Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is located right at the top of the North Island – though it’s not quite the northernmost point in New Zealand. Māori legend tells us this is the place where the spirits depart from the Earth and into the ancestral homeland of Hawaiki. The walk to Cape Reinga’s iconic lighthouse provides some spectacular views of the coastlines and its surrounding greenery.
Lake Tekapo
During the day, Lake Tekapo dazzles with its bright blue glacial waters. At night, the area becomes a stargazing haven: the township, its stunning lake and the nearby Mt St John Observatory are all part of the South Island’s International Dark Sky Reserve. During spring, you’ve got another picturesque bonus: the lupins that colour the roadside in a carpet of purple and pink hues.