This Country Is a Dream for Nature Lovers—And It Was Just Crowned the World’s Most Beautiful

If you’re someone who packs hiking boots with the same enthusiasm others reserve for pool floaties, I’ve got good news: New Zealand was just named the most beautiful country in the world.

I’ve had the privilege of trekking and touring through this magical slice of the Southern Hemisphere, and I can confirm, New Zealand is not just a vacation—it’s a love letter to the planet. More than just the backdrop for epic fantasy films, it’s where glacial peaks meet turquoise bays, lush rainforests blend into golden beaches, and rolling hills cut through some of the most spectacular hiking trails imaginable. But you probably already knew that, right?

What really sets New Zealand apart—and what people often overlook—is its accessibility, the warmth of its locals, and the sense of serenity you’ll feel stepping into its landscapes that seem untouched by time.

New Zealand: What Makes It “The Most Beautiful”?

New Zealand, or Aotearoa (its Māori name), isn’t just “pretty.” It’s primal. You don’t look at its landscapes—you feel them. Towering fjords that swallow sound. Volcanoes that steam like they’ve got secrets. Glowworm caves, braided rivers, mirror lakes, and yes, more sheep than people.

If you're a nature lover searching for the ultimate getaway, one packed with jaw-dropping landscapes, world-class outdoor adventures, and scenery so unbelievable you’ll think it’s been CGI-ed, then look no further—New Zealand is calling your name. This year, travelers and readers from all over the globe crowned New Zealand the world’s most beautiful country through Rough Guides’ annual poll. And honestly? They’re spot on.

But beyond the obvious beauty, what makes New Zealand special is its diversity packed into a tight, navigable package. You can hike a glacier in the morning and be sipping sauvignon blanc by sunset. There’s a surreal accessibility to the wild here—one minute you’re driving through quiet farmland, the next you're standing in a valley so dramatic it looks computer-generated.

And it doesn’t just look good—it feels good. The air is clean. The water’s clear. The people are kind in a non-performative way. There’s space—physical and mental—for you to take a breath and actually be where you are.

Triptuition: When was the last time you felt small—in the good way? When nature didn’t just impress you, it recalibrated you? That’s what New Zealand does.

North Island vs. South Island

You can’t see all of New Zealand in one trip unless you’re planning to stay for a month (in which case, I’m jealous). But you also don’t want to fly 12+ hours only to skim the surface. Each island has its own vibe, and ideally, you’d do both.

North Island Highlights:

• Rotorua: Geysers, hot springs, and Māori cultural centers. Smells like sulfur, feels like a science experiment with heart.
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing: One of the best day hikes in the world. Alien landscapes, volcanic craters, and yes, Mount Doom if you're a Lord of the Rings fan.
• Coromandel Peninsula: Underrated beaches with golden sand and hot water surfacing beneath. Dig your own hot tub on Hot Water Beach—yes, really.

South Island Highlights:

• Milford Sound: Waterfalls dropping from cliffs straight into the ocean. Best seen by boat or kayak. Hauntingly beautiful in any weather.
• Aoraki / Mount Cook: The tallest peak in the country. Glacier lakes, swing bridges, and stargazing so intense it might ruin your city nights forever.
• Queenstown: Adventure sports capital. Think: bungee jumping, canyoning, and skydiving—but also great food, wine, and lake views.

Trip Tale: I tried to be macho and hike Roy’s Peak at sunrise without a jacket. Beautiful views, but my fingertips went numb. Pack layers—always.

Unexpected Nature Moments You Won’t Find in Travel Brochures

If you’ve read about Milford Sound and Queenstown a dozen times already, I get it. Let’s talk about a few under-the-radar spots that left me speechless—and, somehow, alone.

1. Wharariki Beach (South Island)

Just west of Abel Tasman National Park, this beach is remote, wild, and often empty. Wind-sculpted rocks, baby seals playing in tide pools, and sunsets that looked AI-generated.

2. Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes

It’s the kind of lake that seems to hum. Perfectly still, surrounded by beech forest, and home to a jetty you’ve probably seen on a screensaver. Come at dawn for eerie calm and sandflies (they’re worth it).

3. Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Rotorua gets all the geothermal love, but Waimangu is quieter, less touristy, and has more dramatic landscapes. Crater lakes in otherworldly hues of green and blue. Steam rising from every direction. Wildly underrated.

Triptuition: Sometimes the most meaningful moments aren’t in the itinerary—they’re the unplanned detours. Leave space for spontaneity. New Zealand rewards wanderers.

Is It Expensive? Honest Talk on Budgeting a New Zealand Trip

New Zealand isn’t cheap—but it can be affordable if you travel smart. Flights from the U.S. usually range between $1,000–$1,800 round-trip, though shoulder season can knock that down. On the ground, here’s the scoop:

• Car rentals: Essential. Public transit isn’t built for tourists. Compare prices, but also check relocation deals—I paid $1/day to relocate a van from Christchurch to Auckland.
• Lodging: Motels, hostels (very nice ones), and Airbnb are solid options. Look into DOC huts if you’re doing multi-day hikes.
• Food: Grocery stores (Countdown, New World) are your friend. Eating out isn’t cheap, but the quality is usually high.
• Activities: Many of the best experiences—hikes, beaches, scenic drives—are free.

Want to stretch your dollar? Travel with a self-contained camper van. It covers lodging, transport, and you can cook your own meals. Plus, freedom.

Māori Culture Deserves More Than a Quick Stop

Here’s where many travelers mess up—they treat Māori culture like a checkbox. “See a haka, eat a hangi, done.” But it’s deeper than that.

New Zealand’s indigenous culture is interwoven with the land itself. The Māori worldview sees nature as living, sacred, and ancestral, which honestly, matches how the landscapes feel when you’re out there alone on a trail.

Visit a marae (tribal meeting grounds) respectfully. Ask questions. Learn some te reo Māori words beyond kia ora. Many DOC parks use dual names (like Aoraki / Mount Cook)—use both. It’s not political correctness. It’s just… correct.

Trip Tale: I took a guided Māori walk in Rotorua, and our guide explained how the forest teaches patience. Not metaphorically—literally. I still think about that when I hike anywhere now.

Final Thoughts

I’ve traveled to dozens of countries, but there’s something about New Zealand that seeps into your bones. Maybe it’s the way every corner feels like a screensaver. Or the kindness of strangers who wave from their car windows. Or the feeling of standing on a ridgeline and realizing the only sound is the wind and your own breathing.

It’s not a loud kind of beautiful. It’s a hum. A pull. A remember-this feeling that sneaks up on you in the middle of dinner back home when someone asks, “What was the best place you’ve ever been?”

You won’t even have to think. You’ll just say, “New Zealand.” And smile.

Miles Dawson, Writer, The Wild Wanderer

For years, Miles roamed the highways of the U.S. and Europe, exploring mountains, forests, and backroads that most people only dream of. His adventure-packed stories will have you ready to ditch your day job and hit the open road.