Mount Fox

New Zealand mountains

In this guide we'll cover some of the most popular New Zealand mountain peaks and ranges along with a few ideas on how you can experience them.

Tuatapere Southland - Photo: Graeme Murray

Southland

The weather can be a little extreme but if you want to experience a remote side of New Zealand you'll want to head to the bottom of the South Island.

Queenstown - Photo: Bigstock.com / darrinwalden

Queenstown

Sitting on the shore of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountains it’s easy to see why this cosmopolitan town is a year-round adventurer's paradise.

That Wanaka Tree - Photo: BostoX/Bigstock.com

Wanaka

Wanaka has everything you’d expect from a holiday town. It has a picturesque lake, mountain views and a bustling waterfront filled with cafes and bars.

Kaikoura - Photo: Destination Kaikoura

Kaikoura

In Māori, kai means ‘food’ and koura means ‘crayfish’. We can’t think of a better place to eat freshly caught crayfish while enjoying the stunning view.

Moeraki Boulders - Photo: nazmanm/Bigstock.com

Dunedin & Coastal Otago

With an unmistakable Scottish heritage, Dunedin, New Zealand’s first city, is rich with history, culture and, thanks to its student population, energy.

Nugget Point

Clutha

Unique, unspoilt, off the beaten track. These are just some of the terms used to describe this southeastern corner of the South Island, home to the Catlins.

Kawarau River - Photo: TravellingLight/Bigstock.com

Central Otago

An important fruit growing and winemaking region, Central Otago’s other claim to fame is the Otago Central Rail Trail, New Zealand’s original Great Ride.

Aoraki/Mount Cook - Photo: Urmas83/Bigstock.com

Christchurch & Canterbury

Christchurch & Canterbury's diverse landscape greets visitors with big skies and big mountains including Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country’s highest peak.

Cape Reinga - Photo: Chelsea J/Bigstock.com

Northland

A region with two very different coastlines that meet at the northernmost tip of the North Island and home to some of New Zealand's best scuba diving.