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Geography and best places to visit in New Zealand

The geographical features of New Zealand are exciting; it is like it a sandwiched between two tectonic plates: the Pacific and the Australian. The Earth's surface comprises fifteen of these massive shifting slabs of crust. The North Island and a portion of the South Island are on the Australian Plate, while the remainder is on the Pacific. New Zealand experiences much geological activity because these plates continually move and grind against one other. 

New Zealand's oldest rocks are around 500 million years old and were formerly part of Gondwanaland. This vast supercontinent began to divide around 160 million years ago, with New Zealand breaking away about 85 million years ago. 

Geographical regions of New Zealand 

The geographical features of New Zealand are divided into five basic categories. The five geographical regions of New Zealand are: 

Hot Springs 

This region is one of the best geographical features of New Zealand. This subsurface activity provides

  • some stunning geothermal landscapes,
  • calming hot springs in New Zealand, and
  • energy and warmth in some locations.

Rotorua is the primary geothermal attraction center, with an abundance of mud pools, geysers, and hot springs in its active thermal zones, not to mention its signature 'Sulphur City' odor. Rotorua was originally occupied by Maori, who exploited the hot springs for cooking and bathing, but it quickly drew European inhabitants. The area was immediately dubbed "Cureland" due to the purported health advantages of its hot baths. Past Rotorua, most locations of the North Island north of Turangi, as well as Hanmer Springs and the West Coast of the South Island, have hot springs and other thermal activity. 

Beaches and Rocky Shores 

New Zealand boasts approximately 15,000 kilometers of stunning and diverse coastline. Long sandy beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing in the Far North and along much of the East Coast of the North Island. The North Island's west coast offers black sandy beaches with iron-rich sand. The North of the South Island features some beautiful sandy beaches, although the rest of the South Island's coastline is wilder and more mountainous. It's the only beachy geographical feature of New Zealand. 

Mountain ranges to Lush Farms 

Mountains cover around one-fifth of the North Island and two-thirds of the South Island. This geographical feature of New Zealand, which stretch from the North of the North Island to the south, is created by the collision of the Australian and Pacific Plates. 

The river eroded from the mountains and developed the massive Canterbury Plains in the South Island and a series of smaller plains in the North over millions of years. These alluvial plains include some of the most fertile and productive farming in New Zealand. 

Grinding ice glaciers 

The Tasman glacier, which can be seen by taking a short walk from Mount Cook town, is the biggest in New Zealand's Southern Alps. The most well-known glaciers in New Zealand are the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers on the West Coast of the South Island. These beautiful glaciers, carved out by sliding ice over millions of years, are freely accessible to mountaineers and hikers. You may walk up to the glaciers or do a heli-hike, which involves flying up and walking down. 

Recessed Mountains 

Subduction has caused areas of the New Zealand terrain to be submerged over thousands of years. The Marlborough Sounds and Fiordland are instances of high mountain ranges that have 'sunk' into the sea, creating magnificent sounds and fiords. These locations have some of the most beautiful landscapes in New Zealand, with high green hills falling too deep calm bays below. These regions are perfect for boating and kayaking because they have clear, deep, calm water surrounded by magnificent flora. 

Best cities to visit in New Zealand

Some of the best cities with outstanding geographical features in New Zealand are: 

  • Rotorua: Rotorua is a geothermal tourist destination in New Zealand. It's also unquestionably one of the most outstanding venues in New Zealand to learn more about the lively Maori culture. 
  • Milford Sound: When visiting New Zealand, nature enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate Milford Sound. The green rainforests, spectacular rock formations, and flowing waterfalls of this remote fiord greet you. It's also home to well-known New Zealand tourist sites like Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and Lady Bowen Falls. 
  • Wanaka: The tiny village of Wanaka is another natural hideaway in New Zealand. Wanaka, located on the southern point of the South Island and an hour's drive from Queenstown, is renowned as a gateway to several major New Zealand tourist sites such as the Southern Alps' Mount Aspiring National Park, Treble Cone, and Cardrona ski resorts.  
  • Franz Josef Glacier: Franz Josef Glacier, or K Roimata o Hine Hukatere, is in New Zealand's South Island. There are numerous ways to tour these New Zealand tourist attractions taking a 1.5-hour walk that brings you within 750 meters of the glacier or going on a heli-hike or guided ice walks. 
  • Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park: In Cook National Park, you may learn about Aoraki's mythology and pick from various activities. Mountain walks, glacier viewing and skiing, and mountaineering are popular activities at this New Zealand tourist site. 
  • Lake Tekapo: Despite being a tiny town on New Zealand's South Island, Lake Tekapo is packed with beautiful scenery and New Zealand tourist attractions. This tiny hamlet welcomes you with a kaleidoscope of colors, from the turquoise ocean to the pristine white mountains and bright vegetation. 
  • Marlborough: The best sauvignon blanc and the freshest seafood in this South Island vineyard stretch. Backpackers and hikers could explore the Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sound, while history aficionados should go to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and see the WWI and WWII displays. 
  • Waiheke Island: Waiheke Island, a tropical paradise of vineyards and sandy beaches, should be at the top of your list of the most incredible places to visit in New Zealand. 
  • Queenstown: When it comes to adrenaline-pumping activities and world-class skiing, Queenstown is one of the most significant locations to visit in New Zealand. Queenstown, known as the adventure capital, offers various exhilarating activities, including bungee jumping and white-water rafting. 
  • Arrowtown: Arrowtown is one of the most excellent places to visit in New Zealand during autumn, with streets lined with the most beautiful fall colors. Walk down Main Street through historic homes or stop at the local bakery for a savory pork pie. 
  • Wellington: Wellington, New Zealand's culinary capital, is noted for its tucked-away pubs, eccentric cafés, award-winning restaurants, and superb coffee. 

 

 

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