Lake Wakatipu, and surrounded by the snow-capped Remarkables. This alpine gem is famous for its
02:36postcard-perfect views and endless options for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.
02:48It's the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping. Brave souls leap from the Kawarau Bridge, 43 metres high,
02:57while others opt for skydiving, jet boating, or paragliding. Queenstown turns adrenaline into an art form.
03:18The skyline gondola whisks you to Bob's Peak, where you're greeted with sweeping views of the lake
03:25and mountains. It's a perfect spot for sunset photos, looging, or just soaking up the serenity.
03:32During winter, Queenstown becomes a snowy dream with four nearby ski fields. In summer, hiking,
03:50biking, and lake cruises take centre stage. Each season paints the landscape in a different magical hue.
04:02It's only one of the most possible reasons.
04:11Food and wine are next level here. Try a gourmet burger at Fergburger, then sip award-winning
04:18Pignot Noir from nearby Gibston Valley wineries, just 20 minutes away but packed with flavour and charm.
04:32Queenstown is also the launch pad for trips to Milford Sound, Glenorchy and Fjordland.
04:47Whether you're chasing thrills or peace, this place wraps nature and luxury into one unforgettable destination.
05:02Lake Takapo
05:14Lake Takapo looks like it was painted by the gods.
05:17Milky turquoise water, golden hills and snow-dusted mountains all come together in a dreamlike masterpiece
05:26right in the heart of New Zealand's South Island.
05:31That unreal turquoise color?
05:47It comes from glacial flower, tiny rock particles suspended in the water, reflecting sunlight just
05:54right.
05:55It's a lake that doesn't just sparkle, it glows with ethereal energy all day long.
06:02The Church of the Good Shepherd sits quietly on the lake's edge.
06:21Built in 1935, this tiny stone chapel has one of the most photographed backdrops in the Southern
06:28Hemisphere, and for good reason.
06:30Te Kapo is a certified dark sky reserve, which means at night the stars explode across the
06:50sky.
06:51So far gazing here is pure magic.
06:54You might even catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights.
07:11Mount John Observatory offers panoramic daytime views and world-class nighttime telescope tours.
07:19You can hike up or drive, but either way, the views will take your breath away, day or night.
07:26In spring, the lakeshore erupts with lupines, colorful flowers that look like a rainbow spilled across
07:47the earth.
07:49With hot springs, bike trails, and serenity, and Lake Te Kapo becomes a peaceful paradise.
08:06Mount Taranaki
08:11Mount Taranaki is New Zealand's most perfectly shaped volcano.
08:15So symmetrical, it looks like it was sketched with a compass.
08:20Rising 2,518 meters tall, it dominates the Taranaki region with breathtaking power and elegance.
08:39Founded in Egmont National Park, the mountain offers hikers lush rainforests, waterfalls,
08:46and moss-covered trails that feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale.
08:51The Puakai Crossing is a must-do for stunning reflective views.
08:58In winter, it transforms into a snowy playground for skiers and snowboarders.
09:11The Stratford Mountain Club offers cozy alpine vibes with no massive crowds, just powder, peace,
09:19and panoramic mountain views.
09:33Its resemblance to Japan's Mount Fuji is so uncanny that Hollywood used it as a stand-in
09:39for the 2003 film The Last Samurai.
09:43Yes, this Kiwi wonder is movie star beautiful.
10:00Others adore the Puakai Tarn, a mirror-like pond that reflects Mount Taranaki on still days.
10:07It's one of the most iconic shots in all of New Zealand, especially at sunrise or sunset.
10:26nearby surf beaches, charming towns like New Plymouth and dramatic coastal roads.
10:32And Mount Taranaki becomes more than just a volcano.
10:36It's a full-blown natural adventure waiting to be explored.
10:48Wellington
10:53Wellington isn't just New Zealand's capital.
10:56It's the cultural and creative heart of the nation.
11:00Nestled between rolling green hills and a sparkling harbour, this city feels like a big village,
11:07packed with personality and soul.
11:20But that breeze carries the scent of ocean air, fresh coffee, and creativity.
11:27Cafes, street art, indie films, and craft beer define the heartbeat of Wellington's vibrant local culture.
11:35Te Papa Museum is a must-visit.
11:50It's free, massive, and filled with interactive exhibits that tell the stories of Aotearoa's history, art, earthquakes, and Maori culture in unforgettable ways.
12:02The Wellington cable car leads to Kelburn's Botanic Gardens and sweeping views of the city.
12:19At night, the city lights dazzle beneath you like a galaxy fallen to earth.
12:25The way to workshop where Lord of the Rings came to life gives you a peek behind the scenes of New Zealand's film magic.
12:30The way to workshop where Lord of the Rings came to life gives you a peek behind the scenes of New Zealand's film magic.
12:47And yes, you'll spot Hobbit memorabilia around the city.
13:04Foodies rejoice.
13:06Wellington has more eateries per capita than New York City.
13:10From fine dining to funky food trucks, every corner has something delicious.
13:16Wellington's energy is quirky, cosy, and full of surprises.
13:21Castle Point Castle Point Castle Point is one of New Zealand's most underrated coastal gems, where raw, rugged beauty collides with soft sand, rolling waves, and an iconic lighthouse standing proudly on a dramatic rocky outcrop.
13:48Located on the Warrarapa coast, just two and a half hours from Wellington, this remote spot feels like a secret seaside escape.
14:08It's peaceful, powerful, and painted in earthy tones of gold, green, and blue.
14:16The Castle Point Lighthouse, built in 1913, is one of the last manned lighthouses in New Zealand.
14:35It glows at night, creating a storybook scene against crashing waves and pastel skies.
14:41Hike up Castle Rock for views that stretch across the Pacific Ocean and down the wild coast.
15:00The climb is short, but steep, and the reward is pure panoramic glory.
15:06Lagoon swimming, surfing, fishing, and fossil hunting are all part of the Castle Point charm.
15:26It's an adventure for beach lovers and geology buffs alike, with fewer crowds and more authenticity.
15:35In spring, dolphins and even occasional whales can be spotted offshore.
15:53Whether you stay in a beachside bach or just day trip in, Castle Point is a coastal wonder that soothes the soul.
16:02Piha Beach.
16:14Piha Beach is wild, moody, and magnetic, where the Tasman Sea crashes against black sand shores beneath towering cliffs.
16:23Just 45 minutes from Auckland, it's New Zealand's ultimate west coast surf escape.
16:40The beach's most iconic feature is Lion Rock, a massive volcanic monolith standing proudly in the centre.
16:48Climb partway for panoramic views and feel the fierce, untamed beauty of the rugged coastline.
16:56Piha is a surfer's paradise, but it's not for the faint-hearted.
17:13The waves are powerful, the rips are real, and the locals know how to ride them like warriors of the sea.
17:20Black iron sand gives Piha its unique shimmer.
17:37On sunny days, the beach sparkles with silvery grains,
17:41another worldly contrast to the white foam of the surf and the lush green cliffs.
17:47Sunsets here are pure magic.
18:03As the sun dips into the ocean, the sky turns peach and crimson.
18:08The waves glow gold, and the wind whispers across the dunes.
18:12Perfect for photographers and dreamers alike.
18:16Whether you're swimming, walking barefoot along the shore, or just absorbing nature's raw energy,
18:34Piha Beach delivers an unforgettable coastal experience that hits the soul as hard as the surf hits the sand.
18:42Auckland.
18:43Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city, and a buzzing blend of beaches, volcanoes, skyscrapers, and sailboats.
19:08Nicknamed the city of sails, it's where urban excitement meets stunning natural landscapes at every turn.
19:15Built on 53 dormant volcanoes, the city's terrain is wild and hilly.
19:32Climb Mount Eden, or One Tree Hill, for epic views of the skyline, both ocean harbours and distant islands.
19:40The way to Martyr Harbour glistens under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, where bungee jumpers take a leap,
19:58and ferries zip across to beachy suburbs like Devonport and Waiheke Island.
20:04Waiheke is a wine lover's dream.
20:19An island filled with vineyards, ocean views, and gourmet food, just 35 minutes from the city by ferry.
20:27It's the city's classy, backyard escape.
20:30Queen Street offers big city shopping, while neighbourhoods like Ponsonby and Karangahapi Road are packed with art, live music, and street food from every corner of the world.
20:56Auckland is multicultural, energetic, and full of layers.
21:15From sushi to sailing, museums to markets, this is where New Zealand puts on its most cosmopolitan face, and still manages to feel welcoming and relaxed.
21:27Mount Cook, Aoraki.
21:42Mount Cook, known in Maori as Aoraki, is New Zealand's tallest mountain, soaring 3,724 metres into the clouds.
21:57It's the crown jewel of the Southern Alps, and a symbol of strength, beauty, and exploration.
22:04Mount Cook National Park
22:09Located in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, the mountain is surrounded by 140 peaks and 72 named glaciers.
22:19It's an alpine wonderland that feels like another planet carved by ice and time.
22:39Mount Cook National Park
22:54The Hooker Valley track is one of the best day hikes in the country.
22:58Mount Cook National Park
22:59It's an easy three-hour return walk through swing bridges and glacier-carved valleys with a full frontal view of Aoraki.
23:08Mount Cook National Park
23:22The Tasman Glacier, the longest in New Zealand, offers boat tours, where you'll float among towering icebergs, hearing the crackling sounds of melting giants beneath the blue sky.
23:35Mount Cook National Park
23:37Mount Cook National Park
23:49This region is also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
23:55At night, the stars blanket the sky with unmatched brilliance, making stargazing here feel like cosmic poetry.
24:03Mount Cook National Park
24:06Mount Cook National Park
24:18Whether you hike, heli ski, or simply gaze from the Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook fills your senses with awe.
24:27Mount Cook National Park
24:28It's a sacred place where the spirit of the land feels almost touchable.
24:32Mount Cook National Park
24:33Able Tasman National Park
24:34Able Tasman National Park
24:48Able Tasman National Park
24:50Able Tasman National Park is New Zealand's sunniest, smallest, and most spectacular coastal reserve.
25:00Located at the top of the south island, it's a golden sand, turquoise water, tropical feeling paradise.
25:12Mount Cook National Park
25:13The Able Tasman Coast Track is one of the country's great walks, stretching 60 kilometers through lush forests, over suspension bridges, and beside secret beaches.
25:22Mount Cook National Park
25:23The Able Tasman Coast Track is one of the country's great walks, stretching 60 kilometers through lush forests, over suspension bridges, and beside secret beaches.
25:35Mount Cook National Park
25:36You can hike, kayak, or boat along the route.
25:56Golden Bay beaches like Awaroa and Bark Bay are postcard perfect, fringed with native bush, warm waters, and dolphins often cruising just offshore.
26:07Some coves are only accessible by water or low tide paths.
26:12Mount Cook National Park
26:31The park teems with native wildlife.
26:33Tuis sing from treetops.
26:35Fur seals sunbathe on rocks.
26:38And little blue penguins waddle along the shore if you're lucky enough to spot them.
27:03Split apple rock, a giant sphere of granite cleaved in two, is one of the park's quirky natural icons.
27:11It sits just offshore, like a sculpture made by giants.
27:15With mild weather, year-round, and unmatched tranquility, Able Tasman is a paradise for explorers and daydreamers alike.
27:40It's where nature, sunshine, and serenity come together in one golden-hued masterpiece.
27:59Tongariro National Park
28:05Tongariro National Park is a land of volcanic wonders, New Zealand's oldest national park, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
28:14It's home to steaming craters, turquoise lakes, and snow-capped peaks that feel straight out of a fantasy world.
28:22Mount Tongariro National Park
28:34Mount Tongariro, Mount Ngauruho, and Mount Ruapehu are the trio of volcanic giants here.
28:41Ngauruho even played Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings, and it's just as dramatic in real life.
28:48The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often called the best day hike in New Zealand.
29:07This 19.4-kilometer trek takes you past lava fields, boiling springs, red craters, and the surreal Emerald Lakes.
29:17Every step is a new landscape.
29:20From desert-like plains to alien valleys to snowy slopes, weather can change fast, so hikers need to be prepared, but the payoff is legendary.
29:45In winter, the park becomes a snowy playground for skiing and snowboarding on Ruapehu's slopes, offering epic views across the North Island.
30:09With both spiritual significance and raw natural beauty, Tongariro is more than a park.
30:29It's an otherworldly experience where geology, culture, and adventure collide in the most unforgettable way.
30:39The route burn track is an alpine masterpiece.
30:58One of New Zealand's great walks stretching 33 kilometers through glacier valleys, alpine lakes, mossy beach forests, and skyscraping mountain passes between Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks.
31:13Starting near Glenorshi, or Tayanao, this two- to three-day hike gives you epic diversity.
31:32One minute, you're in a silent forest.
31:34The next, you're above the clouds on windswept ridges with mind-blowing views.
31:54The most famous section is Harris Saddle.
31:57At 1,255 meters, it delivers jaw-dropping panoramas of snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, and Lake Harris shimmering like liquid sapphire below.
32:10Swing bridges, cascading waterfalls, and cheeky key parrots keep things exciting.
32:30You might spot blue ducks in rivers, or hear native songbirds echoing through the forest canopy.
32:36Weather changes quickly in the mountains, so hikers must come prepared.
32:52But when the mist clears, and the sun hits those alpine peaks, it's like standing inside a living painting.
33:00The Rootburn track isn't just a hike.
33:16It's a journey across landscapes that feel untouched, ancient, and impossibly beautiful.
33:22It's one of the world's finest trails, and every step is pure magic.
33:37The Catlins.
33:39Tucked into the southeastern corner of New Zealand's South Island, the Catlins is a wildly scenic, wonderfully untouched region, full of waterfalls, sea cliffs, and windswept beaches that feel like secrets only nature knows.
33:59You'll find Pura Kaonui Falls cascading in perfect tiers through native forest.
34:17It's one of the most photographed waterfalls in the country, and absolutely worth the short scenic walk to reach it.
34:41Curio Bay is where things get ancient.
34:44You can walk over a 180-million-year-old petrified forest, and if you're lucky, spot rare yellow-eyed penguins waddling along the shore in the early morning or dusk.
34:56Nugget Point Lighthouse, perched dramatically on a rocky peninsula, offers sweeping ocean views with wave-battered rocks below that look like golden nuggets.
35:23It's a sunrise spot, straight out of a fantasy movie.
35:27Wildlife thrives here.
35:46Sea lions lounge on beaches, fur seals bark from rocks, and Hector's dolphins dance in shallow waves near Surat Bay and Cannibal Bay.
35:56With remote beauty, moody skies, and roads that hug cliffs and forests, the Catlins is where you go to escape the modern world and reconnect with something older, wilder, and wonderfully real.
36:24Lake Wanaka is where serenity meets adventure, a vast glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and golden hills.
36:49It's the South Island's outdoor playground, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and soul-soothing lakefront strolls.
36:58The lake itself is enormous, covering 192 square kilometers, and its calm, clear waters reflect the mountains like glass.
37:10You'll often see paddleboarders, fishermen, and boats gliding peacefully against a dramatic alpine backdrop.
37:23That famous lonely tree, it's right here.
37:46That Wanaka tree stands half-submerged in the lake, drawing photographers from around the globe with its moody silhouette and ever-changing light.
37:59Wanaka town is charming and low-key, with artisan shops, cozy cafes, and a laid-back vibe.
38:18It's less touristy than Queenstown, but every bit as stunning, maybe even more so.
38:35From here, you can explore nearby Mount Aspiring National Park, or hit the ski slopes in winter.
38:42It's a year-round destination that balances relaxation and adventure in perfect harmony.
38:48Whether you come to hike, bike, or simply breathe in the scenery, Lake Wanaka offers a gentle kind of magic.
39:06It's the kind of place that makes you slow down and never want to leave.
39:11Ben Lumund
39:22Ben Lumund is Queenstown's favorite full-day mountain hike.
39:26A high, alpine climb that rewards the ambitious, with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.
39:36It's challenging, but oh so worth it.
39:53Starting from the skyline gondola, or Queenstown base, the track begins gently through pine forest,
40:00before breaking out into open, tussock-covered hills with epic views emerging with every step upward.
40:19As you gain elevation, the views expand dramatically.
40:23Queenstown looks like a tiny model village below, while the lake and mountains stretch endlessly into the horizon.
40:32It's truly nature's grand stage.
40:35The summit stands tall, at 1,748 meters, and reaching it feels like standing on top of the world.
40:53Bring lunch.
40:54You'll want to sit and savour the accomplishment and the silence.
41:06Expect to meet cheeky key birds along the way, and sheep grazing lazily near the saddle.
41:12The sense of wild freedom up here is what makes New Zealand so unforgettable.
41:18Ben Lomond is more than just a hike.
41:28It's a journey into the sky.
41:30It leaves your legs tired, your heart full, and your camera bursting with unreal alpine scenes.
41:37Milford Sound
41:52Milford Sound is New Zealand's most iconic fjord.
41:56A place of such staggering beauty, it leaves visitors speechless.
42:00Towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and mirror-like water make this one of the world's natural wonders.
42:21Located in Fjordland National Park, this remote gem is best explored by boat.
42:27As you cruise through the fjord, sheer rock faces rise over 1,200 meters straight out of the sea.
42:37Waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen cascade down from impossible heights,
42:55often creating rainbows in the mist.
42:58After a heavy rain, dozens of temporary falls form, adding even more drama to the scene.
43:05Mitre Peak, rising 1,692 meters, is the star of the show, its near-perfect triangle shape reflected in the dark, still water.
43:17It's one of the most photographed mountains in the country.
43:33Wildlife lovers, rejoice!
43:51You may spot seals lounging on rocks, dolphins swimming beside boats, and if you're lucky, rare fjordland-crested penguins waddling through the brush.
44:03Rain or shine, Milford Sound feels otherworldly.
44:21In fact, rain enhances its beauty.
44:24It's a surreal, powerful, humbling experience that captures the soul of New Zealand like nowhere else.
44:33Coromandel Peninsula
44:47The Coromandel Peninsula is where wild bush meets golden beaches, a sunny sanctuary just two hours from Auckland,
44:55filled with natural hot springs, coastal walks, and secret bays wrapped in emerald forests.
45:16Cathedral Cove is the crown jewel here.
45:19Accessible by foot, boat, or kayak, this sea-carved archway frames a white sand beach so perfectly, it feels like a movie set, because it literally was.
45:32Hot water beach is one of the planet's quirkiest experiences.
45:50At low tide, visitors dig pools in the sand and soak in naturally heated geothermal water bubbling up from beneath their feet.
45:59The Pinnacles Track leads through Corrie forests and mountain ridges, offering one of the best overnight hikes on the North Island.
46:23Sunrise from the summit, absolutely legendary.
46:27With laid-back coastal towns like Whitianga and Coromandel Township, offering fresh seafood and artsy vibes, it's a great blend of rustic charm and beach bliss.
46:56Whether you're ziplining through the trees, soaking in seaside springs, or just kicking back under a Pohutukawa tree, the Coromandel delivers relaxation with a healthy dose of wild bush.
47:24With a healthy dose of wild beauty.
47:29With a healthy dose of wild景.
47:31A healthy dose of wild scent, the Kakiakiakiakiakiaki, the Men-Managing Earth.
47:42Kaikura.
47:44Kaikoura is New Zealand's ultimate marine wildlife destination, where towering mountains
47:53meet the ocean and whales glide through the deep waters just offshore.
47:59It's a coastal town that's equal parts relaxing and exhilarating.
48:18Whale watching is the main draw here.
48:21Sperm whales reside year-round in the deep Kaikoura Canyon, and tour boats often spot
48:27orcas, humpbacks, and even blue whales during migrations.
48:50Dolphins and seals are everywhere.
48:53Dusky dolphins put on acrobatic shows near the shore, and seal pups splash around at
48:59the Ohau Stream waterfall, a magical experience during pupping season.
49:04Mountains loom dramatically behind the coastline, offering incredible hikes like the Kaikoura
49:23Peninsula walkway, where you'll see coastal cliffs, seabird colonies, and maybe even a
49:29whale's tail breaching offshore.
49:46The seafood here is unreal.
49:49Crayfish, the town's namesake, is a local specialty.
49:54Grab one from a roadside shack and eat it with sea spray in your hair and mountains at
50:00your back.
50:14Kaikoura's earthquake recovery has made it even stronger, with new infrastructure and
50:20a community full of heart.
50:23It's a place that shows off nature's power and beauty all in one breath.
50:35Franz Josef and Fox glaciers.
50:41Franz Josef and Fox glaciers are the icy giants of New Zealand's west coast.
50:47It's a place that shows up in the mountains of the mountains of the mountains of the sea.
51:03Few places on Earth offer this kind of contrast, towering ice caves just a short hike from mossy
51:10forests and ferns, it's like nature's extreme mashup of fire and ice.
51:25Both glaciers are accessible via short walks to their faces, or by guided heli hikes that
51:31drop you onto the ice for close-up exploration.
51:35Like crevasses, blue caves, an ancient frozen beauty.
51:47Franz Josef glacier is slightly steeper and more dramatic, while Fox glacier offers views
51:53of Mount Cook on clear days and a peaceful lake, Lake Matheson, famous for its mirror-like reflections.
52:08The towns nearby are cosy, welcoming and filled with hot pools perfect for soothing glacier-weary
52:15legs.
52:16Don't skip the glacier hot pools after your trek, you've earned it.
52:30These glaciers are melting fast due to climate change, so visiting them now is a powerful reminder
52:36of Earth's fragility and splendor.
52:39It's a chilly, thrilling experience like no other in Aotearoa.
52:45Hobbiton.
52:54Step into the pages of Middle Earth at Hobbiton, the real-life movie set from The Lord of the
53:00Rings and The Hobbit.
53:02It's whimsical, peaceful and one of the most magical places in New Zealand.
53:21Located in Matamata, this 12-acre film set features 44 Hobbit holes, lush green hills and
53:28colourful gardens.
53:29It's not CGI, it's real, walkable and full of charm that captures every visitor's imagination.
53:33Guided tours take you through the Shire's highlights, Bag End, the Party Tree and the Green Dragon Inn,
53:34where you can sip specially brewed ale.
53:35Like a true Hobbit.
53:36Like a true Hobbit.
53:37on a merry quest.
53:38.
53:39.
53:40.
53:41.
53:42.
53:43.
53:44.
53:45.
53:46.
53:48.
54:16.
54:21.
54:22.
54:23.
54:24.
54:25.
54:26.
54:27.
54:37.
54:38.
54:39.
54:40.
54:41.
54:42.
54:43.
54:56.
54:57.
54:58.
54:59.
55:00.
55:01.
55:19.
55:20.
55:21.
55:22.
55:23.
55:24.
55:25.
55:26.
55:27.
55:52.
55:53.
Comments