1. South Island:

• A short hike from where you park your car, tucked away at the northwestern tip of the South Island, near Cape Farewell, lies Whararike Beach, a rugged paradise, or as I call it "Nature's Untamed Canvas", presenting you with wind-sculpted dunes, dramatic sea arches, and curious seals basking on the rocks. Also a great place to capture sunrises and sunsets.
• On the opposite end, at the southeastern corner of South Island, you will get a glimpse at New Zealand's rawest side, the Catlins a rugged, windswept stretch of coastline, full of surprises. But this is a different kind of coastline. Instead of palm trees along the beach, you can explore dense ancient forests and waterfalls like Purakaunui, or spot yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions on isolated beaches.
• Only a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, South Island, but worlds away in mood, peacefully, surrounded by mountains you'll run into Moke Lake. Whether you're into stargazing, short hikes or paddle-boarding, this quiet lake offers a slower pace in an otherwise adrenaline-fueled region.
• If you feel like stepping into a postcard, visit the tranquil Alpine escape at Nelson Lakes National Park. Crystal clear lakes like Rotoroa and Rotoiti, surrounded by lush beach forests and snow-capped peaks, this is a true paradise for hikers and campers without having to deal with the Fjord-land crowds.

2. North Island:

• If you are looking for easy scenic walks with peaceful nature vibes, take a stroll down the Te Waihou Walkway near Putaruru, Waikato on North Island. This walkway will take you to the mesmerizing Blue Spring. The water here filters through volcanic rock for a century before emerging. The water is so clear, it looks unreal. The water from the Blue Spring is New Zealand's main source of bottled water.
• Far from the crowds, the East Cape of North Island is steeped in Maori culture, coastal beauty, and slow-living charm. Near Opotike, explore the epic trail that winds through native bush and along the coastline on Motu Trails, on bicycle.
• Embark on a historic road trip through time on the Forgotten World Highway SH43. From Taranaki to Taumarunui, this forgotten highway will take you on a scenic drive through ghost towns, one-lane tunnels, remote farmland, and the quirky "Republic of Whangamonmona"- a little town that declared independence in protest and to date still celebrates its 'national day' every two years.

3. Stewart Island:

• Only about 1 % of travelers make it to Stewart Island, one of the very few places where you can experience wild Kiwi birds in the open and view the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) during clear winter nights.

4. Best Time To Visit:

New Zealand is one of the few places on earth that is beautiful to visit all year around. Depending on what you're after.....

• Spring (Sep-Nov) is perfect, if you're looking to experience, fewer crowds, blooming flowers, and baby animals
• Summer (Dec-Feb) is the busiest season, when most of the festivals happen, and also best for beach and hiking enthusiasts.
• Fall (Mar-May) is great to see New Zealand dressed in fall colors and enjoy the crisp air.
• Winter (Jun-Aug) is the perfect time to visit for skiing and watching the Southern Lights.
• Local tip: For fewer tourists and great weather, visit during late spring (Oct-Nov) or early fall (Mar-April)
  If you're dreaming of wild coastlines, serene alpine lakes, and untouched forests, New Zealand might be already on your radar. Beyond the bustling hubs of Queenstown, Rotorua , and Auckland, this island nation hides treasures few travelers ever see.
  Off the beaten path, you'll find the spots where the locals go and silence is only broken by birdsong or crashing waves. Let me share some of these special gems, and the best time to visit.
  
  1. South Island:
• A short hike from where you park your car, tucked away at the northwestern tip of the South Island, near Cape Farewell, lies Whararike Beach, a rugged paradise, or as I call it "Nature's Untamed Canvas", presenting you with wind-sculpted dunes, dramatic sea arches, and curious seals basking on the rocks. Also a great place to capture sunrises and sunsets.
• On the opposite end, at the southeastern corner of South Island, you will get a glimpse at New Zealand's rawest side, the Catlins a rugged, windswept stretch of coastline, full of surprises. But this is a different kind of coastline. Instead of palm trees along the beach, you can explore dense ancient forests and waterfalls like Purakaunui, or spot yellow-eyed penguins and sea lions on isolated beaches.
• Only a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, South Island, but worlds away in mood, peacefully, surrounded by mountains you'll run into Moke Lake. Whether you're into stargazing, short hikes or paddle-boarding, this quiet lake offers a slower pace in an otherwise adrenaline-fueled region.
• If you feel like stepping into a postcard, visit the tranquil Alpine escape at Nelson Lakes National Park. Crystal clear lakes like Rotoroa and Rotoiti, surrounded by lush beach forests and snow-capped peaks, this is a true paradise for hikers and campers without having to deal with the Fjord-land crowds.
• If you are looking for easy scenic walks with peaceful nature vibes, take a stroll down the Te Waihou Walkway near Putaruru, Waikato on North Island. This walkway will take you to the mesmerizing Blue Spring. The water here filters through volcanic rock for a century before emerging. The water is so clear, it looks unreal. The water from the Blue Spring is New Zealand's main source of bottled water.
• Far from the crowds, the East Cape of North Island is steeped in Maori culture, coastal beauty, and slow-living charm. Near Opotike, explore the epic trail that winds through native bush and along the coastline on Motu Trails, on bicycle.
• Embark on a historic road trip through time on the Forgotten World Highway SH43. From Taranaki to Taumarunui, this forgotten highway will take you on a scenic drive through ghost towns, one-lane tunnels, remote farmland, and the quirky "Republic of Whangamonmona"- a little town that declared independence in protest and to date still celebrates its 'national day' every two years.
• Only about 1 % of travelers make it to Stewart Island, one of the very few places where you can experience wild Kiwi birds in the open and view the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) during clear winter nights.
• Spring (Sep-Nov) is perfect, if you're looking to experience, fewer crowds, blooming flowers, and baby animals
• Summer (Dec-Feb) is the busiest season, when most of the festivals happen, and also best for beach and hiking enthusiasts.
• Fall (Mar-May) is great to see New Zealand dressed in fall colors and enjoy the crisp air.
• Winter (Jun-Aug) is the perfect time to visit for skiing and watching the Southern Lights.
• Local tip: For fewer tourists and great weather, visit during late spring (Oct-Nov) or early fall (Mar-April)